If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’m right in the middle of a big transition. I’m moving away from the heavy-duty yard service world and leaning more into my passion for travel and the great outdoors. Because of that, my gear has to work twice as hard. I need something that can handle a rugged job site but won’t feel like lead weights when I’m out on a weekend hike.
That’s what led me to the KEEN Men’s Nxis Explore Waterproof Boot. After putting them through their paces, I wanted to share why these might be the most versatile boots I’ve owned yet.
First Impressions: Lightweight is an Understatement
The first thing I noticed—and I mentioned this immediately in my video review—is just how incredibly light these boots are. If you’re used to traditional, clunky work boots, these are going to be a breath of fresh air.
I’m often maneuvering across different terrains for various jobs, and the weight (or lack thereof) makes a massive difference in fatigue by the end of the day. They feel more like a high-performance sneaker but with the silhouette and protection of a mid-height boot.
Design and Build Quality
I’m a fan of the leather finish on these. It gives them a classic look that isn’t overly “loud.” One of my favorite things about the design is the lack of unnecessary bells and whistles. I don’t like a bunch of distracting markings on my gear, and these keep it clean and straightforward.
Key Features:
- The Bumper Guard: Keen is known for that iconic toe protection, and the Nxis Explore has a solid bumper guard to keep you from stubbing your toes on rocks or equipment.
- Waterproof Membrane: They feature a breathable, waterproof mesh interior that keeps the elements out without making your feet feel like they’re in an oven .
- Lacing Versatility: They actually came with green laces originally, but I swapped them out for the included black ones for a more subtle look. The eyelets are sturdy and make it easy to slide the boots on and off quickly.
The Pro Tip: My “Double Sole” Hack
One thing I always do when I retire an old pair of boots is save the insoles . For the Nxis Explore, I actually took the sole from my older Keens and swapped them in (or layered them) to provide that extra bit of cushion I’ve grown accustomed to.
If you find yourself on your feet for 8+ hours, I highly recommend experimenting with your insoles. The Nxis has a great “Athletic Fit” feel, but adding that familiar cushion from a broken-in pair of boots made these feel like home the second I put them on.
Sizing and Fit
I usually wear a size 11, but for these, I went up to an 11.5. This was a deliberate choice—I like having a little extra room for thicker socks during the winter months. Even with the half-size up, they fit perfectly and didn’t feel loose while walking.
See Them In Action
If you want to see the “flex test” and how they look on-foot, check out my full video walkthrough below. I go over the grip patterns and the lacing system in more detail:
Watch: KEEN Nxis Explore Waterproof Boot Review
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Them?
If you need a “do-it-all” boot, the answer is a resounding yes. They have the grip for the trail and the durability for the yard, all while staying light enough for travel. The traction on the bottom is impressive—very deep lugs that bite into the dirt.
I picked these up over on Amazon, which is usually where I find the best deals on Keens. If you’re looking to upgrade your footwear for your next adventure or project, you can find them through the link below.
I plan on doing some future updates to see how the waterproofing holds up after a few months of heavy use, so stay tuned!
