A breakup letter to Keens
Dear Keen,
For 16 years, you have been my trusted companion. We have hiked hundreds miles, over mountains and deserts, on land and sea. We traversed continents. You fit like my other half, molding to my foot with utmost comfort. I never had to shrink for you- you never judged my width, allowing me to be relaxed. “Break in” had no meaning here- we never broke each other, just protected and cushioned from the harsh world of sharp stones and uneven ground.
So when I heard the rumors that you were coming apart- losing your sole so early, I disregarded them. After all, we had a decade and a half of building trust.
When it came time for one of my biggest trips yet, of course I brought you, my trusted companion. 10 miles down into the grand canyon when the unthinkable happened- you came unglued, you tried to hold on by the tips of your toes, flapping on stones before completely coming apart. Both of you at once- in synchronicity, separating, and leaving me vulnerable- with 3 more days and 16 more miles left to go.
I was left with a light foam with no tread as I scaled class 3 rock climbing, swam under waterfalls, and prayed over the stitching every night.
I depended on you, and you let me down. You have broken our pact of trust.
I regret that I will be moving on and trying new brands. It’s been a good 16 years, but I need a shoe I can rely on.
Sincerely,
bigfoot
Photo of my collection of Keens with the offending sandal in the bottom right hand corner. The backpacking trip where the alpine divorce happened was havasu falls. It literally came apart as I reached the first waterfall. I had read about this happening in recent eviews, but I never thought it would happen to me. :(
EDIT: adding a list of other brands recommended by commenters:
Oboz
Salomon
Chacos (also another commenter said they’ve gone downhill)
Merrels (moabs in wide)
Danner leafs (trail runners)
Lemas (barefoot/zero drop with wide toe box out of Colorado)
Zamberlans (need a significant break in period, resolable)
Hokas
Lowa Renegade is an incredible shoe. As are Scarpas and La Sportiva albeit pricey. Meindl are still extremely popular in Central Europe. Hanwag (ironically founded the brother of the Lowa guy) has old-school ass shoes, extremely good quality