I have had several pairs of KEEN shoes over the years and have always found them to be seriously comfortable. So I was delighted to get hold of a pair from their new Leiki collection for Spring/Summer 2025.
Like all KEEN footwear, the Leiki line is PFAS-free, meaning no forever chemicals, and uses natural odour control with probiotics. These shoes are also built to last, without harming the planet. I still have Keen shoes that I acquired years ago that I still wear.
The name Leiki means “play” in Old Norse, and KEEN say that these shoes are made for playing outside, walking around city streets, sauntering along a beach, long walking days and hiking.
Designed especially for the female foot, KEEN has included extra arch support and cushioning to match natural biomechanics, making these shoes supportive and super comfy.
So odour eating, eco-friendly and made for women. Sounds fantastic – but are they comfortable?
I wore these shoes every day for two weeks on several terrains, traversing airports, train stations, pounding the streets of London for many hours and even taking a long walk around London’s Regents Park and across the Downs in Sussex.
Frankly, I loved wearing them. Lightweight and perhaps it was the arch that supported and cushioned, but mainly they were a perfect fit for my size 4. I am delighted to have these. Perhaps I’ll get them in another colours.
How much: Whether you’re hiking dirt trails or walking city streets, the Leiki hikers (Mid WP £155, Low WP £125, and non-waterproof Speed £120) offer great versatility and support.
VERDICT:The KEEN Leiki collection delivers everything you’d want in warm-weather footwear—comfort, versatility, eco-conscious design, and a fit made just for women. Whether you’re hitting a hiking trail or grabbing coffee in town, these shoes are built to move with you.
Salient features of the Leiki hikers
The Leiki hiker (Mid WP £155, low WP £125 and non WP Leiki Speed, £120) is all about traversing different terrain and activities. To comfortably go from dirt trails to city tarmac. A KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole gives steadfast grip on the trail, but has been made smooth enough to handle in-town treks, too. An organic, smooth upper design seamlessly fits equally well with everyday wear too, made to blend in whether taking on the trail or hooking up with friends in a downtown lunch spot. Key features of the Leiki hiker include:
- Women’s-specific fit: Contoured fit and cushioning designed for women’s feet and biomechanics.
- KEEN.ReGEN+ cushioning: Lightweight, compression-resistant midsole providing up to 60% more energy return than standard EVA foam.
- All-terrain outsole: KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole has a just-right balance of lugs for the trail and grip for town.
- Durable mesh upper: Performance mesh is reinforced in key areas to stand up to wear and tear.
- PFAS-Free waterproof protection: With a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane inside, and PFAS-free water repellency outside, feet stay dry without forever chemicals.
- Pesticide-free odour control: Eco Anti-Odor uses natural probiotics that are safe for the environment.