Keen Ridge Flex Boot: 1 year on the feet review

Over the last 14 months I have been testing the Keen Ridge Flex Boot on my photographic adventure around Alaska and in my daily life. As a nature photographer I find myself climbing over and around rocks, trees, mud, dirt and slime. All to chase small animals who don’t want to be photographed. While I’m doing this I have to balance thousands of dollars worth of gear on my back that weights around 16 -18 lbs. So I need a boot that will give me unquestionably secure footing in demanding conditions. This is one of the reasons I chose the Keen Ridge Flex boot in the spring of 2021 and began my adventures.

Why the Keen Ridge Flex in the First Place ?

I had some experience with Keen boots in the past and knew of the quality of their other waterproof boots. In particular the Anchorage pattern and the non waterproof Targhee series. Knowing that the soles held up well and if anything, they tended to make the feet almost too warm for office or stationary work. This wasn’t going to be an issue with me knowing the new boots intended use and field conditions. Since I knew a fair amount about the brand it made part of the selection process easier.

The Keen Ridge Flex was a new offering that had some features that drew my attention quickly. In Alaska hiking up mountains also requires hiking down mountains which can tend to cause pinch points on your feet and your boots. The Ridge Flex’s main feature is the Keen Belows system that is sewn into the top of the boot where the tongue meets the toe. This feature allows the boot to flex in a spot where many other boots tend to rip or crack over time. To date this system is functioning just fine and has not cracked, ripped or caused any discomfort to my feet whatsoever.

Fourteen Month Details: Tread 7 Footbed Wear

Keen has long used a traction system that couples the tread pattern on their books with a heel lock in system that I decided would be a must if I was to carry camera equipment that costs as much as a decent used automobile. This has been one of the main reasons in the last 14 months I have only had one situation where I lost my traction and fell. This was 100% my fault for trying to climb on a slope covered in mud and wet lichen in pursuit of an Arctic Ground Squirrel in late August. I never should have been on that slope, but when working for a print worthy shot, photographers often make less than intelligent decisions.

The tread and footbed has held up remarkably well during our testing, in fact much better than other Keen boots I wear. I will say that in the months of January and February that I didn’t wear the Ridge Flex Boots as my primary boot due to their lack of insulation, not due to lack of traction. In my opinion just now after all this time and miles I am thinking I should change the original insoles to a pair of Superfeet or some other brand. I am starting to get a small amount of discomfort under the ball section of my feet where the metatarsals and arch meet. That’s a respectable amount of time on a stock foot insole considering the weight they have carried.

Hammertoe & Heat: No Problems

Many times we see the words “waterproof”. And that conjures up images of hot stinky feet and boots that don’t breath. Thankfully, with the Keen Ridge Flex, that’s not the issue at all. These boots are both waterproof and breathable. I’ve stomped across mud and water chasing waterfowl, birds, and other wildlife, all with comfy dry feet. In fact these boots lack any insulation level at all. So when I find myself in cooler temperatures I have to choose a slightly warmer sock than normal.

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Hammertoe is a nightmare for hikers who climb up or down rocks. It’s a condition that leaves your feet aching and oftentimes your toe nails beaten and battered. The toe caps of these boots are coated in rubber to protect not only the boot from scrapes, cuts and abrasions. But also your toes and toenails that lay underneath. Although the Ridge Flex isn’t an ANSI rated safety toe boot, the company does offer a few models that meet the requirement. The coating on the toecaps over the last year hasn’t shown any signs of poor quality or construction. Which I find impressive.

Lacing and Support: 14 Months Still Going Strong

We even took the time to watch and document the lacing and tying support system of the Keen Ridge Flex. I am happy to report that none of the eyelets, hooks, straps or stitching have frayed or failed. Each time I lace these up for a hike or a day on my feet, I have complete confidence that my foot will stay securely where I intend it to be.

It may seem like a simple thing but stopping to tie my boots over and over on the trail causes me to lay thousands of dollars in gear against a tree or rock. This puts my gear in a risky situation that I would rather avoid if possible. That doesn’t even begin to factor in the hazards of having your foot slip around in a boot on a trail or mountain-side. Having confidence in your foot stability within your boot means one less thing to worry about on a trail.

 

Final Thoughts & Verdict 

After 14 months of hard use across Alaska swamps, creeks, rivers, tundra, snow, gravel and dirt trails what do I think of the Keen Ridge Flex boots ? In a single word, Amazing. The designers at Keen have managed to build a lightweight breathable boot that doesn’t wear out quickly. These boots have been key to my photographic journeys over the last 14 months and to my physical health. Dropping 50 lbs by hiking is no easy feat and the Keen Ridge Flex have been there with me nearly every mile outside the gym.

Some people may balk at the price of these boots with a retail price of $189.99 for the hightop version and $179.99 for the low top version but I assure you they are worth every penny. To me spending money to keep my feet feeling good makes the rest of the adventure much easier. I almost forgot to mention that these are available in four different color combinations so if brown isn’t your thing Keen has you covered also with options, like the previously mentioned low top variation of the Ridge Flex.

I wanted to mention that Keen did not provide these boots to myself or the The Gear Bunker, and this is not a paid endorsement. I purchased these long with my own money because my own goals dictated I needed more stable footwear. A second set of Keen Ridge Flex’s are on the way to me now because I know they wont last forever. Thanks for taking the time to visit the site read our review of the Keen Ridge Flex Boot.