As a fitness editor, I review the best outdoor gear for a living, and one brand that tops my list when it comes to waterproof, comfortable hiking boots is Keen. Right now, my go-to hiking boot from the brand — the Zionic All Terrain just dropped to $56 in an early Amazon Black Friday sale — that’s a huge 67% off.
Like all of Keen’s boots, the Zionic is designed to be comfortable from the get-go. It’s waterproof, yet breathable, making it suited for walks and hikes all year round, and it has deep lugs for a decent amount of grip over all terrains.
I’ve worn the boot for years on various dog walks, hikes, and walking holidays and it has easily stood the test of time. My colleague Nikkita also walked hundreds of miles (and would walk 500 more) in this boot — you can read her full Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof review here.
Unlike classic leather hiking boots, which take miles upon miles to wear in, the Keen Zionic boots are designed to be comfy from your first step. They have a decent amount of cushioning in the midsole, which is bouncy and responsive underfoot. They also have Keen’s classic wide toebox to prevent your toes from getting knocked as you walk over rocky or uneven terrain. I’d recommend sizing up at least half a size from your regular sneakers to accommodate your feet swelling over long walks, as well as the thicker hiking socks you might wear.
There are two hooks for quick lace adjustment, and each boot has a loop on the heel for easy pull-on, which I used every time. The built-in arch support is fantastic too, as it helps maintain proper foot posture. All of these features combined meant I have never experienced hot spots or blisters, no matter how far I walk.
On the bottom of the shoe, you’ll find deep lugs which are grippy enough to cope with most terrains and trails. I’ve worn these shoes on gravel trails, wet mud, and even through shallow rivers, and never had any issue with slipping. For $56, you really can’t go wrong — grab them while you can!
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