KEEN's Walking Shoes Tailored for Trails! Exploring the Functionality of the Trail Shoes "450 DIRT"

From Portland, Oregon, comes the outdoor footwear brand KEEN. Released in 2023, the walking shoe "WK400" aims to make walking more efficient and enjoyable than ever, utilizing the KEEN.CURVE technology that encourages coordinated movement. It has garnered significant attention.

Introducing the trail-specific "450 DIRT" from KEEN’s walking collection, designed to roll forward smoothly thanks to its uniquely developed curved sole. What kind of shoe is it exactly?

Shoes for Comfortable Walking on Trails

The development of "WK400" was undertaken by Rory Fuerst, Jr., the eldest son of KEEN's founder and the creator of one of the brand's representative models, "UNEEK." He focused on the concept of “walking,” dedicating three years to design and development, culminating in over 8,000km of field testing.

The sole of "WK400" is designed to follow the arc of a circle with a radius of 400mm, while in the case of "450 DIRT," this radius increases to 450mm, resulting in a slightly more gentle rocker angle.

Moreover, the midsole materials differ between "WK400" and "450 DIRT."

"For '450 DIRT, 'we employ a material that balances cushioning and resilience, known for its high rebound properties. It provides a slow sink with a solid rebound, delivering an energy return that feels plush. It also helps to absorb shocks when walking on gravel paths, rocky terrains, or tree roots,” explains Atsushi Nakagomi, a merchandiser at KEEN Japan.

"Additionally, the forefoot section includes flex grooves in the midsole, providing appropriate flexibility. There’s no over-guidance or excessive rolling, allowing for comfortable walking on the ups and downs characteristic of mountain trails.

"Some may worry about the downhill performance of rocker shoes, but the heel compresses on landing, negating fears associated with going downhill. Conversely, in more flat conditions, the combination of the rolling sensation and good foot exit creates a truly comfortable walking experience.”

The outsole is, of course, trail-ready. Each lug is independent, with a depth of 4mm. By utilizing a reverse lug pattern on the forefoot and heel, it ensures a firm grip on the ground, providing stability.

The rubber of the outsole is softer than that in "WK400" and designed to handle various surfaces. It manages gravel paths, rocky areas, grassy fields, wooden trails, and paved roads seamlessly. Naturally, it was developed with wet conditions in mind, anticipating walks on rain-soaked surfaces.
 
"I personally tested various trails and never felt concerned about slipping due to the shoes."

The last (foot shape) of the "450 DIRT" differs from that of the "WK400." In the "WK400," a slightly sharp last named Athletic Fit was utilized, while compared to it, the "450 DIRT" offers more room in the forefoot area. This design ensures comfort even during long hikes on mountain trails. The upper is made of lightweight nylon material that excels in abrasion resistance. It boasts high tear strength and durability, protecting the feet from gravel and rocks encountered on the trail.

"While it's a minor detail, having attachments for gaiters (near the lace holes in the forefoot and at the heel) is also one of the highlights."

A Pair of Shoes that Makes Hiking More Enjoyable

I've tried on the "450 DIRT" and "WK400" side by side, and indeed, the "450 DIRT" feels roomier in the forefoot. Additionally, the cushioning upon landing is stronger in the "450 DIRT." The guiding power of the walking motion, the effectiveness of the rocker, and the rolling sensation feel more pronounced in the "WK400."

If you are walking continuously on flat surfaces, the "WK400" will likely allow for a faster pace. The comfort and walking feel of the "450 DIRT" convey a soft and flexible impression. It seems to have high adaptability to various scenes.
 
The "450 DIRT" is a versatile footwear option for enjoying not only long-distance hikes known as long trails but also for leisurely strolls during the autumn leaf viewing, as well as walks in riverbeds and parks.