Gear Up With KEEN TO TACKLE THE OUTDOORSFrom Trail To Street

Our long-time readers are surely already familiar with the Jasper Zionic and UNEEK, but don’t sleep on the overall strength of the KEEN catalog. Far from just outdoorsy offerings, the Portland company has assembled a sturdy roster that reaches into plenty of other verticals. As the holiday gifting season kicks into high gear and you’ve got to drum up the perfect gift to match plenty wildly different tastes and sensibilities, few brands are up to the challenge the way KEEN is.
 
To get serious for a moment, many of the “must have” gifts each season are here today and gone tomorrow, a concept that’s harder to swallow as environmental concerns come clearer into focus. That’s part of why the brand is so compelling for this time of year – sustainability is non-negotiable in their mission statement. Utilizing recycled, environmentally-friendly materials in their products and rejecting PFAs (forever chemicals) means any of the pairs in our guide are guaranteed to delight while resting easy on your conscience.
 
We took a deep dive into everything KEEN and compiled a list of our favorites for this Holiday season. Below you’ll find a range of five silhouettes to delight the daring explorer, those who just need a new everyday shoe, and everyone in between. You can also delve into the KEEN catalog for yourself to find an even more specific choice for that special someone.

Speaking of hiking styles, the Targhee IV is the latest in KEEN’s longest-running signature line. All the features you could want in a boot, from waterproof construction to rugged traction to all-day comfort, combine in an environmentally-conscious package. If you’re wondering what to grab for any adventurous folks in your life, get them the last hiking shoe they’ll ever need.

It’s never too early to start thinking about vacations. If you know someone whose ideal summer day looks less like a resort pool and more like hiking to secluded beaches, the Newport H2 is the perfect partner. The model aims at seamless transitions between the water and land with its quick-dry lining, durable hardware, and razor-siped outsole, providing total security in either environment.

Cozy slippers have been a reliable choice around the holidays for decades, but few can stand up to the dual purpose of the KEEN Howser III Slide. Blurring the line between slide and moc shapes, the model sports fleece lining and hardy rubber traction, equally fit as an extra layer on brisk winter mornings and as a slip-on for a quick errand run.

KEEN has been a leader in the hiking world for years, and you don’t get there without significant innovation. The NXIS EVO blends its durable tech with the feel of a runner, executed with heavy-duty traction below and breathable performance mesh up top. Simply put, you’ll never have to wonder if the EVO can stand up to what you’ve got on the docket.

Finally, the KNX Lace brings all the KEEN bonafides to everyday life. A refined leather upper combines with a barefoot-inspired, minimalist sole for the perfect blend of class and functionality. Plus, a cushioned insole and no-tie stretch laces mean that slipping in and out throughout your day is a breeze.