Kizik Athens 2 - Women's Review

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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