FIRST LOOK

Keen’s latest innovation claims to make walking easier. But what is this new technology, what is it for, and does it actually work?

Keen’s flexible boot

If bootmaker Keen excels at one thing, it’s comfort. Actually, Keen excels at a great many things, but it’s unlikely to object to the acknowledgment that comfort is its speciality. The Ridge Flex Mid boot is no exception. Out of the box it offers almost slipper-like comfort, but with a robustness that makes it clear that this is a boot for gobbling up the miles.

So far, so Keen. But in the ongoing quest for even greater walking comfort, Keen has come up with some all-new footwear technology. Keen.Bellows Flex is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Taking inspiration from flexible straws, bendy buses and, one would like to think, accordions, Keen has added hard-wearing bellows panels on the areas of the boots that are prone to the most flexing, namely the area above and just behind the toes on the forefoot, and just above the heel on the back of the boot.

Although the panels are obvious from the outside, there’s no sensation of anything being different on the inside. There are no hard spots or unusual materials to feel uncomfortable on the foot; they feel like any pair of boots. That is, until you start to walk in them. Each step feels smoother because you’re not fighting against the boot’s material. In combination with a roomy toe box, secure heel lock and snug lacing system, everything suggests the Ridge Flex Mid is a boot for covering distance with minimum effort and maximum comfort.