KEEN Inc Whisper
For less than $150 bucks you get a whole lot of boot.
Brand: KEEN Inc
Model: Whisper
[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.1. MetatoMical eVa and footBed and
washaBle polyester weBBing feature
Ægis MicroBe shield®
2. patented toe protection
3. quickdraw elastic cord lace
4. secure MetatoMical strap design