Our verdict
It is quite clear that the Pyrenees is a crowd favorite when it comes to comfort. However, it would be a slap in the proverbial face of the boot if its greatness in the waterproofing, weight and break-in categories is not given due credit.
Pros
- Lavish level of comfort
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- Excellent grip
- Astonishingly ankle support
- Long-lasting durability
Cons
- Pressure-causing tongue seams
- Too bulky and stiff
Who should buy the KEEN Pyrenees
The KEEN Pyrenees is still a captivating hiking footgear—one that revels in its glorious qualities despite some unamusing setbacks. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a leather hiking boot for day-long outings on lightly to moderately rugged trails.
- Want a pair of hikers that balances between protective comfort and adequate foothold over rugged terrain.
- Like a hiking boot that smoothens the wearer’s stride on flatter surfaces.
Excellent grip
Giving hikers enough surface traction in the KEEN Pyrenees is the shoe’s non-marking rubber outsole. Its grippy multi-directional lugs (at 4 millimeters deep) form a geometry that bites into loose- or soft-soiled terrain.
Easy to clean
The space between its grooves and lugs is wide enough, making it adequately capable of shedding mud, debris, and other sticky substances.
Ample cushioning and terrain protection
The KEEN Pyrenees’ dual-density midsole provides ample cushioning and terrain protection. KEEN engineers made it using ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA for short)—a material that has great resilience and capability to bear considerable weight and stress.
Excellent arch support
It is built hardy yet springy to give adventurers a combination of stability and comfort in their step. An extra component called ESS shank is embedded in its medial section for additional stability and arch support.
Comfortable cushioning and excellent ventilation
Bolstering the midsole’s supply of comfort is the boot’s Metatomical dual-density footbed. It is made of EVA. Apart from added cushioning, this removable insert grants additional rearfoot support, thanks to its cratered construction. It also provides ventilation with its perforated design.
Waterproof and breathable
This gear for hikers cradles the foot in its high-top upper made of waterproof nubuck leather. Its seams have double the stitching for improved durability. It has a brand-exclusive liner in the name of KEENDry which gives users sufficient water protection and breathability. At its front end is a heavy-duty toe cap for extra forefoot protection.
Secure fit
Securely stitched to its heel, on the other hand, is a pull tab—a feature that makes on and off that much more convenient. The Pyrenees’ closure system uses metallic eyelets, the top three pairs of which are hook-like by design to expedite lace-ups. Through them is a lace made up of sturdy cords interwoven together.