KEEN womens Explore Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
The KEEN womens Explore Waterproof Hiking Shoe in Majolica Blue/Satellite is designed for those who crave adventure without compromising on comfort or protection. This shoe integrates a waterproof KEEN.Dry membrane, ensuring your feet stay dry while allowing for breathability, which is essential for long hikes.
Constructed with lightweight ripstop mesh and durable panels at key wear zones, these shoes not only stand up to rugged terrains but also provide a sleek look that complements your outdoor gear.
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Features
- Materials: Waterproof KEEN.Dry membrane with lightweight ripstop mesh
- Support: Speed lace system and contoured heel lock for a secure fit
- Comfort: Removable insole and lightweight cushioning midsole
- Traction: KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN non-marking rubber with multi-directional lugs
- Fit: Sleek Contoured Fit that aligns with the natural shape of the foot
Pros
- Excellent waterproof capabilities
- Breathable materials keep feet cool
- Good traction on various terrains
- Adjustable fit for personalized comfort
- Durable construction suited for rugged hiking
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Limited color options compared to other models
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN womens Explore | Merrell Moab 2 | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breathable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Lightweight |
| Traction | Multi-directional lugs | Vibram traction | Contagrip sole |
| Fit Type | Sleek Contoured | Standard | Standard |
Detailed Review
When it comes to hiking footwear, the KEEN womens Explore Waterproof Hiking Shoe stands out due to its thoughtful design and advanced technology. Material Quality: The use of a KEEN.Dry membrane effectively keeps water out while the breathable mesh allows for air circulation, making this shoe ideal for wet environments and hot days alike.
Support & Comfort: With a speed lace system that provides easy adjustability, you can customize the fit quickly, ensuring your foot remains snug during movement. The contoured heel lock enhances stability, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort over prolonged wear. Additionally, the removable insole and lightweight cushioning midsole offer a resilient ride, ensuring that comfort does not take a backseat even on challenging trails.
Traction: The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole features multi-directional lugs which provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, from muddy trails to rocky paths. Whether you're navigating steep inclines or crossing streams, you can tackle the terrain confidently.
Overall Impression: If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking for a reliable pair of hiking shoes that combine durability, comfort, and waterproofing, the KEEN womens Explore is certainly worth considering. Its sleek design furthermore means that you won’t have to compromise style for functionality.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning and support for long hikes. |
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | Highly effective in keeping feet dry. |
| Traction | 4.7/5 | Outstanding grip on varied terrains. |
| Durability | 4.6/5 | Built with high-quality materials for longevity. |
| Fit | 4.4/5 | Aligns well with foot shape for secure fitting. |
User Reviews
I was looking for a good shoe that has a combination of requirements...specifically: light weight, water proof, grippy and comfortable on long hikes with a weighted backpack. I am a fan of Keen hiking shoes from previous experience, but this is the first time I wore the Explorer.Think of this shoe as a hybrid between a trail runner and trail hiker.So far, this shoe has more than met my requirements. I've hiked over 20-miles (after a short break-in period) in differing conditions and find these shoes to be light weight and very comfortable...especially when carrying a 40lb backpack. They are water resistant from the morning dew and light stream crossings yet breathable. These shoes don't feel like a high platform...you can feel the ground for a controlled stride but the rock plate protects you from sharp objects.The lower cut allows freedom of movement in the ankle (if you have weak ankles, this may not be the shoe for you). I will be putting about 100-miles on these in June, so if things change, I'll update my review. I normally wear a 10.5 running shoe. These 10.5 shoes allow me to wear a compression sock with a wool hiking ankle sock over it comfortably.So far, the durability is good with no crinkling or breaking at the webbing pivot points.
I bought these for working around my yard and barn to keep my feet dry while walking on wet grass. They do a great job keeping my feet clean and dry, and are comfortable. As an extra added bonus, the toe is sturdy enough for me to kick the thick rubber Jolly-Ball for my dogs over and over without hurting my toes at all!The only thing I’d change is to make them a tad bit wider. They are kind of narrow. I would order wide width next time if available.
I ordered (and kept) these Keens, but they are not my favorite from the brand. They are a little heavy (which may be expected for waterproof), so not entirely what I was looking for to help with walks around Scotland. However, when I walk the pups in the morning after heavy rain or some snow, these serve a great purpose. The seam at the top of the shoe where the laces end have the propensity to rub my foot if I wear too thin a sock or if I were to wear them for several hours. I have to make sure the tongue is situated just right when I put them on. They are nice & wide for not being a wide shoe, so a comfortable fit if you get the right size. I normally wear a 7.5 and that is what I ordered.
Part 1-(red ones size 6I owned a pair of these previously that I had purchased from the Walking Store (they went missing) that I loved. In hopes pf replacing them, I found these online amd ordered the same color/size. Sadly, the quality was not the same. They were stiff, to small, hurt my feet and gave me a blister just from trying them on…. I am so bummed. The color was also duller than my previous pair. I had to return them. Very disappointing. The lady in the Walking store told me that when I purchase a shoe on Amazon, the manufacturer may be different- thus affecting the quality and fit if the shoe.Had ordered blue pair too - they fit better than the red ones which is weird but they are very stiff. I decided to keep them and hoping they will get more comfortable with wear. The soles are very firm and the bottoms of my feet hurt after wearing them to work a half day. I like the color but so far they are not my favorite shoes.
I've purchased these shoes multiple times in the past and loved them previously! Unfortunately the quality seems to have dropped with this last pair that I purchased. After only 5 months of moderate use, the glued seams are coming apart, leaving a large hole in the toe of one shoe. Additionally, the shoes are much stiffer than previous pairs that I've purchased and actually pinch the toes. I've continued to wear them, hoping to break them in but the stiffness has not improved. I'm sad that the quality is not what it used to be, since these really used to be my favorite shoes. I will be looking elsewhere for my next pair :(
My daughter kept asking me to walk with her after dinner, and my feet were killing me because I didn’t have a proper pair of walking/hiking shoes. I made the plunge and decided on these, and am so happy. They cover my heel, fit like a glove, and don’t squish my toes.I wear a 5 1/2 in women’s shoes but my feet are wider. They do not make this size in wide in any brand, so I always order a half-size up or order kid’s shoes because they typically have more toe room.I’m just excited that these cover my ankle so that I won’t get rub marks if I walk too long. Being waterproof is an added bonus!
I have not worn them much because the are very stiff and cause some leg discomfort. Probably just my crazy feet. Good quality and workmenship.
I've been looking for a sturdy but lightweight hiking shoe for a long time. I have small, narrow feet and they are hard to fit. So far, the thick but lightweight sole offers good protection. There is ample room in the toe box while still fitting snugly around the back of the ankle. I haven't tested them yet on a rocky trail., however. They were comfortable right out of the box. By the way, the headline on the web page is incorrect. These are not men's shoes.