I bought these boots after trying them on in a store; a process I recommend for anybody looking to buy hiking boots online. The soles are very grippy and offer good support; my feet do not get tired wearing them. They are light weight and waterproof. My only complaint, and it is a big one, is that the ankle is too high and stiff and as a result pokes me in the side of my ankle, causing severe pain.

This is not a blister issue, or something that a little break in is going to help with. Apparently the way that I am built is not compatible with these boots, and as a result they repeatedly stab me in the side of the ankle every time I walk, causing nerve irritation that makes it feel like my ankle is broken after wearing them for only a few minutes. I wore these around as much as I could bear for a week or two before finally returning them and buying the Targhee II, which has a lower-cut mid-height ankle and does not stab me when I walk. The Targhee II has given me no problems so far and I am excited to go camping and hiking with them this summer.

That said, I think these are built slightly better than the Targhee II. The little hook at the top of the ankle that holds the laces (not sure what it is called) is made of metal on the Gypsum, and is made of plastic on the Targhee II. If I had to bet, I would say that this is the first thing that will fail on my Targhees, but since I cannot wear the Gypsum I am not too worried about it. Also, the Targhees have reflective strips where the shoelaces attach and along the sides and back, which might make them easier to find at night when camping; something the Gypsum is lacking.

Overall I recommend that you try them on in store before you buy them, and pay special attention to whether they poke you (not rub) in the ankle. It probably won't hurt at first, but after a day of wearing them you might be in a lot of pain. If the boots are comfortable for you then rock on; they seem to be really good boots. If you find that they poke, then I recommend getting the Targhee II mid-height (also by KEEN).