Keen NXIS EVO £140

+ Ultra-light, extremely comfy, good rebound

- Lugs not the deepest, long-term durability, no rigidity

Traditional wisdom suggests you need the toughness, rigidity and ankle support of heavier boots to thrive in the mountains. But that theory is increasingly being questioned by a younger generation of forward-thinking hillwalkers who move fast and light in the fells. Keen is jumping on this trend with the new NXIS EVO – an ultra-light, minimalist, trainer-like boot designed for fast-hiking.

Straight out of the box, it’s faultlessly comfy, thanks to the padded heel, soft ankle cuff, and wider-than-average toe box. Underfoot, the EVA midsole feels really responsive and springy with good rebound, while the All Terrain outsole is adequately grippy (although the 4mm lugs could be deeper) and the Keen Dry membrane provides waterproof-breathable tech. You also get a chunky toe bumper, stretchy bellows tongue, and a mesh upper with TPU overlays.

The end result? This is probably our favourite Keen boot ever – it’s so comfy and light, and just enjoyable to wear. The downside is that the soft uppers aren’t that durable, and there is little to no stiffness. For some, this is a deal-breaker for big mountains. But if you have strong ankles, and favour lightness and agility over rigidity, these boots can go anywhere you want.

■ Men’s sizes 6-14

■ Women’s sizes 2.5-9

■ Weight 428g per boot (men’s 8)

Verdict

An ultra-light, trainer-inspired boot with exceptional comfort – but some will prefer more protection.