Keen Obsidian WP Trail Shoe

The Keen Obsidian WP waterproof, breathable trail shoe. It is good for day hiking or fitness walking on natural trail with a daypack, or just posing as a hiker around the office. It performs well on rocky trails and keeps out rain and puddle splashes. It is flexible and lightweight enough for fitness walking.

The Keen Obsidian WP is a waterproof, lightweight offroad hiking shoe. The suede upper has a waterproof/breathable membrane to keep out rain and puddle water while allowing sweat to evaporate. It is lightweight enough that you wouldn't want to wear it with a heavy backpack, but it is sturdy enough for daypacking on rough trails. The sole has good traction elements and a rockplate to prevent rocks poking through the sole. The toe guard and heel rand fend off more rocks.

The Keen Obsidian WP is flexible in the forefoot where walkers need flexibility for a good stride. You won't be fighting this shoe the way you would stiff boots.

The shoes run about a half size small, I had to reorder the next half size up. The toe box is generously wide -- some reviewers have complained it is too wide and their toes have too much room to bang into the shoe on downhills. But the shoes are also very low volume in the upper, I found the upper to be uncomfortably snug. While my toes had room, my foot felt restricted.

The insole provided with the shoe has a high degree of arch support for my feet (which don't like having any). By removing the insole and replacing it with my own, I found the shoe much more comfortable. Those who like more arch support will be pleased with this feature.

The waterproof upper proved itself to work great until you get into deep enough water to get water into the heel or completely over the tongue. The tongue is gusseted to keep out most trail debris.

The offset lacing system gives the shoe an interesting look, but I had difficulty in getting any extra width out of the shoe by loosening the laces. The lacing system threads through webbing loops rather than eyelets. It's difficult to use the lacing system to keep the laces looser at the toe and tight at the ankle. The shoes come with round boot-type laces.
Lace Your Shoes to Fit

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.