What is it?
KEEN Terradora II Waterproof Laides Hiking Boots RRP: £109.99
Stockists
Features
- KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane
- Performance mesh upper with overlays for a lightweight support
- KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip
- Low-density EVA midsole caters to a woman’s foot
- Breathable mesh lining
- Removable, dual-density EVA insole with arch support for long-lasting comfort
- KonnectFit heel-capture system for a locked-in feel
- Women’s-specific fit
- Anatomical flex grooves for natural movement
The verdict
I always like to ensure I’ve clocked up a good 20 – 30 miles before writing a walking boot review, which usually only takes about a month, but it’s taken me several months to complete a decent number of miles during lockdown as up until recently, most of my walks had been limited to easy local walks rather than more challenging ‘boots on’ hill walks and hikes.
After several recent walks in the Peak District, I finally feel able to bring you my verdict on what has to be said, are a great pair of walking boots.
The Terradora II as you might guess from the name, is the updated version of the super-popular KEEN Terradora. I am lucky enough to own a pair of the original Terradora boots and have spent the last 3 years using these as my hiking boot of choice. Being familiar with both models, makes it easy to draw comparisons and the Terradora II is a superior boot in several ways.
The main difference I believe is in the sturdiness of the Terradora II. The original feels like a very lightweight boot and when I was new to them, I wasn’t convinced they were up to the job of tackling a tough mountain hike in Scotland, but the lightweight boot did prove capable despite it looking and feeling more like a fair-weather trail hiking boot.
The updated boot is chunkier, but still surprisingly lightweight.
The updated Terradora II definitely feels and looks like a more substantial boot, but one of the big benefits of the Terradorra has always been their low weight, and despite the updated boot being much chunkier, it’s still surprisingly lightweight. Contributing to the more substantial look of the boots are the soles – a definite improvement, with better tread yet still maintaining good flexibility.
Styling
I’m a big fan of the Terradora II styling and absolutely love the range of colours that they come in. Their fabric and mesh design is what helps to make them so lightweight, but it also gives them their distinctive looks too, so if funky styling is important to you, then the Terradora II is likely to appeal.
Comfort
I love how KEEN boots fit me, they are always true to size and provide good levels of stability, my feet feel firmly held in place and the lacing system allows me to easily adjust the fit.
I overpronate and for anything longer than a half-day hike, I usually have to use custom orthotics. On our most recent 12k Peak District hike however, I kept the KEEN footbeds in (I forgot my orthotics), and during the whole hike, I only felt a twinge of discomfort in one arch, and that was right at the end of the walk.
Performance
Foot stability is excellent. I hiked up Shutlingsloe in the Peak District recently which is a walk with a steady ascent followed by a steady and prolonged descent and the boots performed well throughout.
I climbed up and down large rocks, and have walked on pretty much every surface you might come across on a typical UK spring hike, from muddy boggy ground to loose stones, and the boots leave me feeling sure-footed and confident in any terrain I’ve so far tried them in.
Splashing through streams and walking through mud is no problem in the Terradora II and the chunkier soul provided improved stability in the wet. It is worth stating though, it’s best only splashing through the shallows in the Terradora II and if the water is more than a couple of inches high, you might want to think again, but for most shallow stream crossings, they provide decent enough protection.
I’m not the most sure-footed of hikers and if there’s an opportunity to slip or turn an ankle, I can usually find it. On a walk this weekend I did go over slightly on one ankle, but the boots held firm and kept me adequately supported.
That said, they don’t provide the best levels of ankle support I’ve come across, but the ankle support is much improved from the original Terradora, and I’d rather sacrifice a wee bit of ankle support on the kind of moderate hill hikes I usually do and benefit from greater levels of flexibility and comfort.
My one and only minor niggle with the boots is the length of the laces which I feel are quite short, and I’m considering replacing them, so a more generous lace length would have been nice.
Final say
Quality 4.5/5 Looks 4.5/5 Performance 4/5 Value 4.5/5 Overall Rating 
(4.5 / 5)
Even better than the original, the Terradora II are excellent lightweight and highly capable walking boots that provide high levels of comfort and stability in moderately rugged to challenging hiking terrain.
The chunkier soles dramatically improve the performance of these boots and they provide good, although not exceptional levels of waterproofing.
For those seeking excellent levels of comfort and good levels of performance, the Terradora II won’t disappoint and represents excellent value for money.
DISCLOSURE | Thank you to KEEN who supplied the featured product to us to test. We were not paid to write this review.
Where to next?
- My Feet Have Never Been Happier Wearing KEEN Terradora Ethos Hiking Trainers
- KEEN Galleo Men’s Waterproof Hiking Boots – Review
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