BUILT TO FLEX EASIER
KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology
Our new built-in flex creates less resistance, bending where other boots crack and weaken over time.
Hiking innovation for easier days on the trail
Keeping fans comfortable on the trail is #1 for us. The way we see it, the happier you are out there, the longer you’ll stay out there.
That’s why we’ve been creating out-of-the-box hiking comfort since 2005, and our iconic Targhee hiker has been a bestseller ever since. It’s built to last using environmentally preferred leather that minimizes water and chemical use for less impact on the planet.
But we started to wonder if we could do more — an idea sparked after taking a closer look at where hiking boots wear out first: right where they bend. What if we could help our boots bend easier?
That’s the magic of bellows and our new KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology. When the foot is in motion, there’s a critical moment when the foot compresses and we roll onto our toes. This area of the forefoot also happens to be where boots fail after years of heavy use. By adding our accordion-like bellows to that friction point, KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX moves with you. It flexes easier and lasts longer.
Learn more about KEEN’s new hikers with built-in flex:
Ridge Flex with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX: We took the trusted fit and stability of our iconic hiker and added KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX in the forefoot and heel to create a waterproof hiking boot that flexes with every toe roll and ankle articulation. When flex-tested against similar boots in the hiking category, the Ridge Flex with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX in the forefoot and heel required 60% less energy to bend. The result: a more efficient stride that feels easier. It’s a rugged leather hiker that doesn’t feel stiff — great for those who want to go farther on thru hikes and day hikes. Available in men’s and women’s sizing as a hiking shoe or hiking boot. Shop the Ridge Flex collection.
Tempo Flex with KEEN BELLOWS FLEX: Friction reduces speed. So we minimized it. By adding KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology in the forefoot of our lightweight hiker, we created a waterproof hybrid hiker sneaker that flexes with your foot – for less resistance with every step. It’s designed for those who want to make a quick hike more of a workout. It’s fast and light with a recycled P.E.T. performance ripstop mesh upper, and a more secure, contoured fit, so you can move swiftly with confidence. Available in men’s and women’s sizing as a low hiker sneaker or with the added protection of a boot. Shop the Tempo Flex collection.


Flexes easier

Lasts longer
Choose your fit
Two ways to hike happy with KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX: The original fit of our trusted hiker or the contoured fit of our fast & light hiker sneaker.
New Ridge Flex hiker
We took the trusted fit and stability of our iconic hiker and added KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX. Flex easier, hike happier.
New Tempo Flex hiker sneaker
Friction reduces speed. So we minimized it. With KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology in the forefoot, our hybrid hiker sneaker moves with you.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
What if every step could feel easier?
The average hike is between 6,336 and 10,560 steps. So we wondered, what if we could take away some of the friction so each step requires less energy to bend? That's where the magic of bellows comes in.

