Girls’s Eager Zionic Waterproof Climbing Boots Assessment

Backside Line

The Eager Zionic Waterproof Girls’s Climbing Boots are a light-weight, trendy 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 stored ft dry and didn’t entice 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 comfortable even when correctly sized.

Whereas traction is stable, the outsole’s tender 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 climbing boots.

Consolation

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

The tender, contoured match hugs the foot and supplies a really comfortable match. This will likely work for some foot shapes, however our testers discovered these boots had been extra liable to sizzling spots and blisters because of the slender toe field (mixed with our large ft). The boots are extremely light-weight, which might add some consolation and cut back fatigue, however additionally they lower on some stability components, 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 main 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 ideas, 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 nice for maintained trails and informal climbing, we wouldn’t suggest the Zionic for prolonged off-trail journey or tough, technical routes.

Ankle Assist

This boot supplies ankle protection greater than ankle assist, which is perhaps nice relying on what you want boots for. So the Zionic Mid gives respectable 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 tender 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 protecting your socks drier (a legitimate request for these soggy trails). 

The boot contains only one higher lacing hook, which limits ankle safety. Even with completely 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 greatest suited to maintained trails, mild day climbing, or urban-to-trail transitions moderately than demanding backcountry routes except a scarcity of ankle assist is just not a priority for you. 

Traction

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

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 situations. We respect how the lug sample sheds mud rapidly, which is ideal for spring climbing.

Climate Resistance

KEEN’s waterproof/breathable KEEN.DRY membrane and PFAS-free water-repellent end hold our ft dry via 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 exams, rain-drenched trails, and slushy snow. The Zionic Mid’s waterproofing constantly 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 filth from accumulating, however gaiters assist full the waterproofing system in closely vegetated or snowier areas.

Throughout hotter hikes within the higher 70s, our ft nonetheless bought sizzling however had been much less sweaty than in comparable waterproof boots. The fast-drying lining additional helped mitigate moisture accumulation, protecting ft comfy in hotter climate.

Weight

At 1.72 kilos per pair (girls’s dimension 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 conventional climbing boot. That light-weight really feel may be precious on lengthy hikes with sustained elevation acquire to forestall lower-leg and foot fatigue. The ethereal ripstop mesh higher, pared-back design, and minimalist toe cap all contribute to the lowered weight whereas retaining sufficient safety for reasonable 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 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. 

Nevertheless, this isn’t the boot for critical 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 gives 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?

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

Merrell Moab 3 WP Assessment: 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 Assessment: The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP is a pure various 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 an ideal match for hikers who worth flexibility and a spacious match for reasonable trails.

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP Assessment: 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 be just right for you. It’s a improbable decide for hikers prioritizing light-weight, natural-feeling footwear for multi-surface hikes and lightweight backpacking. In case you’ve struggled to search out comfy path boots up to now, this is perhaps your winner.