Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot Review
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Keen has been a go to company for comfortable footwear. As a hiker who has had his feet beat up by improperly fitting hiking boots, I know first hand the importance of a good fitting boot. Recently, Keen has created the Oakridge Waterproof Boot that is built as an all around waterproof hiking boot with an affordable price tag. Over the past month I’ve had a chance to test out them while venturing in the Colorado Rockies.
Fit and Support of the Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot
The Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot, like most of Keen footwear, is very comfortable right out of the box. These boots will not need to be broken in. I have moderately wide feet with low arches and boots that do not have good fit tend to abuse my feet. The Keen Oakridge has ample room along the sides of my feet and have solid arch support. Consistent with the Keen website I found that these boots do fit small, so ordering a half size up would be a good starting point for sizing.
They are mid height hiking boots which provides more ankle support than a low cut boot, but not nearly as much as a high cut boot. For me, the Boot is perfect for the average mountain hike. No heel slip, no blisters, and no problems! As a side advantage I have been able to reduce my pack weight as I do not have to carry any Mole Skin.
Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot Profile
Waterproof Lining of the Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot
The Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot uses the Keen.Dry waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry while hiking. I am impressed with how well the Keen.Dry was able to prevent water from coming in even when submerged for extended periods of time. One of my hikes, along a river, quickly became a fishing trip and the Keen Oakridge were needed to do multiple stream crossings. Throughout that day I never had a any issues with water entering the boots and my feet were always dry. Even though these hiking boots are waterproof they also breathe very well. There were definitely a couple of days where the temperatures were warm and my feet never got overly hot or sweaty. The Keen.Dry membrane does an outstanding job of both keeping water out and allowing moisture out of the boot as well.
Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot in Water
Keen.Dry Membrane
The upper portion of the Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot is constructed with waterproof leather and the Keen.Dry material. This combination of materials makes the boot feel well constructed and it should last for many seasons. The lacing system is made of leather speed lacing eyelets which when cinched down create a snug fit around the foot.
Keen Oakridge Laces Eyelets
The tongue of the Keen Oakridge is well cushioned. However, it does require some effort to be kept in place before lacing up the boot and during the hike. The tongue is layered with the Keen.Dry waterproofing material making it consistent with the material of rest of the boot.
Cushioning and Traction
Comfort is top priority in the Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot. There is a lot of cushioning from the footbed of this hiking boot and is comfortable all day long. The footbed is removable and has been molded for foot comfort. The tread has moderately aggressive traction from 4mm round lugs. Traction was more than adequate on all of the trails I was on. If I was spending my time hiking up a 45 degree inclines with ice, mud, and loose rock I would definitely want some more beef to the tread. The sole is also made from non marking rubber.
Tread
Specs
- Waterproof Keen.Dry membrane
- Non-marking rubber outsole
- Hydrophobic mesh Lining
- 4mm Traction Lugs
- Weight 16.6 oz/470.6 g
Final Thoughts
The Keen Oakridge Waterproof Boot is a fantastic all around hiking boot. These boots should be considered for your next pair of hiking boots. With a waterproof design, and extremely comfortable on your feet the Oakridge Waterproof is a great value. For more information visit rei.com or amazon.com/keen.
