Time again to take a closer look into how a bestselling KEEN shoe is built and why. With our Anatomy of a Shoe series, we highlight standout features and explain what they do. Next up: Snow Troll, our warmest and bendiest snow boot for kids.
Why we made it: so your kid can be a kid in the snow. (And get in and out of their own boots and not freeze their little toesies off out there.)
Every parent knows the drill. Before sending your kid out into the snow, you bundle them up and shove their feet into brick-like rubber boots so stiff and heavy that the boots remain upright even when your kid falls over — and fall over they will. Oh, and we hope the boots are warm enough, because if they’re not, you’ll hear about it.
Cue the Snow Troll, our way of saying thanks to everyone out there who works hard raising lovable and little, well, trolls. We know it’s a challenge, but at least they’ll enjoy the snow without tears (that’ll soon become icicles).
Going sledding. Digging tunnels in a snowbank. Making snow angels in the backyard. The Snow Troll lets kids enjoy the best parts of winter without fussing over uncomfortable feet. Here’s how we did it:
A. THE PART: Step-in, cinch-up design
THE POINT: No parent wants to micromanage their kid on a snow day. Kids can put on their own boots thanks to the lightweight, pliable nylon upper. The lace-lock bungee at the top and a one-handed hook-and-loop strap let them secure a snug fit and adjust as needed.
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B. THE PART: Step-off rubber heel
THE POINT: The molded rubber heel piece gives kids a foothold with their other toe, letting them step out as easily as they stepped in. Hear that? That’s the sound of parents everywhere rejoicing.
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C. THE PART: Most-y toasty liner
THE POINT: The 400g KEEN.WARM insulated liner is rated to -40ºF, so there should never be any cold feet. It’s removable and washable too. Hooray!
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D. THE PART: Flexible forefoot
THE POINT: Kids will have no problem climbing back up the sled hill or kneeling down to crawl into a tunnel. The forefoot has an accordion-like component (KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX) that lets the top of the boot bend, allowing for more natural movement.
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E. THE PART: Waterproof and breathable
THE POINT: Bye-bye, wet feet (and stinky feet)! The PFAS-free water-repellent coating sheds rain and snow, while the waterproof membrane seals out moisture from the inside and magically lets sweat vapor evaporate.
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F. THE PART: Burly rubber outsole
THE POINT: Chunky, multidirectional lugs to keep kids tromping with great traction? Check. Non-marking, high-temp bonded rubber? Oh yeah.
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There’s a Snow Troll for every kid, big or little. It’s the perfect boot for kids to get (and stay) outside when there’s snow to play in.
