RECOMMENDED
Keen Ridge Flex Boots
Chris likes this pair of very flexible, lightweight boots £155 1170g (size 9)
very flexible, lightweight, wide fit forefoot cushioning a bit thin, short laces
Uppers: waterproof leather, mesh
Inner: waterproof/breathable membrane
Midsole: compression-moulded EVA
Sole: Keen All-Terrain rubber
Sizes: men 6-16, women 2.5-9 keenfootwear.com
With Bellows Flex footwear, there’s a synthetic accordion-like section where the forefoot flexes. Keen says that when tested against boots in the same category Bellows Flex boots required 60% less energy to bend, leading to increased efficiency and comfort with each step. Also, the Bellows Flex prevents creasing and cracking.
In use The fit is wide at the forefoot and quite narrow at the heel, which means they fit me well. I can spread my toes, and my heel stays in place when the boots are laced up firmly.
The boots do flex very easily with virtually no resistance. I’ve worn trail shoes that are stiffer. I find them easy to walk in and certainly more comparable in comfort to a flexible trail shoe than to most boots. I guess they do save some energy, though how much I can’t say.
The sole grips really well. Cushioning is good under the heel but a little thin under the forefoot – on rocky ground I can feel stones through the sole. The toe bumper is solid though.
At 1.17kg for a pair of men’s size 9 these are quite light. They’re great for all but steep snow and ice (I’ve worn them on gentler snow slopes with microspikes) and suitable for year-round use if your feet don’t overheat in summer. If they fit you well these are good, light boots at a fair price.