KEEN Inc Genoa Peak

[bargain]

You get a wealth of protection for the weight and price with this boot. For just a few more ounces and dollars than the Lafuma, the Pyrenees offers ankle protection and a waterproof/breathable liner. “I normally backpack in trail runners,” said one ranger after a three-day, off-trail circuit of the Cheops Plateau. “But the extra weight of this boot is negligible, and the added protection and stability are welcome.”

The 1.8-mm-thick nubuck upper is tough (yet supple, so break-in is quick) and a rubber toe cap protects against rock gouging. The snug-fitting, padded collar provides good ankle support, but it’s relatively low, so wear gaiters to keep out trail debris.

The sole’s low-profile, diamond-shaped lugs gripped gluelike on the canyon’s Esplanade slickrock, but proved a bit slippery on slushy winter trails. “The toe box is roomy,” says one tester with a high-volume foot, “and I love the way the contoured, leather-lined footbed conformed to the shape of my heel, arch, and metatarsals. It felt custom-fit.” Underfoot support is best for moderate loads.This shoe is designed around the nuances of a women’s foot but still features all the KEEN comfort, technical precision and durability. The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane maintains breathability with weather protection. The grippy, rugged outsole provides enough cushioning and stability for any arduous trek.

– Forefoot Y-flex grooves
– Heel motion stabilizer
– KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane
– S3 Heel support structure
– Sticky rubber traction edging zone
– Stone bruising protection plate
– Toe protection
– Torsion stability ESS shank
– Women’s specific fit