Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Keen Boulder > Ashlee Gunter > Long Term Report

Keen Boulder Sandals

Long Term Report

Biography

Name:  Ashlee Gunter         
Age: 29
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 1" (1.55 m)
Weight: 110 lb (50 kg)
Email address: Ashlee(dot)gunter(at)gmail(dot)com
City, State: Baton Rouge (Denham Springs), LA
Date: 01/09/2006

Backpacking Bio:
I have been backpacking and hiking most of my life. While I was growing up, my father would load my sister and me up with packs and take us along with him on his Scout trips. As I've grown, I've had the opportunity to hike and backpack in Florida, Utah and Idaho, and now presently Louisiana and Mississippi. My backpacking partners include my husband, our 4 yr old son, and sometimes our dog, Brownie.  Since my husband and I share our son's load, I am always looking for ways to cut bulk and weight from my pack without sacrificing comfort.  I will carry a little extra if it makes my trip more pleasant. Because of a busy life, my trips are limited mostly to day or weekend trips.

Product Information

Listed Features

• Patent Pending Dual Density EVA midsole provides balanced support and toe off
• Non marking, Deep Lug Carbon Rubber Outsole. Excellent tracking in loose dirt, scree, or rock..
• Synthetic and Webbing Upper encapsulates the foot and acts as a sandal.
• Padded Arch Brace wraps foot for added stability.
• Metatomical- Removable Footbed.  Cushion under foot. Accommodates orthotics.

Test Locations

This test series began in June and ended in December.  They have been worn primarily in Louisiana, although they have seen two trips to Florida as well.  This has given me the opportunity to test these shoes in a variety of conditions.  Temperatures during the test series ranged from 30 F (-1C) to 90 F (32C).  I have worn these shoes in a variety of terrains including dirt, sand, concrete, and indoors. 

Field Information

While testing the Keen Boulders during the summer months, my observations did not vary too much from my field report.  For the most part, I discontinued wearing them in the dirt and sand.  The dirt and the sand caused too much rubbing on my feet.  I continued wearing the Boulders on my trips to the water park with my son.  The only complaint I had about them there was that they did not dry out quick enough and made my feet sweat.  Other than that, they were great for walking up wet concrete and steel steps to the waterslides.  In the water, I could hardly feel they were there.  The lightness I felt was incredible. This was a big improvement over other sandals I have tried wearing in the water.  The support they provide was much better than the water socks I have worn in the past.

As the weather began to cool off, I started wearing the Keen Boulders with a mid-weight wool sock.  This is when I truly began to enjoy these shoes.  Due to circumstances at work, I did not get to hike as much as I would have liked during the later months of this test period.  Most of my hiking was short hikes on local developed trails.  While hiking with a sock on, the dirt and debris still got into the shoe, but did not rub my foot like they did when I was barefoot.  I also continued to wear the Keens as an everyday shoe.  I found myself working 12+ hour days and my shoes never bothered me.  The arch support was great, they were light, and with a sock, they provided plenty of comfort all day long. 

In December, I was able to take a trip to Disney World.  Anyone that has been to Disney World will tell you than spending hours walking that huge concrete park will bring terror to your feet.  I had absolutely no problem with my feet.  They were not even tired at the end of the day. 

One complaint I had about the Boulders during the summer was that they were too hot.  This was a positive feature during the winter months.  I was initially concerned that because of all of the open places in the shoe, my feet would get cold.  Granted, the coldest it got in this area was 30 F (-1C), but that is still cold enough for my feet to get cold.  With a mid-weight wool sock on, they were plenty warm every time I wore them. 

The durability of the Keen Boulders is another aspect I have been very pleased with.  These shoes have been in and out of water, thrown in backpacks, taken down dirt trails, and have even survived Christmas shopping at the mall.  The shoes still show minimal signs of wear and I have not seen any weakness in them due to use.  The lace on the right shoe still continues to loosen up from time to time as it did when I first received them, but it has not gotten any worse than it was to begin with.

Overall Comments and Future Test Plans

My final consensus on the Keen Boulders is mixed.  As a hiking sandal during the summer months, I am not entirely pleased with them.  I enjoy the lightness of the shoes in the water.  I also enjoy the traction they provide on wet, slippery surfaces.  I am not happy with the slow drying time, the hot spots they create, or the rubbing I receive from dirt and sand trapped inside.  Ultimately, I would probably not wear these shoes for hiking during the summer.  I would reserve them for casual wear and trips to the water park.

During the cooler months, they have quickly become my favorite shoe.  A padded sock makes all of the difference in the world.  I will continue hiking in these shoes with a sock when it is cool enough to do so.  I will also wear them when traveling and for everyday wear.

Things I Like

• Lightweight
• Good traction
• Comfortable with a sock

Things I Don't Like

• Feet stay wet in the shoes
• Dirt/sand gets trapped in the shoe
• Hot spots when worn without a sock

Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Keen Boulder > Ashlee Gunter > Long Term Report