KEEN-parison: Which Waterproof Hiking Boots Are The Right Ones For Me?

Here in the Pacific Northwest, wet weather is just a normal part of life. Coat closets full of rain jackets, blustery dog walks, and fendered bikes year-round are about as common as coffee roasters and all-wheel-drive wagons. And even though we may have lots of wet days here in the PNW, we don’t even compare to parts of New Zealand, Columbia, Hawaii, and Northern India, where it rains hundreds of inches annually. For lots of folks, wet weather is just business as usual, but wet feet don’t have to be.

To combat cold toes and the suspicion that your feet are actually soaking in their own personal ice baths, we make waterproof hiking boots for all sorts of damp, soggy, and drippy conditions. For complete waterproof protection that still lets your feet breathe, every boot in this lineup comes standard with our KEEN.DRY membrane (and PFC-free water repellency, too). Pesticide-free odor control and built-in arch support are two other things that are always included. Why? Because we believe that stink-free, wet-free, pain-free feet are the happiest feet. Check out some of our favorite styles below to find out what makes our waterproof boots unique and say “good riddance!” to boot dryers and soaked socks.

Targhee: Up the mountain, down the mountain, over the stream, and through that cool hollowed-out tree trunk. All with the whole family. The Targhee boot was our first-ever hiking boot and continues to top the podium with its rugged, versatile design and comfortable wear-all-day fit. With multiple options for women, men, big kids, and little kids, think of our Targhee collection as all-season waterproof boots. Made for rainy days, snowy weekends, or afternoon puddle jumpin’, these boots are equipped to handle whatever wet activities you (or the kids) can think up.

Pro tip: For those freezing-cold, wet winter days, check out our men’s Targhee High Lace boot. Designed with a KEEN.FREEZE rubber outsole for flexible grip on icy surfaces, this rugged boot keeps your feet dry and toasty with lightweight KEEN.WARM insulation.

Explore: The master of disguise. Part hiking boot, part sneaker, our Explore boots keep your feet dry despite what those looming clouds have in mind. The performance mesh upper and lightweight TPU overlays make for a durable, agile hiker that’s ready to take on unexpected showers and your off-season Hawaii vacation. Ideal for Summer, Spring, and early Fall, these crossover hiking shoes are all set for exploration.

Not sure if a hiking sneaker is right for your type of hiking? Read through our Hiking Sneakers v. Hiking Boots FAQ to learn more.

Explore waterproof hiking sneakers

Venture: A bestseller in our waterproof lineup, the men’s Venture boot is a true grab-it-and-go hiker. Built with performance mesh for a lightweight feel and sleek look, these boots let you say yes to last-minute adventure (like this 3-day weekend in the rainy UK) without worrying that your footwear isn’t up for the task. For those cooler fall hikes, check out the leather Venture. Still lightweight and agile, it’s crafted from environmentally preferred leather. We source all of our leather from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries that use processes to reduce chemicals, water and energy use, and wastewater pollution. Click here to learn more about KEEN’s relationship with LWG-certified tanneries.

Wild Sky: For backpackers, day hikers, or for those that don’t want to choose between the two, we created the Wild Sky for men and women. Waterproof leather and performance mesh combine for a durable hiking boot that can get you on the other side of a washed-out section just as easily as it can power through freshly built trail. Plus they have the vintage look of old-school approach shoes for a touch of outdoor nostalgia (but with the ankle support and waterproof technologies of today).

Rain is a truly wonderful thing. It keeps rivers flowing, fish spawning, wildlife healthy, and our gardens blooming. But, let’s be honest, it has no place in your shoes. Keep it that way in a pair of waterproof KEEN boots.