Girls’s Eager Zionic Waterproof Climbing Boots Overview

Backside Line

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

Examined on a variety 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 ft 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 ft could discover it cosy even when correctly sized.

Whereas traction is stable, the outsole’s comfortable rubber confirmed put on in opposition to sharp, rocky surfaces regardless of solely a few months of testing. General, it is a stable worth for hikers searching for ankle protection. See how the Zionic’s evaluate in our information to the greatest girls’s mountaineering boots.

Consolation

The Zionic Waterproof Mid is a cushty KEEN boot you probably have slender ft. We persistently discover the Zionic Mid to ship glorious underfoot cushioning. Their KEEN LuftCell know-how makes use of micro air pockets within the sole to reinforce rebound and take up influence on rocky and uneven trails.

The comfortable, contoured match hugs the foot and supplies a really cosy match. This may occasionally work for some foot shapes, however our testers discovered these boots had been extra liable to scorching spots and blisters because of the slender toe field (mixed with our vast ft). The boots are extremely light-weight, which may add some consolation and scale 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 suited to maintained paths and reasonable terrain. Sturdiness was our major concern with the Zionic, and area 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 sturdy sufficient to fend off sharp rocks, abrasive scree, or minor snags and abrasions on the mesh after a couple of outings. Whereas completely superb for maintained trails and informal mountaineering, we wouldn’t advocate the Zionic for prolonged off-trail journey or tough, technical routes.

Ankle Assist

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

When mountaineering on rocky, uneven trails, the Zionic’s comfortable 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 moreover retaining your socks drier (a sound request for these soggy trails). 

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

Briefly, this boot is greatest suited to maintained trails, mild day mountaineering, or urban-to-trail transitions moderately than demanding backcountry routes until a scarcity of ankle help isn’t a priority for you. 

Traction

The Zionic’s high-traction TPU outsole with multidirectional 4mm lugs delivers a surprisingly stable grip on moist, unfastened, and polished surfaces, although its softer rubber composition wears down rapidly. We observed put on on the comfortable rubber after about ten miles of mountaineering 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, unfastened scree, and steep dusty descents. Throughout the board, the Zionic gripped confidently in most situations. We respect how the lug sample sheds mud rapidly, which is ideal for spring mountaineering.

Climate Resistance

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

We examined this pair throughout spring hikes and backpacking journeys, together with stream dunk checks, rain-drenched trails, and slushy snow. The Zionic Mid’s waterproofing persistently delivered. Water beaded cleanly off the ripstop mesh higher, and ft 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 ft nonetheless received scorching however had been much less sweaty than in comparable waterproof boots. The short-drying lining additional helped mitigate moisture accumulation, retaining ft 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 mountaineering boots we’ve examined, however its weight financial savings come at the price of long-term help and sturdiness.

Proper out of the field, the Zionic feels extra like a rugged path runner than a standard mountaineering boot. That light-weight really feel could be worthwhile 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 diminished weight whereas retaining sufficient safety for reasonable day hikes.

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

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Zionic Mid Waterproof Climbing Boots?

The KEEN Zionic Waterproof Mid is a good selection for hikers searching 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 ft or preferring a tighter match. 

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

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

What Different Climbing Boots Ought to You Take into account?

Should you’re looking for light-weight, waterproof mountaineering boots, try our full information to the perfect mountaineering boots for ladies, the place we’ve examined and ranked high choices for each kind of hiker.

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

KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP Overview: 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 stable traction. Whereas it’s a contact heavier, it’s much more supportive than the Zionic, and it’s a terrific match for hikers who worth flexibility and a spacious match for reasonable trails.

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Overview: This is among 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 be just right for you. It’s a implausible decide for hikers prioritizing light-weight, natural-feeling footwear for multi-surface hikes and lightweight backpacking. Should you’ve struggled to search out comfy path boots previously, this is likely to be your winner.