Snowshoe Magazine

Gear Review: Keen Newport Trail and Growler Boots

by Ryan Alford
View Printable Version	More by this Author

Last season, I had a chance to test the Keen Targhee II and the Ochoco â very impressed. This year I get to test the Newport Trail and Growler. Although these are more like boots rather than trail running shoes, I fell in love all over again. The Newport Trail and Growler rank high in my snowshoe arsenal. Again, Iâm impressed all over again. Keen just makes a great shoe/boot.

First, the Newport combines the benefits of Keenâs Newport Sandal with a hiking shoe. The Sandal is perfect for summer bouldering and river sports. The Newport Trail hiking boot is a comfortable fit, providing an usual combination of fabrics: leather, wool and textile mesh.

Another surprising feature is the Newportâs waterproof barrier. Keen uses a technology called eVENT. This allows the Newport to provide a breathable but strong layer of protection around your foot. Additionally, the wool isnât your everyday wool â itâs water-resistant too.

Other Newport Trail features, include:

*Razor sided multi directional outsole
*Compression molded EVA midsole
*Patented toe protection
*Metatomical low durometer EVA molded footbed

The Growler is my favorite from Keen yet. Perfect for snowshoeing, the Growler is more than just a hiking bootâ¦itâs constructed primarily for winter sports (hint, hint â snowshoeing). Its dual-climate rubber sole offers enhanced traction; it hardens in cold temperatures and softens in warm. In fact, the Growler is rated to keep your feet warm in â25F degrees temperatures.

I enjoyed having the Growler when I was snowshoeing. I didnât wear gaiters, which is something I never leave home without. Although the dayâs conditions were mild and the snow wasnât deep, the Growlers did their job â they kept my feet warm and the snow out.

Other Growler features, include:

*Waterproof barrier
*Thermal heat sheild footbed
*Carbon non-marking rubber outsole
*Dual climate temperature reacting rubber outsole
*Patented toe protection
*Dual density compression molded EVA midsole
*Torsion stability shank

For more information on Keen Footwear, visit http://www.keenfootwear.com.

© 2007 Alford Publishing
Development/Hosting by UnParalleled Systems, LLC

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Alford Publishing is prohibited. Alford Publishing and Snowshoe Magazine logos are trademarks of Alford Publishing. Snowshoe Magazine is wholly owned and operated by Alford Publishing.
All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 860
Golden, CO 80402
303.332.4993