Eager Zionic Waterproof Ladies’s Mountain climbing Boots Evaluation

Backside Line

The Eager Zionic Waterproof Ladies’s Mountain climbing Boots are a light-weight, fashionable departure from the model’s conventional designs. They’re extra of a climbing shoe with ankle protection than a climbing boot.

Examined on a spread of spring hikes in Washington’s Central Cascades from dry desert trails and snow-packed paths to rocky riverbanks, these boots impressed us with their flexibility, consolation, and dependable traction. The Zionic’s breathable ripstop mesh higher and KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane saved toes dry and didn’t lure warmth as a lot as anticipated. 

The narrower toe field is a noticeable shift from Eager’s famously roomy match, and people with wider toes might discover it cosy even when correctly sized.

Whereas traction is strong, the outsole’s mushy rubber confirmed put on towards sharp, rocky surfaces regardless of solely a few months of testing. General, it is a strong worth for hikers searching for ankle protection. See how the Zionic’s examine in our information to the finest girls’s climbing boots.

Consolation

The Zionic Waterproof Mid is a cushty KEEN boot if in case you have slender toes. We persistently discover the Zionic Mid to ship glorious underfoot cushioning. Their KEEN LuftCell expertise makes use of micro air pockets within the sole to reinforce rebound and soak up affect on rocky and uneven trails.

The mushy, contoured match hugs the foot and offers a really cosy match. This may increasingly work for some foot shapes, however our testers discovered these boots have been extra vulnerable to sizzling spots and blisters because of the slender toe field (mixed with our huge toes). The boots are extremely light-weight, which may add some consolation and cut back fatigue, however additionally they reduce on some stability elements, particularly on the ankle cuff.

Sturdiness

The Zionic’s light-weight supplies restrict its sturdiness, making it higher fitted to maintained paths and average terrain. Sturdiness was our main concern with the Zionic, and subject testing confirmed our suspicions. 

After simply 10 miles of mixed-use (together with rocky trails, mild bushwhacking, and a stream crossing), we noticed noticeable scuffing and put on on the toe cap and mesh higher. The outsole started to spherical off on the lug suggestions, significantly in high-impact zones.

Although the boot options strategic overlays on the toe and forefoot, they aren’t strong sufficient to fend off sharp rocks, abrasive scree, or minor snags and abrasions on the mesh after just a few outings. Whereas completely wonderful for maintained trails and informal climbing, we wouldn’t advocate the Zionic for prolonged off-trail journey or tough, technical routes.

Ankle Help

This boot offers ankle protection greater than ankle assist, which is likely to be nice relying on what you want boots for. So the Zionic Mid affords first rate ankle safety for mellow trails however lacks the lateral assist and safety wanted for backpacking journeys or extra technical terrain. 

When climbing on rocky, uneven trails, the Zionic’s mushy polyester mesh higher struggles to carry the ankle. Whereas comfy and light-weight, the versatile design permits for noticeable ankle twists throughout quick, off-camber strikes and when carrying a heavy pack. With out together with a stability shank and the beneficiant midsole cushioning, we’d query the purpose of going with a boot in addition to retaining your socks drier (a legitimate request for these soggy trails). 

The boot consists of only one higher lacing hook, which limits ankle safety. Even with totally different lacing strategies and wrapping the laces across the hook twice (as really useful by a climbing buddy), the ankle assist wasn’t fairly as much as par. 

In brief, this boot is finest fitted to maintained trails, mild day climbing, or urban-to-trail transitions somewhat than demanding backcountry routes until a scarcity of ankle assist will not be a priority for you. 

Traction

The Zionic’s high-traction TPU outsole with multidirectional 4mm lugs delivers a surprisingly strong grip on moist, free, and polished surfaces, although its softer rubber composition wears down shortly. We seen put on on the mushy rubber after about ten miles of climbing within the boots. The damage appeared most on the forefoot initially, however with extra miles on rockier terrain, the heel additionally started to see a bit of wear and tear. 

We examined the traction on moist boulders, slick snowy slopes, free scree, and steep dusty descents. Throughout the board, the Zionic gripped confidently in most circumstances. We respect how the lug sample sheds mud shortly, which is ideal for spring climbing.

Climate Resistance

KEEN’s waterproof/breathable KEEN.DRY membrane and PFAS-free water-repellent end hold our toes dry by means of mild rain, shallow creek crossings, damp snow, and soggy trails whereas sustaining affordable breathability in hotter circumstances.

We examined this pair throughout spring hikes and backpacking journeys, together with stream dunk exams, rain-drenched trails, and slushy snow. The Zionic Mid’s waterproofing persistently delivered. Water beaded cleanly off the ripstop mesh higher, and toes remained dry even throughout close to submersions. The boot’s efficiency ripstop mesh additionally repelled particles and grime from gathering, however gaiters assist full the waterproofing system in closely vegetated or snowier areas.

Throughout hotter hikes within the higher 70s, our toes nonetheless received sizzling however have been much less sweaty than in comparable waterproof boots. The short-drying lining additional helped mitigate moisture accumulation, retaining toes comfy in hotter climate.

Weight

At 1.72 kilos per pair (girls’s measurement 8.5), the Zionic Mid is among the many lightest waterproof climbing boots we’ve examined, however its weight financial savings come at the price of long-term assist and sturdiness.

Proper out of the field, the Zionic feels extra like a rugged path runner than a standard climbing boot. That light-weight really feel will be precious on lengthy hikes with sustained elevation achieve to forestall lower-leg and foot fatigue. The ethereal ripstop mesh higher, pared-back design, and minimalist toe cap all contribute to the decreased weight whereas retaining sufficient safety for average day hikes.

Nevertheless, the boot’s lack of structural rigidity within the higher and outsole made carrying a loaded pack much less comfy. The Zionic works finest for informal path use or light-weight backpacking.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Zionic Mid Waterproof Mountain climbing Boots?

The KEEN Zionic Waterproof Mid is a superb selection for hikers looking for a light-weight, cushioned, and waterproof boot for informal day hikes, fast-paced path adventures, and even urban-to-trail transitions. It’s particularly well-suited for hikers with slender toes or preferring a tighter match. 

Nevertheless, this isn’t the boot for severe backpackers, technical routes, or rugged, off-trail excursions. Its versatile higher and light-weight building come at the price of long-term sturdiness and lack of ankle assist.

For informal hikers or weekend adventurers, the Zionic Mid affords strong worth. It’s a reliable, well-performing boot inside its class, however simply know its limits earlier than hitting the backcountry.

What Different Mountain climbing Boots Ought to You Contemplate?

In case you’re purchasing for light-weight, waterproof climbing boots, take a look at our full information to the very best climbing boots for ladies, the place we’ve examined and ranked prime choices for each kind of hiker.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Evaluation: The Merrell Moab 3 has lengthy been a favourite for budget-conscious hikers looking for a dependable midweight boot. Whereas a bit bulkier than the KEEN Zionic, it’s extra breathable and requires nearly no break-in. It’s a reliable choose for informal day hikes, weekend journeys, or anybody prioritizing long-term sturdiness at a wallet-friendly worth.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP Evaluation: The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP is a pure different for these drawn to the Zionic’s consolation however craving a roomier toe field. With extra-wide sizes and minimal break-in time, the Targhee excels in all-day consolation and strong traction. Whereas it’s a contact heavier, it’s much more supportive than the Zionic, and it’s an amazing match for hikers who worth flexibility and a spacious match for average trails.

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Evaluation: This is without doubt one of the most comfy boots we’ve examined. It’s lighter than the Zionic and has a large toe field if the slender match of the Zionic doesn’t give you the results you want. It’s a improbable choose for hikers prioritizing light-weight, natural-feeling footwear for multi-surface hikes and lightweight backpacking. In case you’ve struggled to seek out comfy path boots up to now, this is likely to be your winner.