As a North American, June has always been flip flop and sunshine weather. But June is wintertime in South America and the coldest month of the year in the ancient Inca city of Cusco, Peru, where we’re spending the next few months. So, in place of my usual sandals and flip flops, this June it’s alpaca socks and KEEN’s Prescott Boot keeping me warm and comfortable in cold Cusco.
Fifteen months ago when we packed our bags for extended travel in Latin America I knew my KEEN Targhee II day hikers would come in handy and they’ve already seen a lot of action on the trip: Hiking the hillside trails above Ajijic, Mexico, climbing volcanoes in Nicaragua, scrambling along island cliffs in the Galapagos, hiking across glaciers in Chilean Patagonia, and, most recently, trekking to Machu Picchu.
After a summer in Mexico and three balmy months in Granada, Nicaragua, it was a chilly autumn in Cuenca, Ecuador, and tracking daily low temperatures (avg. June low, 36F) in Cusco on the iPod, that sent me in search of a warm and comfortable city shoe. Sure, there were plenty of shoes more stylish and less expensive than Keen’s Prescott Boot available. But here’s why KEEN, once again, won me over…
Comfortable: My feet love, love, love Keen’s memory foam footbeds (formed from a blend of recycled PU, cork and memory foam). Super comfortable. Super support. Super addictive.
Sturdy: Sexy, it is not. But Cusco’s steep cobblestone streets were built for sure-footed llamas not Jimmy Choo stilettos. The Prescott’s sturdy, toe-protecting rubber outsole couldn’t be better suited for navigating Cusco’s narrow sidewalks and uneven cobblestones.
Easy on and off: My days in Cusco begin with yoga class at a studio just a short walk from our apartment. Thanks to convenient elastic stretch panels, slipping off this boot for class couldn’t be easier. Not to mention, a definite advantage at airport security.
Bottom line: Whether you’re headed for Cusco or Cuenca, Portland or Prague, these city boots are warm, comfortable, water-resistant and ready for the streets.
Part of the KEEN Boulevard collection, the Prescott Woman’s Boot is available for purchase at www.keenfootwear.com or at The Travel Store at EllenBarone.com. Suggested retail price; $120.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".