Addnature Tests:Keen Venture WP Mid Hiking Boots
Having the right hiking boot is essential for anyone who spends considerable time in the great outdoors. Keen’s mid-cut Venture WP is a tough, functional-looking hiking boot that’s designed to offer great support and comfort when going ‘full blast’ – at least according to Keen’s website. Marcel Marfisi, who's in charge of UX for outdoor categories is, by his own admission, someone who spends every spare moment he can outside, whether that’s while hiking, bouldering, cycling, skiing or snowboarding. He recently had the opportunity to test the Venture WP. Let’s see if it lives up to its promises of being a fast, lightweight and waterproof hiking boot.
Cool - a new pair of hiking boots!
I was looking for a light, agile hiking boot for the summer which would be able to handle walking through a stream or heavy rain without my feet getting too wet. Before receiving the Venture, I’d been wearing a light trail running boot from inov-8 (the Roclite 325 GTX) that I was really happy with.
First impressions
The shoes were, unsurprisingly, delivered in a shoe box. When unpacking, I was immediately struck by how light the shoe was, especially given how robust the materials are. I must say that the shoes had somewhat of a stiff and inflexible feel to them. Looks-wise, the shoe has quite a technical appearance, although nothing too excessive. This was actually quite good, meaning that the shoes worked quite well with jeans for rainy evenings walking around town. The shoes have one or two impressive features. The KonnectFit heel stability system anchors the foot to the shoe to help climbing, utilising the tension from the shoelaces to create an even snugger fit.
Putting the Venture through its paces
The most demanding test for the Venture was a 4-hour hike to the Urach waterfalls about 50km south of Stuttgart. This is a beautiful waterfall in an area known as the Schwabian Alb. Getting to the top of the waterfall involves ascending slippery stone steps. The weather was dry and sunny but the ground was covered in snow and ice. The second test was a 2-hour-long walk in the pouring rain while also wearing a rain jacket and rain trousers.
I found the Venture’s fit, function and comfort outstanding. I have to admit that I had never experienced such comfort in a hiking boot before – they feel more like well-cushioned running shoes – excellent! The KonnectFit also really helped secure my foot in the boot. I wouldn’t say the shoe was suitable for really demanding mountain terrain, because it offers too little side support, but it isn’t designed for that anyway. However, for anyone looking for a comfortable, waterproof and robust all-round hiking boot, this shoe should be top of your list. The only downside would be the slightly unconvincing side support.
Conclusion
The Venture exceeded my expectations and I'd definitely like to own an additional pair in a different colour. They performed extremely well when it came to waterproofness and weight as well as being extremely comfortable! For hiking, trekking or simply as a waterproof walking shoe for urban use with jeans and a rain jacket, you can’t go wrong. The shoe is so visually unobtrusive that it goes with pretty much anything. It’s also great at keeping the rain out.