Men’s KEEN Hightrail Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Review

Bottom Line

The KEEN Hightrail Mid Waterproof feels more like a cushy sneaker than a clunky boot. You can practically hike them straight out of the box with zero break-in headaches. Thanks to the boot’s mesh-forward upper, our testers felt totally dialed in after about 15 miles on-trail. 

The real star here is the high-rebound foam: it soaks up trail chatter and springs you forward on climbs. If you crave that plush, pillowy ride, the Hightrail delivers. If you’re after a barefoot-style, ground-feel experience, you’ll want to look elsewhere. Despite being waterproof, the boot still breathes surprisingly well, keeping your feet dry without roasting them. If you’re after a waterproof boot that hikes like your favorite sneakers, the Hightrail’s a solid pick. For more of our top-performing men’s hiking boots, check out our guide to the best men’s hiking boots.

How We Tested

Over several months, our team logged more than 200 miles in the Hightrail Mid Waterproof across two distinct regions: the rocky, root-strewn trails of the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia and the dusty, loose slopes of the Colorado foothills outside Golden. We evaluated break-in, comfort, traction, support, and waterproofing in both wet and dry conditions.

Comfort

If it’s out-of-the-box comfort you’re after, the KEEN Hightrail delivers. The mostly mesh uppers don’t require much of a break-in period. We also found the waterproof membrane breathable, so our feet stayed dry without turning into little saunas. Underfoot, the thick foam midsole swallows up pointy rocks and even adds a bit of spring to your step. That’s great news if you’ve got knee or lower-back issues and need extra cushion.

That said, the fit can be finicky. Our analysts in size 13 wides found the Hightrail’s narrow forefoot and toe box cramped their feet, both in width and length. The generous heel-to-toe drop felt a bit clumsy on flat ground and when we descended loose, gravelly slopes. During a multi-day trek through the soggy spring Appalachian Mountains, the Hightrail provided solid support under a 30 lb pack. 

If you crave an ultra-cushy ride, these boots deliver. But if you prefer a more natural, ground-hugging feel, they may feel too plush.

Ankle Support

We loaded a 30 lb pack and tackled a notoriously rocky, root-choked stretch of the Appalachian Trail in mid-spring’s lingering mud. Even with the Hightrail’s lighter, mesh-reinforced collar, we found impressive lateral stability—no slipping or wobbling when side-hilling or edging along wet roots. The boot’s tall, padded cuff wraps snugly around the ankle without feeling overly rigid, offering a reassuring blend of lockdown and freedom of movement.

Its sturdy lacing system locks the heel into the molded cup, preventing lift or slippage under load. 

It doesn’t feel as rock-solid as a full-leather boot, but the Hightrail strikes a smart compromise. KEEN gave it enough stiffness to ward off twists and rolls and enough give to keep your gait natural on uneven ground. For hikers carrying moderate to heavy packs through rooty, rocky terrain, this boot delivers confidence without sacrificing maneuverability.

Weight

The Hightrail Mid does a good job balancing sturdiness and lightness, tipping the scales at just 1 lb 13 oz per pair. It’s the lightest model in our lineup. On rocky Appalachian ridge walks and the loose, dusty slopes near Golden, Colorado, this weight felt more like a cushioned trail runner than a typical mid-height boot. We covered over 100 miles and didn’t notice the extra fatigue that heavier boots sometimes bring, even under a loaded pack.

That said, shaving ounces doesn’t come without compromise. The Hightrail’s lightweight build boosts agility on uneven ground, but it lacks the burly feel of full-grain leather options when you lean into steep ascents or scramble over boulders. If you’re prioritizing nimble footwork and minimal weight gain, the Hightrail’s light weight is a clear advantage – whether you’re moving fast on day hikes or chaining together multi-day legs.

Traction

The KEEN Hightrail Mid delivered sure-footed grip throughout our testing. Its multi-directional lug pattern did an okay job on wet roots and rocks and excelled on the loose, dry terrain we encountered in Colorado. During our section hike on the Appalachian Trail, the outsoles channeled mud and debris efficiently, giving us confidence when stepping over slick stones and buried roots. On the dusty inclines outside Golden, Colorado, the lugs bit in firmly, preventing slips even on aggressive lines.

That said, the lugs don’t dig in quite as well as boots with deeper, more aggressive lugs.

Weather Resistance

The Hightrail Mid offers moderate waterproofing thanks to Keen’s proprietary membrane, but it isn’t as impenetrable as third-party liners like GORE-TEX. In spring testing, the boot kept our feet dry during short water crossings, aided by the leather mudshield and thick midsole that lifts the mesh upper clear of shallow water. However, prolonged exposure revealed its limits: mesh sidewalls began to seep during longer stream fords, and our socks felt soggy after slogging through tall, wet grass.

While the membrane held up under intermittent splashes, it struggled when the mesh was constantly saturated. Our feet didn’t overheat during long days on the trail, but water got through over time, underscoring that this isn’t the boot for extended trout-stream wading or slogging through knee-high slush. If your hikes include occasional creek crossings or rain-soaked trails, the Hightrail will usually keep you comfortable. For truly relentless wet conditions or deep snow, however, a boot with a more robust waterproof liner may be a better choice.

Durability

In our experience, boots constructed entirely from full-grain leather tend to outlast those made mostly of synthetic mesh. It’s a general rule, though not without exceptions. The Hightrail blends both materials, placing leather overlays in high-abrasion zones—around the toe cap, heel counter, and lace eyelets—to shield against scuffs and extend lifespan. The remaining mesh panels reduce weight but can be more vulnerable to sharp edges. 

Despite this potential trade-off, we encountered no snags, seam failures, or quality-control issues during testing. The Hightrail showed no signs of premature wear.

Should You Buy the KEEN Hightrail hiking boot?

If you’re after a boot that blends sneaker-like comfort with support, the Hightrail Mid is a solid contender. Its cushy, high-rebound foam midsole and mesh-backed upper deliver an out-of-the-box fit ideal for day hikers and multi-day backpackers who value comfort. The reinforced leather overlays add durability where it counts, making it a reliable choice for mixed-terrain treks—from muddy Appalachian paths to dusty foothill jaunts.

However, if you’re chasing a ground-hugging feel, the Hightrail may feel too bulky or plush. The waterproof membrane performs well in short splashes but isn’t suited for extended water crossings or knee-high snow.

Overall, the Hightrail Mid represents strong value for hikers who need a versatile, comfortable boot that handles varied conditions without constant soreness or break-in woes. If stability, cushioning, and moderate weather protection top your priority list, this boot is worth a look.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

For more top-performing men’s hiking boots, head back to our guide to the best men’s hiking boots.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review: If you like the Hightrail’s blend of cushioning and waterproofing but want a slightly firmer ride, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX delivers. Its stiffer midsole and supportive chassis excel on technical terrain, yet it still feels nimble underfoot.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX Review: For those who prioritize long-term durability and robust ankle support, the Renegade EVO GTX is a standout. It’s a strong choice if you carry heavier loads or tackle rough, off-trail routes.

KEEN Targhee IV Review: For a classic KEEN hiking boot, try the Targhee IV – a sturdier leather hiking boot for day hikers.