Quote:
Originally Posted by Gnarvan
I was down at the Keen Garage in NW Portland the other day and checked out a water boot Keen recently introduced to the market. It looked like it might be small enough for the kayaker crowd. I've always been impressed with Keen products and may end up picking up a pair for warmer weather boating missions.
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I've been using my Gorge boots for a little over season, which has included probably 50+ days on the water. They have held up very well for me, and this includes a fair amount of rough terrain hiking / portaging and even some mild rock climbing. They are comfortable, and provide enough protection against impalements like sticks/rocks/roots. My only complaint is the soles are not a sticky as some of the other Keen products, and I've taken some good spills in them. I have no problems with fitting into smaller kayaks with the boots on, but I'm only a size 11. YMMV.
I do not consider them a warm weather boot however. I wear them all winter long, even when snow boating. I think they are too warm for sunny days. I wear the HydroGuides for warm weather. Even though they are a sandal, the have toe protection. The HydroGuides do have some nice stocky soles for scrambling around on slimy rocks.
Disclaimer: I am sponsored by Keen, so they gave me the boots and sandals to try out, but that did not influence my review.