KEEN Aphlex Waterproof Boot | Performance

The distinctive Aphlex doesn’t look much like a traditional KEEN boot, but then again it doesn’t look much like anything else either.

The plastic overlay reinforcement on the fabric uppers has an interesting sci-fi sort of vibe going on,  very inter-galactic star fighter, but has a functional role to play too: along with the heel and toe caps, it adds durability to the soft, fabric mesh uppers.

You still get reasonable support though and good heel hold thanks to the exo-skeletal band linking heel and lace hooks. Reminiscent of an earlier generation of Salomon hiking boots in fact, though you’ll need a long memory to recall those.

Light And Cushioned

The boot’s decently light too, a smidgeon under 1100g for a pair of size 43s, and that pays off on longer days when it feels properly nimble on the foot.

What it isn’t is a traditional, stiff-soled mountain boot. There’s reasonable support underfoot and the EVA mid-sole gives good cushioning on hard surfaces, but if you favour a more platformed sole feel for standing on lumps of rubble or toting a big pack for long distances, you’ll want to look elsewhere – KEEN’s classic Durand is still flexible, but a better option if you like KEEN’s fit and feel.

Speaking of which, the fit is less voluminous than original, first generation KEEN hikers, more medium volume forefoot than humungously wide, so you’ll need to look elsewhere in the brand’s range if you have feet like a giant duck.

Waterproofing

The boot gets a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane which is good as far as it goes, which is precisely as high as the fourth lace-hook down, or around ankle bone level. Step in a puddle or stream deeper than that and the water floods over the tongue and into the boot.

And finally, while the rubber sole compound grips well on hard surfaces, the light tread can struggle on sloppy, soft stuff making it best for spring though to autumn use in wetter areas.