The snow conditions haven’t been kind to snowshoers this season. That’s no secret. For those lucky enough to have snow, they had to creative with finding the right trail.
My story for the 11/12 season is no different: I had to search for snow in the higher altitude. In Colorado, thin air isn’t hard to find, but finding the right gear to get you near the good snow is somewhat of a challenge. KEEN’s Revel boots have survived the long haul… through the high altitude, snow-blown frozen terrain and the deep powder of the Continental Divide.
As usual, KEEN boots are perfect for snowshoeing, but the Revels seem purpose-built for snowshoers—more than the company’s typical patented toe protection (the shoe’s outsole wraps up over the toes). This feature is why I love KEEN shoes and boots; it’s perfect for most snowshoe bindings and helps prevent pinching of the foot.
I compared the Revels to my much-loved KEEN Oregon boots, which outlasted last season’s many travels to Glacier National Park and Quebec City. But the Revels far outperform the Oregon boots (and most of the big brand boots that are piled in my closet). For one, the Revels are a lighter boot. This is a snowshoer’s top priority: lightweight gear.
The Revel boots are not only comfortable but they are watertight and fit most snowshoe bindings without pinching and twisting. Without a snowshoe attached to the Revel, it’s a boot that can hike aggressively on rocky terrain… and take on the same terrain that’s covered in ice.
Reporting on many of the season’s snowshoe races – and without my snowshoes in some instances – I had to trudge through the snow to reach the best places for photography. The deep snow was tough to “post hole” through, but the Revel’s traction system helped me get through it all. Despite the outer shell being completely soaked, the inside of the boots remained dry and warm.
The Revel’s KEEN.Dry waterproof beathable membrane, waterproof nubuck, compression molded EVA midsole, dual climate and ice traction rubber outsole, Heat Trapulator underfoot insulation system, and wool felt footbed combine to create what snowshoers need on the trail.
For more information on the KEEN Revel Boots, visit http://bit.ly/Ajj8KU. To purchase a pair of the Revel boots (men’s), click here. Read the review of the Revel boots for women, click here.
I find with with my size 7 boots in a snowshoe binding my heels slip out without a boot that does not have a nub of rubber to hold strap on. why not add this small nub to a quality boot,I;m still looking.
Brad, KEEN makes other boots that might work better for snowshoe binding heel straps, such as the Targhee II Mid or the Oregon. I would also look into Kamik, Sorel and Vasque for great boot choices.