Keen Ridge Flex Mid WP Review

We wore these boots on several rigorous hikes, including an early-season trek into the still snowy Sierra Nevada. The Keen.Bellows Flex system, a concept familiar to those who still telemark ski, replaces an area of the forefoot (and behind the heel) with a pleated flex zone that is designed to reduce walking friction and improve longevity. We found the Ridge Flex Mid WP to be a good overall boot that was comfortable and roomy, though it did not excel in any one metric.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

We have always appreciated Keen footwear for its outstanding comfort, and this boot is no exception. Straight out of the box, these boots are easy to slip on, have a secure lacing system that holds the padded ankle cuff in place, and use a cushioned PU insole.

Built on a compression-molded EVA foam midsole, we found it quite comfortable to walk on trails without feeling much of the terrain underneath, though when scrambling over sharper rocks, the protection offered by the midsole and stability shank felt average.

Support

The Keen Ridge Flex Mid WP uses a stability shank insert to provide torsional stability and give structure to the boot. Still flexible enough to allow for a free and unencumbered stride, it does add rigidity to the boot for kicking up loose scree or snow.

The mid-cut boot height wraps around the ankle and gives the additional stability many hikers desire for longer hikes in rough country or when carrying heavy pack weight.

Traction

Keen has long used their proprietary rubber blends on their boots and shoes. For this model, they employ their Keen.All-Terrain compound. Not too soft and not too hard, this outsole gives good traction on smooth rock slabs in dry conditions and maintains grip on looser trails in wet conditions.

We think the lug pattern and shape are adequate for most on-trail excursions and even some off-trail travel, though the lugs are quite closely spaced and easily become embedded with muck if hiking on muddy trails.

Water Resistance

The Keen Ridge Flex Mid WP uses another in-house Keen technology, Keen.Dry, to ensure that feet stay dry and comfortable. This waterproof/breathable membrane works as advertised, and we had no issues during our hikes. Traipsing through snow, wet trails, mud, and stream crossings, these boots held their own. Even during a longer submersion test in a creek, we did not experience any leaks.

Weight

On our scales, these boots weighed in at 2.66 pounds per pair in a size 11 US. This is not ridiculously heavy, though when compared to the best hiking boots of similar weight, these do not offer the same performance.

Durability

The upper material of these boots is comprised of treated waterproof leather, which will be very resistant to wear, and a very small amount of mesh, inconspicuously located around the tongue, which we are not very concerned about degrading. The Keen.Bellows Flex area on the top of the toes, marketed as being able to withstand 1 million steps, is where we have questions about long-term durability and will continue to monitor as we test these boots further. Using a soft rubbery material that is sewn to the rest of the leather upper, we will remain interested to see if this solves durability issues or creates them.

Should You Buy the Keen Ridge Flex Mid WP?

This comfortable boot is a great choice for hikers who desire an easy to use boot with no breaking in period, or for those who have wider feet and desire a wider fit. The innovative Keen.Bellows Flex makes it easier to flex this boot, making them something to consider for longer trail-based adventures.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?