Keen Hightrail EXP: first impressions
• List price: $150 / £125
• Weight: 13.8oz / 390g
• Materials: Ripstop mesh / leather / rubber
• Colors: Winter Moss/Gold Flame, Brindle/Birch, Black/Vapor
• Compatibility: Hiking / trail running
These hiking shoes, the latest low-cut offering from outdoor specialists Keen, aim to balance speed, stability and style in a versatile, lightweight package.
The all-new Hightrail EXP hiking shoes pack the features of a protective, heavy-duty hiking model into a shoe that could easily be mistaken for a trainer. They’re made from sturdy ripstop materials and breathable premium leather, which is kept dry by Keen’s own waterproof membrane.
Comfort-wise, the Hightail EXP features removable foam insoles and high-rebound foam cushioning, so you can enjoy a cozy, pain-free hike.
On the bottom of the shoes, all-terrain rubber outsoles aim to keep you upright with an aggressive lug pattern. The “Keen-traction” outsoles are both lightweight and flexible, so you can speed along on all manner of surfaces.
Keen Hightrail EXP: in the wilderness
For the past couple of months, I’ve been putting Keen’s all-new hiking shoes through their paces in Britain’s harsh winter weather. I’ve worn the Hightrail EXPs in the damp and boggy English hills and rocky pathways of Wales’s Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) national park.
Here’s how they performed:
Fit and comfort
From my first use, the Hightrail EXP stood out as remarkably comfortable. Upon stepping into these hiking shoes, your feet are greeted by the absorbent foam insoles. These thick, bouncy insoles pad the soles of your feet, cushioning them from any uneven terrain you may encounter.
The bridge and toes of your feet are supported by high-rebound foam cushioning, which wraps around them to provide a soft, slipper-like feeling on the trails.
The comfy cushioning was apparent whether I was ascending steep, rocky sections or negotiating thick mud, keeping my feet supported and pain-free over many miles of trekking.
These hiking shoes also fit very well. True to size, the Hightrail EXP slipped on with ease and hugged my heels to keep me firmly in place without ever feeling too tight.
The Hightrail experience was further improved by a generous, wide toe-box.
Crafting a narrow toe-box is one of the worst mistakes footwear manufacturers can make, and can often ruin a perfectly good trek. These flexible hiking shoes don’t suffer from such a problem and allowed my toes plenty of freedom.
Weight
Despite ample cushioning and several supportive features, the Hightrail EXP hiking shoes remain lightweight.
At just 13.8oz (390g), they weigh in at a similar point to other lightweight hiking shoes. The Salomon Outpulse, for example, which we rated as our favorite pair of lightweight hiking shoes, weigh 13oz (377g).
The Hightrail EXP's lack of bulk is noticeable in the backcountry, allowing you to trot along at speed without worrying about the weight.
Traction
Despite their minimal weight and casual design, the Hightrail EXP is more than capable of keeping you upright on harsh, uneven terrain.
The multi-directional lugs on the all-terrain rubber outsole dug into all manner of surfaces, stopping me from slipping in the mud and providing assured grip on steep, rocky pathways.
The outsole is also flexible, providing a feeling of freedom on the trails without sacrificing grip. For this reason, the Hightrail EXP can easily double as trail running shoes and don't feel out of place on a run.
Protection from the elements
To protect against the elements, these hybrid hiking shoes feature a PFAS-free waterproof membrane, which aims to allow vapor in while keeping your feet dry.
I put said membrane to the test on plenty of rainy days and even in the odd puddle.
The waterproofing passed with flying colors; my pair was submerged to the laces at several points during testing and kept my socks completely dry throughout.
As these are a low-cut pair, water occasionally snuck in near my ankles but didn't travel far, thanks to the Hightrail EXP's snug fit.
Breathability is perhaps the only area these hiking shoes don't ace. My feet felt fine for the most part but became a touch hot and bothered towards the ends of two long hikes.
While the breathability is passable, it doesn't quite reach the high standards that this pair sets itself.
A defensive rubber toe bumper also aims to fend off the elements, protecting the front of your feet from rocks and debris on the trail.
While it obviously doesn't offer the same protection as a steel cap, the rubber option is fine for most trails and successfully fends off annoying trail debris.
Price
At $150 / £125, the Hightrail EXP hiking shoes are comparable to other top-end lightweight hiking shoes like the Salewa Dropline and Salomon Pulse hiking shoes.
There are certainly cheaper models available, but for their excellent waterproofing, superb grip, and slipper-like comfort, I'd say the Hightrail EXPs are worth every cent.
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