Keen Marshall - Women's Review

Summer heat and the likelihood of water crossings demand a shoe that is breathable and fast drying. The Keen Marshall is well suited for the demands of summer hiking.

Performance Comparison

Weight

The Marshall weighs in only 0.2 pounds heavier than the lightest pair of hiking shoes in our review, the Ahnu Sugarpine Air Mesh. At 1.55 pounds, the Marshall is incredibly lightweight on trail and feels light enough to comfortably wear around town. Unlike the Vasque Grand Traverse that also weighs 1.55 pounds, the Marshall is made of airy textile uppers and rubber soles that are both sturdy and light.

Comfort

Of all of the women's hiking shoes, these require one of the longest break-in periods for comfort. The stiff toe protection is great for durability and long term comfort, yet it is very rigid straight out of the box and requires a hike or two to soften. The insoles and midsoles of the Marshall have minimal padding, but removable EVA insoles can be replaced with after market insoles like Superfeet.

Straight out of the box, these shoes are comparable to new sandals with synthetic material that softens and conforms after some activity. The textile mesh uppers are breathable and airy, lending to summer hiking comfort in warm temperatures. Padding around the ankles is minimal compared to the plush padding in the Merrell Moab Ventilator - Women's. Over time, the lightweight Marshall softens and becomes comfortable for all day trail use. For comfort paired with support, consider the Editors' Choice award winning Salomon Ellipse - Women's hiking shoes. For flexibility and softness, consider the Ahnu Sugarpine Air Mesh. For straight out of the box padding and comfort, the Merrell Moab Ventilator is among the most comfortable.

Support

The Marshall has the flexibility and weight of a trail running shoe paired with the sturdy soles of a hiking shoe. The EVA midsoles stand over solid, non-marking rubber outsoles that can withstand miles of rocky trail. The uppers are flexible and unrestricting during stride. Stiffness paired with flexibility makes for a supportive day hiking shoe and around town walking shoe. We found them to be too stiff for trail running, though.

Traction

A varied tread pattern is ideal for traction in a hiking shoe. The Marshall has 4mm lug depth with a tread pattern that is varied, shedding away dirt, mud, and sand. In all conditions this shoe maintained traction. We found the Marshall to rank among the best options for crossing wet rock, rivers, and on muddy spring trails, although the uppers allow water to seep into the shoe. They excel on easy to moderate terrain and on wet terrain.

Versatility

The Marshall lacks the versatility we have come to expect from other shoes. Many hiking shoes are suitable for day hiking, backpacking, and even some for trail running. These are best for easy to moderate trail terrain with a daypack or around town. The soles are too stiff for comfortable trail running and they lack enough support to comfortably carry weight on overnight treks. The lack of water resistance on the uppers (note: they are also available in a waterproof model), limits them to warm climate use. For a three season hiking shoe that is also versatile in application, take a look at our review of the Ahnu Sugarpine Air Mesh.

Water Resistance

Mesh uppers are synonymous with breathability, although they often lack water resistance. The textile uppers of the Marshalls are incredibly breathable and airy, yet they welcome water in without resistance. While standing in shallow water, our socks were wet in seconds. The mesh uppers of the Sugarpine Air Mesh are surprisingly water resistant and offer a comparable degree of breathability. The Marshall is best suited for dry climates.

Durability

Synthetic, textile uppers are durable against abrasion but will wear out faster than leather designs. For a lightweight hiking shoe, the Marshall is relatively durable. Metal grommets, as opposed to nylon rings or plastic eyelets, lend to greater durability along the lacing system. After miles of hiking through mud and dirt, a quick rinse brought them back to looking like new. Unlike the Siren Sport, which, after days of trail use appeared very worn in. The overall durability of materials and construction is high. Keen's proprietary toe protection adds to the durability of these shoes; contact with rock and terrain will not compromise the comfort of your toes and feet.

Best Applications

The Marshall is designed with a textile mesh upper and moisture wicking lining. They are ideal in summer temperatures and warmer climates. We recommend them for day hiking on easy to moderate terrain, including parks and around town. The sturdy soles are comfortable on rugged terrain, although the thin mesh uppers do not offer substantial protection against the elements, rocks, or trail debris. Hiking through shallow creeks and puddles, the Marshall maintained stability on wet terrain and dried incredibly fast. We do not recommend hiking in them barefoot- the textile uppers crease uncomfortably against bare feet. Bring extra socks if you intend to utilize them as river crossing shoes or you anticipate hiking in wet regions.

Value

At $110, the Marshall is a good value for a lightweight hiking shoe that is breathable and sturdy underfoot. We recommend them mainly for summer hiking because of their airy feel and lack of any insulating property, therefore finding them to be limited in versatility. This decreases the overall value of these shoes - most hiking shoes can be worn from spring, through summer, and into fall. For a three season hiking shoe that offers similar characteristics of breathability and light weight yet is capable of a broad range of trail and weather conditions, consider the Ahnu Sugarpine Air Mesh or our Best Buy winning Merrell Siren Sport 2 - Women's.

Conclusion