Kit & Gear

REVIEW: KEEN WK400

The KEEN WK400 with KEEN.CURVE™ technology balances plate technology, curve geometry, and last shape with a high-energy midsole to give you the feeling of forward momentum.

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Our SportsShoes Trail athlete, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the KEEN WK400 to the test. Check out his review below;

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Can walking feel like rolling?

The answer is YES!

The KEEN WK400 is the perfect balance of plate technology, curve geometry, last shape, and midsole cushioning to create a feeling of forward momentum that makes walking feel like rolling. It's dramatically different to any shoe I've ever worn and is as unique and individual as the brand behind this amazing concept.

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What is this shoe designed for?

The WK400 has been specifically designed for the number one activity in the world - WALKING!

People walk for fitness, transportation, adventure; they walk to lose weight, reduce stress, feel less anxious; some walk to make a difference, to change the world, to protest wrongs. We learn to walk at an early age. It represents freedom. Independence. It keeps us healthy, connects us with friends, makes our dogs happy. Walking is simple and powerful.
It has the ability to solve problems, to right wrongs, make us better people. Walking does all this, yet the shoes we wear were never made from the ground up for walking!!! When we walk, our foot travels in a constant arc, but the shoes we wear are mostly flat. KEEN.CURVE™ technology changes that. It took three years, nearly 10,000 hours of design and development, 5k miles of testing, too many cups of coffee, and a few tears to perfect the WK400 featuring KEEN.CURVE™ technology. It’s Keen's first shoe designed from the ground up to create a unique rolling feeling and forward momentum.

Who is this shoe designed for?

Unlike almost every other running or hiking shoe on the market, this shoe is for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're fast or slow, young or old. It's a shoe for the everyday, for every adventure, every commute or every dog walk. It's the walking shoe that lives by your front door because it's the one you wear the most.

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First Impressions

The KEEN WK400 is certainly eye-catching in terms of design. Bright and bold, the lead colourway in KEEN Yellow and Black makes a real impact, reflecting the concept behind the shoe. Personally, I can't say I was particularly excited by the thought of wearing a bright yellow shoe, however, in all honestly I must confess to actually quite liking them. The colour has really grown on me and has forced me to break from my tradition of buying comparable shoes in a really boring colour. However, it is worth mentioning that this shoe is available in other (less bright) colourways.

How does the WK400 feel and perform?

As previously mentioned, this shoe is specifically designed for walking and this is exactly what I used it for. At first, wearing it around the house in order to 'break them in' before venturing out into the big wide world to see exactly how it would fit into my varied shoe rotation. In truth, it didn't need any 'breaking in' at all. In fact, I was very happy with how they felt straight out of the box. Extremely comfortable to wear and a roomy toe-box which promotes a completely natural feel, allowing your toes to move around freely inside the shoe.

In terms of sizing, I opted for a UK 10.5 but the fit is generous and a UK 10 would have been more than sufficient. If, like me, you find yourself in between sizes depending on the brand, then this information should be very helpful.

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The big test was how they felt out and about. I mostly wear them to walk the dog, admittedly when the weather is kind, as I can't bear to get them completely dirty. I also wear them to the office as my commute involves a car journey, a short walk, a train ride followed by another short walk. For me, comfort is a key priority as I'm wearing the shoes all day long. The WK400 hits all the high notes in this respect, to the point that I forget I'm even wearing any shoes at all. I always think that if you don't notice your footwear, aside from the bright yellow colour of course, then it really is the sign of a comfortable shoe.

The WK400 is well-built with plenty of support and protection, particularly noticeable at the front and back of the shoe. Subtle strips of (almost) invisible rand wrap around the heel and toe areas, adding a extra layer of protection. The heel collar is well padded to provide supreme levels of comfort and a heel counter ensures plenty of stability and support, reducing lateral movement. The upper mesh is lightweight, breathable and comfortable. The lacing structure is angled, a unique design but very effective in keeping your feet 'locked in'. Like the rest of the design, this unconventional lacing system seems to follow the natural shape and contour of the foot and it further enhances the natural fit and feel of the shoe.

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The key feature to discuss is the KEEN.CURVE technology. The full-length plate in the midsole maintains the shape of the curve and reduces energy loss. Designed to create a feeling of forward momentum, it really does make walking feel like rolling - the super-sized 31mm of toe spring quite literally puts a spring in your step! Therefore, the WK400 creates a unique and enjoyable feeling that really puts the fun back into everyday walking. I've never owned a pair of shoes designed specifically for walking before and it makes every other shoe feel...well a little boring in comparison. If you want to feel energised and liberated then try them for yourself, it's certainly worth it for the unique experience.

Aside from comfort and curve geometry, the high-level of cushioning in the EVA midsole really makes standard walking feel more bouncy and energised. I was also really impressed with the traction of the outsole. For a shoe designed for everyday walking, they are surprisingly grippy - a combination of the all-terrain rubber compound and dimpled multi-directional lugs.

Overall, I'm a huge fan of this shoe. It's bold, it's fun, it's a joy to wear and it's dramatically different to anything you've ever worn before.

The KEEN WK400 will most certainly put some pleasure back into your leisure!

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SHOP ALL KEEN WK400 WALKING SHOES NOW

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KEY FEATURES:

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• KEEN.CURVE™ TECHNOLOGY
  The WK400 balances plate technology, constant curve geometry, and last shape with a high-energy midsole to give you the feeling of forward momentum.
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• ATHLETIC FIT
  Hugs and secures your foot while giving your toes plenty of room to splay.
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• PLATE TECHNOLOGY
  Helps maintain constant curve geometry for a smooth, rolling feeling.
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• HIGH-ENERGY MIDSOLE
  High-rebound cushioning enhances comfort and the feeling of forward momentum.
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• MULTI-SURFACE OUTSOLE
  All-terrain rubber provides stability and traction from trail to asphalt to track.
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• CONSTANT CURVE GEOMETRY
  KEEN.CURVE™ technology makes walking feel more like rolling.
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• CONTOURED FIT
  Follows the contours of your foot for a more secure fit. Foot feels comfortably snug.

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About KEEN

KEEN loves making original, purposeful, comfortable, and durable footwear, but they really just want to make a difference. As a family-run business they’ve always felt they have a shared responsibility to do things the right way. The kind of products they make, how they treat the environment and each other, how they make outside accessible for all are part of a mission they’ve taken to heart since KEEN was conceived in 2003.

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