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April 2019 Issue
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Keen Women’s Terradora Waterproof

Price:

$269.98

Our Rating:

At a glance
Plusses:
Lightweight, exceptional waterproofing.
Minusses: Difficult to get laced perfectly.

Weight: 640g

Features: A well thought-out shoe with all the basics but no unnecessary gimmicks. It has lightweight mesh and synthetic uppers paired with a non-marking rubber outsole. Foot stability is provided with a shank and dual-density PU footbed. The shoe comes with a waterproof/breathable membrane.

Fit: These are narrower than most Keen models, but they still felt somewhat wide on me, although this caused no issues.

Comfort: Very comfortable straight out of the box, with excellently-padded insoles. The only minor discomfort was the laces. The extra loop of fabric on the second eyelet is intended to improve an already excellent heel lock, but it doesn’t allow the laces to flex which can lead to pressure points.

In use: Although lightweight, the uppers held up remarkably well through rough terrain while still retaining a new and tidy look. The shoe’s waterproof and breathable membrane performed well, not even beginning to soak through after long periods of shallow immersion in puddles. The shank created a feeling of stability beneath the foot on a variety of day walking terrain, without compromising the agility. This was complemented by the grip which was also effective across most terrain, although wet rock on Lyttelton’s Port Hills did prove slippery. While the lace system was annoying to begin with, I now get them laced quickly and use has allowed some flex into the laces, alleviating pressure.

Value: While these aren’t the cheapest day hiking shoes, they’re suited to a variety of terrain and conditions. They are also tidy and comfortable-enough for everyday wear.

Verdict: The Teradorra is a solid and dependable walking shoe.