I've Hiked Over 100 Miles in These Waterproof Hiking Boots—Here's Why I Won't Tackle a Trail Without Them

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

I've done my fair share of hiking over the years, whether I'm waking up at dawn to trek up a volcano in Indonesia, climbing sea stacks in the Mediterranean, or hiking with sheep in Ireland. Over my years of outdoor adventures, no hiking boot has ever come close in terms of comfort, traction, and water-resistance like the Keen Terradora 2 mid-height hiking boots, which I've owned for nearly three years and have hiked over 100 miles in.
I recently wore them for 10 straight days while on a sea cliff hiking trip in West Ireland, and it was the first time I've worn them for a prolonged period of time. I was blown away by how they not only helped me stay grounded when trekking through some pretty squelchy bogland, but also how they kept my feet completely dry and mud-free, even when Ireland's weather felt harsh. That's why I'll never be able to wear another pair of hiking boots again. Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Travel + Leisure
Credit: Travel + Leisure
The hiking boots feature a waterproof and breathable membrane that's great for letting air circulate while keeping moisture out. I wore these on a day trip to the Irish island of Clare, where I got stuck in a rain and hailstorm for 40 minutes without shelter. While the rest of my body got entirely drenched, my feet stayed completely dry— seriously, they weren't even damp in the slightest. Water simply pearled on the surface without penetrating the membrane, and even the shoes' exterior dried pretty quickly once the clouds parted and the sun came out.
On my way back to the mainland, I decided to enjoy the views of the ocean on the ferry's outside deck. In typical Irish fashion, the weather suddenly turned and rain began pouring down. The wind also picked up, which caused the waves to splash over the ferry's sides and all over me many, many times. For the second time in one day, my body was drenched, but my feet remained dry.
Hiking boots can sometimes feel heavy and bulky, but this pair from Keen is so lightweight and comfortable to wear for multiple hours and over several consecutive days at a time. They feature a cushy, removable dual density footbed that offers great arch support, no matter the kind of terrain you're tackling. During my recent trip to Ireland, I hiked nearly 50 miles in these boots and didn't experience any discomfort or pain. The only time my feet began to feel slightly sore was the day I visited Clare Island, but that was only after having walked and biked for 17 miles.
Thanks to the shoes' rubber outsole that provides next-level traction grip, I've been able to tackle some pretty steep hikes in some seriously slippery conditions. I once hiked to the top of Mount Monandnock in New Hampshire after a rainstorm, conditions that had me climbing on my hands and knees almost as often as on two legs. My feet didn't slip once.
In Ireland, I tackled some very steep sea cliffs on the island of Achill, much of which was through soggy mud capable of sucking your boots right off your feet. While my legs fell victim to the mud a handful of times, I never once lost my footing and my feet remained dry and mud-free.
The Keen Terradora 2 mid-height hiking boots are the ideal hiking boots for tackling difficult terrain and long trails. Their comfort, genuinely breathable yet waterproof membrane, and great traction are great for novice and seasoned hikers alike. Best of all, the shoes are often on sale on Amazon, so you can score a pair of high-quality boots for a budget-friendly price.
Asia London Palomba is an updates writer at T+L. She is from Rome, Italy and travels internationally several times a year to return home or to visit new places around the world. She often tests out travel gear, from luggage to apparel, during her trips. Asia has hiked in countries like Italy, Indonesia, Ireland, and more.