KEEN 450 DIRT WP review: My daily walk has 'never been easier' than in these walking shoes

When you are out walking or hiking, the goal is to feel like you are being propelled forward by your shoes, rather than feeling heavy underfoot. Key to that propulsion are shoes that are light and designed with a curved heel, so your foot naturally moves forward. Hello, Keen's 450 DIRT WP walking shoes.

Aside from Hoka, a go-to brand for many runners, a company that is synonymous with curved design is Keen. They sit among the best walking shoes thanks to the unique construction, using what's known as 'Keen.Curve' - the brand's technology, designed to deliver a fluid and efficient stride.

One of the newest additions is the Keen 450 Dirt, a trail and city-worthy trainer with curve geometry the brand is known for - but a little flatter, offering a little more stability for uneven surfaces.

KEEN 450 DIRT WP review

Specifications

• Size range: UK 2.5-9.5
• RRP: £155
• Weight per shoe: 355g
• Materials: Ultra abrasion-resistant performance textile upper, breathable mesh lining, KEEN. Dry membrane (in WP version) and rubber outsole.
• Waterproof? Yes (there is also a non-waterproof option)

First impressions of the Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes

Is it wrong to describe shoes as curvaceous? I don't think so - because that's exactly what the Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes are. They have a rounded toe section, a curved sole, and are shaped over the forefoot.

From first impressions, I knew they were going to be comfortable - and they did not disappoint. Thanks to supple textile materials, there is plenty of room for your foot to slide into position, rather than squashing it into place as is sometimes required when walking shoes feel more rigid. There is also plenty of bounce in these shoes, due to high-rebound cushioning, and the midsection of my foot around the arch felt nicely supported. In fact, these are probably the most supportive shoes I've worn in a very long time.

It's this sort of support that can make all the difference during a walk and how you feel afterwards. There was no sign of aching in my feet or calves when I got home, even though these were new shoes. As one of the biggest hiking mistakes you can make is getting your footwear choice wrong, this felt like an immediate win.

Having been impressed with the Keen Hyperport H2 shandal (a sandal/shoe hybrid) when I tested out the best hiking sandals earlier this year, I was interested in trying the waterproof version of the Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes. These are available in rouge red and black and a wide range of sizes - from 2.5 to 9.5. I tried the black, which is undoubtedly the more practical option if you intend to use them in the rain and mud over autumn and winter.

But it wasn't only the waterproof capabilities and initial comfort that struck me when wearing them. It was the nice bit of lift I felt in the arch of my foot, making them a great option for those needing arch support.

Testing: What are the KEEN 450 DIRT WP like to use?

Given the fact these are waterproof shoes, it only seemed fitting to test them out in the rain. During a 90-minute walk, I tackled plenty of puddles and varying terrains and it didn't take long to reach one conclusion: you do not have to worry about your feet getting wet in these shoes.

Through every puddling and scattering of rain showers, my feet stayed dry. They also didn't move around in the shoes at all, so I felt supported during the wet weather.

However, there was one blip. The Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes are described as having a 'reverse lug' pattern on the forefoot and heel for better traction. Yet, I almost slipped walking down a wet, rocky path. I stayed upright, but it did stop me in my tracks. Moving forward, I would probably prefer to keep to flat trails and city walking in these shoes. But I really couldn't fault them for otherwise being entirely supportive and waterproof.

Walking feels like a breeze in these shoes and during my multiple outings in them, I tended to walk for longer, which was no bad thing. On my return, there was no sign of rubbing or pruning feet thanks to the waterproof (but still breathable) materials.

All in all, I was impressed with these walking shoes and I think they will be ideal for soggy dog walks with our elderly dog who prefers flatter terrain these days anyway.

How to do the KEEN 450 DIRT WP compare?

Having tested many pairs of walking shoes, I can confidently say that these are a top choice if you're looking for arch support. The Keen 450 Dirt shoes hug your foot from toe to heel but the arch isn’t obtrusive enough to actually dig into your foot - unlike many other 'supportive' walking shoes I've tried.

However, if you prefer a more prominent arch support, try the FitFlop Neo-D-Hyker (£120).

The non-waterproof variation of the 450 Dirt is available for £140, which is £10 less than the waterproof option. But, in my opinion, for the relatively negligible difference, it makes sense to buy shoes that will see you through the UK’s wet winter.

As noted, the only downside I found with these shoes was the grip across rocky terrains in wet weather. If that's the terrain you find yourself on most often, I'd suggest a shoe like the Salomon x Ultra Alpine GORE-TEX pair I also reviewed recently. They are fully waterproof and perhaps could provide a little more grip.

The plainer colours may not be to everyone's taste - I actually prefer something a little brighter myself. In this case, you couldn't go wrong with the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX shoes. Just prepare your washing machine for good use if you come into contact with any mud.

Are the KEEN 450 DIRT WP worth buying?

Yes, if you love walking shoes that create a rolling sensation when moving, the Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes will be a good choice. These were a wonderful fit for me and super comfy from the off. =

I felt like my whole foot was being held perfectly, with plenty of breathing room. Just keep away from uneven, downward terrain when it's been raining.