Your future on the trail is looking bright! The Verdi Mid Waterproof hiking boot from KEEN is a rugged and versatile go-anywhere hiker. It just prefers to go there a little bit quicker than your standard issue hiking boot.
Choosing the right hiking boot is a process of matchmaking. Every outdoor enthusiast has their own preference in terms of fit, style, features and height. Finding the perfect pair has everything to do with matching the shoes to your hiking goals and ambitions, in addition to finding the perfect fit. Available in both mid, and low-cut versions in an array of fun colorways for both men and women, the Verdi WP has proved to be as much about performance as it is a light-hearted and fun style.
On Performance and Design…
Slipping on the Verdi-Mid for the first time, one thought came to mind: I’ve owned sneakers that felt heavier than this hiking boot. Weighing in at a meager 12.1 oz with an aggressive non-marking rubber outsole, and a fit that drops the foot slightly closer to the ground than a standard hiker, the Verdi Mid feels like a supercharged flyweight hiker ready to tackle the terrain.
Comfort can be the make or break factor during a hike of any length. Luckily for you, the KEEN design team ensured that with the KEEN Verdi Mid Hiking Boot, you’ll never have to give comfort a second thought, freeing your mind to ponder the tracks in the mud or the raptors soaring overhead.
An internal torsion stability heel, TPU arch shank, and rugged mesh-and-suede upper all work in harmony to provide a light and lively hiking experience in your chosen outdoor playground. And should that chosen playground include a few puddles or streams, feel free to stomp around, since this boot comes equipped with KEEN’s proprietary KEEN.DRY waterproofing system. And don’t worry, if you lose yourself in the moment, the legendary KEEN toe bumper lends extra protection for those moments your head is in the clouds, but your feet get tangled in roots and rocks.
When you’re moving fast, you don’t always have time to worry about what’s underfoot. You just want to put one foot in front of the other and go. So KEEN outfitted the Verdi with grippy 4mm multi-directional lugs on a non-marking rubber outsole.
Across miles of varied terrain around Northern California, the Verdi has consistently provided solid traction, keeping me upright and stable even when taking the path less traveled. So wherever your day hike or weekend excursion takes you, the Verdi will serve you well.
One of the issues we’ve previously experienced with KEEN is, at times, an inconsistent fit across the spectrum of shoes, leaving the consumer wondering if they need to size up, down, or remain true to their size. The Verdi Mid however, provides an absolutely spot on fit. Add in a mid-height cut that protects the ankle and the traditional KEEN styled toe-box that leaves room for the toes to splay, and you’ve got a five star fit in this lightweight hiker.
Thoughts from the Trail…
One of the features we love about the KEEN Verdi Mid is that the boot drops the foot lower to the ground than similar light hikers. This offers the user a more natural connection to the trail – something that those accustomed to running in minimalist footwear will appreciate. The flip side of course is that it also offers less underfoot cushion than other boots in this category. If you’re part of the “less is more” crowd then, like our team, it’s a feature you’ll appreciate. If however, you typically enjoy more underfoot protection and plan on tackling long miles of aggressive terrain with a midweight pack, you may want to opt for one of KEEN’s other styles from the Trailhead collection.
Bottom Line…
Discover the freedom of lightweight, breathable hiking shoes with the KEEN Verdi Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots. You’ll enjoy out-of-the-box comfort, miles of blister-free wear, and that fast and light experience on the trail for which you’ve been hoping.
*Gumption Gear Review received the product samples featured in this review from KEEN. The item featured was provided solely in exchange for testing the product and providing our honest views and opinions. We received no other form of compensation for this or any related review.