Keen shoes and boots are instantly recognisable and people either love the look or they don’t. (It’s kind of like the Marmite boot of the walking world!) I happen to love the Keen design, from the big rounded shape to the chunky soles and to the funky-look lacing system. Strangely, you might think, that with my long, narrow feet, Keen would not be a good fit. But they are. Inside the boot is a wealth of support and cushioning, which makes the slightly over-size outer design the opposite of the internal fit. I would recommend these walking boots for people with all widths and sizes of feet because they seem to fit everyone I’ve asked. Aside from the looks, it’s performance that really matters.

I own several pairs of Keen boots and they last forever. I have been wearing one pair for dog walks through winters and on some wet and muddy summer days for more than five years and they are still waterproof, grippy and comfy. So, the Keen Durand walking boots, have been welcomed into my outdoor shoes cupboard. The mid ankle height boots are perfect for lower-level trail walks, both in summer and winter. They boast “KEEN.Dry”, a waterproof and breathable membrane. On my test walks in wet weather this has proved its worth. The outsole has good grip on mud and rocky trails and offers a good combination of stiffness and comfort. It’s hard to describe until you wear them, but the boots are perfect when walking on country paths and trails and from the first outing I felt that my foot was well supported and the traction was good. (Note, these are not the kind of boots you would wear on rough and rocky off-track mountain terrain unless it’s a fair-weather day or you were only walking on high-level paths in summer.)

The lacing system offers a good fit and the cushioned tongue ensures the boots do not rub or cause ankle pain. The Keen Durand boots come in men and women’s fit and in a wide range of sizes. They even have a UK8.5 for women (thank goodness!). Keen point out that the Durand is made slightly smaller than normal and advise that walkers choose a half size bigger. I would feel comfortable wearing these boots for trails, dog walks and to the pub. They look very different from other walking boots (which I like), feel ultra comfortable and offer high performance levels. The Keen Durand boots would be perfect for summer walking holidays, and where you are doing some trail walking combined with city sight seeing, or on alternative style trips, such as Southern Iceland Drive and Hike.

See Keen Footwear. The boots are priced £139.99