I have worn Merrells for around 20 years now. They changed construction of the boots a few years ago. They used to called MOAB 2 and since the change they're called MOAB 3. I've read the change means a lot of the boot is made of recycled material. I need a wide boot a I understand KEEN builds their regular size boots wide. Anybody wear KEENS and care to comment on likes or dislikes with the brand.

Thanks, Jim

Just my opinion, but I also take a wide boot. I understand the difficulties in finding proper footwear sometimes. That said, I have tried a couple of pairs of Keen boots and haven't liked either. But that's just me. Others I know have nothing but good things to say about them, but in my experience they weren't comfortable.

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The best I can with what I got

I bought a pair of Keens to replace some old Merrill’s. The Keens have what they call a wide toe box. They seem to be comfortable, but, I couldn’t stand that duck foot look. The aerodynamics are terrible. I bought a pair of Merrill’s the first time I saw them on sale. I don’t really wear a hiking boot much. My day to day boot is Double H work boots.

Also wore Merrill’s for along time.
For example, they made a one piece leather hiking shoe which the Boss!
Then they switched to what I call margarita drinking shoes.
Have several pairs of Keens, their regulars are Wide!
Actually tried on a pair of EE Keens down at Cabelas. Told the clerk, I will now say words that very few people ever heard me say!
THESE SHOES ARE TOO WIDE!
They do have that kind of orthopedic appearance, but I guess the feet look that way!
I prefer the all leather, here my flop-slop around, yes, margarita Keens.
KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Oxford Casual Hiking Shoe

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Back when I worked I wore Keen Steel Toe work boots. I wore the wide ones and they were very comfortable. Never had the hiking boots so they may be different don't know.

I wear Keen boots twice a day when walking the dog. They are waterproof so far.

Have had good luck with Keen but my last two pair have been Oboz Bridgers. They come in wide. Best boots I’ve ever owned.

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SWCA #2922

I have wide feet. I had a pair of Keene's shoes. I think they were the Austin model. Goofy looking, big toe box. Very comfortable. Unless it's a formal occasion, can't say I care much what my shoes look like as long as they are comfy.

I loved my first pair of Keens, 6 - 7 yrs. ago, nearly wore the soles off them they were so comfortable. Second pair were just as comfortable but the uppers started to separate from the soles, goodbye waterproof. Gave them another chance because they were so comfortable, third pair were again very comfortable but the materials were awful, the uppers in the toe section were made of some kind of very thin fake leather that came apart like soggy paper walking through the thick stuff. Threw them away and now trying a pair of Merrells. Very comfortable and so far pretty tough. They have a little insulation in them which has been great this fall and winter but may need to find a lighter pair for the summer.
I was very disappointed that Keen's seemed to change their product a couple of generations in and not for the better. The sales person where I bought the Merrells said they had lots of complaints and Keen was supposedly making modifications. We shall see.

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Hand tighten only

The only boots I ever wore were issued. Loved the "jungle" brand boots.

I wore Merrell MOAB first generation boots for a long time. They were very comfy and durable. Then MOAB 2 which was somewhat less comfy and durable. MOAB 3 still moreso.

By happenstance I found Merrell Alverstones on sale for a very low price. Bought a pair, and I loved them. So I bought two more. These are shoes rather than boots, but they are extremely comfortable and durable shoes. The weakest link is their laces which have been replaced on the two pairs that I'm wearing. The third is still unworn in its box. I see they now have Alverstone 2. I guess that's why I got these cheap.

I need black leather boots (or shoes) for work. Merrell does make MOAB 3 in black leather, and they are okayish. Fairly comfortable and seem more durable than the suede / rubber version.

My wife likes Hoka, so I bought a pair of black leather Hokas. They are ugly but extremely comfy when new. However, they do not hold up well, and they are not inexpensive.

Then I saw an ad for Orthofeet boots. I decided to try some instead of more Hokas. The Orthofeet are less expensive than the Hokas. They seem to run a bit larger than most as the 12 I bought is really just a hair too large. The Orthofeet boots are really comfy, and so far they seem durable. They are also better looking than the Hokas.

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Or something like that . . .

Love my Keens. Also love my Merrells. They're both top quality, with prices to match. Which ever is available, and fits, will serve you quite well.

I second the Oboz. I wear a 14 Wide and the Oboz are the best fitting hiking boot I’ve ever worn. I bought both a low and a mid pair of Sawtooths. My Merrels haven’t been worn since and I never liked the fit of the Keens. Keens have a wide toe box but weren’t wide enough in the middle.

What defines a "hiking boot"?

Hiking is, basically, a long walk in the wilderness. The Danner USMC RAT boot contact overrun is what I have. Those things, are, literally, battle proven and VERY comfortable. Under $100 unissued on eBay.

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Thread Killer.

Thank you all for info and opinions. I refer to my shoe preference as "hiking boot" only to describe the style . I need the ankle support, but haven't done any real hiking since my dog got out of the yard about 15 years ago. I've got about a month before I walk through the soles of my current Merrells a make a purchase of what I finally select.

Never tried Merrells. I have been through a few pairs of Keens and like the fit and comfort. I have some shoes with one piece leather uppers. When I tried to replace them, found they were discontinued. I wore a pair of hiking boots for a number of years. The boots have held up, but the plastic lace hooks at the top have broken. The manufacturer would not do anything for me, so I had a local shoe repair guy replace them with metal ones.
Right now I am wearing some pull-on ankle high boots with the elastic panels in the sides. The generic term for the style is Chelsea boots. My SIL calls them elf boots. I wonder if there is a subtle dig in there. They are waterproof and insulated. I wear them year-round. I like them enough I bought a second pair, in brown.
My boy tends bar and is on his feet a lot. He swears by Keens.
I like the comfort and the light weight. The down side is their disposable nature. When the soles are used up after a couple of years, you have to throw them away.

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Not in jail.

Before buying Keens, I used Merrill Moabs for backpacking and as a general-purpose boot. I found that they broke down pretty quick, becoming very uncomfortable on hikes longer than a few miles. I switched to the Keen Durand with their bulbous toe box and been wearing the same pair since 2017. During that time, I've trekked all over the Sierras, the Himalayas, including Everest Base camp, etc. Still many more adventures left em. For me, I don't need to look further than Keen.

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213th FBINA

My first pair of Keens separated, but they replaced them with a new pair. Go to their website to see about returning yours.

I bought a pair of Keen sandals back in 2013 to use walking on sand and shell sea bottoms when we went on a cruise. They stayed wet for a week straight. Wore them on another cruise a year later where they stayed wet again for a week. I wear them as everyday shoes during the summer and except for the bottoms being almost smooth now, they are still solid, no busted seams or straps. I also have a pair of low-top Keen hiking shoes that lace up. I've been wearing them for 6 years and they look new except for a bit of wear on the soles. Keens are about as durable a brand as I've ever owned. They are also one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever had.

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I have worn out several pairs of Merrills Moabs over the years. I am lucky to live near a place called "Unclaimed Baggage" that has been around for 50 + years and I have been a sucker for the boot selection. I have two pair of Keens now and 3 pair of Moab's by Merrills in the closet. these current Keens are an upgrade in my opinion. I never believed anyone would outdo Merrill Moabs. After a long day in the mountains, my feet thank me for wearing the Keens.

Wore Merrills for years, then their quality slipped - had problems with soles separating. Switched to Keens, which were excellet, tough shoes with a nice roomy toe box, but I found their black sole material was marking my hardwood floors and the door sills on my cars.
I've switched to Oboz Firebrand and find it's the best fitting shoe I've ever had. Only downside is they're slippery on smooth wet floors.

I joined the Tulsa Ski Club and they also go hiking and camping in the slightly warmer months so I signed up for a trip to Colorado Springs to hike the Manitou Incline and then on up to summit Pikes Peak. I trained for a couple months on the Stairmaster and in a Boot Camp class at age 62 and also went to REI and got fitted for a pair of hiking boots and they were very knowledgeable and had me try on about 7 or 8 pairs and walk around the store and go up and down some steps. We decided Mid-high Soloman's were the best for me and the hike started with 14 people at 3am and we reached the Summit 10 hours and 22 minutes later. This was the middle of the July and we got pelted with hail and snowed on and it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life but it was also the most gratifying and my Solomans were comfortable and perfomed wonderfully all the way to 14,300 ft. I heartily recommend them.

https://www.rei.com/product/238131/s...ing-boots-mens