KEEN Men's Zionic Low Height Waterproof All Terrain Hiking Shoes Review
Are you looking for a hiking shoe that can keep up with your fast-paced outdoor adventures? The KEEN Men's Zionic Low Height Waterproof All Terrain Hiking Shoes might just be what you need. With a unique sneaker design combined with the technical benefits of a traditional hiking boot, these shoes are designed for those who love to hit the trails without sacrificing speed or comfort.
Made with durable materials, these shoes ensure that you can tackle any terrain with confidence. Whether you're planning a quick day hike or gearing up for a weekend getaway with friends, the Zionic shoes promise to deliver both support and breathability.
Related Products
Features
- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Performance ripstop mesh with flexible overlays for durability; Quick dry lining for active use.
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry while allowing vapor to escape.
- TRACTION & FOOTBED: High traction rubber sole with 4mm multi-directional lugs for optimal grip; Removable responsive footbed for lasting comfort.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lightweight stability shank for improved mobility; KEEN LuftCell technology cushions every step with micro air pockets for incredible lightness.
- FIT & CARE TIPS: KEEN Contoured Fit for a secure fit; Easy care instructions for maintaining the shoes.
Pros
- Lightweight design enhances mobility on the trails.
- Breathable waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- Excellent traction supports confident footing on rugged terrain.
- Comfortable cushioning reduces fatigue during long hikes.
- Versatile style suitable for both hiking and casual wear.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Sizing may run small; consider trying a half size up.
- Not ideal for extremely cold weather due to breathability features.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Zionic | Merrell Moab 2 | Salomon X Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (per shoe) | Lightweight | Medium | Medium |
| Traction | High traction rubber | Vibram outsole | Contagrip outsole |
| Cushioning Technology | KEEN LuftCell | Compression molded EVA | EnergyCell |
Detailed Review
Comfort: The KEEN Zionic shoes stand out for their comfort level. The lightweight KEEN LuftCell technology provides exceptional cushioning, making them perfect for long treks where every step counts. The removable footbed allows for custom adjustments if needed, ensuring you get the best possible fit.
Durability: Thanks to the performance ripstop mesh and reinforced overlays, these shoes are built to last. They are specifically designed to withstand tough environments, meaning they will hold up well against wear and tear. This construction makes them a smart investment for avid hikers.
Traction: One of the most significant advantages of the Zionic shoes is their high-traction rubber soles equipped with 4mm multi-directional lugs. This feature offers solid grip on rocky trails and slippery surfaces, making them reliable companions on various terrains.
Water Resistance: The KEEN.DRY membrane does an excellent job of keeping moisture out while allowing sweat to escape, ensuring your feet stay dry even during wet conditions. This waterproof capability is vital for unpredictable weather and refreshing hikes through streams or puddles.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent cushioning and fit, ideal for long hikes. |
| Durability | 4/5 | Built with strong materials that resist wear and tear. |
| Traction | 4.5/5 | Outstanding grip on various terrains ensures safety. |
| Water Resistance | 4.5/5 | Effective waterproofing keeps feet dry in wet conditions. |
User Reviews
Very comfortable, light weight, waterproof shoes for walking, hiking, biking, or running. Love these shoes I have them in low and high top.
Would have rated higher but I am having problems with my feet. Because of my feet, they seem harder to break in.
The areas of comfort⭐️
Very comfortable shoe, totally waterproof. Great tread on the tire for walking in the city or taking a hike.
I love Keens, and have worn their sandals and boots for many years. They always have fit my flat feet well, and offered years of durability.I bought these hiking sneakers specifically for my trip to NYC to have what I thought to be great walking shoes for the warmer weather.The pictures shown are literally after one day of walking around the city. Sole is torn and separating and the outer material is discolored and wearing off. I have never had shoes deteriorate in such a way, let alone after a single wearing. It is truly unacceptable, and this product should be recalled.In addition the ankle trimming is sharp and cuts into your heels causing blisters. Terrible.Now I am stuck for the weekend in NYC having no other shoes with me, and am forced to continue wearing them until I am back home and can attempt to return them.Hopefully Keen / Amazon will make this right, as for $150 shoes, I am more than disappointed!
I've got a bit of a collection when it comes to trail shoes. I run, hike, ruck, and fastpack with each having its own footwear needs. I typically wear Altra and Saucony for trail runs. Hikes and rucks are usually done in Merrill or Reebok tactical boots. I haven't really settled into a standard shoe for fastpacking because it's a sort of hybrid between a hike/ruck and ultra run so I pick based on the expected terrain.My wife ordered these for me and I was hoping to use them for fastpacking. They seem to check off most of the boxes for what I want in a fastpack shoe even though a few improvements could be made.What's specifically good/bad about these:*They're fairly lightweight. No trail shoe will ever be as light as a race flat, but they are lighter than some of my trail shoes (particularly my Saucony Exodus, which are absolutely a "go to" trail shoe for me).*There's no rock plate. This is less of a concern for fastpacking and hiking than for running but I'd like to have at least a thin plate. Of course, this omission may be one of the ways they cut weight and cost so I won't say it's an entirely bad thing. The stack height is also sufficient enough to absorb some of the terrain so another justification to leaving a plate out.*The outsole is outstanding. Pun? Yes, but still accurate. It really is outstanding. The compound is soft enough to grip on hard surfaces like rocks, yet firm enough to not feel unstable. The tread pattern provides grip on loose terrain, but still functional on hard-pack and road crossings. Keen absolutely nailed it with this one.*The upper is pretty robust, with multiple rubber overlays. They should be pretty good for keeping your feet dry. Although I haven't sunk my foot in a puddle to test how waterproof they are, and I don't intend to.*The inside is soft and comfortable. Wearing thin "five finger socks" or a standard cotton sock both feel equally comfortable. The biggest sock issue I found is that you CANNOT were "no-show" socks. You absolutely MUST wear a sock that is higher than the tongue and back. The rubber edge of both will rub your skin raw in less than 5k (3.1miles), so you can't even pull off a short race with low socks. With a higher sock, they're fine.The final conclusion? They're a nice shoe, and might work out well for fastpacking, but will definitely serve a casual hiker well. Can they make improvements? Sure, but that can probably be said for any shoe. In the end, I like more about these shoes than I dislike. They'll definitely find a place in my arsenal of shoes. At a minimum, they will be excellent hiking/rucking shoes for days that I'm not worried about the ankle support of a boot.
For the first time I found a pair of Keens that I don’t like. These are hard and have no give. My feet hurt from wearing these. I’ve even changed the insoles and they still are not comfortable.
Gave as a gift, got rave reviews. Was told they kept his feet dry all day and were comfortable right out of the box.