There are those who argue that the minimalist hiking experience sacrifices the support and protection of traditional hiking boots, for a more nimble feel and natural biomechanics. Low to the ground, light, and stable, KEEN’s Depart WP CNX is the counter to that argument, offering sure-footed flight without abandoning the protection and durability you’ve come to expect from KEEN.
On Performance and Design…
The CNX experience starts with a 4mm heel-toe offset for fast-moving nature-loving feet. This minimalist offset encourages a more natural hiking gait and improved proprioceptive balance the moment your foot strikes the ground. For those used to the traditional over-built hikers, you’ll be amazed at the stability and agility afforded by the Depart CNX. The only thing more agile than our Depart CNX shoes were the rogue squirrels darting from one side of the trail to the next.
The KEEN contoured arch provides the type of added midfoot support that you may not expect from a minimally minded hiker. And when your foot does come into contact with the trail, expect durable traction from the multi-directional flex grooves with razor siping which provide freedom of motion and solid grip contact over varied terrain.
Much of our trail trail time with the Depart CNX has been spent tracing dry summer trails, and stalking the shoreline of the American River with the occasional criss-crossing of mountain creeks and valley streams. Through it all KEEN’s proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane, KEEN.DRY, let vapor out without letting water in, ensuring we’ve had the waterproof protection necessary to charge the trails when conditions get questionable.
On Comfort and Fit…
Once on, both the men and women’s Depart WP offers a close fit and agile nature. And while we’ve had some sizing issues with KEEN in the past, the Depart series offers a spot on fit. Feel free to wear them barefoot, or partner them up with the thin, yet indestructible KEEN Olympus sock and explore Mother Nature to your heart’s content.
Where this shoe truly impressed however, was that you needn’t be a barefoot enthusiast or minimalist runner to enjoy the ride they offer. While some minimalist shoes skimp on the interior cushion to cut down on weight and slenderize the overall design, the Depart WP CNX have a padded tongue and collar that offer additional comfort. Moreover, despite the 4mm offset, there’s still plenty of sturdy protection under the heel which came in handy when boulder hopping or traversing segments of gravel laiden trails.
Notes from the Trail…
As you’d expect from KEEN kicks, the Depart shoes have held up well to the wear and tear our team has been inflicting on them, with no obvious damage at all. And while we wondered if the lower mid-rise cuff would be able to keep out trail debris, the Depart CNX’s close fit shrugged off more debris than some higher cut boots we’ve worn. That being said, one of our female reviewers did feel that the cuff was too low for her preference.
As we noted in our review of KEEN’s multi-sport Tunari CNX, the beauty of these shoes will be readily appreciated by those who have fully embraced the “back to basics” revolution. For those used to stomping around in traditional hikers, you can expect an adjustment period just as there is with the transition to any minimalist minded footwear.
But as noted previously, they are beautifully designed so any outdoor enthusiast can embrace the minimalist hiking experience the offer. And once you find that zen spot where your body and shoes work in harmony, you’ll find a new joy in scrambling across dry creek beds and running over loose trails.
Bottom Line…
Slip into the Depart CNX from KEEN and leave ordinary behind. Once you do, you might just find you have a new appreciation for your time on the trail.
*Gumption Gear Review received the items featured in this review from KEEN at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.