14 SHOOTING SPORTS MAGAZINE
GENERAL | PRODUCT TEST
CONTACT:
KEEN DURAND
WP MID
0800 2255 5336
keenfootwear.com
FOR
Build quality,
general utilityBit uglyAGAINST
VERDICT
A top quality
lightweight
boot suited
to all weather
conditions
and needsKEEN Durand WP Mid
Available in 6 – 12UK
(including half-sizes) plus 13UK
❚ Colour Options: Magnet/Clay Red
(as shown), Raven/ Tawny Olive and
Cascade/ Gargoyle
❚ Price: SRP£
❚ Contact: KEEN Footwear
0800 2255 5336
❚ http://www.keenfootwear.com{ }TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Durand Durand
Pete Wadeson tests some low slung
footwear and discovers a quality,
all-season boot that will
suit all hunters
T
he availability
of outdoor
footwear has
increased dramatically in
a relatively short time! A
brand that has make headway
in the last couple of years is KEEN.
Having tested and reviewed their
Pyrenees and Delta Boots I’m now
fortunate enough to report on the
latest addition to their range – The
Durand WP. Available in mid-height
(featured) or ‘low’ editions, classed as
‘hiking’ boots they are KEEN’s fi rst
American manufactured offering.DESIGN TRAITS
Measuring 7 ¼” ” at the front and
dropping to 5 ¾” at the rear is just
one feature that helps them be so
comfortable. In fact the key word here
is ergonomic! A word I don’t use
lightly but one look at the overall
design clearly indicates how they’ve
been well thought out.
The Durand feature a unique
direct-inject construction technique
that is used to attach a premium
Nubuck leather and breathable mesh
upper directly to the midsole giving
rugged durability. A KEEN.DRY
waterproof, breathable
membrane is also
incorporated into
the build to
ensure
protection and
comfort in all
weathers and
conditions.
Extra outer
protection is
clearly seen and
supplied to the
boot at the toe cap
and rear while the top
and side sections have a
well confi gured and
generous amount of inner
padding.
A PU blended midsole offers
incredible underfoot shock
absorption and cushioning while anintegrated heel cushion is locked
directly into the insole to support the
foot where it’s needed most. This
ergonomic design of the footbed itself
is clearly in evidence felt by way of the
comfort it offers while walking. As a
matter of interest – the company
claim results from laboratory
controlled compression testing
demonstrated that even after one
million steps, KEEN’s PU midsole
compressed by just 3% versus more
than 50% compression in a traditional
EVA midsole. Not only very impressive
on paper but during ‘real-time’ usage
one you certainly feel the benefi ts of.ALL-TERRAIN
Designed to perform on a wide variety
of terrain, the dual-compound outsole
uses an outer edged rubber
composite specifi cally engineered to
maximise edging and grip, whilst the
centre unit features a modifi ed rubber
blend to maximise durability in high
wear areas. Also the lightweight TPU
shank adds even more stability and a
high level of mid-foot support, while
the deep cut and generously sized
cleat layout includes a very practical
toe rise.
The Durand uses a unique and
cleverly designed lacing system to
draw the boot snug to your foot and
upper ankle. This consists of 3 pairs
of captive wide Nubuck loops integral
to the build, then a pair of similarly
constructed set-back lace retainersthat also have a metal border for extra
strength. Moving higher up there are
then a pair of captive ‘hinged’ metal
retainers and fi nally a pair of speed
hooks.
Behind this is the generously
padded articulate tongue which
couples with the wide throat and
unique lacing system to allow you to
get in and out of the boots quickly and
easily.The KEEN Durand WP Mid Edition hiking boot is a very appealing option for the active
hunter and suits a wide variety of terrain and hunting situationsDesigned to
perform on a wide
variety of terrain,
the Durand
features
a dual-
compound
outsole
specifically
engineered
to
maximise
edging
and grip The Durand uses a cleverly designed
lacing system that ‘draws’ the boot snug
to your foot and upper ankle