Keen NXIS EVO Waterproof Review

We really like the NXIS EVO. While it didn't win an award, we think that this hiker does a great job at finding the balance between weight and performance. It's supportive enough to hike on hard trails with and without pack weight.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Keen shoes and boots are comfortable, there is no doubt about that. They have a generally wide width, making them feel roomy without being sloppy, and the NXIS EVO is no exception here. The knit mesh upper is soft and pliable, making them easy to walk in while still keeping the foot where it should be and not sloshing around. The included footbed is of good quality and provides a lot of arch support, though some with less pronounced arches may prefer swapping it out for a flatter insole. While the NXIS has a wider fit in the forefoot area, the midfoot is still medium-width, so those with wide feet may still find them narrow here.

Our main issue is with the lacing system; it is billed as speed lacing, though there is a lot of friction pulling the laces, and it is still hard to get the forefoot snugged up despite the lighter fabric used in the upper.

Support

Even though we knew these shoes would be a lighter, speedier option, we did not expect the NXIS EVO to skimp on support. That just isn't Keen's style. Using an injected EVA midsole and a stability shank, these shoes have the support of a beefed-up pair of boots. Solid, stable, and supportive, we found this shoe to be more than capable on uneven, rocky ground. The KonnectFit heel lock gives superb support around the ankle, and while this is a low-cut shoe that does not extend up around the ankle, we felt locked in place and less likely to roll an ankle. The large toe bumper gives good protection from tripping over rocks and roots while you look at your beautiful surroundings and forget to look where you're going.

Traction

The traction offered by the NXIS EVO is good but not above average. The bi-directional lug pattern on the outsole is made of KEEN.ALL.TERRAIN rubber and is deep and sharp, providing good purchase in loose terrain. The rubber is soft enough that smearing on slabs is easy enough. Half of the heel area is a smooth tread with no lugs present, presumably to provide better traction when going downhill on slick surfaces, though we found the absence of lugs here to give us less traction than we would desire in looser conditions.

Water Resistance

Keen nailed it with their KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane in this shoe. The NXIS kept water out well past the 5-minute mark in our water bath test, and we could slosh through puddles with ease. They do have a lower flood height at 2.75 inches, so you can't just ford rivers with reckless abandon, but for most wet weather hiking trips where a waterproof lining is indicated, these will do great.

Weight

With a verified weight of 1.88 lbs per pair (size 11 US men's), the NXIS EVO is right in the middle of the pack regarding weight, though we found them to offer more support than models of similar weight. These are a good compromise in terms of deciding between a hardcore hiking shoe and a lightweight model more reminiscent of a running shoe.

Durability

The age-old trade-off between weight and durability is something to consider when looking at the NXIS EVO. The engineered mesh upper is PU coated and did remarkably well at resisting abrasion, though long-term use will show some weak points along the forefoot flex areas where there is not as much TPU plastic coating or where the coating ends.

Should You Buy the KEEN NXIS EVO Waterproof?

If you want to shed some weight from your feet but still want the quality support offered by this brand, these could be a great fit. They are a tad spendier than other models, but we really liked the NXIS and feel that you probably will too.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?