Keen Zionic Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots Review

Bottom Line

The Keen Zionic Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots are a lightweight, modern departure from the brand’s traditional designs. They are more of a hiking shoe with ankle coverage than a hiking boot.

Tested on a range of spring hikes in Washington’s Central Cascades from dry desert trails and snow-packed paths to rocky riverbanks, these boots impressed us with their flexibility, comfort, and reliable traction. The Zionic’s breathable ripstop mesh upper and KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane kept feet dry and didn’t trap heat as much as expected. 

The narrower toe box is a noticeable shift from Keen’s famously roomy fit, and those with wider feet may find it snug even when properly sized.

While traction is solid, the outsole’s soft rubber showed wear against sharp, rocky surfaces despite only a couple of months of testing. Overall, this is a solid value for hikers looking for ankle coverage. See how the Zionic’s compare in our guide to the best women’s hiking boots.

Comfort

The Zionic Waterproof Mid is a comfortable KEEN boot if you have narrow feet. We consistently find the Zionic Mid to deliver excellent underfoot cushioning. Their KEEN LuftCell technology uses micro air pockets in the sole to enhance rebound and absorb impact on rocky and uneven trails.

The soft, contoured fit hugs the foot and provides a very snug fit. This may work for some foot shapes, but our testers found these boots were more prone to hot spots and blisters due to the narrow toe box (combined with our wide feet). The boots are incredibly lightweight, which can add some comfort and reduce fatigue, but they also cut on some stability factors, especially on the ankle cuff.

Durability

The Zionic’s lightweight materials limit its durability, making it better suited for maintained paths and moderate terrain. Durability was our primary concern with the Zionic, and field testing confirmed our suspicions. 

After just 10 miles of mixed-use (including rocky trails, light bushwhacking, and a stream crossing), we saw noticeable scuffing and wear on the toe cap and mesh upper. The outsole began to round off at the lug tips, particularly in high-impact zones.

Though the boot features strategic overlays at the toe and forefoot, they aren’t robust enough to fend off sharp rocks, abrasive scree, or minor snags and abrasions on the mesh after a few outings. While perfectly fine for maintained trails and casual hiking, we wouldn’t recommend the Zionic for extended off-trail travel or rough, technical routes.

Ankle Support

This boot provides ankle coverage more than ankle support, which might be great depending on what you need boots for. So the Zionic Mid offers decent ankle protection for mellow trails but lacks the lateral support and security needed for backpacking trips or more technical terrain. 

When hiking on rocky, uneven trails, the Zionic’s soft polyester mesh upper struggles to hold the ankle. While comfortable and lightweight, the flexible design allows for noticeable ankle twists during fast, off-camber moves and when carrying a heavy pack. Without including a stability shank and the generous midsole cushioning, we’d question the point of going with a boot besides keeping your socks drier (a valid request for those soggy trails). 

The boot includes just one upper lacing hook, which limits ankle security. Even with different lacing techniques and wrapping the laces around the hook twice (as recommended by a hiking buddy), the ankle support wasn’t quite up to par. 

In short, this boot is best suited for maintained trails, light day hiking, or urban-to-trail transitions rather than demanding backcountry routes unless a lack of ankle support is not a concern for you. 

Traction

The Zionic’s high-traction TPU outsole with multidirectional 4mm lugs delivers a surprisingly solid grip on wet, loose, and polished surfaces, though its softer rubber composition wears down quickly. We noticed wear on the soft rubber after about ten miles of hiking in the boots. The wear appeared most on the forefoot initially, but with more miles on rockier terrain, the heel also began to see a bit of wear. 

We tested the traction on wet boulders, slick snowy slopes, loose scree, and steep dusty descents. Across the board, the Zionic gripped confidently in most conditions. We appreciate how the lug pattern sheds mud quickly, which is perfect for spring hiking.

Weather Resistance

KEEN’s waterproof/breathable KEEN.DRY membrane and PFAS-free water-repellent finish keep our feet dry through light rain, shallow creek crossings, damp snow, and soggy trails while maintaining reasonable breathability in warmer conditions.

We tested this pair during spring hikes and backpacking trips, including stream dunk tests, rain-drenched trails, and slushy snow. The Zionic Mid’s waterproofing consistently delivered. Water beaded cleanly off the ripstop mesh upper, and feet remained dry even during near submersions. The boot’s performance ripstop mesh also repelled debris and dirt from collecting, but gaiters help complete the waterproofing system in heavily vegetated or snowier areas.

During warmer hikes in the upper 70s, our feet still got hot but were less sweaty than in comparable waterproof boots. The quick-drying lining further helped mitigate moisture accumulation, keeping feet comfortable in warmer weather.

Weight

At 1.72 pounds per pair (women’s size 8.5), the Zionic Mid is among the lightest waterproof hiking boots we’ve tested, but its weight savings come at the cost of long-term support and durability.

Right out of the box, the Zionic feels more like a rugged trail runner than a traditional hiking boot. That lightweight feel can be valuable on long hikes with sustained elevation gain to prevent lower-leg and foot fatigue. The airy ripstop mesh upper, pared-back design, and minimalist toe cap all contribute to the reduced weight while retaining enough protection for moderate day hikes.

However, the boot’s lack of structural rigidity in the upper and outsole made carrying a loaded pack less comfortable. The Zionic works best for casual trail use or lightweight backpacking.

Should You Buy the KEEN Zionic Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots?

The KEEN Zionic Waterproof Mid is a great choice for hikers seeking a lightweight, cushioned, and waterproof boot for casual day hikes, fast-paced trail adventures, and even urban-to-trail transitions. It’s especially well-suited for hikers with narrow feet or who prefer a tighter fit. 

However, this isn’t the boot for serious backpackers, technical routes, or rugged, off-trail excursions. Its flexible upper and lightweight construction come at the cost of long-term durability and lack of ankle support.

For casual hikers or weekend adventurers, the Zionic Mid offers solid value. It’s a dependable, well-performing boot within its category, but just know its limits before hitting the backcountry.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

If you’re shopping for lightweight, waterproof hiking boots, check out our complete guide to the best hiking boots for women, where we’ve tested and ranked top options for every type of hiker.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: The Merrell Moab 3 has long been a favorite for budget-conscious hikers seeking a reliable midweight boot. While a bit bulkier than the KEEN Zionic, it’s more breathable and requires almost no break-in. It’s a dependable pick for casual day hikes, weekend trips, or anyone prioritizing long-term durability at a wallet-friendly price.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP Review: The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP is a natural alternative for those drawn to the Zionic’s comfort but craving a roomier toe box. With extra-wide sizes and minimal break-in time, the Targhee excels in all-day comfort and solid traction. While it’s a touch heavier, it is far more supportive than the Zionic, and it’s a great match for hikers who value flexibility and a spacious fit for moderate trails.

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Review: This is one of the most comfortable boots we’ve tested. It’s lighter than the Zionic and has a wide toe box if the narrow fit of the Zionic doesn’t work for you. It’s a fantastic pick for hikers prioritizing lightweight, natural-feeling footwear for multi-surface hikes and light backpacking. If you’ve struggled to find comfortable trail boots in the past, this might be your winner.