Reviews You Can Rely On

Keen Betty Pull-On Review

This is a great boot for casual use with an easy slip-on design and solid traction but it lacks overall coverage and warmth on colder storm days
gearlab tested logo
Keen Betty Pull-On Review (A very worthy boot for shoveling, errands, dog walks, and casual everyday use.)
A very worthy boot for shoveling, errands, dog walks, and casual everyday use.
Credit: Guy Eriksen
Price:  $165 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Keen
By Liz Chamberlain ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 19, 2022
63
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 18
  • Warmth - 25% 6.0
  • Weather Protection - 25% 6.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 6.0
  • Traction - 15% 7.0
  • Durability - 15% 7.0

Our Verdict

If you need a boot for casual winter use, like walking the dog or running errands, the Keen Betty Pull-On is a great option. It's comfortable and easy to use and, for those who like the extra room, has a wide fit. While the boot delivered solid traction on hikes and shed snow well on storm days, snow couldn't stay out of the top of the boot due to the wide, roomy fit unless covered by snow pants or gaiters. While the Betty Pull-On was warm enough for a Northern California winter, it does not provide the same level of warmth as other boots in our lineup and may be too cold for consistent single-digit temperatures.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to slip on
Good grip
Stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Loose fit
Lackluster coverage
Limited structure and stability

Compare to Similar Products

 
keen betty pull-on
This Product
Keen Betty Pull-On
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Winter Boot for Women
Top Pick Award
Best Protection for Wet Winters
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 
Price $119.73 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$205 List
$155.14 at Amazon
$69.98 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$76.93 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
63
89
84
77
68
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line An easy to slip on boot that is great for casual everyday use but doesn't excel in warmth, coverage, or waterproofingThis stellar winter boot excels in the warmth, weather protection, durability, and traction categoriesHighly protective, this easy to use boot has impressive traction and insulationNot the most durable or fashionable, but this boot is warm, waterproof, easy to use, and has solid tractionA good boot for casual use with decent traction but isn't quite warm enough for colder winter climates
Rating Categories Keen Betty Pull-On Baffin Chloe Muck Boot Arctic Ic... Kamik Momentum 3 Columbia Minx Short...
Warmth (25%)
6.0
10.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
Weather Protection (25%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Comfort and Fit (20%)
6.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Traction (15%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Durability (15%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Specs Keen Betty Pull-On Baffin Chloe Muck Boot Arctic Ic... Kamik Momentum 3 Columbia Minx Short...
Maximum Puddle Depth 3.5" 9" 16" 6" 4"
Measured Shaft Height (from bottom of sole to top of shaft) 8.5" 10" 16" 10" 6.5"
Measured Weight (lb per pair, size 7) 2.125 2.5 2.5 2.75 1.25
Temp Drop in Ice Bath -9°F -4.1°F -9.5°F -9.7°F -9.7°F
Type of Boot Casual winter wear All-around winter wear Winter workwear Casual winter wear Casual winter wear
Fit Details Runs big, wide toe box True to size Runs big True to size (wide) Runs small
Lining/Insulation 200g of KEEN.WARM insulation Comfort-Fit multilayer foam Fleece Synthetic Heat-MX Insulation Omni-Heat reflective
Removable Liner No Yes No No No
Footbed EVA EVA bioDEWIX Removal EVA Removable PU
Upper Material Leather, textile Suede leather Rubber Waterproof nylon Waterproof woven synthetic textile, suede
Toe Box Rubber Rubber Rubber Rubber Nylon and rubber
Outsole KEEN FREEZE rubber Polar Rubber Vibram Arctic Grip A.T. ICEKISS rubber outsole Omni-Grip rubber
Company Claimed Cold Weather Rating -32°C/-25°F -40°C/-40°F Not stated -40 °F -32°C/-25°F
Animal Products Yes Yes No No Yes
Sizes Available 5 - 11 6 - 11 5 - 11 5 - 11 5 - 12

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Keen Betty Pull-On satisfies the need for an easy-entry slip-on that has good coverage and stays dry out in snowy conditions. The puffy design on the exterior and the flannel-lined interior is stylistically different than other models in our lineup. The Betty performed well in all categories but didn't wow us in any one performance metric. We felt the style, color options, and lightweight nature of the boot added versatility, but the traction wasn't exceptional, nor was the fit or level of warmth. This boot satisfies many needs, but it didn't stand out above the frontrunners.

Performance Comparison


keen betty pull-on - we did some jump tests to see how slippery the landing would be and...
We did some jump tests to see how slippery the landing would be and figure out how reliable the lugs are.
Credit: Guy Eriksen


Warmth


The Betty contains 200g of Keen.Warm insulation paired with a plaid synthetic lining. Backed by a Keen.Dry membrane, the lining is soft, comfortable, and surprisingly breathable when in motion. The temperature rating is set at -25°F, which we would disagree with. Out in our field tests, our feet were comfortable moving around in snow at a 10-20°F temperature range but felt cold while standing still at those temperatures.

keen betty pull-on - he keen betty pull-on lost a considerable amount of heat in both...
he Keen Betty Pull-On lost a considerable amount of heat in both temperature tests compared to the group.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

The Betty experienced a 19°F temperature change in our snow bank coverage test and a 9°F change in the ice bath test, both of which were on the high end of temperature drops in the group. This means the boot is not as capable of retaining heat as others. While the subjective feeling of warmth was there on warmer days, these tests proved the boots were not high performing regarding heat retention.

keen betty pull-on - most boots have a temperature rating; the betty pull-on is rated to...
Most boots have a temperature rating; the Betty Pull-On is rated to -25 degrees F but didn't quite live up to that rating in our tests.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

Weather Protection


With a shaft height of 9.5 inches, we assumed the Betty Pull-On would have great coverage for casual use. It can absolutely stomp around in fresh snow and keep your feet warm and dry. However, due to the roomy fit, the boot exposes open space in the shin and calf area, allowing snow to slip into the upper when walking through 1 foot or more of snow. When we tucked our pants into the Betty, less snow entered the interior, but we would recommend wearing gaiters or snow pants over the boot for extra coverage.

keen betty pull-on - we were somewhat apprehensive stepping into the water with a...
We were somewhat apprehensive stepping into the water with a zippered boot. Turns out the water seeped into the Betty Pull-On right around the low zipper level, despite having an 8-inch shaft.
Credit: Guy Eriksen

The thick rubber outsole provides 2 inches of sealed protection from puddles and waterways. The KEEN.Dry membrane seemed to deliver on waterproofness and breathability. However, during our water submergence test, water leaked in around 3.5 inches, likely through the zipper. If total protection is a key performance factor for you, the Betty Pull-On likely isn't the right boot.

keen betty pull-on - the betty pull-on likes to hike around in deep snow. it actually...
The Betty Pull-On likes to hike around in deep snow. It actually performed great in regards to traction but coverage and warmth wasn't the best compared to the test group.
Credit: Guy Eriksen

Comfort and Fit


The Betty Pull-On has a spacious fit, making it a great option for those with wider feet. Our tester with narrow feet felt the boot was roomy from the forefoot to the heel and up through the shaft. For this reason, we would recommend sizing down a half-size if you're looking for a tighter fit. However, if you have large calves or like to tuck your pants into your boot, this may be the ideal fit.

keen betty pull-on - one of the betty's best qualities is that is easy to slip on. we...
One of the Betty's best qualities is that is easy to slip on. We actually reached for this boot more frequently than the other test boots for this reason.
Credit: Guy Eriksen

A thermal insole made with Keen.Luftcell is thin but provides warmth and decent support below the foot. The liner is a no-frills, traditional built-in plaid lining — so the coziness factor is not quite there, but it is absolutely comfortable. The Betty is designed for easy entry with a slip-on style supported by a side zipper. If your legs are tired from a long day of skiing and you don't exactly feel like bending over, you can kick these off with no hands.

keen betty pull-on - the side zip made the entry and exit of the betty pull-on super easy.
The side zip made the entry and exit of the Betty Pull-On super easy.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

Traction


The lugs on the Betty are made of a proprietary KEEN.Freeze rubber compound compacted into a thick and sturdy outsole. The lugs have a flat, round shape, intended for casual, all-purpose use in cold temperatures. We found it to perform well pouncing through deep and shallow snow drifts, but it was a bit lackluster on wet and icy surfaces, where we felt a lack of grip.

keen betty pull-on - the betty had no problem crushing through deep snow banks and...
The Betty had no problem crushing through deep snow banks and slippery rock ascents.
Credit: Guy Eriksen

On slippery and uneven terrain, the lack of stability in the shaft was noticeable. While the outsole is thick and supportive around the heel and toe, we felt a bit nervous walking up icy hills with such little ankle support from the upper. Otherwise, this boot has solid performance in traction for casual everyday use, but it's not great for tougher terrain.

keen betty pull-on - a supportive midsole with an interesting outsole lug pattern that...
A supportive midsole with an interesting outsole lug pattern that was grippy enough for everyday activities but not quite sticky enough for icy streets or packed trails.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain, Guy Eriksen

Durability


Nylon and other synthetic materials tend to hold their structure over time when exposed to wet conditions, where leather can morph a bit. However, synthetic materials are prone to tearing when snagged on sharp materials like rocks and branches. The Betty has both leather and synthetic components and definitley showed some wear during our test period. Nothing overly serious, just some exterior scuffing and wilting around the midsole.

keen betty pull-on - the betty pull-on showed some obvious signs of wear and tear after...
The Betty Pull-On showed some obvious signs of wear and tear after our test period.
Credit: Liz Chamberlain

Should You Buy the Keen Betty Pull-On?


The price of the Betty feels steep for not standing out in any one category, but the pull-on style is a great differentiator, and the boot performed well enough across the board to be a worthy purchase for casual use. Also, if sustainable business is important to you, Keen sources environmentally preferred materials and maintains transparency in their supplier network.

What Other Winter Boots Should You Consider?


If the price point or style of the Keen Betty Pull-On is not right for you, check out the Bogs Crandall Tall II Adjustable or the Sorel Winter Carnival for a boot with similar levels of coverage and flexibility. These styles are limited by their warmth and waterproofing capabilities, so if you are willing to spend a little more, The North Face Shellista IV Mid offers more structure and warmth with similar grip and durability to the Betty Pull-On.

keen betty pull-on - if you're trudging through 1+ feet of snow, the betty pull-on may...
If you're trudging through 1+ feet of snow, the Betty Pull-On may not give you enough coverage to keep snow out of the tops of your boots.
Credit: Guy Eriksen

Liz Chamberlain