StormanNorman
- Comment
In early 2016 I bought my 1st pair of Keen Voyageur (size 11.5) boots and put over 600 miles on them (I kept a journal of mileage every time I hiked). They were, from day one, OUTSTANDING! As other reviewers had said, there was no break-in period whatsoever; plus they gripped like glue and protected my ankles with excellence. Oh yes, they eventually began a slow and certain deterioration, but it took quite awhile before the symptoms were evident. I knew Id be back for another pair eventually. So in June of 2018, knowing the time had finally arrived - with much sorrow, almost like a best friend dying - I went on Amazon and bought my 2nd pair of Keen Voyageurs. Within days they were delivered to my front door (thanks, Amazon) and within hours I was out hiking my beloved South Mountain Park here in Phoenix. A few months went by and, somewhat by accident, my eyes glanced at my "new" boots (only about 100 miles on them). I was shocked to see full-blown deterioration already setting in, i.e., the edges of the soles were coming unglued. Having paid $125 for these boots, and having had such a wonderful experience with my 1st pair, I immediately contacted Amazon. Their excellent customer service quickly resolved the problem - a new pair was on its way and a return label would allow me to send back to them my 2nd pair. Voila! A few days later I was happily hiking South Mountain in my 3rd pair of Voyageurs ... and loving every step. However - and I really do hate to write this - Id barely hit 10 miles on my new boots and an inspection showed they were already becoming unglued in the same place - where the soles wrap around the edges of the boots. I could not believe it! I decided to bypass Amazon this time (after all, they dont manufacture these boots) and go directly to KEEN. The Customer Service Rep was delightful and helpful, diffusing a rather frustrating situation. Soon after the call ended I received an email asking for certain bits of information to ascertain the validity of my complaint. A few days after providing that information I received another email asking for some pictures of the pertinent points of failure on the boots - which I of course provided. Within a few more days I received an email from KEEN providing me a $125.00 credit to use in purchasing another set of KEEN footwear directly from them. Ive not yet redeemed this certificate, but - based on my 1st pair - I do plan on doing that in the next few days. Meanwhile Ive continued hiking in the old pair, gluing as needed to keep the boots alive. In conclusion, I dont know why the disparity in my experience between the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd pair of boots, but due to the great assistance Ive received from both Amazon and KEEN, Im willing to keep KEEN Voyageurs on my feet for future hikes - unless another pair disappoints me greatly. Then ... I dont know, guess Ill go hunting amongst other brands.