Have had 2 pair of keens now - very comfortable, but they have problems with durability - the glue does not hold on the rubber and then they leak and come apart - staying away from them now unless they solve the glue problem
Hey Jim, thanks for commenting. Which Keens do you have? I also have the ambler and the gypsum. So far they’re holding up well. PS. I bought mine about 7 years ago, so these are the older model/batch.
Beat me to it! I've had 3 pairs of Keen and all of them fall apart prematurely. I refuse to buy anymore, which is a shame because I like their design and comfort.
@@grahamhere3790 I believe it was the targhee II or III. I bought two keens and both work out just as quickly. I just purchased a merrell moab vent 2 to try out this year. Hopefully the tread wears longer because keen really flattened out too quick imo, but otherwise it was a comfortable shoe.
@@XAVargasX0206 I think being comfortable out of the box is the main selling point of the Keens. That roomy toe box really helps with the (almost zero) break in period. I'm thinking of getting a pair of the Moab 2s, but my 3 pair of Keens and OG Moabs are still in great shape! :)
Yeah, these are the OGs. I bought them about 6 years ago, I mostly use my Ahnus and Keens for my hikes that’s why these Merrells still look nice. What’s wrong with the version 2.0? I’m thinking to get the the all black 2.0s.
@@grahamhere3790 To me, the V2s aren't nearly as comfortable, and seem to be less durable. I thought maybe I was imagining things and checked reviews at Zappo's, and quite a few people didn't like the newer version. The easy way to tell them apart is the V1 has two holes for the lace through the shoe at the top, and the V2 has only one hole. I used mine mainly for 2 mile walks on asphalt, and it was obvious right away. If you're going to use them for casual shoes they may be fine.
@@lext4374 What would you recommend for walking on asphalt and dirt baths? I have Altra Timp 2 shoes and you can feel the rocks through the heel portion of the sole. Cheers!
I have the version 2 merrells and can confirm the quality is very poor and disappointing, after 3 months of 5-6 days per week use the inside lining on the back of the heel had worn a hole in both shoes. And after 14 months they are going in the bin, they were actually ready for the bin quite a while ago but I didn't want to replace them as they were so expensive and not that old. would not recommend them at all.
hello thanks for the video, which of the two soles gives you more feeling with the ground? which is less rigid so as to allow the foot to move and feel more contact with the ground?
I think the MOABs feel more flexible. I tend to wear Keens when the terrain is muddy and wet as their outsoles are easier to clean to get the traction back.
@@grahamhere3790 😉tnx!... my usually tracks are dry (italian Appennino) and the wet terrain there is only near the streamsI think to choose Merrel then
@@grahamhere3790 Yeah!...I've done totally 40 km mountain tracks with Merrels, grass, rocks, perfect grip in wet...and all this in extreme comfort!...very accurate product, result of a very very good job from the brand. I advice not the waterproof but the VENT model, the leather is the most advanced and performing material for this type of use. keep dry the foot end not tired If it gets wet it takes a long time to soak up water thanks to the warmth of the foot and the nature of the material, and dries immediately when wearing them, you can use the VENT model even in the rain if you have a pair of gaiters, or bring a pair of spare waterproof shoes. In short, don't give up on these Merrels. Very nice advice Graham
The keens were darn near perfect, their comfort sure was. I loved the laces, at first. But they always untie themselves, due to being round, and, their texture. But, the soles completely failed. DE-laminated everywhere. Then ordered another pair, but inspecting them when they arrived, i could see the soles were going to a failure-waiting-to-happen again. You could see the poor glue quality. Last spring, i bought the Merrell. They are good, but not as comfy as the keen. But again, an issue developed, and in a sole too. But this time, it's a squeak with every step. It's so bad they are unwearable, as it's infuriating to hear. And the warranty doesn't sound promising. The store can do nothing, and i'd have to send them to Merrell to let them decide if they would even honour anything.
Yeah, it’s a common issue with Keens. They should’ve solved this problem by now. Luckily, my three pairs are still in good shape. Maybe I don’t really wear them much? You can probably solve the squeakiness by spraying the outsoles regularly with water mixed with distilled vinegar. I hope that helps! 👌
Have had 2 pair of keens now - very comfortable, but they have problems with durability - the glue does not hold on the rubber and then they leak and come apart - staying away from them now unless they solve the glue problem
Hey Jim, thanks for commenting. Which Keens do you have? I also have the ambler and the gypsum. So far they’re holding up well.
PS. I bought mine about 7 years ago, so these are the older model/batch.
Beat me to it! I've had 3 pairs of Keen and all of them fall apart prematurely. I refuse to buy anymore, which is a shame because I like their design and comfort.
Haven't tried merrell but the keens I've had always wear the tread out within a year or less.
Yea, it’s a common issue with Keens. I believe Merrell’s Vibram outsoles are more durable. What Keens did you have?
@@grahamhere3790 I believe it was the targhee II or III. I bought two keens and both work out just as quickly. I just purchased a merrell moab vent 2 to try out this year. Hopefully the tread wears longer because keen really flattened out too quick imo, but otherwise it was a comfortable shoe.
@@XAVargasX0206 I think being comfortable out of the box is the main selling point of the Keens. That roomy toe box really helps with the (almost zero) break in period. I'm thinking of getting a pair of the Moab 2s, but my 3 pair of Keens and OG Moabs are still in great shape! :)
I like both of these shoes, I’ve had Merrell before, my last shoes were Salomon x ultra 3 but I hate the look of the x ultra 4
Check out the new Moab 3s, they shape more like the version 1s. I didn’t know that there’s ultra 4 now.
I just looked at the x ultra 4 to replace my old x ultra 3 and didn't like them either. I just ordered the XA pro 3d. Hope they're ok!
@JohnKingLetterArt Ya, I like the older gen better as well. The newer ones felt narrower to me.
Keens i have tried always felt realy stiff
Compared to which brand/model? Maybe because of their thicker mid and outsoles?
Are the ventilators light like tennis shoes or heavy like working boots?
Tennis/running shoes are slightly lighter than the Moabs.
Are your Merrells several years old? They look like the first version, which was replaced with a far inferior (imo) Version 2.
Yeah, these are the OGs. I bought them about 6 years ago, I mostly use my Ahnus and Keens for my hikes that’s why these Merrells still look nice.
What’s wrong with the version 2.0? I’m thinking to get the the all black 2.0s.
@@grahamhere3790 To me, the V2s aren't nearly as comfortable, and seem to be less durable. I thought maybe I was imagining things and checked reviews at Zappo's, and quite a few people didn't like the newer version. The easy way to tell them apart is the V1 has two holes for the lace through the shoe at the top, and the V2 has only one hole. I used mine mainly for 2 mile walks on asphalt, and it was obvious right away. If you're going to use them for casual shoes they may be fine.
Wow, really? Thanks for the tip LexT! I thought the 2.0 are the slightly better.
@@lext4374 What would you recommend for walking on asphalt and dirt baths? I have Altra Timp 2 shoes and you can feel the rocks through the heel portion of the sole. Cheers!
I have the version 2 merrells and can confirm the quality is very poor and disappointing, after 3 months of 5-6 days per week use the inside lining on the back of the heel had worn a hole in both shoes. And after 14 months they are going in the bin, they were actually ready for the bin quite a while ago but I didn't want to replace them as they were so expensive and not that old. would not recommend them at all.
I perfer the Keens. I have wide feet with high aches and the Keens fit me much better.
Yes, though Merrell is now offering the MOABs in wide widths.
hello thanks for the video, which of the two soles gives you more feeling with the ground? which is less rigid so as to allow the foot to move and feel more contact with the ground?
I think the MOABs feel more flexible. I tend to wear Keens when the terrain is muddy and wet as their outsoles are easier to clean to get the traction back.
@@grahamhere3790 😉tnx!... my usually tracks are dry (italian Appennino) and the wet terrain there is only near the streamsI think to choose Merrel then
@@Andrea_Santamaria I'm glad could help. The Merrells will be perfect for your hikes. They look good too!
Enjoy and keep exploring!
-Graham
@@Andrea_SantamariaAwesome! Thanks for commenting Andrea, did you get the Moabs? Stay safe and enjoy trailing!
@@grahamhere3790 Yeah!...I've done totally 40 km mountain tracks with Merrels, grass, rocks, perfect grip in wet...and all this in extreme comfort!...very accurate product, result of a very very good job from the brand. I advice not the waterproof but the VENT model, the leather is the most advanced and performing material for this type of use. keep dry the foot end not tired
If it gets wet it takes a long time to soak up water thanks to the warmth of the foot and the nature of the material, and dries immediately when wearing them, you can use the VENT model even in the rain if you have a pair of gaiters, or bring a pair of spare waterproof shoes. In short, don't give up on these Merrels.
Very nice advice Graham
More vlogs outdoors please☺️
How is the toe box on both of the shoes?
The Keens are a tad more roomy. You can get wide widths on the Moabs. They feel like you’re wearing regular snickers, size wise.
My Merrell always fall apart. Might as well be Walmart shoes
Merrells are superior
I think they are, style wise.
Yap moab ONLY Change The color 😁🙏👌🇵🇹
The keen targahee are stiff and uncomfortable. They rub around ankle.
Try to tighten the last pair of holes to lock the shoe to your ankle. Also, you can apply leather lotion to the ankle part.
The keens were darn near perfect, their comfort sure was. I loved the laces, at first. But they always untie themselves, due to being round, and, their texture. But, the soles completely failed. DE-laminated everywhere. Then ordered another pair, but inspecting them when they arrived, i could see the soles were going to a failure-waiting-to-happen again. You could see the poor glue quality.
Last spring, i bought the Merrell. They are good, but not as comfy as the keen. But again, an issue developed, and in a sole too. But this time, it's a squeak with every step. It's so bad they are unwearable, as it's infuriating to hear. And the warranty doesn't sound promising. The store can do nothing, and i'd have to send them to Merrell to let them decide if they would even honour anything.
Yeah, it’s a common issue with Keens. They should’ve solved this problem by now. Luckily, my three pairs are still in good shape. Maybe I don’t really wear them much?
You can probably solve the squeakiness by spraying the outsoles regularly with water mixed with distilled vinegar. I hope that helps! 👌
holy shit i fell asleep
You need it! 👌