Karraig Mid WP by KEEN

Karraig Mid WP by KEEN

Editor: Johnny LeMaster

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Just The Facts:

For adventures deep in the backcountry, dependable comfort is key. This waterproof backpacking boot features board-lasted construction for added stability plus a heel brake for extra support on the descent.

Features:

• SPEED HOOKS FOR EASY LACE ADJUSTMENT
• REMOVABLE, DUAL-DENSITY EVA FOOTBED WITH ARCH SUPPORT FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT
• PU MIDSOLE DELIVERS RESILIENT CUSHIONING
• ALL-TERRAIN+ RUBBER OUTSOLE FOR MAXIMUM GRIP
• 4MM MULTI-DIRECTIONAL LUGS FOR TRACTION
• FULL-LENGTH STABILITY SHANK FOR ADDED SUPPORT
• CONTOURED HEEL LOCK FOR A MORE SECURE FIT
• EUROPEAN MADE: ASSEMBLED WITH PRIDE IN EUROPE
• DRY WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE MEMBRANE
• CLEANSPORT NXT™ FOR NATURAL ODOR CONTROL

Material:

• WATERPROOF LEATHER AND PERFORMANCE MESH UPPER
• ALL-TERRAIN+ RUBBER OUTSOLE FOR MAXIMUM GRIP
• PU MIDSOLE DELIVERS RESILIENT CUSHIONING
• BREATHABLE MESH LINING
• REMOVABLE, DUAL-DENSITY EVA FOOTBED WITH ARCH SUPPORT FOR ALL-DAY COMFORT

My Story:

KEEN is known for their quality footwear for that is made for the active outdoors person.  They live up to their own lofty standards with the Karraig Mid WP boot.  Like so many other boots in their repertoire, the Karraig is light-weight, durable, and comfortable.  Ready for your adventure no matter where it takes you.  If you are in the market for An all-around, comfortable, mid hiking boot that can keep up with the demands of your lifestyle you need to check out the Karraig Mid WP by KEEN.

I have had a few pairs of KEEN boots over the years and each pair I have absolutely loved.  The first pair I ever got were the KEEN Summit County.  I still have them in the back of my closet, unable to let them go as they are one of my favorite boots I have ever put on my feet.  They are in very rough shape with years of abuse, but still to this day on of the most comfortable boots I have ever laced up.  When I came across the Karraig Mid WP I was excited to get a new set of KEEN boots to love and abuse wherever I might find my next adventure.  Unlike the Summit Country insulated boots that are ideal for the colder winter months, the Karraig is a good 3-season boot that starts to venture into the 4-season boot.  The waterproof leather and performance mesh upper combined with the KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane makes these boots ideal for tromping through muddy creek bottoms, high desert trails, early morning dew covered foliage, snow, and everything in between.  Like all KEEN boots I have tried so far these boots are comfortable from the time you first put them on.  Most boots seem to lack on insoles and arch supports.  After a little while on your feet you are wishing that you would have swapped out the stock insoles for custom ones that support your feet.  Not with KEEN.  They take great pride in making sure your feet stay comfortable all day.  The Karraig boots fall right in line with their dual density EVA footbed with arch support insoles.  Your feet will have lasting comfort keeping you going the extra miles when you need your feet to not quit.

After the typical break in period of wearing the boots throughout the day in my normal routine I was thrilled to finally get out and really see how the boots performed in the real world.  The first test came in the form of a pheasant hunt.   A buddy called me up on a foggy, wet morning and told me to grab my lab and gear and meet him at his house right away.  He had a field that was holding birds, and yet to be hit.  I threw my stuff together, went to my closet and grab my boots, and right in the front were my KEEN Karraigs, begging to go.  I thought this would be the perfect way to give them a try before throwing them into the deep end of adventure in a sink or swim situation.  I slipped my feet in and with a little extra tugging and pulling in strategic locations, when compared to other lacing systems I was able to get the bottom of the boot tightened up before folding the locking eyelet into place on the laces.  At this point I could let go of the laces to get a better grip in a new location before securing them the rest of the way up and hitting the hook loops at the top.  The locking eye loops take a little getting used to and a little extra work to get snugged up but once you have them locked into place you don’t have to worry about your laces loosening up until you are ready to take your boots off.  Even when out walking around they help keep your feet securely in place.   With the Karraigs on I grabbed my Labrador and headed out the door.

The spot where we were pursuing our beautiful winged corrival consisted of waist high CRP with a creek bottom running through the middle of it.  The thick fog coated everything with a layer of condensation.  It wasn’t long into our walk that everything exposed was soaking wet as if we had jumped into the creek for a quick dip.  Everything that is except for my feet.  Throughout the two hours of walking through the CRP and attempting to jump the creek a few times, some of which were slightly unsuccessful, my feet stayed completely dry.  The KEEN.Dry and waterproof leather upper lived up to expectations.  We finished the successful hunt and headed back to the trucks to reward our hard-working dogs on a job well done, and to change into dry clothes for the drive home.

The next weekend I had a chance to test out the boots once again, this time in some more varying terrain.  I spent the day out chasing the ever-elusive coyote.  The roadrunner does not give these animals enough credit for their wiliness and smarts.  I headed out to some property along the river to try a few stands.  Each stand in this area consists of a fair amount of hiking.  Up hills, through marshy sloughs, through rocky ravines and up scree slopes.  This is the kind of terrain that these boots were made for!  Through all of the rough and varying terrain, often with only a part of my sole resting on any form of footing, I grew more and more confident in my Karraig boots.  The Keen.All-terrain+ outsoles with 4 mm multi-directional lugs gripped on the loose and often wet soil and rocks with authority.  The full-length shank and PU midsole combination gave my foot great support and comfort.  Walking over sharp rock edges and climbing on small footholds were done with ease.  The contoured heel lock and locking lace eyelets locked my foot securely into place.  Keeping my feet from moving around unnecessarily and causing hot spots that so often happen with many other boots I have worn.  The Karraigs more snug fit coming from the European make gave my foot the room it needs to move and be comfortable while limiting unnecessary excess movement that can cause issues.

I am fully sold on the KEEN Karraig Mid WP.  They are a very well-built boot for all terrain use.  KEEN combined a quality leather upper and thick rubber toe rand to give this boot a toughness that will hold up to all environments and abuse you will put them through.  This light-wight backpacking/ all around boot is perfect for the backpacker, day hiker, adventurer or hunter that is looking for a lightweight, waterproof ¾ season all around boot that will do everything with comfort and ease.  The more I use this boot the more I want to use it.  I can’t wait to get out again and see what I can put them through next.  With all of the adventuring I have done so far with them I have not been disappointed.  This boot hits all of the marks for what I look for in a good all-around boot that is made for the person that loves being in the outdoors.

Find It Here:

https://www.keenfootwear.com/p/M-KARRAIG-MID-WP.html

What Could be Done Better:

I give this boot 5 stars.

The only thing that I think could possibly be done any better with this boot, is add a little additional padding to the top of the tongue.  When I lace this boot up good and tight, the very top causes a little discomfort from the pressure digging into my high ankle.