Women’s KEEN 450 Dirt Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes have come on leaps and bounds (excuse the pun) over the last few years. But these Keen 450 Dirt Hiking Shoes take them to another level. In fact they have been a revelation to me.

It is not about just durability and comfort but also helping propel you along the trails at the same time as keeping good stability. That curve of the sole is prominent as you look at them but it is in the practicality of them that you realise a real good purpose of them.

These shoes use the innovative KEEN.CURVE technology in the soles that make walking on many terrains, quite simply, a joyous breeze. The shoes indeed do roll forward with your walking quite wonderfully.

With the style and great colour options you will be wearing these around city walks, not just in the wild outdoor paths.

The Curved Sole

So what makes these these shoes great for walking the trails and paths? We will look into other innovations of this shoe very shortly but first let’s look at the curved cushioned sole.

As soon as I started walking in them I felt the propulsion of the curve. The soles are shaped so that you get a rocking type motion with each step from heel to toe. It is like a little boost as you bound along the footpaths.

In essence it is like walking literally with a spring in your step.

Keen are always innovating. This is shown in the fact that the curve is slightly less obvious in sight to the older 400 versions. This then enables maximum walking comfort on all terrains.

Protection and Durability

These shoes are called ‘Dirt’ so yes they are named as a shoe for all terrains and to protect your feet.

The weight of these women’s version is only 355g per shoe, so I was trying to imagine how they finely balanced the light weight, comfort and good protection for al terrains.

Apart from the big cushioned curve sole they have a very lightweight plate in the midsole to give some extra stability. There is an element in the rubber outsole that gives some tow protection too.

For the upper they use an extremely anti-abrasive textile material that I can assure you have been tested over many miles and through all kinds of vegitation. Many shoes I have had in the past would have had holes or pulls by now, but these are still fully intact. This upper is also very breatable too!

For those that wish to wear gaiters there is a reinforced cut-out on the upper to use.

The insole is removable as well as long lasting. Plus the shoes contain an eco, non pesticide anti-odour control.

Waterproof

The 450 Dirt Shoe comes in a waterproof and non waterproof version. The ones I am using and testing are the non waterproof version.

The waterproof version must be extremey good as my versions already do a good job in showers and puddles. I have had dry feet after unplanned paddles.

The Grip

Now then, for the grip of the soles. They habe 4mm multidirectional lugs that I felt gave me extremely good grip going down steep gravel and dirt tracks. I soon began to feel assured.

On wet rocks I felt as though a little extra care was needed. Not just because of the grip but also as with any walking shoe, I am aware I have no onkle support.

The Fit

KEEN are very well known for having a slightly wider fit as Paul found with his Targhee IV boots. I too found with the Dirt shoes that the fit was wide but yet really comfortable without my foot sliding around.

Conclusion

Having tested these shoes for a few months now I can tell you that I am extremely happy with them. They are the most comfortable hiking shoes I have worn to date.

From the first time I wore them I strode off in full comfort and that spring in my step from the curved soles. I will definitely get another pair when these, eventually, wear out.

As for colour? I love the choices of colours and went for Lichen/Pale Banana. But they do also have more conservative colours too.