Ten years ago, Keen got its start in the footwear industry with the Newport sandal, which was their answer to the simple question “Can a sandal protect the toes?” From this goal of creating a sandal of “hybrid innovation”, they have not only succeeded, but they have gone on to innovate a wide range of footwear and related items. On their website, they mention “Striving to create new possibilities in everything we do”, and based on my first impressions of their women’s Marhsall light hiking shoe, they are certainly doing well at that. Keen continues with designs that are functional, attractive, and comfortable, while the company itself is giving back on an international level.
The Marshall light hiking shoe weighs 11.6 ounces (women’s US size 7) and they run pretty true to size. I am a 7 ½ and that‘s the size I received and they fit perfectly, which doesn’t always happen these days. It has a moisture wicking lining to keep your feet dry, as well as non-marking outsoles. On the bottom are 4mm multi-directional lugs, and the upper is breathable open 3D mesh. Between the two is a durable high-rebound PU midsole and removable EVA footbed, anchored by a TPU stability shank. There are two different colors to choose from – legion blue/hot coral or gargoyle/norse blue. Sizes start at 5 and go to size 11. They offer half sizes as well. MSRP is $110.00.
I was given the opportunity to test out the Marshall and fell in love. When it comes to shoes I can be very picky. I have been a Type 1 diabetic since 1987, and it is hard for me to find a shoe that fits my needs – good fit is extremely important for comfort, but they have to look good and function well too. I prefer the low cut light hiking shoes, so the Marshall seemed like a logical choice. To test them, my husband and I went to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Utah. I have never been up to the top of the falls, instead, I’ve had to settle for looking up from the bottom to see how beautiful it is. With the Keen Marshalls, I was able to confidently hike the trail that had many different challenging elements on the way up and down. Loose dirt and sharp rocks, big rocks to climb over, as well as mud and wet rocks. The Marshalls never let me down. I was able to tackle the trail with no worries and make my steep descent down safely afterwards. After we we‘re done I noticed that my feet stayed dry, where normally they would have been damp with perspiration. The wicking action of these shoes works so well that I could keep them on all day. Usually, I want to rip my shoes off the moment we get back to the car! But the Keen Marshall is so comfortable, and keep my feet dry, I wouldn‘t mind wearing them as an everyday shoe. They’re not my first pair of hiking shoes, but they certainly give me more confidence on the trail than other shoes have. keenfootwear.com
– Mrs. Outsider
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Keen Marshall shoes for free from Keen, in consideration for review publication