KEEN Men's Durand II Mid Waterproof Review: wide-foot friendly tank for real hikes

I’ve been using the KEEN Men’s Durand II Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot (Cascade Brown/Gargoyle, size 11) as my main hiking boot for a while now. I bought it because I have slightly wide feet and was tired of squeezing into boots that felt fine in the store and then wrecked my toes after 10 km. I wasn’t looking for something pretty, just something that would keep my feet dry, supported, and not destroyed after a full day out.

First impression out of the box: it looks like a proper boot, not one of those lightweight trail shoes pretending to be a boot. The sole is chunky, the leather feels thick, and the toe protection is classic KEEN – big, rounded, and built to take hits. It’s not a small boot, so if you want something super light and sleek, this is not it. But if you want something that looks like it can handle rocks, roots, and mud, it fits that bill.

On the first hike, I did about 8–10 km of mixed terrain: some rocky trail, some wet grass, a bit of mud. No real break-in needed for me. The leather was a bit stiff at the ankle for the first hour, but nothing that caused rubbing or blisters. The main thing I noticed was the room in the toe box and the general feeling of stability. My foot felt locked in at the heel, but my toes weren’t getting crushed on descents, which is usually my problem.

So overall, my starting point with these boots is: they’re clearly built for real use, not just casual walks around town. They’re not perfect, and there are some trade-offs in weight and bulk, but if you’re after a tough, waterproof hiking boot and you don’t have narrow ballerina feet, they’re worth a serious look.

Price-wise, the KEEN Durand II sits in that mid-to-high range for hiking boots. It’s not bargain-bin cheap, but it’s also not at the extreme premium level of some European brands. For what you’re paying, you’re getting USA-made construction, full leather, a real waterproof membrane, and a design that actually works for wide or problem feet. If you just want something for occasional short walks on flat paths, this is probably overkill and not the best value for you.

Where the value makes sense is if you actually put boots through real use: longer hikes, backpacking, muddy trails, yard work, or jobs where you’re on your feet outside. In that context, paying a bit more for a boot that’s comfortable out of the box, supports your arch, and doesn’t fall apart quickly is reasonable. I’ve wasted money on cheaper boots that felt okay at first and then started leaking or breaking down within a season. In comparison, this feels like money better spent.

Compared to something like the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid, the Durand II is heavier and more old-school, but more supportive and rugged. The Merrell is better if you want light and agile; the KEEN is better if you want solid and protective. For everyday wear and light hiking, a cheaper or lighter boot might be enough. For mixed use (hiking + lawn care + general outdoor work), this KEEN makes more sense.

So in terms of value, I’d call it good but not mind-blowing. You’re paying for durability, support, and a wide-friendly fit, not for style points. If those things matter to you and you actually use them regularly, the price is justified. If you’re just going to wear them to the mall, then yeah, you’re overbuying.

The design of the Durand II is very much “form follows function.” The first design choice that stands out is the wide toe box. If you’ve ever had your toenails smashed on downhill sections, you’ll notice the difference right away. KEEN keeps that trademark big rubber toe cap, which looks a bit bulky but actually saves your toes when you kick a rock or root. For me, this is the main selling point: it doesn’t feel like the front of the boot is trying to pinch my foot into a narrow shape.

The mid-height shaft hits at the ankle and gives enough support without climbing too high up the leg. There’s a set-back lace hook near the ankle that helps pull your heel into the back of the boot. In practice, this works well: I can cinch the lower part tight around the heel and keep the upper part a bit looser for comfort. It’s a small design detail, but it really helps if you have slightly different-sized feet or you’re trying to avoid heel slip and blisters on long descents.

The outsole design uses multi-directional lugs, around 4 mm deep, that give solid grip on mud, wet grass, and rocky sections. The tread pattern is pretty aggressive compared to more casual boots. It’s also non-marking rubber, which matters only if you’re wearing them indoors or on finished floors, but it’s there. There’s also a shank inside for stability, which you mostly feel as the boot not folding in half when you’re stepping on uneven rocks or roots.

Visually, the boot is pretty basic: dark brown leather, black and grey trim, nothing flashy. I’d call the design practical and slightly bulky. If you want something sleek and "urban", this isn’t it. If you want something that looks like it can handle real trails and doesn’t squeeze your toes, the design choices make sense. It’s clearly built for people who care more about fit and support than about looking stylish on city streets.

Comfort is where these boots stand out for a certain type of foot. If you have wide feet, a higher instep, or just hate cramped toe boxes, this boot makes a big difference. I could feel right away that my toes had room to spread, especially on descents. I didn’t get that numb, squeezed feeling I often get with narrower boots. The heel locks in nicely when you use that set-back lace hook, so you’re not sliding forward into the front of the boot all the time.

Out of the box, they were surprisingly wearable. I did a medium-length hike on day one, around 8–10 km, and came back with no blisters and no hot spots. The ankle collar has enough padding, and the tongue doesn’t dig into the top of the foot. The removable insole with arch support is decent. It’s not some high-end orthotic, but for a stock insole, it’s better than average. If you have very specific arch needs, you’ll probably still swap it, but I didn’t feel like I had to do it immediately.

That said, don’t expect running-shoe comfort. This is a solid, supportive boot, and you feel that in the weight and stiffness. On long days, the support is nice because your feet don’t feel like they’re bending over every rock. But if you’re used to lightweight trail runners, you’ll notice the extra mass every step. After a few hikes, I got used to it and actually liked the planted feeling, but it’s something to be aware of.

In warm weather, your feet will get hot. The KEEN.DRY membrane breathes okay for what it is, but it’s still a waterproof boot with leather. In cooler conditions or wet environments, the comfort is great. In midsummer heat, it’s more of a trade-off: dry and protected, but warm. Overall, I’d say comfort is very good for wide or problem feet, especially if you need room in the toe and support under the arch. Just don’t expect the light, bouncy feeling of a sneaker.

Material-wise, KEEN didn’t go minimal here. The upper is 100% leather, and you can feel it. It’s not thin decorative leather; it feels thick and slightly stiff out of the box. That’s good for durability and support, but it also means this is not a flexible trail runner. Over a few hikes, the leather softened up a bit without losing structure. You’ll want to use a leather cleaner and conditioner, especially if you walk in mud or salty slush, because lighter parts can mark up and dry out if you ignore them.

The outsole is full rubber, not some soft foam hybrid. That’s why the grip is good and why the boot has some weight. The 4 mm lugs are deep enough to bite into soft ground but not so huge that you feel like you’re walking on cleats. For rocky trails, the rubber feels grippy enough and doesn’t slip easily on wet rock, at least in my use. The midsole and insole combo uses dual-density cushioning with a removable insole. The insole has a proper arch, not crazy high, but enough that I didn’t feel the need to swap it out immediately, which I usually do.

Inside, there’s the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane. In practice, that means your foot sits inside a waterproof sock that’s built into the boot. I’ve walked through wet grass, shallow streams, and slushy snow, and my feet stayed dry. Breathability is decent for a full leather, waterproof boot, but let’s be honest: if it’s hot out, your feet will still be warm. That’s just how this type of boot works. For cool to moderate temperatures, it’s fine.

Overall, the materials feel like they’re chosen more for durability and support than for low weight. Leather, rubber, solid hardware, and a functional membrane. On the downside, that adds bulk and warmth. On the upside, it feels like a boot you can beat up for a couple of seasons without the upper collapsing or the sole turning into mush.

In terms of durability, these feel more like a work boot than a fashion boot. The thick leather upper and solid stitching give you some confidence that they’re not going to blow out after one season. The rubber toe cap also takes the brunt of kicks and scrapes, so the leather at the front doesn’t get shredded as fast as on some other boots. After use in mud, wet grass, and some rocky sections, mine have scuffs but nothing that affects function.

The outsole is proper rubber, and it doesn’t seem to be wearing down too quickly. The lugs still look defined, not rounded off, which is a good sign. I’ve had cheaper boots where the tread started flattening after a few months of regular use. Here, it feels more like a boot you can use for a couple of years if you’re not abusing it every single day on concrete. The stability shank also means the boot keeps its shape better and doesn’t fold in weird spots as it ages.

One thing with leather: you do need to maintain it. KEEN even tells you to use a leather cleaner and conditioner, especially on lighter colors. If you ignore that and constantly soak them in water and mud, the leather will dry, crack, and look tired faster. I’ve been wiping mine down after really wet hikes and throwing on conditioner now and then, and so far they’re aging normally, just picking up the usual creases and marks.

Based on my use and what other buyers say (like the person who retired an older pair after about two years), I’d say the durability is good for the category. Not indestructible, but definitely not flimsy. If you want a boot you can wear for hiking, yard work, and general outdoor stuff without babying it too much, this fits. Just don’t skip basic leather care unless you’re okay with them looking rough earlier than necessary.

On actual trails, the Durand II behaves like a proper hiking boot. The KEEN ALL-TERRAIN outsole with 4 mm multi-directional lugs grips well in most conditions I’ve tried: muddy paths, wet roots, packed dirt, light snow, and slush. It’s not magic on slick, polished rock (nothing really is), but it’s better than a lot of cheaper boots I’ve used. The tread pattern sheds mud fairly well; you don’t end up with a giant mud brick stuck to your foot after every step.

Support-wise, the stability shank and firm midsole make a clear difference when you’re side-hilling or stepping on uneven rocks. The boot doesn’t twist easily, and your foot doesn’t feel like it’s folding over edges. For longer hikes or if you carry a backpack, that extra support matters. I’ve done full-day outings with a moderate pack, and my ankles felt more secure than in lighter shoes. The trade-off is less flexibility, but that’s kind of the point of this category of boot.

The waterproofing is legit. Between wet grass, snow, and ankle-deep puddles, my feet stayed dry as long as I didn’t go over the top of the boot. The membrane also blocks wind pretty well, so your feet stay warm in cold, wet conditions. Breathability is okay, but on warm, humid days, your socks will still be damp from sweat. That’s normal for waterproof leather boots. If you mostly hike in hot, dry climates, this might be overkill; if you deal with rain, mud, or slush, the performance is worth the extra warmth.

Overall, I’d rate performance as pretty solid for real hiking and light work. It’s not a fast, nimble shoe, but it’s stable, grippy, and genuinely waterproof. For backpacking, rough trails, and even yard work or lawn care on uneven ground, it gets the job done without drama. There are lighter options out there, but if you prioritize grip, support, and dry feet, this boot holds up well.

When you pull these KEEN Durand II boots out of the box, they feel like work gear more than a lifestyle product. The color I have, Cascade Brown/Gargoyle, is basically dark brown leather with darker grey/black accents. It’s pretty neutral and doesn’t scream for attention, which I like. They look like boots you’d wear for actual hiking, lawn care, or light work, not Instagram photos. No fancy patterns, just leather, stitching, and that big KEEN rubber toe.

The build looks solid: double stitching in the key areas, a thick rubber outsole with pretty aggressive 4 mm lugs, and a mid-height shaft that hits around the ankle. They use speed hooks for the top part of the lacing, which makes getting in and out of them faster. There’s a noticeable heel lock area and a padded collar that feels supportive without being a brick against your leg. Inside, the removable insole has a decent arch and doesn’t feel like a flat piece of foam.

On the scale, they’re not featherweight. You notice the weight in your hands compared to something like a light Merrell trail shoe. But on foot, it’s more of a “solid” feeling than “clunky,” at least for me. If you’re coming from running shoes, you’ll feel the difference. If you’re used to traditional hiking boots, this feels pretty normal. They’re made in the USA, which some people care about; personally, I just care that the build doesn’t fall apart after one season.

So in simple terms: presentation is all about function. Thick leather, chunky sole, wide toe, mid-height shaft, and practical lacing. Nothing super fancy, nothing that feels cheap either. It looks like a boot designed to be used hard, not babysat.