When it comes to creating innovative and high-performance outdoor footwear, KEEN is a brand that continues to lead the way. One of its latest releases, the Zionic, is designed for speed and agility, catering to outdoor enthusiasts who crave lightweight, comfortable, responsive footwear without sacrificing durability or protection. 

But what goes into designing such a revolutionary shoe? We sat down with Will Schuh, KEEN’s Director of Product Management and Merchandising, to get an inside look at the inspiration, challenges, and cutting-edge technology behind the Zionic Shoe.

Learn More About The Zionic

Will Schuh is no stranger to the demands of designing footwear that meets the needs of outdoor athletes. As the Director of Product Management and Merchandising at KEEN, he brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep understanding of both aesthetics and functionality to the table. Schuh has been instrumental in shaping KEEN’s product line, infusing each design with the brand’s core values of fit, protection, and durability.

For Schuh, the Zionic Shoe represents a new chapter in KEEN’s design evolution. With the Zionic, Schuh and his team sought to create something that allowed their customers to move faster and more naturally on trail.

“The Zionic provides the fit, protection, and durability that KEEN stands for in a lighter package,” Schuh summarized. “Specifically, the Katalyze foam midsole, our lightest, most responsive foam to date, and the full-length nylon plate really spring off the trail.” 

Introducing the Zionic Shoe: Speed Meets Stability on the Trail

The Zionic Shoe is specifically engineered for those who love to move quickly and confidently through the outdoors. Built around the concept of natural motion, the Zionic Shoe allows for faster, more athletic movements while maintaining a perfect balance of stability and speed. 

“The idea was to design a shoe that could transition smoothly from forefoot to heel, mimicking a natural, flowing motion,” Schuh explained.

The Zionic’s unique design prioritizes both comfort and performance. Its contoured fit hugs the foot in key areas, providing support where it’s needed most, while the wider, anatomical forefoot allows for a natural gait. Additionally, the Zionic’s Achilles pad in the heel offers cozy support, while the high-rebound foam cushioning enhances overall comfort and movement.

The shoe’s aesthetic, characterized by longer, organic “wave” lines on the midsole, gives a visual sense of speed, enhancing the overall experience of moving swiftly on the trail.

But the Zionic Shoe isn’t just about speed. Schuh and his team also wanted to ensure that the shoe provided ample protection and stability. This led to the inclusion of stabilizer wings that wrap around the foot, offering a sense of natural support and security. 

The upper is crafted to be lightweight yet durable, featuring minimal stitching and material overlays to reduce weight while reinforcing high-wear zones for added longevity.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

In designing the Zionic Shoe, Schuh and his team at KEEN were also mindful of their environmental impact. “Sustainability is always at the forefront of our design process,” Schuh said. 

The Zionic Shoe incorporates 100% post-consumer recycled polyester in key components, including the upper ripstop mesh, laces, and webbings, making it a product that’s both high-performance and environmentally conscious.

KEEN Zionic: Different Design, Same DNA

But moreover, the Zionic was a departure from KEEN’s traditional design DNA. That’s why it was extra important for Schuh to get the shoe just right. 

“The Zionic was a new space for us,” he reflected. “It took time to really take our KEEN DNA and translate it into a lighter, faster package. That’s not always easy to really hone in on how to bring that consistent visual language to a product that’s so different.”

In other words, with its innovative design, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge features, the Zionic Shoe is a testament to KEEN’s dedication to crafting consciously created footwear that meets the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts. 

“The Zionic is very different from classic fan favorites like the Targhee,” Schuh continued, “but we needed to ensure they still felt like they came from the same universe. That took some time, but I’m really proud of the way we’ve been able to bring something that doesn’t sacrifice the elements KEEN stands for.”

This post is sponsored by KEEN.