The KEEN Hightrail EXP Waterproof is a lightweight, low-cut hiking shoe built for wet, mixed trails. Its cushioning and grip earned a positive hands-on review on muddy English hills and rocky Welsh paths, and the reviewer’s test pair kept water out when submerged to the laces. The main trade-offs are limited breathability on long hikes and the possibility of water entering over the low collar. Fit feedback is mixed, so try it with your hiking socks rather than relying on a universal sizing rule.
What the KEEN Hightrail EXP Waterproof is built for
KEEN’s UK listing describes the men’s Hightrail EXP Waterproof (style 1030868) as a low-cut hiking shoe with a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, ripstop mesh upper with overlays, a leather mud shield, and PFAS-free DWR. Underfoot, it has a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with multidirectional lugs, high-rebound foam cushioning, and a removable foam insole. KEEN calls the fit “Contoured Fit,” meaning comfortably snug. KEEN’s UK product listing gives the construction details.
At 390 g (13.76 oz) per shoe, according to KEEN’s UK listing, it is a relatively light option for day hikes. Advnture also lists 390 g (13.8 oz) per shoe. Weight alone does not establish how a shoe will feel on every foot, but the combination of cushioning and a flexible low-cut build suits hikers who want more protection than a casual trainer without a boot’s height.
How it feels on the trail
Cushioning and comfort
In a hands-on review published March 20, 2025, Advnture’s Will Symons reported that the shoe felt comfortable from first use. He found its cushioning useful over uneven ground, with a secure heel and generous room at the toes. That supports the “slipper-comfy” idea for his feet and test hikes, not a guarantee that every wearer will get the same fit or break-in experience. Read the Advnture review.
#1 Best Overall
- Add some speed to your day hike. If you're looking for classic leather hiking shoes but want to move at a quicker pace, these KEEN Hightrail EXP Waterproof shoes can bring you both. A sneaker-like design fuses with the durability of water-resistant l
- Heel pull tab.
- Round toe shape.
- KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip and sure footing in the most rugged terrain.
Grip on mud and rock
KEEN says the outsole’s multidirectional lugs are designed to dig into dirt, mud, and rock. Symons reported staying upright on muddy ground and feeling assured on steep rocky paths in Wales. That is useful real-world field feedback, but it is not a standardized traction test; conditions, gait, and outsole wear can change results.
Is it waterproof enough for wet hikes?
KEEN describes the KEEN.DRY membrane as waterproof and breathable. In Symons’s field test, his pair stayed dry after being submerged to the laces at several points. He wrote, “The waterproofing passed with flying colors; my pair was submerged to the laces at several points during testing and kept my socks completely dry throughout.” He also reported that water sometimes entered near the ankle because the shoe’s opening is low. A waterproof membrane cannot block water that comes in over the collar, so this shoe is not equivalent to a waterproof mid-height boot in deep puddles or high vegetation.
Rank #2
- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Durable leather stands up to the elements and is sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, the gold star in environmentally preferred leather; Cleaner shoes for a better planet
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water into these hiking shoes for men
- TRACTION & FOOTBED: KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip and sure footing in the most rugged terrain; Removable responsive footbed for long lasting comfort that doesn’t compress quickly; High-rebound cushioning enhances movement
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Stability shank offers lightweight underfoot support for improved mobility on uneven surfaces, Lightweight KEEN LuftCell technology cushions every step with micro air pockets in the sole for incredible lightness and rebound
- FIT & CARE TIPS: KEEN Contoured Fit curves with the natural shape of the foot for a more secure fit; Gently brush with a soft damp sponge to remove loose dirt; Treat stains right away with a gentle cleaner; Air dry away from heat
Breathability was adequate overall in that review, although Symons said his feet became somewhat hot toward the ends of two long hikes. If you regularly hike hard in warm conditions, that trade-off matters: a waterproof shoe may feel warmer than a non-waterproof trail shoe, especially on long outings.
Fit: try it on rather than sizing by rule
Fit reports are inconsistent. Symons found his pair true to size, secure at the heel, and roomy at the toes. Zappos’ small customer survey showed 50% saying the shoe felt half a size larger and 50% saying it felt wider than marked. REI reviews include both comments about a large toe box and a report of severe ankle rubbing. These are limited, subjective observations, not a reliable basis for telling everyone to size up or down.
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- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Durable leather stands up to the elements and is sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, the gold star in environmentally preferred leather; Cleaner shoes for a better planet
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water into these hiking shoes for women
- TRACTION & FOOTBED: KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for higher-traction grip and sure footing in the most rugged terrain; Removable responsive footbed for long lasting comfort that doesn’t compress quickly; High-rebound foam cushioning enhances movement
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Stability shank offers lightweight underfoot support for improved mobility on uneven surfaces, Lightweight KEEN LuftCell technology cushions every step with micro air pockets in the sole for incredible lightness and rebound
- FIT & CARE TIPS: KEEN Contoured Fit curves with the natural shape of the foot for a more secure fit; Gently brush with a soft damp sponge to remove loose dirt; Treat stains right away with a gentle cleaner; Air dry away from heat
Try the size you normally wear with the socks you plan to hike in. Check that the heel stays secure, toes have room on descents, and the collar does not rub. Retailer feedback and availability vary by market; check the seller’s current stock and return terms before buying. REI’s US listing was marked discontinued when accessed on October 8, 2026, while that does not establish availability elsewhere. REI’s listing and Zappos’ customer reviews provide the retailer-specific feedback.
Price and availability depend on market
Prices in the available listings are not a dependable current cross-market comparison. Advnture gave a list price of $150 / £125 in its 2025 review. KEEN UK displayed £88 against a £125 list price when accessed on October 8, 2026; that was a regional outlet price and may change. REI showed $119.73 against a $155 reference price and marked the shoe discontinued at access. Check the retailer’s live listing for your country, size, color, seller, and return policy rather than treating an earlier sale price as current.
Rank #4
- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Durable leather stands up to the elements and is sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, the gold star in environmentally preferred leather; Cleaner shoes for a better planet
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water into these hiking shoes for men
- TRACTION & FOOTBED: High traction rubber sole; 4mm multi direction lugs provide optimal traction for sure footing in the most rugged terrain; Removable responsive footbed for long lasting comfort that doesn’t compress quickly
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Stability shank offers lightweight underfoot support for improved mobility on uneven surfaces, Lightweight KEEN LuftCell technology cushions every step with micro air pockets in the sole for incredible lightness and rebound
- FIT & CARE TIPS: KEEN Contoured Fit curves with the natural shape of the foot for a more secure fit; Gently brush with a soft damp sponge to remove loose dirt; Treat stains right away with a gentle cleaner; Air dry away from heat
Who should consider the Hightrail EXP?
The shoe is best matched to day hikers looking for a cushioned, light, low-cut waterproof option for damp, mixed trails, including mud and rocky paths. The field review covers boggy English hills and Welsh rocky routes, so the evidence fits that kind of use more directly than extreme terrain or winter conditions.
- A plausible fit: wet three-season hikes where low weight, cushioning, and mud-and-rock grip are priorities.
- Think twice if: you need ankle coverage, frequently wade above the shoe opening, or prioritize cool feet on long, warm hikes.
- Fit-sensitive buyers: try the shoe on and verify return terms, given conflicting reports about width, length, and collar comfort.
Nothing in the available evidence establishes ankle support, winter warmth, or performance in a standardized waterproofing or traction test.
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Best Value
- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Durable leather stands up to the elements and is sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries, the gold star in environmentally preferred leather; Cleaner shoes for a better planet
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water into these hiking shoes for men
- TRACTION & FOOTBED: High traction rubber sole; 4mm multi direction lugs provide optimal traction for sure footing in the most rugged terrain; Removable responsive footbed for long lasting comfort that doesn’t compress quickly
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Stability shank offers lightweight underfoot support for improved mobility on uneven surfaces, Lightweight KEEN LuftCell technology cushions every step with micro air pockets in the sole for incredible lightness and rebound
- FIT & CARE TIPS: KEEN Contoured Fit curves with the natural shape of the foot for a more secure fit; Gently brush with a soft damp sponge to remove loose dirt; Treat stains right away with a gentle cleaner; Air dry away from heat
How to clean and dry it
KEEN recommends cleaning with mild soap and cold water. Spot-clean with a stiff brush or soft cloth, then air-dry away from heat. See KEEN’s care guidance on the product page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
