HIKING BOOTS – Keen Bryce WP
KEEN – BRYCE WP. COLOUR – SHITAKE/BOSSA NOVA
I got these hiking boots in the spring of 2014. Although it is now only winter 2015, I feel like I can give an accurate review of these boots. I’ve travelled a loooong way in them.
I got these hiking boots in the spring of 2014. Although it is now only winter 2015, I feel like I can give an accurate review of these boots. I’ve travelled a loooong way in them.
I couldn’t say how many km I’ve travelled in them, but they’ve definitely gone a long way with me, in all kinds of terrain. They’ve been through all 4 seasons, through brutal hikes in the Mojave Desert and Red Rocks Canyon. They’ve been with me through many skydives, hikes and climbs, runs, bikes, flights..sleeps.
February 2014 – Northern Ontario – Ice Climbing Trip
March 2014 – Northern Ontario, Canada – Hike
April 2014 – Red River Gorge, Kentucky USA – Rock Climbing Trip
May 2014 – Newfoundland, Canada – Rock Climb / Hike
Summer 2014 – Southern Ontario, Canada – Dozens of climbing day trips in
August 2014 – South Africa/Namibia/Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe – Africa Backpacking Trip/Rock Climbing/Hiking etc.
December 2014 – Route 66 USA (9 States) Hiking/Climbing/Skydiving
December/January2015 – Nevada + California, USA – Rock Climbing / Hike
March 2015 – El Chorro, Spain – Rock Climbing / Hiking / Camping
April 2015 – Red River Gorge, Kentucky USA – Rock Climbing
Comfort
This is by far the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever had. I got a little sleepy when I first put them on..so comfy. Everyone’s foot is different, but for me, these fit perfectly. It advises to take a half size up because this model ‘fits small’, but I disagree. I usually take a 12 and this was a 12 and fits perfect.
It has a monster toecap that protects during burley scrambles. The midsole is super dense, but gives when it has to and makes for a really comfortable hike in rough terrain. The rubber protected heal makes for a really durable design and protects if you’re slipping around or knocking the back of your shoe on rocks.
They’re pretty light weight, coming in around 1 pound (17oz) each.
Reliability
I’ve beat up and disrespected this boot so hard.. Apart from scuffs and scrapes, they’re still in pretty good condition. They still have their original laces as well. Bonus!
They are waterproof, but these ones are pretty low cut. They do have a higher cut option in the same model.
They advise to use a leather conditioner, but I never have. The leather hasn’t cracked or been affected by the many different temperatures, moisture or heat I’ve put them through. Save your dollas.
As far as wear and tear.. The worst part of the shoe for wear is actually where your heal and achilles sit. This is from taking the shoe off and on. The stitching on the inside material comes together here and gets damaged from the wear. It doesn’t effect comfort too much, as long as you adjust the loose material after you have the shoe on. That’s the only weak part of the construction and the only part that has worn substantially.
I would say that this shoe is good for 9-12 months of solid use before they’d have to be replaced.
(I’m now in month 12 and need new ones.)
I totally recommend these 100%.
They retail for $125
From KEEN’s website:
The Bryce WP is ready for adventure at a moment’s notice. Featuring a KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane and non-marking tread that clings to the trail. A TPU stability shank offers superior support in this comfy light hiking shoe.
Weight: 17 oz/482 g
Collections: Outdoor
Type: Hiking, Waterproof
Style: Shoes
Weather: Wet – waterproof
Activities: Hiking
Fit Tip: This style is running a 1/2 small. We suggest ordering a 1/2 size larger than your usual size!
– Dual density compression molded EVA midsole
– KEEN.DRY ™ waterproof breathable membrane
– KEEN.Zorb strobel
– Non-marking rubber outsole
– Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
– TPU stability shank
– Waterproof nubuck leather upper
Care for Waterproof Leather
We’ve carefully selected leather uppers designed to last. Then again, if you’re wearing your KEENS daily, they won’t always be scuff and dirt-free. To treat day to day wear and tear, especially on lighter color leathers, we recommend using a leather cleaner and conditioner, found at most footwear dealers and/or shoe repair shops.
-Matt
February 2014 – Northern Ontario – Ice Climbing Trip
March 2014 – Northern Ontario, Canada – Hike
April 2014 – Red River Gorge, Kentucky USA – Rock Climbing Trip
May 2014 – Newfoundland, Canada – Rock Climb / Hike
Summer 2014 – Southern Ontario, Canada – Dozens of climbing day trips in
August 2014 – South Africa/Namibia/Botswana/Zambia/Zimbabwe – Africa Backpacking Trip/Rock Climbing/Hiking etc.
December 2014 – Route 66 USA (9 States) Hiking/Climbing/Skydiving
December/January2015 – Nevada + California, USA – Rock Climbing / Hike
March 2015 – El Chorro, Spain – Rock Climbing / Hiking / Camping
April 2015 – Red River Gorge, Kentucky USA – Rock Climbing
Comfort
This is by far the most comfortable footwear I’ve ever had. I got a little sleepy when I first put them on..so comfy. Everyone’s foot is different, but for me, these fit perfectly. It advises to take a half size up because this model ‘fits small’, but I disagree. I usually take a 12 and this was a 12 and fits perfect.
It has a monster toecap that protects during burley scrambles. The midsole is super dense, but gives when it has to and makes for a really comfortable hike in rough terrain. The rubber protected heal makes for a really durable design and protects if you’re slipping around or knocking the back of your shoe on rocks.
They’re pretty light weight, coming in around 1 pound (17oz) each.
Reliability
I’ve beat up and disrespected this boot so hard.. Apart from scuffs and scrapes, they’re still in pretty good condition. They still have their original laces as well. Bonus!
They are waterproof, but these ones are pretty low cut. They do have a higher cut option in the same model.
They advise to use a leather conditioner, but I never have. The leather hasn’t cracked or been affected by the many different temperatures, moisture or heat I’ve put them through. Save your dollas.
As far as wear and tear.. The worst part of the shoe for wear is actually where your heal and achilles sit. This is from taking the shoe off and on. The stitching on the inside material comes together here and gets damaged from the wear. It doesn’t effect comfort too much, as long as you adjust the loose material after you have the shoe on. That’s the only weak part of the construction and the only part that has worn substantially.
I would say that this shoe is good for 9-12 months of solid use before they’d have to be replaced.
(I’m now in month 12 and need new ones.)
I totally recommend these 100%.
They retail for $125
From KEEN’s website:
The Bryce WP is ready for adventure at a moment’s notice. Featuring a KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane and non-marking tread that clings to the trail. A TPU stability shank offers superior support in this comfy light hiking shoe.
Weight: 17 oz/482 g
Collections: Outdoor
Type: Hiking, Waterproof
Style: Shoes
Weather: Wet – waterproof
Activities: Hiking
Fit Tip: This style is running a 1/2 small. We suggest ordering a 1/2 size larger than your usual size!
– Dual density compression molded EVA midsole
– KEEN.DRY ™ waterproof breathable membrane
– KEEN.Zorb strobel
– Non-marking rubber outsole
– Removable metatomical dual density EVA footbed
– TPU stability shank
– Waterproof nubuck leather upper
Care for Waterproof Leather
We’ve carefully selected leather uppers designed to last. Then again, if you’re wearing your KEENS daily, they won’t always be scuff and dirt-free. To treat day to day wear and tear, especially on lighter color leathers, we recommend using a leather cleaner and conditioner, found at most footwear dealers and/or shoe repair shops.
-Matt