KEEN Men's WK400 Performance Breathable Walking Shoes Review
The KEEN Men's WK400 Performance Breathable Walking Shoes in Steel Grey/Scarlet Ibis are designed for the modern man who values comfort and functionality in his footwear. These shoes are not just about aesthetics; they are engineered to enhance your walking experience, whether you're briskly navigating through city streets or enjoying a tranquil stroll in nature.
With a focus on healthy living, these shoes encourage you to slow down and enjoy life’s moments. Built for daily fitness walkers, fast joggers, and casual commuters alike, the WK400 offers a unique blend of performance and style.
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Features
- MATERIAL: Performance mesh with flexible overlays for durability; breathable mesh lining keeps feet cool.
- CLOSURE & COMFORT: Offset lacing eases pressure on the top of the foot; removable footbed enhances long-lasting comfort.
- TRACTION: Higher traction rubber provides sure footing; multi-directional lugs enhance grip on stable terrain.
- SUPPORT & DESIGN: Full-length nylon plate adds stability; KEEN.CURVE design promotes natural foot motion.
- FIT & CARE TIPS: KEEN Contoured Fit ensures a secure fit; easy care instructions help maintain appearance.
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for prolonged wear.
- Breathable materials keep feet cool.
- High traction rubber soles provide excellent grip.
- Supportive design helps reduce fatigue during extended walks.
- Stylish aesthetic suitable for various settings.
Cons
- May require a break-in period for some users.
- Availability may be limited in certain sizes.
- Price point may be higher than basic walking shoes.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Men's WK400 | New Balance Fresh Foam Roav | Saucony Freedom ISO 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Performance mesh | Engineered mesh | Soft knit upper |
| Comfort System | Cushioned tongue and collar | Fresh Foam cushioning | ISOFit technology |
| Traction | Higher traction rubber | Rubber outsole with hexagonal lugs | PWRRUN+ cushioning |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Moderate weight |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Men's WK400 Performance Breathable Walking Shoes stand out for several reasons. Firstly, their comfort is unparalleled, thanks to the cushioned tongue and collar which help reduce irritation around the ankle. Many users report that even after long periods of wear, their feet remain comfortable without excessive fatigue.
Moreover, the breathability of the performance mesh material allows for adequate airflow, making them ideal for warmer climates or vigorous walks. The offset lacing system further enhances comfort by minimizing pressure on the top of the foot, a thoughtful feature for those prone to discomfort in standard shoes.
When it comes to traction, the WK400 excels. The high-traction rubber outsole, equipped with multi-directional lugs, ensures a firm grip on a variety of surfaces, an essential aspect for outdoor enthusiasts or urban dwellers navigating uneven terrains.
Additionally, the overall design and support offered by the full-length featherweight nylon plate gives added stability, ensuring that each step feels secure. The KEEN.CURVE design allows for a smooth roll through your stride, promoting efficiency in movement.
For maintenance, these shoes are user-friendly; simply brush with a damp sponge and treat stains promptly to keep them looking fresh. With their stylish appearance, they easily transition from outdoor adventures to casual outings.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Outstanding comfort for everyday wear and extended usage. |
| Breathability | 8/10 | Excellent airflow, keeping feet cool and dry during activity. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Superior grip on multiple terrains, enhancing safety. |
| Style | 8/10 | Modern design that fits well in both urban and natural settings. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Built with quality materials that stand up to regular use. |
User Reviews
I walk several miles per day and even comfortable shoes tend to be hard on my feet under these conditions. But these shoes absolutely feel amazing, like walking on clouds but better because they have a slight forward propelling feel. Sizing is spot on for US menswear and my foot is on the wide side. I highly recommend these shoes..
I'm happy with these. They are very comfortable. They are not as "rocky" or as cushy as my MBTs, but MBT quality has declined greatly since they first came out. The Keen's seem much more substantial and I expect they will last much better. I seldom pay top dollar, but they are a new model, so that is how it is. If they hold up as I hope, it will be worth it. I have other Keens that have been excellent, so I'm counting on these being the same.
Keen has done it again! They've managed to make a high quality pair of shoes that is not only tough but also comfortable. These are the two biggest ways that I would describe these shoes. First I'll start with telling you how they're tough.These Keen running shoes are tough because they have a thicker layer around the top edges of the shoe. This thick later around the edge keeps the shoes from tearing or wearing out easily when the shoe constantly bends with movement. These shoes also have an extremely thick sole. The sole is so thick in fact that I feel like I'm slightly taller with these on.As far as comfort goes,these shoes are so comfortable that I use them for walking all day long. I wear them all day at work, and I usually walk nonstop most of the day. They come with sole inserts that add even more comfort. In addition to this, the arch on these shoes is a bit extreme, but I actually like it. The arch is so arched that the shoes do not sit flat on the ground. In fact, they actually slightly throw my balance off because of how extreme the arch is. It takes a little getting use to but my feet do not tire out easily with these on. I also want to talk about the size. I ordered a size 11 and these shoes fit me perfectly. I usually end up ordering a wide shoe but that wasn't necessary with these because they were plenty wide enough.Lastly I want to talk about style. These shoes are not super stylish however their main intent is to be a running shoe and not a dress shoe. That being said, they are still stylish enough to wear to work, the grocery store, and for running other errands. The only thing I dislike regarding the style is that the shoe model "WK400" is listed in huge orange letters on the tongue of the shoes.I think these are an excellent pair of running shoes for moderate range running as well as beginner running and walking.
It's a nice walking shoe, but for me, it is not very comfortable and is a pain in my arch. I think the arch support is too low for me. I may try using an orthopedic foot pad to see if it is more comfortable on walks.
The thickness of the midsole is greatest under the arch of the foot. Since I have a severely irritated nerve in the ball of my R foot, it transfers my weight towards the heel and arch. It felt odd at first but it's exactly what I need to heal and maintain healthy feet. I am coming from 8 models recently purchased high stack New Balance, ASICS, Saucony, Adidas, Salomon, Altra, and Puma running shoes seeking a solution to my nerve problem. I tried on many Hoka models as well including the new Bondi 8. Those models were selected for the fore+rear foot rockers and max cushion, but they all have a flat section in the middle of the sole where it makes ground contact. The WK400's full length rocker continuous curve design is completely different and worth trying if you have feet problems or want smoother walking. I am not a runner so did not evaluate it there.Sizing: I am not a previous Keen customer so I can't compare it to Keen sizing. Coming from the above popular running shoe brands, for which I am a standard men's 12 D, I purchased the WK400 in 12D and it is about 1/4 longer than normal and narrow in the toe box. The width of this shoe at the ball of the foot and heel is normal, but length is about a quarter inch long. This looks goofy. However, I am glad for the extra length because the toe box is narrow and would have squeezed my 3rd, 4th, and 5th toe if the design was not long.Style: I'm not a fan of the funky shoelace design; it works but I don't think it's much better than standard. Keen should have styled the upper like a classic Adidas Stan Smith/Samba or Converse All Star or Nike Air Force 1 because walking customers are so familiar with this style and more lace eyelets equals more foot shape customization. At least the colors are good. I bought the waterproof men's in tan and black because those colors don't clash like the yellow.Thanks Keen for the outstanding midsole full length rocker!! If you improve the aesthetics of the upper and narrow toe box of this shoe, I think it will catch on for the general public.
I got these shoes because of the unique design of the sole. The convex shape seemed like it made sense for walking, your foot would just follow the shape of the show.When I put on the shoes for the first time, they were very tight and the show felt very awkward to walk on. After a little while of walking around, the shoe stretches to the shape and size of your foot and they felt like they almost contoured to the shape of my foot. As far as the round sole of the shoe, I think it flattens out to fit your foot better at the same time as I was getting used to the feeling of it.I've had these shoes for about a month, and they the only thing I have worn. I always have shoes on, I don't like walking barefoot or in socks, so these shoes have lots of hours on them. I will definitely be buying another pair when these wear out.