Buying guide for best women’s keen shoes
Comfort, protection, and function are all important considerations when buying shoes for walking and everyday use. KEEN designs its footwear with all of these elements in mind, and then some, making it one of the top companies when it comes to women’s footwear. Whether you’re hiking trails or just doing a lot of walking, women’s KEEN shoes are a sure bet.
For essential outdoor or everyday shoes, KEEN offers styles that are engineered with foot anatomy in mind. The soles are manufactured to provide an even and safe landing with each step. They also provide comfort through cushioned insoles and treads that help distribute and absorb shock. As functional and heavy-duty as they are, women’s KEEN shoes come in a variety of styles and finishes to be just as trendy as they are practical.
If you’re ready to put your best foot forward, it’s time to consider a pair of women’s KEEN shoes. We put together this buying guide with a rundown of sandals, casual shoes, and hiking shoes so you can choose the perfect pair. Check out our favorites, too.
Key considerations
Styles
Hiking: For outdoor activities like hiking, KEEN has a series of trail and terrain-friendly styles. For the most part, they’re made of nubuck and textiles and are equipped with a waterproof upper as well as a wick-away liner. The treads and soles are incredibly defined in these models. Hiking boots also come with superior ankle support to prevent accidental rolls and promote a tight, safe overall fit.
Working: Depending on your career and dress code, women’s KEEN shoes are ideal if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Like the hiking styles, many of these shoes are manufactured in combinations of nubuck and textiles and are also available in full-grain leather. They’re available in both lace and slip-on styles and generally have a slight heel. These KEEN shoes have the largest color selection, so it’s easy to find a pair to match your outfits.
Sandals: KEEN’s sandal styles have different levels of foot coverage and protection. These strappy shoes are made of either nubuck or textile blends. Protective sandals look like a sneaker with some panels removed to expose the skin, while more casual KEEN sandals keep straps to a minimum.
Casual: If you’re looking for a sleeker everyday shoe, KEEN has casual styles made of woven canvas. They’re lightweight and versatile and feature a compact sole for a more delicate presentation. For the most part, they slip on and off by means of elastic around the instep.
Protection
Women’s KEEN shoes offer superior protection for your feet. Not only are they constructed with heavy-duty materials, but their silhouettes are designed to fully encase feet. For the most part, KEEN shoes rarely expose large areas of the foot and ankle, with the exception of the sandals — and even then, some styles almost fully cover the foot.
Perhaps the most notable design elements unique to KEEN are the reinforced toe box and mudguard areas. These rubberized spots cover the toes and front of the shoe to minimize stubs or crush injuries. Women’s KEEN shoes incorporate the design across almost all styles, even their simple sandals and casual canvas shoes.
Expert Tip
Because everyone’s feet are shaped differently, try KEEN’s different lacing styles to find the best fit.
STAFF
BestReviews
Women’s KEEN shoe features
Designs
Colors: The color variety of women’s KEEN shoes depends on the style. Work shoes and casual styles tend to have the largest selection, with over 25 colors to choose from. Hiking shoes are generally limited to a handful of natural, earthy colors. Sandals have a color selection that falls somewhere in between those categories.
Patterns: In addition to different colors, certain women’s KEEN shoes come with different patterns, generally in strappy sandals and casual styles. There are tribal prints, stripes, and free-form color splashes to choose from.
Support
Insole: Women’s KEEN shoe insoles vary between styles. In some shoes, the insole has memory foam or cushioning for comfort and shock absorption. In others, the insole is easily removable so you can insert a custom insole instead.
Heel: Given their rugged nature, women’s KEEN shoes are equipped with heel support. They either feature additional cushioning at the insole or have internal cushioning built into the outsole platform.
Treads: Women’s KEEN shoes are well prepared to handle all kinds of terrain and provide superior support in the way of tread design. While they may look simple, the treads are designed to promote grip and provide an even landing with each step.
Adjustability: To achieve the most supportive and secure fit, women’s KEEN shoes are designed with a range of adjustability features. Sandals have side buckles and Velcro to customize the fit, and other KEEN styles feature bungee fasteners. Lace-up KEEN shoes have eyelets in multiple places to give wearers plenty of options when it comes to tight, supportive lacing.
Materials
Women’s KEEN shoes are made from a combination of materials, most notably nylon, nubuck, full-grain leather, and canvas. The textile combination and selection depends on the activity for which the shoes are designed. The more intense the activity, the more rugged and durable the materials.
Rubber is also incorporated into women’s KEEN shoes, particularly in the toe box, mudguard, and sole. In many styles, the rubber used is non-marking.
"If you’re packing KEEN shoes for an outdoor excursion, wrap them in plastic bags before placing them in your suitcase. Make sure they’re clean and dry before repacking them to return home."
STAFF
BestReviews
Women’s KEEN shoe prices
Women’s KEEN shoes are priced between $20 and $190.
Inexpensive: At the low end of the price range, between $20 and $60, you’ll find mostly simple flats and sandals.
Mid-range: These women’s KEEN shoes cost between $60 and $125 and include traditional slip-on or lace-up shoe styles.
Expensive: At the top of the range, $125 to $190, you’ll find the majority of KEEN’s hiking shoes and premium shoe styles.
Expert Tip
If you find a pair of KEEN shoes to wear to work, consider buying the same style in more than one color to match all your outfits.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
- Get used to your new hiking shoes before you hit the trail. You not only want to break them in but also choose your preferred lacing style.
- Purchase spare laces. If you get a lot of use out of your lace-up KEEN shoes, consider keeping a spare set of laces on hand in case yours break unexpectedly.
- Invest in appropriate care products. For leather and nubuck shoes, use the right cleaning products to maintain their finish.
- Store shoes in a ventilated area. Especially for leather and nubuck styles, store your KEEN shoes in a place where there is adequate airflow. If they’re sealed in a box that isn’t breathable, they could dry out and crack.
Other products we considered
If you don’t see what you need in our matrix, we found a couple other styles for you. We also like the KEEN Women's Bali Strap Sandal, which is available in eight fun colors. This style is deal for sandal wearers who want minimal strap coverage to keep feet cool. The ankle straps are fully adjustable and have Velcro closures for easy wear. A reinforced toe box makes them well suited for long days of walking. And the sole molds to the shape of your foot to provide a cushioned and comfortable step. The grippy treads provide enough traction for safe walking on uneven ground and trails. If you’re looking for a more casual style, the KEEN Women’s Sienna Canvas Mary Jane is a decent pick. Available in a nude color or patchwork design, these slip-on shoes are versatile enough to match many outfits. The footbed is removable, and the rubber soles and mudguards deliver more structure than most canvas shoes, so your feet are comfortable and protected.
FAQ
Q. Can I change the laces on my KEEN shoes?
A. Yes, they’re easy and affordable to replace. When choosing replacement laces, opt for the same style as the original ones to maintain a proper fit. Some styles use flat laces and others use round bungee laces. Laces are also sold in different lengths, so make sure you get the right one for your KEEN shoes.
Q. How do I get rid of the odor in my shoes after a camping or hiking trip?A. If you air out your KEEN shoes after use, most of the smell will dissipate. Sometimes the smell could be a bit stronger, so you might need sneaker balls to absorb some of it. There are also UV shoe sanitizers or shoe deodorizer and refresher products that when sprayed on the inside of the shoes help eliminate odors.
Q. Do my KEEN shoes come with a manufacturer's warranty?
A. KEEN stands behind its products and offers a one-year guarantee on any defects. To take advantage of your warranty, you’ll need to save your receipt to confirm the date of purchase. The KEEN website has a dedicated claim area where you can submit your information to initiate a replacement or refund.
