REASONS TO BUY
Easy on and off
Out of the box comfort
Snug heel but wide forefoot
REASONS TO AVOID
Large heel-to-toe drop
Traction is lacking on gravel and dirt
Kizik Athens 2 - Women's Review
These hands-free shoes are great for travel and for those with limited mobility and balance
Credit: Becca Glades
By Becca Glades ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ April 29, 2026
RELATED: The Best Walking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Kizik Athens 2 is comfortable right out of the box and requires no hands to get on and off. Simply slip your foot in, and the Cage pops into place. We didn't even need to retie the shoes between uses, meaning they are truly hands-free. Still, they offered a snug and secure fit that kept us supported for errand runs and long outings. The midsole is comfortable for extended wear, though the large heel-to-toe drop wasn't loved by our team. Still, these are a worthy choice for anyone with limited mobility or those who prefer to slip on and go.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Kizik Athens 2 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Hands-Free Design |  Best Overall Walking Shoe |  Best Bang for Your Buck Walking Shoe | Best Women's Specific Budget Shoe | A Slip-On Budget-Friendly Option |
| Price | $140 List Check Price at Amazon | $145 List Check Price at REI | $75 List Check Price at Amazon | $70 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $65 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | These hands-free shoes are great for travel and for those with limited mobility and balance | These shoes are ready to tackle both long and short walks. Wear them as your daily shoe or for fitness walking - they are ready for the walk you have in mind | This budget-friendly shoe is ready to take you walking from day one due to their great comfort and support | A no-frills walking shoe that does everything well and has a likeable price tag | A basic but effective walking shoe that combines lightweight comfort with an affordable price point |
| Rating Categories | Kizik Athens 2 | Altra Experience Flow 3 | Asics Gel-Contend 9 | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Kizik Athens 2 | Altra Experience Flow 3 | Asics Gel-Contend 9 | Ryka Devotion Plus 3 | Skechers GO WALK Joy |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Measured Weight | 9.29 oz | 6.82 oz | 7.30 oz | 7.75 oz | 5.16 oz |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 15 mm | 6 mm | 9 mm | 10 mm | 9 mm |
| Closure Type | Lace | Lace | Lace | Lace | None |
| Upper Material | Mesh | Mesh | Mesh | Mesh, lycra | Mesh |
| Midsole Material | EVA foam | Altra EGO P35 | Amplifoam+ | Lightweight EVA | 5Gen |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber | Flexible traction |
| Heel Tab Type | Hands-free cage | Pull tab | Finger loop | Pull tab | Finger loop |
| Measured Heel Stack | 37 mm | 31 mm | 31 mm | 31 mm | 29 mm |
| Measured Width | 4.4 in. | 4.4 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.3 in. | 4.0 in. |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Kizik Athens 2 excels as an everyday, do-it-all shoe. It isn't the lightest, but its comfort and support are great for longer days on your feet. Whether you're walking the dog, headed to the grocery store, or traveling abroad, these are a reliable choice. Plus, you don't have to bend down to put them on. Just slip in and go.
Slip them on and go. The Kizik Athens 2 is an easy choice. You don't even need to use your hands. Credit: Becca Glades
Comfort
The Kizik Athens 2 requires no break-in. Out of the box, the midsoles are soft, yet steady enough to keep going step after step without causing foot fatigue. Likewise, the mesh uppers are breathable and flexible, providing a secure fit without hot spots. Our pregnant tester was thrilled about the hands-free design, which meant she didn't need to bend over to get shoes on and off, especially when making her way through airport security. Because the shoes don't need to be retied every time, we got a reliable fit each time we threw the shoes on.
One of our concerns was the Cage being too stiff or digging into the Achilles, though this proved not to be an issue. Instead, the heel is snug in place, while the midfoot and toe box offer enough space for the toes to wiggle freely without feeling restricted.
Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior
The padded heel collar is notable on the Kizik Athens 2, which can be seen here. The large heel-to--toe drop is also noticeable in this view, which we measured at 15mm.
We went on plenty of walks in these shoes, and even took them through the airport. They are more than capable of the day-to-day errands, long travel days, and fitness walks. However, some of our testers noted the large heel-to-toe drop was causing fatigue for longer durations of wear as it distributes more weight on the forefoot. In our lab, we cut the shoes in half and measured a 15mm drop, one of the largest drops we've measured so far.
These shoes are comfortable and supportive enough for most walks. Credit: Becca Glades
Support
The Athens 2 offers neutral support - they are not corrective for those with under- or overpronation. During our walks, we felt stable and secure in our footing. Our lead tester noted that she never felt like she would roll an ankle. The base is wider at the heel and slimmer towards the toe, but it isn't overly wide to feel bulky or change the gait.
The arch support was comfortable for our testers with neutral and high arches. We were also able to let out enough slack in the laces for taller feet; meanwhile, those with narrow feet could cinch them tight. The heel cup is secure and kept our feet locked in. It's worth noting the narrow-to-average toe box shape. If you like extra wiggle room, or have a wide foot, be sure to get these shoes in a wide.
The Athens 2 is supportive throughout, with arch support that works for most neutral feet. Credit: Matt Lighthart
In our twist test, we noted minimal twist in the midfoot and a decent bend at the toes. This sort of fit can feel more stable, especially for long hours on your feet. However, if you prefer a running-shoe-style fit with lots of flexibility, these might feel too stiff.
These have plenty of bend at the toe, but more rigidity throughout. Credit: Becca Glades
Durability
Our main concern when testing these shoes was the longevity of the Cage heel. However, after many miles of walking and wearing these for dog walks and errands, we were happy to see the heel popped into place just as effectively as it did during the first wear.
Over time, the mesh upper and EVA foam midsole will show signs of normal wear. While mesh is a comfortable and breathable material, it is also not as durable as leather. That said, shoes, like the Athens 2 that use mesh, will simply wear out faster. Still, the Athens 2 are built well. The seams are stitched securely, and the reinforced lace eyelets add extra durability.
Though we initially had concerns about the Cage heel, it proved to be sturdy and effective time and time again. Credit: Becca Glades
Traction
The Kizik Athens 2 is best suited for hard surfaces and indoor use. The rubber outsole is mostly flat with light wave-like grooves. This kept us steady on concrete sidewalks and indoor tile.
They are also adequate on light dirt paths, though we don't recommend them if that is where you primarily walk. Still, they are versatile enough as a do-it-all shoe if you venture onto well-maintained paths that have some gravel or dirt from time to time. They are not designed as a slip-resistant shoe, so those who work in industries where slips are possible should keep an eye out for specific slip-resistant options.
The traction is best for concrete and indoor use, but the light grooves are also okay on light dirt paths. Credit: Becca Glades
Weight
These are about average when it comes to weight. They weigh in at 9.3 ounces per shoe (women's 6.5).
The weight isn't noticeable when in use, though. The breathable upper aids in the lighter feel, as our toes never got clammy during long walks. The Cage heel is a point of weight. The Cage is thick, which is likely why we didn't see any longevity concerns with it. Still, this adds a few extra ounces compared to other shoes. All in all, we think the little extra weight is worth it, especially if you're interested in the hands-free entry.
The mesh upper is very breathable, which aids in a lighter feel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Kizik Athens 2?
These offer unbeatable value for anyone who has limited mobility. The slip-in design is hard to find on athletic shoes. Most slip-on shoes are more like slippers and aren't as capable of long or supportive walks. These are an excellent choice for anyone after a supportive and comfortable shoe that requires no break-in. Plus, they are more stylish than most athletic shoes. If you want a hands-free and capable shoe, this is it.
What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you walk a considerable amount outdoors, you'll want to read about the Hoka Transport 2, which has an outsole more like a hiking shoe. If the 15mm heel-to-toe drop bothers you, the Altra Experience Flow 3 is a much more neutral option that is a little bit lighter too. The Skechers GO WALK Joy is another slip-on option that is very inexpensive, but they aren't as secure as the Athens 2.
—Becca Glades
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