Care and Cleaning:The boots can be brushed off with a damp sponge to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Keen recommends any stains be treated immediately with a gentle cleaner. They cleaned up nicely after this Mud Season hike.... Water Resistance: Keen reports that the boots are made waterproof without the use of PFCs (Perflourinated Chemicals), which are commonly used to provide water repellency on outdoor products. Keen, aware that these PFCs are suspected carcinogens, has switched to an "alternative chemistry" which they claim is safer, without sacrificing performance. This includes the use of Keen.Dry, a proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane that lets vapor out without letting water in. Waterproof boots are essential for spring hiking!

Design: The particular materials and elements used in the design and construction of this boot reflect the Keen company's values and its commitment to "ensure that the materials we use in our products are safe for you, our employees, and the environment." Now that I’ve had chance to walk a fair few more miles in these sandals it’s time to write my full review. I always like to wait until I’ve had time to test products out properly before sharing what I think, which means that sometimes you have to wait a good few weeks before I get to featuring things on here – I have had these since mid-June-ish and am not ashamed that it’s taken me until now to put my thoughts online. La Sportiva's TX4 mid is a lightweight boot designed for technical approach routes, via ferrata and general hiking. Typically, lightweight walking boots are more comfortable to walk in than their heavier equivalents and the best will still offer a mix of durability and performance for regular hiking. Keen call their latest boots ‘hiking trainers’ following a trend towards lighter weight, more comfortable hiking footwear. They are purposefully soft and spongy to walk in, but still provide the support and protection you expect from a mid hiking boot.

Supremely comfortable, light and breathable, the Keen Terradora II hiking boot was made for summer treks

Providing an excellent balance between lightweight and sturdy, the Summit GTX are ‘country life’ orientated brand Ariat’s attempt to topple more established walking boot brands from their perches. Like the original Terradora, the Terradora II also comes as a shoe if you want something slightly more casual. Trade Secrets The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX might be brashly monikered, with a design palette to boot, but the technical ability on offer here is considerable - not least as La Sportiva know a thing or two about boots.

Foot hold is great despite this tester having narrow feet and the fit being mid width, although heel hold is perhaps not as good as some of the narrower boots with techy heel retention systems. My impression, after 6 months of use, is that this pair of Terradora II's will continue to serve me well on my frequent hikes around Vermont and the Northeast, in a variety of conditions and temperatures. Spring hiking in Vermont...mud, snow, and water! The best part about the KEEN.DRY membrane is that you won’t notice it until you need it. It’s so thin and breathable that you get the benefits of waterproofing without feeling like you’re wearing rubber rain boots or bulky snow boots. Firstly, when they say ‘high’ they are not lying. High boots are vital in the dessert to protect you from biting ground insects and dare we say it reptiles and the Salado even comes with a cover for the tops to stop critters getting in while you sleep. Add to this Craghopper’s highly effective Nosilife treatment and you’ve got a decidedly bite free pair of boots. If you want a pair of lightweight hiking boots that look good and are seriously comfortable to wear the Free Hikers are worth considering.I know hiking sandals aren’t for everyone, but I like wearing them in the summer, they’re a great asset to have in your outdoor gear cupboard and I do rate these ones very highly compared to others I’ve worn.

Size Chart:The Terradora II is available only as a women's model, designed as a premium lightweight hiker, on a women's specific last, to meet the particular needs and mechanics of women. The closest equivalent men's model is the Venture. The available sizes for the Terradora II range from 5 (EU 35) to 12 (EU 43). The largest size available is a 12 (EU 43), which is the size I am testing. I have women friends and hiking buddies who use a larger shoe size than I do; for them, this boot would not be a viable option.Weight: Keen describes the Terradora II as a lightweight hiking boot that doubles as an "all-around town trekker." These boots certainly are lighter than my Keen Targhees, not just anecdotally, but on the scale, too. KEEN has always taken comfort seriously, so you know that when you choose a KEEN boot it’ll get you through the day with better support and less foot fatigue. Whether that means helping keep your feet dry when you’re slogging through slushy winter streets, or helping keep you supported when you’re bagging peaks in the heat of summer, KEEN women’s boots will do the job with style. The heavier the walking boots the more difficult they are to carry on your feet! Heavy boots are only necessary if they add functions or features that you value. They also look great which means they make perfect travel footwear when you want to minimise your luggage burden.