A contoured ‘support skeleton’ ensconces the upper on the APhlex, a new boot from KEEN this fall. We took the waterproof (and lightweight) high-tops hiking and on a hunting trip into the Rocky Mountains.

It was somewhere during the 1,000-foot descent through a steep, slippery aspen grove that I decided the KEEN APhlex ($160) is a magnificent boot. And while the ankle-rolling, knee-twisting capability of the down-climb cemented my opinion, I’d been loving these boots since the first day I slipped them on.
Light, moderately supportive, and supple, the Aphlex is a great boot for times when a trail running shoe just won’t quite cut it.
Light Hiking Vs. Trail Running
To be clear, I love trail running shoes for hiking on trail. But when the going gets tougher and trail gives way to bushwhacking and loose, steep terrain, a high top boot excels.
