GOOD Shoes for BAD Weather by Sarah Greene

Up here on the mountain fall has claimed the slopes: Breath is visible in the morning, brightly colored windbreakers have come out of hibernation, hot coffee is mandatory and the walk to work takes on a hint of adventure. The frosty season is for boot lovers and KEEN is ripe with colorful and creative solutions for the world outside your doorstep. Get ready to enjoy the brisk hybrid life with KEEN traction and insulation made for what Mother Nature brings when she’s feeling saucy. This season’s harvest of KEEN boots and KEEN shoes includes new styles (and updated versions of classics) for all tastes. If you like to stay warm, get dirty, climb high or just stay upright these KEEN boots will take care of you.

	Skip to KEEN Men's Shoe Review . . .
Snow Mass High Boot in Slate Black Grape Nectar	Snow Mass Mid Boot inDark Shadow Deep Shadow

Lets start with something fun! The KEEN Snow Mass High Boot is quirky, with real functional lacing on the back instead of the front. The bucket shape feels loose about the leg, but this simple on/off style is winning. The lacing allows you to adjust your fit so no dreaded calf squeezing, just cold weather comfort.

To help in the quest for the perfect fit, most KEEN boots come in different heights. The Snow Mass design is also available in Mid height. The KEEN Snow Mass Mid has the same easy on/off design and comfort with pull loops and stretch goring. These beautiful KEEN boots come in a dark blue green nubuck that is so fresh.

KEEN shoes are urban, wild and ready to go. I snuck into the warehouse and tried everything to find the gems for your Keen shoe pleasure this season! My surprise favorite of the tall boots is the Coronado Rain Boot. An updated adult version of a kids puddle stomper. KEEN Coronado Rain Boots have a soft and flexible body lined with micro fleece so it isn’t clammy. You can smell the real rubber when you put these on. Yummm.

Coronado Rain Boot in Mimosa

For life in KEEN town the Bern High Boot comes in great colors with fleece for warmth. I like the generously shaped toe that doesn’t pinch, for a more generous calf fit go with the special edition KEEN boot, Bern Baby Bern.
Bern High Boot in Crouton (Left) and Orla (Right)		Bern Baby Bern Boot in Oak

For the shorter KEEN boots we have another winner in the looks department, the Chester Boot. A little stiff at first like a cowboy boot, but on a way better sole, the Chester Boot has a really stylish upper complete with studs, stitching, two leather finishes and goring for fit. I would love to break this bad boy in. It’s also available in a clog version, the Chester Clog.
Chester Clog in Potting Soil	Chester Boot in Black

	My favorite slip-on ankle boot is the KEEN Anchorage Boot. I usually pick the taller flasher boots, but the sweet fit of the Anchorage won me over. The double goring allows a lot of flexibility and the sole is fierce. The KEEN Anchorage Boot’s simple, smooth moving, timeless style is sure to please for many seasons. Also available in a Men’s Edition.
Anchorage Boot in Black Regal Orchid

Special Alert: Take a look at this. At first the KEEN Howser looks silly among all these rough and ready KEEN boots. This quirky sleeping bag inspired shoe is so comfortable you won’t care. Made from water resistant nylon, insulated and lined with soft fleece, the Howser is what you put on in the tent and on cold floors after you take off your big KEEN boots.

Howser in Mauve Wine	Hoodoo Slip On in Brindle Mauve Wine

Among the KEEN boot/shoe/slipper magic there is the Hoodoo Slip On, which is as cozy as a slipper, but with monster truck worthy treads for outdoor trips. Actually a super short version of the KEEN Hoodoo Boot series, these lace-less shoes are draft proof.

If you miss the laces and want the flexibility of your trainers with the utility of KEEN hiking shoes the Shasta WP is low profile and cost effective. You can look inside and see the KEEN.DRY linner! Ignore the bunching around the tongue; that extra fabric maintains the waterproof seal while adjusting for fit, it will soften in time.
	Shast WP in Shitake Air Blue

If you want just a bit more from your KEEN footwear try the Genoa Peak Mid Waterproof. It’s great looking, not too bulky yet has ankle support for when you carry loads or cover uneven ground. They are so comfortable I didn’t even know I was missing the metatomical insole until I found it. Underneath I found the quality KEEN finish work that sets genuine KEEN footwear apart from the generic outdoor shoe.

Genoa Peak Mid WP in Brindle Taupe

Guys, I didn’t forget you.

I actually have surprisingly large feet. KEEN’s men’s shoes are great because most styles come in lace or slip on versions, so have your pick. For city heights and wild sidewalks I like the lush and simple Denver Slip On. A Denver Slip On comes with a KEEN.CUSH footbed installed. KEEN.CUSH is like a memory foam bed for you feet.

Denver Slip On in Brown	Austin in Black

If you’re a grown man who likes leather sneakers, the KEEN Austin rules. The Austin’s metatomical footbed has odor control that isn’t even mentioned in its description. Leather sneakers can be dressed up or down, so if you like to have one shoe that goes with everything get the KEEN Austin.

If you like to hit harder stuff like Men’s hiking shoes, the Klamath Mid has just enough rugged foot support to keep you going without weighing you down. You can use it for spontaneous hikes and still keep up with your dog. KEEN hiking shoes are the best because most synch around the heel, not just the front.
	Klamath Mid in Bison Orion Blue

And if you like boots without laces don’t forget about the Anchorage Boot. You can get them on fast ‘n easy and get’er done this season. Whether you are a KEEN veteran looking to upgrade with a new color or a fan seeking the one shoe to rule them all, KEEN is where you need to be looking for all your wet and cold footwear needs. If you are looking for fun, flexibility, comfort or durability, you will find something that fits your needs and more in this season's collection from KEEN.

Men's Anchorage Boot in Black Gargoyle