 This Product
Keen Zionic Waterproof Mid - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Hiking Boots |  Well-Priced High Performance |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Best Hiking Boot Under $100 | |
| Price | $170.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $156.74 at Public Lands Compare at 3 sellers | $159.19 at Amazon Compare at 4 sellers | $59.83 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $60.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A well-priced option for all-day comfort and waterproof performance on well-maintained trails | While less supportive than a traditional leather hiker, these boots excel in comfort and agility while saving weight | This well-priced boot offers excellent traction and ample support within a lightweight design | A great choice for day hikes and moderate backpacking trips, these boots lack support and padding for shouldering heavier loads on extended trips | This hiking boot offers impressive performance in exchange for a modest price tag |
| Rating Categories | Keen Zionic Waterpr... | La Sportiva Ultra R... | Salomon X Ultra 4 M... | Merrell Moab 3 Mid... | Columbia Crestwood... |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Keen Zionic Waterpr... | La Sportiva Ultra R... | Salomon X Ultra 4 M... | Merrell Moab 3 Mid... | Columbia Crestwood... |
| Measured Weight (per pair) | 1.50 lbs (size 8.5) | 1.68 lbs (size EU 40) | 1.72 lbs (size 8.5) | 2.06 lbs (size 8) | 1.80 lbs (size 8.5) |
| Upper | Performance ripstop mesh with TPU overlays | AirMesh, microfiber, TPU | Synthetic, textile, rubber toecap | Leather, mesh | Leather, mesh and webbing |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Waterproof Lining | KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Waterproof membrane | Omni-Tech |
| Midsole | Direct-attach, air-injected PU | MEMlex | Molded OrthoLite sockliner | Super Rebound Compound | TechLite |
| Heel Height | 1.5" | 1.8" | 1.5" | 2.0" | 1.5" |
| Shaft Height | 6.0" | 5.0" | 6.25" | 4.9" | 5.0" |
| Sole | Nonmarking, high-traction TPU | FriXion XF 2.0 Rubber | Contagrip rubber, chevron lugs | Vibram TC5+ | Omni-Grip |
The Zionic Waterproof Mid features comfort directly out of the box thanks to a soft, flexible polyester upper and air-cushioned pockets inside the outsole. The roomy toe box favors those with wider feet, though the lacing system is easily cinched (especially when wrapped twice around the single hook) for those who prefer a more narrow fit. The waterproof performance is on par with other high performers in this review, though the lightweight design lacks the support and durability we prefer for multi-day trips. If single-day hikes on groomed trails are your jam, these stylish boots won't disappoint.
After testing many variations of Keen footwear, our lead tester believes the Zionic Waterproof Mid is the most comfortable Keen boot yet. This lightweight and modern hiking boot offers comfort directly out of the box, especially for those with wide feet. For those with narrow feet, the flexible polyester ripstop mesh upper is easily cinched down, and the Keen contoured fit technology hugs the foot's natural shape for a more customized fit. A cushioned panel surrounding the Achilles and air pockets on the soles also enhance comfort within this rather minimalist design.
Though a standout in comfort, the Zionic lacks the stability and support we prefer in a hiking boot. The soft and flexible polyester upper was easily twisted in our lateral stability tests, and the floppy laces don't inspire a ton of confidence when moving through steep and rugged terrain. That being said, the boot does offer stability shanks for improved mobility as well as KEEN LuftCell technology with micro air pockets inside the soles to help encourage rebound with every stride. As with any of the boots that we test that only offer one lacing hook, we recommend wrapping the laces twice so as to lock in your ankle for additional support. Overall, this boot has enough stability within the wide base and soft, flexible upper for those looking to tackle well-maintained trails on single-day hikes, but there just isn't enough support for multi-day trips while carrying the weight of a heavy pack.
The outsole of the Zionic is constructed from non-marking, high-traction TPU (thermoplastic urethane), which helps increase traction on uneven and slippery terrain without sacrificing flexibility within the structure. In addition to the TPU outsole, the boot also has a 4mm multidirectional lug pattern through the entire base of the boot, which helps to increase confidence through sure footing on those polished and popular trails. Our testing team was impressed with the overall performance, whether navigating slippery boulders or steep sand and scree. Our only concern is this soft, flexible outsole's overall durability, which is easily impacted when moving through sharp rocks and pokey sagebrush.
Our testing team experienced no issues in the waterproof performance of this boot, thanks to the KEEN.DRY waterproof/breathable membrane combined with a PFAS-free water-repellent coating that successfully kept our feet dry and allowed water to bead off the top of the boot. The lightweight design, quick dry lining, and breathable membranes allow this boot to breathe better than most that we've reviewed. The performance ripstop mesh also kept our feet warm when fully submerged in a cold runoff stream.
Weighing only 1.72 pounds for a US women's size 8.5, the Zionic offers a competitive performance in this metric. Unfortunately, our testing team couldn't help but notice the support and durability compromised in order to achieve the lightweight feel. The lack of rigidity in the polyester ripstop mesh, the floppy lacing system, and the softer rubber in the outsole do help decrease the overall weight; however, we question the longevity of these materials.
As with many of the lightweight modern hiking boots that combine the stability of a traditional hiking boot with the nimble performance of a trail running shoe, the Zionic Mid sacrifices durability by using lightweight materials. Though the polyester ripstop mesh is beefed up with overlays in key wear zones near the toe cap and forefoot, we question the longevity of the mesh, especially when hiking on technical trails. We also noticed that the soft rubber in the outsole is easily impacted when moving over scree and navigating sharp boulder fields. The design (including the toe cap) is minimal, which not only compromises durability but also lessens protection from debris on the trail.
The Zionic is a great option for those looking to shed the weight and bulk of a traditional hiking boot in exchange for the comfortable, lightweight, breathable, waterproof performance you'd expect from a trail running shoe. However, this is not without caveats in terms of support and durability. That being said, if you are looking for a super comfortable and stylish hiking boot that will offer enough performance for single-day hikes on well-maintained trail systems, this boot is available for a reasonable price and won't disappoint.
For those of you looking for a lightweight hiking boot that features a flexible upper in addition to more support and better traction, check out the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2. This boot also offers a roomy toe box that is perfect for those with wider feet. If you are after a little more rigidity in the upper to maximize support and versatility, check out the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex. And if you're looking for a boot that can do it all without the additional weight and bulk of a leather hiking boot, check out the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX.
