KEEN Women's Ridge Flex Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review
If you're seeking a hiking shoe that combines comfort, durability, and eco-friendliness, the KEEN Women's Ridge Flex Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes in Steel Grey/Hydrangea might be just what you need. Designed with innovative features aimed at reducing fatigue during your outdoor adventures, these shoes are perfect for both casual hikers and serious trekkers.
The standout feature is the groundbreaking KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology, which allows the shoe to flex intuitively with your foot, making each step feel more effortless. Coupled with a waterproof membrane, these shoes ensure that your feet remain dry and comfortable regardless of the conditions you face on the trail.
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Features
- FLEXIBILITY: KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology promotes natural movement and prevents cracking over time.
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY breathable membrane keeps moisture out while allowing sweat vapor to escape.
- TRACTION & SUPPORT: All-terrain rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs provides excellent grip; non-marking soles leave no trace indoors.
- FIT & COMFORT: Made with environmentally preferred leather and recycled plastic mesh for all-day wearability.
- CARE TIPS: Clean easily by brushing with a soft bristle brush or using a gum eraser for stains.
Pros
- Exceptional flexibility and comfort due to innovative KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology.
- Durable waterproofing keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
- High traction outsole enhances grip on various terrains.
- Eco-friendly materials sourced responsibly.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort.
- Lack of extensive color options may not cater to all aesthetic preferences.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Women's Ridge Flex | Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof | SALOMON X Ultra 3 GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Flexibility | High | Moderate | High |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Lightweight |
| Eco-friendliness | Yes | No | Limited |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Women's Ridge Flex Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes excel in multiple areas. The application of KEEN.BELLOWS FLEX technology is noteworthy; it ensures that the shoe moves seamlessly with your foot's natural motion, significantly reducing energy expenditure on long hikes. This feature stands out when compared to traditional hiking shoes that can feel restrictive.
The waterproof capabilities of the KEEN.DRY membrane also shine through as it effectively blocks external moisture while allowing your feet to breathe. This is particularly valuable for those who often find themselves traversing muddy trails or unpredictable weather.
Moreover, one cannot overlook the traction provided by the all-terrain rubber outsole. It grips well on wet, rocky, and uneven surfaces, which is essential for safety during outdoor adventures. In addition, the stability shank supports your foot, preventing fatigue on longer treks.
Comfort is another key aspect, with the combination of environmentally friendly leather and ripstop mesh from recycled plastic ensuring that your feet stay comfortable even after hours of walking. However, it's worth noting that some users have reported needing a short break-in period before reaching peak comfort.
Overall, the KEEN Women's Ridge Flex is an excellent choice for hikers who prioritize flexibility, waterproofing, and ethical production practices. With its thoughtful design, this shoe lives up to the reputation of the KEEN brand for delivering quality outdoor footwear.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Outstanding comfort level, especially post break-in. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Built to withstand rugged environments with high-quality materials. |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Reliable waterproof performance even in heavy rain. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Excellent grip on various terrain types. |
| Eco-friendliness | 10/10 | Made from sustainable materials, showcasing commitment to the environment. |
User Reviews
The keen ridge is great. The shoe is rugged and there’s no worry about protection. Purchase them a bit large and don’t lace them up super tight. They’ll stay on and feel good.The flex accordion, while just darling in the contrast color, is a total gimmick. I can’t tell at all. I am a little concerned about failure as it’s a piece of plastic and for my kids in BSA who are doing 40 mile hikes at high adventure camps, I’d send them in the waterproof Targhee instead out of fear of failure from the accordion thing. For me, it’s fine. I’m not hiking like that, I think gimmicks are fun, and I enjoy buying new things every few years.My only real complaint is the lousy insole. Garbage. Thin, hard, and they made my feet hurt just trying out the shoe inside while standing to wash the dishes and fold laundry. They say all over them eco friendly but not when they’re so bad they are just adding to the garbage. I threw them out. I shelled out an extra $40 and got the orthoheel Vionic Oh! Active insole and now the shoe is great. I stood for 8hrs straight on hard concrete for a BSA fundraiser and was the only one not complaining about sore feet, knees, and back. That was mostly due to the insole change up. Cute, substantial sole, but for the price should have a much better insole.
I have flat feet and my right ankle started to give me a lot of problems. I haven't been able to find any shoes that were comfortable And that would support me properly. I wear a woman's 12 so I had to go to a men's size in this but it fits me perfectly. My foot feels 90% better. The support is perfect for my feet and I can wear them all day and not feel any discomfort. I am thrilled that I found these.
I did order 1/2 size up like I normally do, but these definitely run .5 - 1 size long and are way too big. I kept them for OHV and ordered another pair my normal size for hiking. I can fit orthotic and thick socks and I find them more comfortable than the Targhee 3. Wider toe box and better arch stability.I am not happy with how much I can feel rocks with some Keen boots. Most trails I walk on have many rocks and my foot pads can get sore on rocky trails.
I was searching for waterproof shoes for a trip to Ireland. We weren't doing extreme hiking, but I wanted something more durable than a sneaker, and waterproof. These shoes were great. I often wear 8 wide, but thought the toe-box looked wide enough in the photo that I could get away with a regular 8 (these don't come in wide). They fit great - there was more than enough room in the toe-box area. I was worried about breaking them in quickly for the trip, but after a week of wearing them around the house, they didn't cause me any problems. These are solid and I'm sure they'll last for years to come. Highly recommend.
These shoes felt great on my feet from the second they came out of the box. I've had them just under 4 months now and have loved them but now the part on top of the shoe is all breaking open. I would not expect this in less than 4 months if wear. Very disappointing.
Lightweight and fits like a typical Keen shoe/hiker! The left shoe is a bit snug and rubs a bit on the side of my toes. I don't think anyone has this color and design so that's a bonus. Super-fast shipping through SHOEBACCA! I may order again.
Comfortable and sturdy. My third pair!!!
Loved these and got a great deal on Amazon's like new program. I have had Keen Sandals for years, and know my measurements. I even went down a size, against the Amazon recommendation, instead going by the other measurements offered, since have not had Keen shoes, only Merrell.They were way too big. There are none a half size down even close to this price. So will have to send back and hope for a future sale. Very good quality, looked brand new, nice color- dark, solid shoe by Keen. Just too much movement, even when I add orthotics. I wear a 6.5 in most shoes, sometimes 7 ( Consistently a Eur. 37, 9.1 cm foot measurement... So sad to send back.