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.
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