I have been wearing a pair of Keen winter boots for almost every morning dog walk – and more – for years and years. They are still waterproof and grippy on the soles but inside I have worn away most of the lovely soft fur. The ankle height boots are also scuffed beyond hope of being polished up. So it was time for an updated pair.

Sadly, Keen don’t sell the version that I have so loved but I know the brand is good so this time I have chosen the Keen Hoodoo II boots – and I have hardly had them off my feet!

The boots are ultra comfy. They feature 200g KEEN.Warm® insulation, which is a lightweight insulation made from charcoal bamboo that provides warmth and natural anti-odour protection. In layman’s terms, the insulation keeps feet very cosy and non-whiffy.

Others features include:

• 4mm multi-directional lugs (for grip on slushy, icy and snowy ground)
• KEEN.DRY ® waterproof breathable membrane (so your feet don’t get wet or sweaty)
• Moisture wicking lining (so your feet don’t get sweaty)
• Patented toe protection (so the boots aren’t ruined by country walks and general scuffing about)
•  Waterproof nubuck leather upper (so your feet are guaranteed to stay dry. My old boots have never once leaked in many, many years of wearing. I rarely polished them!)

Keen Hoodoo II also look fab. The brand design a chunky style of boots that you either love the look of, or don’t. (It’s like a Marmite thing.) I happen to love the style. The updated Hoodoo II boast two-way leather colours in a range of colours, including black, brown and spruce), a fur trim and a pretty swirly-flower design. They lace up at the front so that feet stay put inside and feel warm and secure.

Testing Keen Hoodoo II in the cold outdoors

It has been surprisingly warm this winter so far but I’ve still found a few chillier days to give the boots a good workout. (I have also worn the boots indoors when shiny new and despite a cold house my feet have remained warm.)

Outdoors the boots seem to be in their element. They are big and bold on my feet and cope with both pavements and rugged trails. The grip is superb. It’s like wearing a very comfortable and supportive pair of four-wheel drive style slipper-walking boots.

I like the height of the boots, too. They reach half way up my calf and offer support and warmth for my ankle.  I have skinny calves so the lacing system is useful. For people with wide calves you may not need to tighten the laces as much as I do.

The most important test is foot chill. There has been none. Not a single feeling of coldness or numbness. (I will be taking these boots into snowy terrains when the “real” Scottish winter arrives but I am confident that the boots will be as warm and cosy as my previous Keen boots.)

In the interests of testing I also sploshed through puddles and splodged through mud.  The Keen Hoodoo II are as waterproof as wellies and as robust as a good pair of walking boots.

I will be wearing these boots for years to come, to walk the dog, stroll trails, climb easier hills, head to the pub and for shopping in winter. In fact, if you see me in any other shoes it will be because I am running (so I will be wearing trainers) or heading into the higher mountains (when I will wear my winter walking bots that can be fitted with crampons).

Review conclusion on the Keen Hoodoo II

These boots are perfect for country walks or winter walking to the office or shops. They look great and can be trusted to withstand snow, ice and rain in al seasons, but especially winter. The hug your feet like slippers yet provide warm and dry feet in the great outdoors. The price of £134.99 is also excellent. See Keen