KEEN Women's Explore Wp Hiking Shoe Review: Comfort on the Trail
The KEEN Women's Explore Wp Hiking Shoe in Balsam/Beveled Glass is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who require both performance and style. This shoe not only meets your hiking needs but also offers a perfect fit for women, ensuring you can tackle all types of terrains with confidence.
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Features
- WATERPROOF: Features KEEN.DRY technology that keeps your feet dry while allowing moisture to escape.
- FIT & DESIGN: Tailored to a women's specific foot form with a removable dual-density PU insole for added cushioning.
- TRACTION: Equipped with a KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole for high-traction grip on various surfaces.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: Includes an external stability shank for improved mobility and a cushioned collar for ankle comfort.
- CARE TIPS: Easy to maintain with mild soap and cold water; air dry away from heat sources.
Pros
- Excellent waterproofing for wet weather conditions.
- Very comfortable with arch support for long hikes.
- High-traction outsole keeps you stable on rocky or muddy paths.
Cons
- Some users may find the sizing runs small.
- Requires a break-in period for optimal comfort.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Women's Explore Wp | Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof | SALOMON X Ultra 3 GTX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arch Support | Yes | Moderate | Good |
| Traction | High | Good | Excellent |
| Cushioning | Dual-density | Standard | Standard |
Detailed Review
When it comes to hiking shoes, the KEEN Women's Explore Wp stands out due to its impressive array of features targeted toward the modern female adventurer. Starting with waterproof capabilities, the KEEN.DRY membrane creates a protective barrier ensuring that your feet stay dry even when navigating through puddles or damp grass. The breathability helps to prevent overheating during strenuous activity, making it an ideal choice for varying climates.
The fit and design are thoughtfully crafted around a women-specific foot form, which results in a snug yet comfortable experience. The removable dual-density PU insole provides excellent arch support, promoting comfort over long distances. However, some customers have noted that the sizing may run a bit small, so checking size guidelines or trying them on can be beneficial.
In terms of traction, the KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole offers exceptional grip on both muddy and rocky surfaces. This feature gives you the confidence to traverse uneven terrain without worrying about slips or falls. Coupled with the external stability shank, you’ll appreciate the lightweight support that enhances mobility.
For those conscious about their gear's appearance post-adventure, the care tips provided are straightforward—mild soap, cold water, and air drying keep your shoes in great shape for future excursions.
Overall, the KEEN Women's Explore Wp Hiking Shoe combines comfort, function, and style, making it a worthwhile investment for your outdoor activities.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning ideal for long hikes. |
| Traction | 4.7/5 | Outstanding grip on varied surfaces. |
| Waterproofing | 4.8/5 | Highly effective waterproof technology. |
| Support | 4.4/5 | Great arch support and stability. |
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.