One of the perks of working in public relations is that we often get to try new products before they hit the market. Although the new KEEN WK400 walking shoe launched in February of this year, I’ve been wearing the shoes since before Christmas. Months into testing out the new model, I feel I’ve worn them enough to share my thoughts.
A Walking Shoe Made for Walkers
I walk a lot. In fact, I walk so much I sustained an overuse injury to my hip in 2022. Being unable to walk long distances for months after the injury was a strain. I walk for exercise and to get places since I don’t have a car and transit in Toronto is very unreliable. When we received the new KEEN WK400s to test out prior to the launch of the shoe, I was excited. I had already worn KEEN hiking boots since 2016, and was familiar with the quality of their shoes. The WK400, designed specifically for fitness walking, spent years in research and development and I was very much in need of a pair of good quality walking shoes.
The KEEN WK400 Experience
The KEEN WK400 has a curved outsole which gives it a distinct feeling compared to a flat-soled shoe. Specifically designed for walking, the shoes are not made for standing around. What does that mean? I wouldn’t want to stand in them for more than 5-10 minutes at a time as there is a sensation of pressure on the ball of the foot when you stand for long periods. However, as long as I’m moving I’ve found them to be very comfortable and perfect for their purpose – walking. I wear them for fitness walking in my neighbourhood, but I also wear them to the grocery store since I don’t ever stay in one spot for very long. I wouldn’t wear them for something like going to an art gallery, though.
The fit of the KEEN WK400 is snug, and you can feel that the shoe is a solid build. This bodes well for them lasting a long time even with frequent use. I wear the same size in the WK400 as I do in my other KEENs, however, in my hiking boots I wear a thick wool sock and in the WK400s I wear a thin sports sock. I personally love the yellow colour and I’m careful to keep them clean (in stark contrast to my hiking boots). They do come in other colours, though, and are available in men’s and women’s sizing. Overall the KEEN WK400 is a great walking shoe for all the walkers out there.
My original KEENs above. After four seasons of archaeology work, they went into retirement as regular hiking boots. Still waterproof!
Keens are terrific. I have almost worn out my hiking boots and am in the market for a new pair.