The Keen Obsidian WP shoes are waterproof – making it a great choice for snowshoeing – and durable enough for trail running. I first used the Obsidians during a trail run near the Snake River Lodge and Spa in Wyoming’s Teton Village (near Jackson Hole Ski Resort). After a tasty breakfast at the Lodge’s Gamefish Restaurant, I took a brisk morning run through the Teton National Forest. That day, I fell in love with a new pair of Keens.
Plenty of obstacles kept my run challenging and my footing was difficult to gain in some areas. The rocks were mossy and damp from the previous evening’s rainfall – trail conditions weren’t ideal but the weather was cooperating. Creeks were running high, the valleys were steeped with fog and Teton Village was slowly awakening for the upcoming day. But it was my trail run that helped me become more acquainted with the Keen Obsidians.
Although waterproof, the Obsidians are breathable and kept my feet dry with their seamless upper construction. The Obsidians bear the trademark Keen non-marking rubber outsole that curves over the toes. As always, this feature works perfectly in most pairs of snowshoes. However, during my trail running excursion (and many after that), the outsole protected my foot from several sharp rocks and tree branches that adorned the trail.
Later that day, I took the tram to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort – an elevation of 10,450 feet. At the top, I hiked down a snowy trail to view the famous Corbet’s Couloir. The top of the resort was snow-covered, windy and cold. But, of course, the Obsidians helped trudge through some ankle-high snowdrifts.
The Obsidians are like the sports utility vehicles of the shoe world – they work in any environment, snowy or otherwise. The laces are durable and form a tight fit, but it’s my suggestion to tie a double knot during a trail run. If not tied tight, the laces tend to become untied often during strenuous activity.
Something to note: The Obsidians run about a 1/2 size small.
Additional Features:
Torsion stability ESS shank
S3 heel support
Tri-density footbed
Removable metatomical Footbed
S3 Heel support structure
Seamless Upper
Soft flex TPU stone bruising plate
To purchase the Keen Obsidian WP shoes: http://bit.ly/9Uf5Aw.
For more information on the Keen Obsidian WP shoes: http://bit.ly/cGuT1j.
