GEAR | My Feet Have Never Been Happier Wearing KEEN Terradora Ethos Hiking Trainers

June 15, 2018 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Homepage Feature, Outdoor Gear Reviews, Reviews, Sponsored Product/Stay

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The new KEEN Terradorra Ethos are lightweight hiking trainers that offer super levels of comfort, Ideal for summer walks and general outdoors activity, read on for our full review.

What are they?

Women’s KEEN Terradora Ethos Hiking Trainers
£84.99
Buy them here

Features

Secure-fit lace-capture system
ESS shank offers lightweight support
4mm multi-directional lugs for traction
Cleansport NXT™ for natural odour control
Woman’s specific fit
KEEN All-Terrain rubber outsole for higher-traction grip
Low-density EVA midsole caters to a woman’s foot
Quick-dry lining for active use
Dual-density PU foam insoles with arch support

The verdict

I already own a pair of KEEN water shoes and some KEEN Terradora hiking boots, and I won’t lie, I absolutely love everything that KEEN make and together with my other favourite outdoor clothing brand Craghoppers, I’m happy to openly rave about them. Their shoes are always exceptionally well fitting and super comfortable, so when I heard about the new Terradora Ethos trainers I was eager to try them out, but a little apprehensive too – would they live up to my high expectations?

As an over-pronator, with most trainers I have to wear an arch support insole, but as the Terradora Ethos footbed includes arch support I wanted to see just how good it was. I wouldn’t usually wear this kind of thing at the gym, let alone to run in, but they are so lightweight and comfortable that curiosity got the better of me and so I wore them for a gym session which included a short run.

The moment you put them on, it’s like your feet are being enveloped by a comforting, yet firm embrace.

The arch support is good – not quite as severe as I really need when running, but on a short run they provided adequate support. For walking however, it’s a different story and I find the arch support is spot on. Though I’ve not done any longer-distance walks in them yet (I avoid ‘proper’ walks in the summer and prefer hiking in the cooler Spring and Autumn months), on walks of 6-7 miles I’ve found the trainers have remained comfortable, with no rubbing or pressure points to cause discomfort.

Looks

They look more like a water shoe than a trainer in my opinion due to the lacing system and the open vents along each side. That’s no bad thing at all, and the vents are great at keeping your feet cool in hot weather.

I love the purple colour of mine and I’ve found that they are versatile enough looks wise to wear in loads of different settings, from summer walks through to the gym. I’m not sure if they would be suitable as a water shoe, though they do claim to be quick drying, but I am definitely tempted to find out.

The bungee lacing system on the Terradora Ethos

Comfort

I’m a size 6, and a KEEN size 6 is always spot on for me and as with all KEEN footwear, the Terradora Ethos are superbly comfortable. The moment you put them on, it’s like your feet are being enveloped by a comforting, yet firm embrace. There’s a very slight feeling of compression when you first put them on, and the bungee chord lacing system allows you to increase or reduce the tension to find the perfect fit.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for a summer hiking shoe that offers excellent levels of comfort then the KEEN Terradora Ethos is definitely worth considering. They are comfortable, good looking and versatile too, and whilst KEEN footwear certainly isn’t cheap, you are paying for quality and as such, they make a great investment. My feet have certainly never been happier!

Thank you to KEEN for supplying the featured product. We have not been paid to do this review.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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