Author
Field Mag Studio
Photographer
Courtesy KEEN
Presented by 
Whether you’re all-in on Gorpcore or have adopted a quiet outdoors approach, technical clothing remains in style, and it doesn't matter how close or far away the mountains may be. Because, trends aside, even in the city, weather happens—and increasingly more unpredictably. For city-based outdoor lovers like ourselves here at FM HQ, it’s the apparel and footwear that functions well in adverse environments and still looks slick in town that we’re after.
Hot on the heels of the popular Jasper Zionic release, KEEN is again speaking our language with the Hightrail, an all-new multi-use hiking shoe that, with some sneaker appeal stitched into its design, aims to find equal footing on sidewalks and summits.
Now, this should come as no surprise—KEEN is the OG functional, hybrid footwear brand. The original Newport is synonymous with both farmers markets and raft guides, and the Targhee has topped review rankings for the best hiking boots since long before Buzzfeed invented the listicle. (KEEN even makes some of the best American-made work boots, too, according to contractors we know.) With the Hightrail, we see this multi-functional DNA reach new, modern territory.
The Hightrail is a technical hiker at the core, designed with equal attention on athletic comfort and outdoor function. A mesh upper overlaid with responsibly sourced leather sits atop a high-rebound midsole for comfort and stability and an outsole featuring multi-directional lugs for optimal traction. And though comparatively subtle, you can trust a signature KEEN toe bumper has been integrated into the design—without adding any bulk. And there’s waterproofing if you want it in the KEEN.DRY version of the Hightrail.
It's worth mentioning that KEEN's bona fides include a commitment to making footwear as responsibly as it can. You won't find forever chemicals in the Hightrail (KEEN has been PFAS free across its catalog since 2018) and the Hightrail’s built-in odor control was concocted without the use of pesticides.
We ask a lot of our outdoor footwear—we want it to do everything. Some shoes handle those wants better than others, and though our hands-on testing has been largely relegated to running errands in rain, snow, and sunshine around Manhattan so far, we’re confident in declaring the Hightrail a true ATV shoe. Mid and low, waterproof and vented versions are available ($145-$155), depending on what sort of "everything" you have in mind.
Published 02-26-2025
