KEEN Inc Oregon PCT Men's

[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 waterproof wonder features a cushioning system made from natural materials for an eco-friendly take on tough performance. A supportive, interlocking stability plate gives you sure-footed assurance so the wilderness is yours to explore.

– 4mm multi-directional traction lugs
– Cork/EVA heel cushioning insert
– Dual Density
– Forefoot torsion bars for plate flexibility
– Heel lockdown webbing strap
– Keen Key-Tech™ Full length TPU stability plate
– KEEN.DRY™ waterproof membrane
– Speed lacing hooks