When the Keen 400 hiking shoe landed in our office back in 2023, the Portland-based brand had us wondering what we were looking at. And like it or loathe it, the new Keen 450 Dirt has similar visual impact.
The top half of that original 400 model looked perfectly normal, but the bowed sole looked like something more at home on a child’s rocking toy than a pair of technical hiking shoes. But when we put them on our feet, they made more sense.
Although the rock of the curved sole felt slightly disconcerting when standing still, it’s when we got moving that the genius behind its design was revealed.
The forward momentum generated by the ‘rock’ felt like it made walking less effort, while the thick cushioning offered superb comfort. But while it performed admirably on gravel tracks, forest trails, and constructed walkways, it lacked the muscle to handle more off-path terrain. The new Keen WK450 Dirt (below) addresses that.
LFTOwww.alpinetrek.co.uk
Pros
- Innovative curved sole
- Abrasion-resistant and dirt-proof lining
- Aggressive multi-directional outsole grip
- Waterproof model also available
Cons
- Not the best for technical mountain trails
| Men's sizes | 6-15 (UK) |
| Women's sizes | 2.5-9 (UK) |
| Upper | Ultra abrasion- resistant performance textile |
| Lining | Breathable mesh |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY Membrane (waterproof version only) |
| Midsole | High-energy, high-rebound cushioning with full-length lightweight plate for stability |
| Outsole | KEEN.ALL- TERRAIN rubber outsole with non-marking multi- directional 4mm lugs |
| Weight | 409g (men’s) / 355g (women’s) |
As the name suggests, this shoe is an adaption and evolution of the original, but with an added appetite for ‘dirt’.
You still get the optimised curve geometry of the sole for boosted hiking momentum, but the 450 Dirt adds an abrasion- resistant upper on the top and a more aggressive all-trail tread underneath. This boosts its toughness and its grip, which elevate its off-path potential.
Understandably this reinforcement of the shoe has added a few extra grams (an average of 409g vs 387g), but the burlier 450 is still pleasingly light of the foot.
The construction of the upper and the design of the tread aren’t the only differences though. Let’s take a closer look.
Curved outsole
The curved sole is what gives these shoes their unmistakable silhouette. It’s also what gives the wearer a sense of propulsion and the luxurious cushioning when wearing them.
But compare the curve of the 450 to the 400 and you’ll notice a difference: the curve on the newer shoe is ever-so-slightly less curvy.
This is a deliberate tweak to make the 450 Dirt feel more stable on uneven terrain. It’s only a subtle one, so you still get the momentum benefit of the heel-to-toe rock, but it makes the shoe feel more secure when walked away from manicured paths.
Protection
The upper is made from an ultra-abrasion-resistant performance textile fabric. This ensures that it can handle the more vicious vegetation and substrate feet encounter when wandering among wilder environments, while the breathable mesh lining keeps the upper both protective and comfortable.
A full-length lightweight plate in the midsole adds stability, and at the front of the shoe a KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper does exactly what it says on the tin.
Finally, if you want a little more protection – particularly when it comes to keeping dirt and dust out of the low-ankle shoe – there’s a reinforced cut-out in the upper for attaching a gaiter.
Grip
The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole on the 450 Dirt features aggressive
4mm multi-directional lugs with a reverse pattern on the forefoot and heel for better traction on the up and down. This helps compensate for the lack of a heel breast, particularly in descent when underfoot grip becomes even more essential.
Sustainability
The 450 is PFAS free, meaning no environmentally damaging forever chemicals are used in the construction of the shoe. The Eco Anti-Odor treatment is pesticide free, instead using natural probiotics that are safe for human health and the environment.
The 450 is kind to feet too. The contoured fit follows the shape of the foot for a secure, athletic fit that feels comfortably snug, and the foam insole offers resilient long-lasting cushioning.
Waterproofing
Recognising that people walk in different weathers and different environments, and therefore require different attributes from their footwear, Keen offers the 450 Dirt with or without a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane. If total weather protection is of the essence, go with. Prefer lighter weight and maximum breathability? Go without.
Verdict
A comfortable, energetic feeling shoe for hikes on all trails and most terrain. But we think it's best kept off the really technical stuff though.
About the author
Ben Weeks is Trail magazine's gear editor and has been testing Keen footwear – from sandals to hiking boots – for over 10 years. He's also visited their Portland factory so knows everything about the way they design, test and produce hiking footwear.