Keen Betty Pull-On Review

The Keen Betty Pull-On satisfies the need for an easy-entry slip-on that has good coverage and stays dry out in snowy conditions. The puffy design on the exterior and the flannel-lined interior is stylistically different than other models in our lineup. The Betty performed well in all categories but didn't wow us in any one performance metric. We felt the style, color options, and lightweight nature of the boot added versatility, but the traction wasn't exceptional, nor was the fit or level of warmth. This boot satisfies many needs, but it didn't stand out above the frontrunners.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Betty contains 200g of Keen.Warm insulation paired with a plaid synthetic lining. Backed by a Keen.Dry membrane, the lining is soft, comfortable, and surprisingly breathable when in motion. The temperature rating is set at -25°F, which we would disagree with. Out in our field tests, our feet were comfortable moving around in snow at a 10-20°F temperature range but felt cold while standing still at those temperatures.

The Betty experienced a 19°F temperature change in our snow bank coverage test and a 9°F change in the ice bath test, both of which were on the high end of temperature drops in the group. This means the boot is not as capable of retaining heat as others. While the subjective feeling of warmth was there on warmer days, these tests proved the boots were not high performing regarding heat retention.

Weather Protection

With a shaft height of 9.5 inches, we assumed the Betty Pull-On would have great coverage for casual use. It can absolutely stomp around in fresh snow and keep your feet warm and dry. However, due to the roomy fit, the boot exposes open space in the shin and calf area, allowing snow to slip into the upper when walking through 1 foot or more of snow. When we tucked our pants into the Betty, less snow entered the interior, but we would recommend wearing gaiters or snow pants over the boot for extra coverage.

The thick rubber outsole provides 2 inches of sealed protection from puddles and waterways. The KEEN.Dry membrane seemed to deliver on waterproofness and breathability. However, during our water submergence test, water leaked in around 3.5 inches, likely through the zipper. If total protection is a key performance factor for you, the Betty Pull-On likely isn't the right boot.

Comfort and Fit

The Betty Pull-On has a spacious fit, making it a great option for those with wider feet. Our tester with narrow feet felt the boot was roomy from the forefoot to the heel and up through the shaft. For this reason, we would recommend sizing down a half-size if you're looking for a tighter fit. However, if you have large calves or like to tuck your pants into your boot, this may be the ideal fit.

A thermal insole made with Keen.Luftcell is thin but provides warmth and decent support below the foot. The liner is a no-frills, traditional built-in plaid lining — so the coziness factor is not quite there, but it is absolutely comfortable. The Betty is designed for easy entry with a slip-on style supported by a side zipper. If your legs are tired from a long day of skiing and you don't exactly feel like bending over, you can kick these off with no hands.

Traction

The lugs on the Betty are made of a proprietary KEEN.Freeze rubber compound compacted into a thick and sturdy outsole. The lugs have a flat, round shape, intended for casual, all-purpose use in cold temperatures. We found it to perform well pouncing through deep and shallow snow drifts, but it was a bit lackluster on wet and icy surfaces, where we felt a lack of grip.

On slippery and uneven terrain, the lack of stability in the shaft was noticeable. While the outsole is thick and supportive around the heel and toe, we felt a bit nervous walking up icy hills with such little ankle support from the upper. Otherwise, this boot has solid performance in traction for casual everyday use, but it's not great for tougher terrain.

Durability

Nylon and other synthetic materials tend to hold their structure over time when exposed to wet conditions, where leather can morph a bit. However, synthetic materials are prone to tearing when snagged on sharp materials like rocks and branches. The Betty has both leather and synthetic components and definitley showed some wear during our test period. Nothing overly serious, just some exterior scuffing and wilting around the midsole.

Should You Buy the Keen Betty Pull-On?

The price of the Betty feels steep for not standing out in any one category, but the pull-on style is a great differentiator, and the boot performed well enough across the board to be a worthy purchase for casual use. Also, if sustainable business is important to you, Keen sources environmentally preferred materials and maintains transparency in their supplier network.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?

If the price point or style of the Keen Betty Pull-On is not right for you, check out the Bogs Crandall Tall II Adjustable or the Sorel Winter Carnival for a boot with similar levels of coverage and flexibility. These styles are limited by their warmth and waterproofing capabilities, so if you are willing to spend a little more, The North Face Shellista IV Mid offers more structure and warmth with similar grip and durability to the Betty Pull-On.