Keen are known for footwear with a wide forefoot and large toe bumper so the Zionic trail shoe feels like something a departure both in design and intent as they do have the looks and shape of a trail running shoe.

The Zionic is much heavier than the other shoes I tested for this review however and even after some breaking in time on the stiff upper I never felt they were shoes I could run in. Purely as a walking shoe the featured stack up well though. The upper is a stiff sandwich of synthetic fabric, plastic protective overlay, a waterproof membrane and a wicking inner lining.

Peter Macfarlane’s verdict

The Zionic has definite sweet spots for use, bigger hills in the dry and good trails at any time of year. The fit is a departure for Keen but comfort is good and durability is also looking promising.
Pros
  • Dry/loose conditions grip
  • Feels protective
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Poor grip in the wet
Quick specs
Price: £150
Weight: 782g      
Materials & features: stack height: 29mm, TPU outsole,  Keen.Dry waterproof membrane, mesh upper with TPU overlays, stability shank in midsole, recycled PET plastic used in construction, PFAS free DWR
Heel-to-toe drop: 17mm
Lug depth: 4mm
Sizes: UK 6 to 14 ic half sizes from 6.5 to 10.5
Woman’s version: Yes
URL: www.keenfootwear.de

They’re some of the warmest shoes I’ve tested and were excellent for winter walks on good paths where the waterproofing was much appreciated. On rougher terrain in the wet, the outsole which has excellent general grip in dry conditions was quite poor with little grip on wet rock. The midsole is thickly padded and comparatively stiff with added flex at the forefoot which allows for comfortable all day walking once the stiff upper has molded to your foot a little.

The fit feels unfamiliar for a pair of Keens with a close sculpted feel and slightly tapered toe. There is still room to wriggle my toes, but not to spread them as I’m used to in other Keens. But it is a very comfortable fit which has only improved through wear. The tongue is padded and gusseted to maintain waterproofing.

There are fabric lace loops and the laces run smoothly with very little pressure felt under the knot. The Zionic has definite sweet spots for use, bigger hills in the dry and good trails at any time of year. The fit is a departure for Keen but comfort is good and durability is also looking promising.

Reviewed and tested by Peter MacFarlane

Peter is long time user of trail running shoes in the outdoors for activities ranging from long distance paths to walking the Munros. He has also been a sporadic trail runner over the years and used these test models to retune his running feet around his local trails in the Kilpatrick Hills.

Peter has a narrow heel and wide forefoot and the weights are taken from his own digital scales.