KEEN Hood River Boots

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May

2010

Written by Jason Elliot

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The city of Hood River, Oregon, situated an hour east of Portland, is a gem for the windsurfing community. Windfest is spearheaded by the Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association and hits the windy waters of the adjacent Columbia River each June. Windsurfers of all abilities get to demo the newest gear and partake in clinics. The Windfest weekend would not be complete without live music and delectable food.

The KEEN Hood River Boot takes its name from the Oregon town and is touted as providing complete protection for all water activities. The Hood River Boot is designed with a mid-cut synthetic and neoprene upper. The boot has a strap across the ankle and mid-foot to customize the fit of the Hood River. The sole has some minimal traction to allow for steady footing while navigating the shoreline and riverbanks. The boot also has a heavily protected toe box.

The KEEN Hood River Boot is geared towards water activities that may require heightened intensity and warmth. They are exceptionally useful for early spring whitewater runs. Whitewater rafting and kayaking is the most exhilarating during the months of April and May. The creek and river levels are at their highest creating some gnarly hydraulics and rapids.

The Hood River repels the cold water during these times and keeps your feet on the warmer side. The shoe has a basic tread on the sole which makes scaling rocks by the riverbanks easier than comparable water shoes. The arch built into the Hood River’s sole makes them fit more like a shoe than your typical water shoe.

The KEEN Hood River Boot is highly recommended for water sport enthusiasts especially anyone that likes to splash around in the cooler spring months. KEEN lists the Hood River Boots at $95 and they are available in U.S. sizes from 7 to 14.

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Jason Elliot

Jason Elliot is the Editor and Publisher of OutdoorInformer.com. Elliot has established a respected following with the top industry professionals and gearheads for his nonbiased reviews of outdoor gear and apparel. Elliot is a regular contributor to Examiner.com, Trails.com and other publications on top of his editorial and writing role with OutdoorInformer.com.

Elliot left a successful fifteen-plus year management career that he worked at Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies to pursue his passion for writing about the outdoors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from La Roche College.

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