Verdict from 1 expert and 58 user reviews
5 reasons to buy
- Out of a handful of KEEN Wild Sky reviews, the majority is very pleased with its amazing comfort.
- Most of those who have tested this boot attest to its ruggedness.
- It's a nice-looking shoe with a very interesting color, says one happy customer.
- Another hiker praises its great traction on a variety of terrain.
- The KEEN Wild Sky waterproof backpacking boots are surprisingly light for their class.
2 reasons not to buy
- This shoe can use a little more padding in the upper tongue where the laces are, notes one hiker.
- It's hard to lace up properly, another verified reviewer says.
Bottom line
Comfortable, durable, and supportive - the KEEN Wild Sky has gained the spotlight for its amazing features. Those who have worn these boots in the trail are stunned by its rugged construction. And despite its robust features, this boot remains light and sleek, with a nice-looking profile that looks good on or off the trail.
The Wild Sky makes a wonderful choice for people looking for a light yet heavy-duty hiking boot that they can use for backpacking.
Tip: see the best hiking boots.
Good to know
-Featuring a mix of technical backpacking performance and all-around trail comfort, the KEEN Wild Sky is constructed with waterproof leather and performance mesh upper. It is also equipped with an aggressive KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole that bites into different surfaces and a PU midsole that offers long-lasting cushioning. Meanwhile, the KonnectFit heel-capture ensures a locked-in feel.
The KEEN Wild Sky is a mid-top hiker with quite a stiff upper and sole for enhanced stability on the trail. Its mid-top profile is meant to provide more ankle support and protection. This model uses the KonnectFit - a heel-capture system that creates a foot-hugging fit. It's made of a free-moving cord that keeps the heel in place once the shoe is laced up. It does it by pulling the heel back and into the heel cup so it doesn't slide backward, forward, or sideways.
This backpacking boot uses a traditional lace-up closure. There are two hooks at the top which enables a customized fit.
For the outsole, this hiking boot from KEEN features an all-terrain rubber sole with a lug depth of 5mm. This is a pretty aggressive lug profile which means it is deep enough to bite into soft surfaces, such as loose dirt, mud, soft grass, gravel, sand, and even snow. The lugs are widely spaced so no trail debris accumulates in the sole. Additionally, there are grooves along the edges for added grip when traversing rocky paths.
Another highlight of the Wild Sky boots is their PU midsoles. Compared to EVA, PU is much more durable. This material doesn't get compressed over time, therefore, it offers long-lasting cushioning. It also doesn't wear out quickly which makes it ideal for a backpacking boot. For further underfoot comfort, this shoe comes with a PU footbed with arch support. This insole is treated with probiotic technology that naturally breaks down the odor without leaving an environmental trace.
The robust upper of the KEEN Wild Sky is comprised of leather and performance mesh. The sides, vamp, toe cap, and heel are all made of durable leather for superior protection against the elements. The tongue and collar are made of mesh for flexibility and comfort. Completing the upper is a traditional lacing system featuring heavy-duty metal eyelets for surefooted steps even on rugged and uneven terrain.
-While leather boots such as this are durable and built to last, they won't always be scuff- and dirt-free. KEEN recommends using a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep your Wild Sky boot in the best condition possible.
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