Gear Review: Keen Newport Trail and Growler Boots by Ryan Alford
Last season, I had a chance to test the Keen Targhee II and the Ochoco – 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, I’m impressed all over again. Keen just makes a great shoe/boot.

First, the Newport combines the benefits of Keen’s 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 Newport’s 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 isn’t your everyday wool – it’s 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 boot…it’s constructed primarily for winter sports (hint, hint – 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 –25F degrees temperatures.



I enjoyed having the Growler when I was snowshoeing. I didn’t wear gaiters, which is something I never leave home without. Although the day’s conditions were mild and the snow wasn’t deep, the Growlers did their job – 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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© 2007 Alford Publishing
Development/Hosting by LivingstonCS, 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.
303.332.4993

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