KEEN Venture WP review

Who should buy the KEEN Venture WP

The Venture WP is an amazing piece from KEEN—one that wears its hike-worthy traits on its sleeves quite proudly. It is a solid option if you:

• Prefer a sleek hiking shoe built to give wearers a weather-protected ride on the trail without sacrificing mobility.
• Prefer a hiking shoe that offers odor management and water repellency.
• Prefer a hiking shoe that delivers improved walking comfort over level ground.

Excellent traction over different types of terrain

In this gear, trail lovers can safely traverse slippery surfaces thanks to Venture WP’s KEEN All-Terrain outsole. A layer made entirely of rubber, this heavy-duty outsole provides sufficient traction over different types of terrain, especially on loose soil with its 4-mm multi-directional lugs. Its front end has a cupped construction, giving the shoe enhanced structural soundness at the forefoot.

Light-but-tough underfoot cushioning

The Venture WP from KEEN uses a light-but-tough midsole for cushioning underfoot and terrain balance. Since it is made of EVA (short for ethylene-vinyl acetate), this component has a great shelf life and is capable of bearing considerable stress and weight. KEEN engineers made it extra hardy and supportive by coupling it with a lightweight stability shank.

Excellent arch support

Doubling down on comfort is the shoe’s dual-density footbed. It is made of polyurethane (PU). Besides cushioning, this removable footbed also grants additional arch support.

Breathable and waterproof

Most of Venture WP’s low-cut upper is made of breathable mesh fabric. As it comes built with KEEN.Dry (a company-exclusive liner also seen in the KEEN products Targhee III Waterproof and Saltzman WP), the shoe is both adequately breathable and waterproof. 

Offers extra forefoot protection

At its front end is a sheet of toe rand for extra forefoot protection. 

Easy to wear

Its heel, on the other hand, comes with a toe loop for a more convenient on and off.

Durable lacing system

The shoe’s lacing system makes the upper’s utility come in a full circle. It consists of synthetic lace and durable non-plated eyelets. It works in conjunction with the footgear’s KonnectFit system, which is made up of a sturdy cord and plastic casing.