I've been wearing these all-terrain hiking shoes for 6 months and they even kept my feet dry in Iceland — and they're 39% off right now

Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof boots
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

My mother always says, "You can't be happy if you aren't comfortable, and a good pair of shoes goes a long way." She always says wise things, but that one sentence has stuck with me throughout my life. And she's right. I don't think you should sacrifice comfort for fashion, because at the end of the day, how can you feel content if you're in pain?

Especially when you're hiking or traversing tricky terrain, you need a pair of the best hiking boots to ensure your feet stay dry, free of blisters, and help you maintain a steady grip on the ground. For the last six months, there's only one pair of shoes I've relied on. I've worn the Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof in urban cityscapes, to, from and at work, and while hiking. I even wore them on a trip to Iceland, and they've never once let me down.

Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof
Lowest-ever price
Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof: was $184 now $112 at Amazon

They Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof are comfortable and can be worn straight out of the box. There’s plenty of space inside to wear two layers of socks, and they fit snugly. Their 4mm multi-directional lugs provide great grip in both wet and dry conditions. While they don’t utilize Gore-Tex, Keen’s proprietary waterproofing works very well and keeps your feet dry.

If you're on the hunt for a new pair of boots and need one that's comfortable and fashionable, the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof are a no-brainer. In this year's Memorial Day sales, they've received a massive price cut too, bringing them down to their lowest-ever price. You can snag the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof for just $112 at Amazon — that's a whopping 39% off!

A pair of Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof hiking boots

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

There's lots to love about the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof. First of all, they're ridiculously comfortable. Each shoe weighs 10.9 ounces so you don't have to exert a lot of energy to lift your foot.

Wearing the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof is like walking on clouds. They're bouncy because of the resilient foam insoles, and the lightweight plates in the midsoles add stability.

I was able to wear these shoes straight out of the box and there was no break-in period. The Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof feel soft and flexible and my feet bend naturally when I wear them.

These shoes are highly durable, thanks to their breathable ripstop mesh which protects them from ripping and tearing. Whenever I've walked over jagged rocks while wearing these shoes, I've felt reassured and confident that they'd survive it all — and they have so far.

Wearing the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof is akin to walking on clouds, in my opinion. They're bouncy because of the resilient foam insoles that provide cushioning, as well as the lightweight plates in the midsoles for added stability.

A person crouching in front of a glacier

(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Tom's Guide)

Though they don't utilize Gore-Tex, Keen's proprietary KEEN.DRY waterproofing technology doesn't give you much to complain about. I've worn the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof in ankle-height water, and not once has water made it through to my socks. As someone who lives in the U.K., where it rains a lot, I couldn't be more thankful for the shoes' waterproofing.

A pair of Keen Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof hiking boots

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

I also appreciate how grippy the Zionic Mid NXT Waterproof are. The 4mm multi-directional lugs provide excellent impact traction, and ensure your feet don't slip on wet boulders or any other slippery surfaces. Wading through streams? Easy. Trekking up a hill? Walk in the park. Trying not to fall over in the snow? No sweat. The Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof have you covered — and they look good while doing it.

If you need a new pair of shoes for summer hikes, you should grab the Zionic NXT Mid Waterproof for just $112 at Amazon today. This is the lowest I've ever seen the shoes drop to, and this Memorial Day deal saves you $72 — that's 39% off.

Will you be going on many hikes or walks this summer? Where to? Let me know in the comments below!


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Nikita Achanta
Senior Writer, Reviews

Nikita is a Senior Writer on the Reviews team at Tom's Guide. She's a lifelong gaming and photography enthusiast, always on the lookout for the latest tech. Having worked as a Sub Editor and Writer for Canon EMEA, she has interviewed photographers from all over the world and working in different genres. When she’s not working, Nikita can usually be found sinking hours into RPGs on her PS5, flying a drone (she's a licensed drone pilot), at a concert, or watching F1. Her work has appeared in several publications including Motor Sport Magazine, NME, Marriott Bonvoy, The Independent, and Metro. You can follow her photography account on Instagram here.

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