Keen Zionic Review – Wider Boots and Shoes Built for Hiking Speed
KEEN has introduced a new range of boots and shoes with heel support for stability, more room for toes, and lightweight materials for agility. Have they hit the mark with the Zionic?
What we like about KEEN Zionic: Very comfortable, lightweight and stylish
What we don’t like about KEEN Zionic: Thin laces; Half a shoe size short in length based on UK sizing
Introduction to Keen Zionic Review
Finding the right pair of walking boots is essential for comfort, support, and safety during outdoor adventures. With so many options on the market boasting an array of technologies and features, it can be overwhelming to decide which boot best fits your needs. In this review, we analyze the Keen Zionic waterproof boots and shoes to see if they provide the performance required for varied terrain.
The Keen Zionic incorporates several innovative features designed for comfort, durability, and traction. Key technologies include a waterproof and breathable membrane to keep feet dry, while allowing sweat vapor to escape. The boots utilize a high-traction plastic (TPU) outsole for lightweight durability paired with 4mm multi-directional lugs to bite into loose or wet surfaces. Easy on/off is enabled by a two-finger webbing loop on the heel for pulling the boots on, while stability is enhanced through a shank that delivers support without excess weight. Further bolstering their sturdiness are TPU overlays in high-wear areas.
In line with Keen’s commitment to sustainability, the Zionic contains water repellents, recycled plastic, and Eco Anti-Odor for natural odour control without heavy chemicals. Comfort technologies include Keen’s Contoured Fit design that follows the natural shape of the foot for a secure feel.
With premium technologies for traction, support, comfort, and eco-consciousness, the Keen Zionic offers versatility across trail terrains. Our in-depth testing analyzed how these features stacked up on the trail and helped us evaluate if the Keen Zionic might be a worthy waterproof walking boot upgrade.
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- Rugged
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- Waterproof
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- Traction
Key Takeaways of Keen Zionic Footwear
- Quality fabric: Waterproof and breathable rip-stop mesh
- Contoured fit: Wide toe area for comfort and supportive heel for stability
- Lightweight: Feels more agile than some heavier types of walking boots
Features
- KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane
- Higher-traction TPU outsole for lightweight durability
- 4mm multi-directional lugs for traction
- Two-finger webbing loop on the heel for easy pull-on
- Stability shank delivers lightweight support
- TPU overlays for durability
- PFAS-free, durable water repellent
- Recycled PET plastic
- Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control
- Contoured Fit–Follows foot’s contours for a more secure fit
Product Materials
- Performance ripstop mesh upper with TPU overlays for durable, lightweight support
- Speed hooks for easy lace adjustment
- Quick-dry lining for active use
- Removable PU insole with arch support for long-lasting comfort
- Non-marking multi-directional lugs for increased traction
My History With Keen
I was very keen (*ahem*) to try these Keen boots because I’ve already got a pair of Keen walking boots in blue leather which I love. They’ve lasted me for about 20 years, are very comfortable and incredibly are still going strong! These days I reserve these boots for cleaner walks that will be less wet and muddy simply because they have a nubuck leather finish to them and I don’t want to ruin them if I don’t have to!
I also have a pair of Keen sandals that are an early version of their Clearwater range but these are from over 20 years ago. Again very comfortable although I must say they’re not very attractive, even branded by some as the world’s ugliest sandal. But great for foot protection on all types of terrain.
There is just something about the fit that both of these items have provided me. They are wider in the toe area than other shoes and boots I have had, have great support and are built for the rough and tumble but have a gentleness and softness that mean your feet are comfortable even a few miles down the road far from home.
Keen Zionic Boots
The Zionic walking boots that arrived on my doorstep had big shoes to fill. When picking up the box I could tell straight away these boots were light in weight but how light were they? I took one of the boots from the box and weighed it on the kitchen scale. It was 375g for a size 7.5UK walking boot. I then weighed my older leather Keen walking boot and this was just over 600g. Quite a difference.
Laces and Tongue
The Keen Zionic boots were very easy to put on which may sound like a strange thing to say but I find that some shoes and boots seem particularly difficult due to how the laces are laced or eyelets are configured or shaped. Some laces are tricky to loosen or tighten to get the correct fitting I want. Maybe I am just particularly fussy which is probably true.
Some boots also have tongue bellows (gusseted tongue) that don’t allow feet to pass into the boot very easily. The bellows is the material that stretches from the side of the tongue to the boot upper and ankle support that is there to prevent water ingress down the side of the tongue in wet conditions.
The Zionic boots were quick and easy to put on. The tongue bellows come up to the height of the last lace eyelet and has enough stretch to allow the feet to pass through but not so much that once laced up it will cause discomfort.
At the top of the boots are two hooks for laces rather than eyelets that allow for fast and simple adjustment to get the tension just right and the rest of the eyelets let the laces move easily into the wanted position.
Inner Fabric
Inside the Zionic boots, the fabric feels soft to the touch like brushed cotton but is a man-made material that has some sort of natural pesticide-free odour control according to Keen. The boot is fully lined with this quick dry lining including the insole that can be removed if necessary. I only removed the insole once to give the boots an airing after a hot day of walking.
Outer Fabric
The Keen Zionic upper is made from Keen Dry – a waterproof, breathable, non-toxic, recycled membrane. The Zionic boot fabric I found to be quite supple but has a sturdiness still to support my foot making a good combination of soft yet secure.
Keen uses sections of TPU overlays to add support and structure to the boot while protecting high-wear areas for durability on rough terrain. Padding around the ankle further enhances comfort and stability. I had no issues around the ankle area which is always a risky zone for rubbing and blisters.
Fit and Size – My Experience
The boots felt very comfortable straight from the start. I didn’t have to say to myself those immortal words “They will loosen up over time” but I confess that I ordered 1/2 a size bigger than I would when normally ordering shoes or boots.
Having already got two pairs of Keen shoes I knew the length of these were both a little on the shy side and my toes are pretty much at the end of each of them. I did a bit of research and noticed in other people’s reviews that they too were struggling a little with the length and had been going up 1/2 a size.
There is plenty of room for toes with these Keen Zionic walking boots. The width is generous allowing for freedom of movement. The sole is flexible but sturdy and the sole is thick enough so that it will absorb anything that most terrains with throw at it.
Zionic Soles
The Keen Zionic is aimed at the hybrid market where fast-paced walking and running are actively encouraged. With 4mm lugs on the sole for grip, the Keen Zionic walking boots have great traction. The thick yet lightweight sole combined with the traction provides a rebound quality that can be felt when first stepping outside.
The extra thick sole acts as a shock absorber soaking up the impact when walking or running to allow for comfort to remain for a lot longer compared to a heavier harder sole or a thinner lighter sole.
Colours
The KEEN Zionic women’s walking boot comes in three colours
- Fjord Blue/Tangerine
- Dark Forest/Sea Moss
- Steel Grey/Magnet
Keen Zionic Shoes
Keen has a complete range of Zionic with both shoes and boots. My hubby Marc has a pair of the men’s Zionic shoes so we could do a direct comparison. Apart from the obvious lack of ankle support on the shoes that the boots have there were only a couple of differences.
Firstly the laces were different. The men’s Zionic shoes had a thin flat lace that is great because it will stay tied in a bow a lot better than a round lace typically does but my husband seemed to keep getting it tied in knots when he took the shoes off or while they were stored. It could be down to finger trouble on Marc’s behalf of course. The ladies’ boots on the other hand have a more oval-shaped lace and I did not have any trouble keeping it tied up or keeping it from getting into a knotted mess.
Secondly, the Keen Zionic men’s walking shoes come in seven colours. A lot more variety than the Women’s selection’
- Black/Steel Grey
- Black Star White
- Dark Forest Black
- Dark Olive Scarlet Ibis
- Scarlet Ibis/Deep Lagoon
- Fjord Blue Evening Primrose
- Scarlet Ibis Deep Lagoon
Absolutely everything else was made using the same materials, styling and manufacturing techniques. Marc reported that there was a slight discomfort after a while of walking for his achilles tendon due to the top part of the rear support of the shoe. It felt as though it was pressing in a little bit. This was not an issue I noticed with the boots but worth a mention. we are all shaped differently so this may not be a bother to most.
Conclusions
The women’s Zionic hiking boots prove to be a comfortable and versatile option for navigating varied terrain. A standout feature is the roomy toe box, providing welcome space that helps accommodate wider feet and allows toes to splay naturally when descending hilly slopes or speeding along trails. Despite an overall generously sized fit, the adjustable laces and padded ankle collar lend enhanced support and stability.
Testing grounds in the UK’s Peak District posed a rock-strewn gauntlet of challenges ideal for evaluating traction and durability. The Zionic outsole strikes an optimal balance of flexibility to grip slick flat stone yet stiffen for stability across small loose rocks. After miles along craggy footpaths and natural debris, the Zionic soles showed minimal wear.
For anyone seeking a sturdy yet cushioned hiking boot ready to stand up to rugged surroundings, the Zionic warrants consideration. Its smart elements like a spacious toe box, supportive collar, and adaptable traction equip the wearer to hike or trail run with comfort across various backcountry terrains.
Pros
- Extra room in the toe box that permits natural foot splay
- Targeted padding around the ankles boosts stability without bulking up the boot
- Tough tread and stabilizing midsole prevented ankle rolls or twists
- Made from recycled non toxic materials
- Different colours to choose from
Cons
- Men’s shoe laces get knotted easily but could be replaced
- Not for serious mountain climbs where added protection may be required
- Might be at risk of damage in sharp crag areas
Caring for Your Zionics?
Use a soft brush to remove any mud or debris from the shoe and then use a damp sponge to wipe away any residue. Don’t use any harsh soaps or chemicals. Dry away from direct heat as this will degrade the materials.
Treat with a specialist fabric waterproofing spray if the shoes have been subjected to some hefty trail time to help protect the materials from water ingress. Make sure the spray is suitable for breathable footwear as some sprays can glog the material downgrading the breathability.
