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KEEN 450 DIRT WP review: My daily walk has “never been easier”

Pabio November 2, 2024

When you walk or hike, the goal is to feel like you’re being propelled forward by your shoes, rather than feeling heavy underfoot. The key to this propulsion is shoes that are lightweight and designed with a curved heel, so your foot moves forward naturally. Hello, Keen 450 DIRT WP walking shoes.

Besides Hoka, a go-to brand for many runners, Keen is a company synonymous with curved design. They are sitting among the best walking shoes thanks to the unique construction, using what is called “Keen.Curve” – the brand’s technology, designed to provide a smooth and efficient stride.

One of the latest additions is the Keen 450 Dirt, a trail- and city-worthy trainer with curved geometry the brand is known for – but a little flatter, providing a little more stability on uneven surfaces.

KEEN 450 DIRT WP review

Features

Size range: United Kingdom 2.5-9.5
Recommended price: £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)

Keen 450 Dirt Waterproof Walking Shoes

First impressions of the Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes

Is it wrong to describe shoes as curvy? I don’t think so, because that’s exactly what the Keen 450 Dirt Walking Shoes are. They have a rounded toe, a curved sole and are shaped on the forefoot.

From first impressions, I knew they were going to be comfortable – and they did not disappoint. Thanks to the soft textile materials, your foot has enough room to slide into position, rather than squishing it as is sometimes necessary when walking shoes feel stiffer. There’s also plenty of bounce in these shoes, due to the high-rebound cushioning, and the midsection of my foot around the arch was well supported. In fact, they’re probably the most supportive shoes I’ve worn in a very long time.

It’s this type of support that can make all the difference during a walk and how you feel afterwards. I had no signs of pain in my feet or calves when I got home, even though they were new shoes. Since one of the biggest mistakes you can make while hiking is getting your shoe choice wrong, this seemed like an immediate win.

Having been impressed by the Keen Hyperport H2 shandal (a sandal/shoe hybrid) when I tested the best hiking sandals Earlier this year I wanted to try the waterproof version of the Keen 450 Dirt Walking Shoes. These are available in red red and black and in a wide range of sizes – from 2.5 to 9.5. I tried the black, which is definitely the most practical option if you’re going to use them in the rain and mud in the fall and winter.

But it wasn’t just their waterproof capabilities and initial comfort that struck me when I wore them. It was the nice lift I felt in the arch, making it a great option for those who needed arch support.

Susan Griffin wears Keen 450 Dirt Walking Shoes on gravel and the shoes placed on tile to show the top and side of the shoe

(Image credit: Susan Griffin / Future)

Tests: what does the KEEN 450 DIRT WP look like?

Given that these are waterproof shoes, it only seemed appropriate to test them in the rain. During a 90-minute walk, I faced numerous puddles and varied terrain and it didn’t take long to come to one conclusion: you don’t have to worry about your feet getting wet in these shoes.

Despite every puddle and rain shower, my feet remained dry. They also didn’t move at all in the shoes, so I felt supported in wet weather.

However, there was a problem. The Keen 450 Dirt Walking Shoes are described as having a “reverse lug” pattern on the forefoot and heel for improved traction. However, I almost slipped on a wet and rocky path. I stayed standing, but it stopped me in my tracks. In the future, I would probably prefer to stick to flat trails and city walking with these shoes. But I really couldn’t fault them for being entirely supportive and impervious.

Walking is a breeze in these shoes and during my multiple outings in them I tended to walk longer, which wasn’t a bad thing. When I returned, no signs of chafing or foot pruning thanks to the waterproof (but still breathable) materials.

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

Susan Griffin wears Keen 450 Dirt walking shoes on tarmac

(Image credit: Susan Griffin / Future)

How to compare the KEEN 450 DIRT WP?

After testing many pairs of walking shoes, I can confidently say that they are a great choice if you are looking for arch support. The Keen 450 Dirt shoes hug your foot from toe to heel, but the arch isn’t intrusive enough to actually dig into your foot – unlike many other “supportive” walking shoes I’ve tried .

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

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

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

Simpler colors may not be to everyone’s taste – in fact, I prefer something a little lighter myself. In this case, you can’t go wrong with the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX Shoes. Just prepare your washing machine for proper use if you come into contact with mud.

Is the KEEN 450 DIRT WP worth buying?

Yes, if you like walking shoes that create a rolling feeling when moving, Keen 450 Dirt Walking Shoes will be a good choice. They fit me perfectly and were very comfortable from the start. =

My entire foot felt like it was perfectly supported, with plenty of room to breathe. Just stay away from rough, downhill terrain when it rains.

Le-verdict

Le-verdict

KEEN 450 DIRT WP review: My daily walk has “never been easier”

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KEEN 450 DIRT WP review: My daily walk has “never been easier”

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