Facts
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Subcategory
Hiking Sandals
Made of lightweight materials. They don't have much top-of-the-foot coverage so they're mostly suitable for well-maintained trails and summer hikes. Also useful for crossing rivers and streams. They come in open and closed-toe designs. See the best hiking sandals.
Hiking Shoes
The low-cut equivalent of hiking boots. Comfort is paramount in the creation of these shoes so they often have flexible materials. Generally used for day hikes. See hiking shoes.
Hiking Boots
Mid to high-cut models designed for more aggressive hikes and backpacking. See hiking boots.
Mountaineering Boots
Specialized footwear. Often insulated and used in technical routes, ice climbing or expeditions. See mountaineering boots.
Good to know
For hikes that won't last for more than a day, go with hiking sandals or hiking shoes. Tackling trails with greater challenges will require hiking boots or mountaineering boots.
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Use
Day Hiking
Shoes or boots for hikes that only last for half a day. Flexibility and lightness are the highlights of these kinds of footwear. See the best day hiking shoes and the best day hiking boots.
Backpacking
For multi-day trips with a heavy pack. Manufacturers emphasize durability and support in the creation of backpacking boots. See backpacking boots
Speed Hiking
Designed for users who want to cover a greater distance by going fast, usually with a light pack. See speed hiking shoes.
Winter Hiking
Boots that grant insulation to the user during hikes. See winter hiking boots.
Multi-sport
Mainly sandals. Aside from hiking they can be used for other purposes such as water activities. See multi-sport hiking sandals.
Good to know
Casual hikers can choose day hiking footwear or multi-sport sandals. More info here.
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Cut
Low
Shoes with a cuff that goes below the ankle. See low-cut hiking shoes.
Mid
Boots with an ankle-height cuff. They provide extra ankle support. See mid-cut hiking boots and mid-cut mountaineering boots.
High
Boots with a cuff that goes above the ankle. In the case of insulated ones, they may reach the calf. Also grants extra ankle support. See high-cut hiking boots and high-cut mountaineering boots.
Good to know
Generally, for trails that are easy to tackle, go with low-cut shoes. Go mid to high if there are more trail obstacles.
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Price$125
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Feature
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WeightMen: 16.2ozWomen: 13.5oz
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WidthMen: NormalWomen: Normal
Summary
We spent 10.1 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
8 reasons to buy
- Several wide-footed people were delighted with the accommodating fit of the Keen Voyageur Mid.
- It’s a great boot right out of the box. A lot of testers confirmed that breaking it in is no longer necessary.
- The traction of the Voyageur Mid was excellent, as mentioned by a handful of owners.
- Numerous outdoor enthusiasts appreciated it for being lightweight.
- The boot’s sufficient ankle support gave many hikers peace of mind. They need not worry about sustaining ankle-related injuries when tackling uneven grounds.
- Some users lauded the breathability of the Voyageur Mid as it was able to keep a fresh in-shoe feel.
- Its ability to dry quickly after being submerged in water was fascinating, based on a number of customer reviews.
- Hordes of wearers commended its versatility. Aside from being an outdoor boot, its style works in casual settings.
5 reasons not to buy
- A handful of hikers declared that the Voyageur Mid from Keen runs small. They had to get a size larger than what they usually wear.
- The bottom tread of the sole wore out easily and the lugs started peeling back after a few months of use, according to a couple of annoyed wearers.
- Some didn’t like its insufficient underfoot protection.
- The sole of the Voyageur Mid separated from the upper too soon which discouraged many users from purchasing another Keen footwear.
- A small number of hikers experienced bad blistering with this boot.
Bottom line
Comfort is the positive point that mainly impressed Keen Voyageur Mid buyers. It is also loved for its versatility and excellent ankle support. On the other hand, the shoe was heavily criticized for its underperforming sole unit. To conclude, the boot may have enough good points, but the quality of the sole might render consumers unsatisfied.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are hikers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
78 / 100 based on 4 expert reviews
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The Keen Voyageur is the go-to choice for a hiker that’s going to face a wide range of conditions and wants high mileage-per-dollar.
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The Keen Voyager Mid is for lightweight hiking or walking and not for heavy-duty or rough trail/off-trail use.
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Overall, I found the Keen Voyageur to be a lightweight, roomy, well venting [sic] mid hiking boot that is good for fast, lightweight day hiking on easy, dry terrain. However I would not pick it for any long distance hiking due to the poor construction.
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These Keens were also the testers' favorite for fit and comfort, with a wide toe for ample wiggle room.
Updates to Keen Voyageur Mid
- Keen Voyageur Mid is a hiking boot designed for summer adventures. It is similar to the brand’s Targhee boot in terms of traction and stability. The upper, however, isn’t waterproof. Instead, it is a combination of leather and mesh built with breathability and water resistance.
- The midsole consists of a dual-density compression molded EVA that is soft and flexible. It also has a removable Metatomical footbed that acts as an internal support mechanism. It is anatomically engineered to provide arch support while accommodating the natural contours of the foot. It also features the S3 heel support structure, a component designed to cradle the heel and absorb shock upon impact.
Keen Voyageur Mid size and fit
The boot has a mid-cut design that provides stable support to the ankles. Adjusting and personalizing the fit is done through its traditional lace-up closure. This pair is available in standard sizes and width for both men and women. It fairly runs true to size.
Outsole
The Keen Voyageur Mid features an outsole made of a non-marking carbon rubber suitable for various types of surfaces. It has also been equipped with aggressive 4 mm multi-directional lugs for long-wearing durability traction on the trail.
Additionally, a patented rubber toe bumper shields the toes and the foot’s anterior region from unexpected trail bumps and abrasions. Its material is made firm and resilient.
Midsole
The Voyageur Mid by Keen features a flexible dual-density compression molded EVA midsole that is shock absorbent and has adequate cushioning for all-day comfort. The metatomical footbed delivers optimum underfoot and arch support. Its removable EVA insole is custom shaped to accommodate the contours and arches of the foot. It can be replaced with the user’s preferred orthotics.
A built-in ESS shank offers a stable, secure ride in various trail conditions. The S3 (shock, stability, and suspension) heel support structure delivers its purpose by rendering what it stands for. It acts as a cushy barrier that disperses shock, provides a stable stride, and suspends any unnecessary ankle movements contributing to a more balanced gait and lower extremity control.
The Cleansport NXT creates a fresh feeling. It’s an odor control coating that contains natural microbes found in nature. Every time these microbes come in contact with sweat, they become active and produces an enzyme that breaks down those stinky watery discharges, leaving the odorless water and carbon dioxide behind.
Upper
The upper is made of leather and mesh designed to be durable and water resistant. The mesh panels act as ventilation ports allowing sufficient airflow and breathability. The moisture-wicking textile frame also eliminates any water build up so the foot can stay dry and comfortable.
A secure-fit lace capture system with sturdy leather eyelets enable the fit customization. A contoured heel lock helps lockdown the feet while its webbing pull loops at heel and tongue allow easy donning and doffing. The Keen Voyageur Mid also features a gusseted tongue that protects the foot from debris and gunk infiltration.
