KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

To claim these boots are waterproof is quite a stretch. First time I used them in wet conditions my feet were soaked in minutes. They are comfortable and attractive though.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I purchased these boots to walk the 133 mile Northville Placid Trail in NYS. 10 Days with various trail conditions and weather. Boots were central to a good trip. They provided excellent suppot and traction under all condtions. A great product for the price. Break-in took only 2 short day trip hikes. I bought a full size up (wear 10 bought 11)to be able to wear sock liners and wool hiking socks to avoid blisters.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I haven't used these on trail yet, but I am looking forward to it. Around town they are quite comfortable. I have many other pairs of Keens, and reading other reviews got these 1/2 size larger than usual, and they are just a little snug even at that. I would have liked to try another 1/2 size up just to see. So watch out on sizing.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I bought these boots for backpacking, I usually wear heavy Mountaineering boots but wanted to switch to a lighter boot, these were great for the price. I've packed a couple of trips this summer for about 100 miles in 90 degree temps and haven't even had the hint of a blister, they just molded to my feet. I typically carry 40-50lbs. and these boots have been very supportive, especially on wet slippery surfaces. These boots have been perfect for my wide feet and the toe box is very comfortable, even on steep descents when your toes are jammed forward for extended Periods of time. I failed to mention that I hardly even broke them in, just wore them around town and to the office a few times.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I bought these boots to replace my 15 year old Solomon boots that finally gave out 6 miles up the dry river trail in the White Mountains 2 months ago (sole separated hiked out on the shank). I searched long and hard to find a replacement pair of boots (a rather large investment for me), and I thought I had found them with the Keen Oregon PCT, but I was wrong. From the start the boots where really comfortable, rather stiff but after a week of breaking them in around town they felt good. A week later I did a day hike on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail in the White Mountains as their "inaugural" hike. On the way back down one of my hiking partners said that it looked like the sole of one of the boots was starting to separate at the heel, I initially thought she was joking. Sure enough back at the trail head when I took my boot off it she was right. [...] I am now looking for a pair of boots again. Maybe my pair was just a fluke, though I am not sure about that, because after talking to other people that have had Keen boots I have heard more problems than praise, which is very strange because their sandals seem to hold up well my Newport's have held up for many years.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I bought these for an extended backpacking trip in a wet area this summer. They are stiffer and more supportive than my day hike boots (Keen Targee's) - perfect for the intended purpose. I found they fit very well right out of the box, EMS advice in the description was to buy a half size larger than street shoes. I did and they are just right. The local EMS store gave me some tips on lacing to alter the feel of the boot. I am very pleased with them so far (20 miles of use). I expect the grippy tread to wear quickly on pavement or rock, so I avoid using them on town streets.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I was looking for a very versatile pair of boots to wear for year round, everyday use here in Upstate NY (snow, rain, heat), flat(ish) hikes and mountain hiking. It took me three trips to the local EMS store, but the end result was worth it. I tried the MERRELL Perimeter GTX boots first but decided they were a bit much for my needs, but really nice boots. I then tried the Keen Oregon PCT's. I normally wear a 10 1/2 but after reading many reviews that they tend to run small I tried an 11. Even wearing them around the house my toes got sore. I took them back and had to go with an 11 1/2. I typically need a wide size in shoes, but with the wide toe box, the Keen's normal width is fine. While at EMS I had a hard time deciding between the Keen Targahee II's, the Vasque Breeze and the Oregon's. Bottom line, I liked the higher cut and the harder sole of the Oregon's. They are a bit stiffer, but still offer enough flexibility to be very comfortable right out of the box. The bottoms of my feet get sore if I have to walk on rocks and roots all day so the harder sole is perfect. Took a long hike through a local wooded park with big roots covering the trail and plenty of mud. The boots were perfectly comfortable with no soreness in my feet. The traction in the mud was very good even on steep climbs and descents. It was 85 degrees but my feet did not feel too warm.I have not tested the water proof qualities yet but expect that to be at least adequate. I am replacing a pair of Danner boots which I have loved but are not sold local and have increased drastically in price. BTW, the Oregon's were 20% off at EMS so I paid [$] which I feel is a great price as long as the boots hold up.Having to go up a full size with these is very strange, but if you look at the European size it makes more sense. The 11 1/2 Oregon is a Europe 45. I typically take a Europe 44 1/2 so it's not that far off and if they tend to run a bit small, there you go. It also allows me to wear a medium thick, comfy, Smart Wool sock. All in all, I consider the Oregon's to be a light back packing/agressive hiking boot and seem to be a good choice for me.

Service and delivery comments:

EMS staff was very attentive and helpful and demonstrated good product knowledge.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I really like these boots in theory. They have good torsional stiffness, but flex well at the toe. They are solidly waterproof, and generally well made. They have a nice and rounded toe-box instead of sharply tapered one that crushes my toes.

But - the shape of the boot is just odd. It isn't a wide boot - it is a solid medium width. I have low volume medium-width feet, with narrow heels and wide squared-off toes. Keen recommends you go up half a size - and I did. But I discovered that it's not that the boots run short (though they do a tiny bit). It's that the boot has very low volume in the toe, so it's uncomfortable for most people in their measured size. But - the rest of the boot, especially the heel and ankle area - are very high volume. Designed for cankles. So if you have thin ankles and small heels like me, my feet swim in them, especially once they break-in. I've had to add all sorts of padding and wear thick socks, which doesn't help with the heat issue. I've finally got them to stop slipping, but they come with little to no padding around the heel to begin with.

Not to mention the tread isn't that effective - the lugs are too big and don't bite well. Plus, the EVA midsole wears out fast.

OVerall, I like the boot, and have made it mostly fit with all sorts of tweaks. But I wouldn't buy it again, and wouldn't recommend it for anyone with low volume feet.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

I bought these specifically because they fit my wide feet comfortably. In the past, I have blown out boots at the sides. These have a nice wide toe box and are comfortable from day 1. However, they wear out easily. My first time using them on an overnight backpacking trip, they got wet hiking in the rain. Within 6 months, part of the tread on my right boot tore off. A few months later, the outer core of the laces slid off, followed by the other boot a few months after that. I had them less than a year and they held up poorly compared to less expensive boots I have owned in the past.

Comments about KEEN Men's Oregon PCT Waterproof Backpacking Boots:

IF YOU LIKE A BIG TOE BOX THESE FIT GREAT. AS WITH ALL KEENS THEY SEEM TO RUN LARGER THAN SIZE SO CHECK FIT IN STORE.