Compfy but HOT & not for hiking!
Replacing my 10 yr old Keen REAL Hiking fisherman I adore. All over Maui, rocks to water. These Newports are not comparable except for basic comfort. Barely a tred, compared to my well-worn originals, hard to slip on, and super hot! I even tried light socks & whatever rubber is used has NO breathability- im a professional dog walker & research my work clothes. Regular sneakers are too warm in MI summers so open fisherman styles are my go-to.Old ones had a “washable” removable in-sole with great beefy support. A tread I could climb where signs said “beware of falling rocks”. That’s the shoe I expect from keen from your description of Newport and price.... Show more
Natalie L.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Decent, sturdy, comfortable, but takes forever to dry and smells horrible
The first pair of these that I owned were amazing, lasted forever, and were 5 stars. I replaced them in 2021. They are comfortable, very sturdy, have good tread, and I've used them on some big hikes and use them as approach shoes when I go climbing (though not ideal for that purpose; I just hate wearing fully closed hiking shoes). Yes, I often have to take them off every few steps to shake out tiny pebbles and rocks, depending on the terrain, but I suppose that's the price to pay for wearing sandals. They slip on and off easily. However, as water shoes, I dont like them very much. They take FOREVER to dry - I dont understand how they are "waterproof". I go on a lot of portaging trips and if they get wet in the morning, unless it's the middle of summer and I find a ... MoreThe first pair of these that I owned were amazing, lasted forever, and were 5 stars. I replaced them in 2021. They are comfortable, very sturdy, have good tread, and I've used them on some big hikes and use them as approach shoes when I go climbing (though not ideal for that purpose; I just hate wearing fully closed hiking shoes). Yes, I often have to take them off every few steps to shake out tiny pebbles and rocks, depending on the terrain, but I suppose that's the price to pay for wearing sandals. They slip on and off easily. However, as water shoes, I dont like them very much. They take FOREVER to dry - I dont understand how they are "waterproof". I go on a lot of portaging trips and if they get wet in the morning, unless it's the middle of summer and I find a way to dry them in the hot sun literally all day, they are still wet by night time (and the next morning), and it sucks wearing wet shoes all day long. Whatever antimicrobial thing they say is present seems to have worn off or not be very good - they started smelling awful within the first year of use. On a recent trip with these shoes to the Philippines, not only would they not dry, they smelled horrific even after I washed them repeatedly with soap. I ended up having to wash them in a hotel sink with every kind of soap I could find, then blow dry them (because they take forever to dry otherwise even when left out in the sun), then double wrap in bags and stuffed it deep in my backpack so I could take a crowded bus without everybody having to smell my Keens. I gave 3 stars because they are so sturdy, durable, comfortable, and have decent traction. But as a water shoe, especially for portaging and canoe tripping, I'm really unimpressed.... Show more
Heidi
originally posted on mec.ca
DEFECT
I used to love these shoes - my first pair lasted forever (wish I still had those actually) - the last 2 pairs I bought have been beyond disappointing. I use these primarily for swim trips where I am on boats and walking on piers and beaches and to ride my bike to the lake to swim. I want to make it clear that I am NOT doing anything rugged in these shoes. On my last pair, the seam on the side of one shoe was breaking apart - this happened just after the one year Keen warranty expired. I decided to attribute that to a fluke. Well, I just bought another pair a month ago. The exact same defect happened on one shoe again. I love the sole on the shoe and the support the shoe gives, but since this continues to happen, I do not think I am a Keen buyer any longer.... Show more
db22
originally posted on REI
Great shoe but sizing is tricky!
It seems more and more that companies are not doing good quality control with their products, and Keen has joined this group. I noticed right away when I saw that a size 9 women’s is 10.5. That means they are having the shoes made cheaply and not doing quality control. Annoying as that is, I ordered a 10.5. My feet range from 9-9.5 depending on the shoe. My previous pair of Keens was a 9.5, but a little roomy so I thought 9 (10.5) would fit. They arrived quickly, which was great because I was hoping to take them on vacation. Unfortunately they were much too big. So I had to return for a 8.5, their shoe size 10, which I never wear. The good news is that their size 10 fit just right. So if you are a 9-9.5, I recommend a size ten. I have also noticed, and read several ... MoreIt seems more and more that companies are not doing good quality control with their products, and Keen has joined this group. I noticed right away when I saw that a size 9 women’s is 10.5. That means they are having the shoes made cheaply and not doing quality control. Annoying as that is, I ordered a 10.5. My feet range from 9-9.5 depending on the shoe. My previous pair of Keens was a 9.5, but a little roomy so I thought 9 (10.5) would fit. They arrived quickly, which was great because I was hoping to take them on vacation. Unfortunately they were much too big. So I had to return for a 8.5, their shoe size 10, which I never wear. The good news is that their size 10 fit just right. So if you are a 9-9.5, I recommend a size ten. I have also noticed, and read several comments saying the same, that they are narrower than previous Keens. I totally agree. I like Keen because of the width. I don’t have feet that required a wide size, but they are pretty close. If my feet were any wider, these wouldn’t have worked for me. So I did get the shoes I wanted in the proper size after one return, but overall am disappointed in Keen. It seems they are on the same lowering quality bandwagon that is pervasive these days. I’m not sure that I will continue to support this brand in the future.... Show more
Catherine B.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Love my rainbow-sherbet-colored sandals!
Love this model of sandals, I have several pairs in different colors. Love this color, it reminds me of rainbow sherbet, a fun summer color, along with my tie-dye sandals, and a soft multi-colored beige color. I also have a pair of a different model of Keen water sandals, which I have on right now to shuffle into the water at my FL beach, or to wear when kayaking and getting out on oyster bars. I didn't see this model in your recent online catalog... I hope I can find them when it's time to replace this pair (not yet)! These new Newport H2 sandals may run a little smaller but my normal size fit fine, glad I bought my regular size. I like this model of sandal because I require a wide toe box. I have "hammer" toes on my left foot and I find that Keen sandals and ... MoreLove this model of sandals, I have several pairs in different colors. Love this color, it reminds me of rainbow sherbet, a fun summer color, along with my tie-dye sandals, and a soft multi-colored beige color. I also have a pair of a different model of Keen water sandals, which I have on right now to shuffle into the water at my FL beach, or to wear when kayaking and getting out on oyster bars. I didn't see this model in your recent online catalog... I hope I can find them when it's time to replace this pair (not yet)! These new Newport H2 sandals may run a little smaller but my normal size fit fine, glad I bought my regular size. I like this model of sandal because I require a wide toe box. I have "hammer" toes on my left foot and I find that Keen sandals and hiking books work well for me!... Show more
MARYPAT K.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Most durable footwear. Ever.
Not even sure how many *years* I've had these 'sandals.' Were/are used for after backpacking/hiking days, after cycling long distances/tours, paddling, casual, everyday use. They have been washed numerous times; minimal, if any, fade. The only reason I am buying a new pair is because the heel has worn down through the black rubber and into to the light grey part of the bottom. I am losing/have lost the natural arch in both feet and have no (pedal) fat pads anymore, but these are still very comfortable on my feet. My "hat is off" to Keen for making such an amazingly durable sandal that has been used to the enth degree, mainly around water, slippery docks, rocks, etc. Does anyone know if the soles can be replaced like Birkenstock soles can?? There is literally nothing ... MoreNot even sure how many *years* I've had these 'sandals.' Were/are used for after backpacking/hiking days, after cycling long distances/tours, paddling, casual, everyday use. They have been washed numerous times; minimal, if any, fade. The only reason I am buying a new pair is because the heel has worn down through the black rubber and into to the light grey part of the bottom. I am losing/have lost the natural arch in both feet and have no (pedal) fat pads anymore, but these are still very comfortable on my feet. My "hat is off" to Keen for making such an amazingly durable sandal that has been used to the enth degree, mainly around water, slippery docks, rocks, etc. Does anyone know if the soles can be replaced like Birkenstock soles can?? There is literally nothing else wrong with these sandals...... Show more
boomergenx
originally posted on llbean.com
Not Keen quality
I have been buying these Keen sandals for years. Mine have been well worn and needed replaced. I liked Keen for the wide toe box, comfort, and fit. I got my new order and immediately knew that Keen had done just like every other brand. Which is to rip off the customer charging us the same amount of money or more for a lower quality product. All 3 pairs of Keen sandals that I purchased are super narrow, not a wide toe box, not true to size, tight on my feet and the toe cover rubs against my toes. I am highly disappointed in Keen for charging the same high price for obviously manufacturing for less money. Keen has done what other companies do, they make a quality product for a while to get customers that manufacture the same product at a lower cost charging the same ... MoreI have been buying these Keen sandals for years. Mine have been well worn and needed replaced. I liked Keen for the wide toe box, comfort, and fit. I got my new order and immediately knew that Keen had done just like every other brand. Which is to rip off the customer charging us the same amount of money or more for a lower quality product. All 3 pairs of Keen sandals that I purchased are super narrow, not a wide toe box, not true to size, tight on my feet and the toe cover rubs against my toes. I am highly disappointed in Keen for charging the same high price for obviously manufacturing for less money. Keen has done what other companies do, they make a quality product for a while to get customers that manufacture the same product at a lower cost charging the same or more. It is maddening and my feet are not happy and my bank account is disappointed!!! Keen needs to get it together because you will lose customers. Keen is making narrow shoes without an option for wide width! Had I known these shoes are low quality now I wouldn’t have bought 3 pairs and hiking shoes. I miss the company that Keen used to be. Bring back the wide toe box, adequate sizing without spots that rub on the feet. I wear a 11 and every other Keen pair that I have bought in past years has fit properly but these new pairs do not!! I don’t ever write reviews, ever so it says alot that I took the time to write this one.... Show more
Jennifer G.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Toe box curved up isn’t for all day
These are my first pair of Keens which is practically unheard of because I live in Colorado. I tried these on a few days in a row before deciding whether to keep.When I first tried them on my toes started to go numb after a minute of wearing. I loosened the elastic lacing and it helped, but my toes still felt funny. I realized it’s because of the toe box curling upward (you can see looking at the side profile of the shoe).Width- good for human feetHeel - works around narrow heelsToe box - curves up at the front, maybe it makes for better climbing with a hard-soled shoeI kept them because I also sized up my three-year-old daughter into her fourth pair of keens and she insisted mom finally get with the program.I know these will be great for paddle board ... MoreThese are my first pair of Keens which is practically unheard of because I live in Colorado. I tried these on a few days in a row before deciding whether to keep.When I first tried them on my toes started to go numb after a minute of wearing. I loosened the elastic lacing and it helped, but my toes still felt funny. I realized it’s because of the toe box curling upward (you can see looking at the side profile of the shoe).Width- good for human feetHeel - works around narrow heelsToe box - curves up at the front, maybe it makes for better climbing with a hard-soled shoeI kept them because I also sized up my three-year-old daughter into her fourth pair of keens and she insisted mom finally get with the program.I know these will be great for paddle board adventures and camping escapades. I'll be bringing a flatter-soled shoe as backup as I don’t think I could wear these for more than a few hours.... Show more
Lindsay G.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
What’s up with that??
I love love love this shoe! I had a pair several years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Extremely durable-you can’t wear these out. Very very comfortable when I’m on my feet all day. Here’s the deal breaker…..the elastic part that you have to put your foot into, it goes around your ankle, is not stretchy at all! There’s no give. There’s no way to loosen it while trying to slip your foot in! It takes So much work to try to get your foot in by the time i actually get my foot through it and get the shoe on (if I’m able to at all) I’m so worn out and frustrated I want to throw them in the trash! Now having said all that, when I’m actually able to wear these, most comfortable shoe ever! Just for kicks I went to a shoe store and got a pair 2 sizes too big and tried ... MoreI love love love this shoe! I had a pair several years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Extremely durable-you can’t wear these out. Very very comfortable when I’m on my feet all day. Here’s the deal breaker…..the elastic part that you have to put your foot into, it goes around your ankle, is not stretchy at all! There’s no give. There’s no way to loosen it while trying to slip your foot in! It takes So much work to try to get your foot in by the time i actually get my foot through it and get the shoe on (if I’m able to at all) I’m so worn out and frustrated I want to throw them in the trash! Now having said all that, when I’m actually able to wear these, most comfortable shoe ever! Just for kicks I went to a shoe store and got a pair 2 sizes too big and tried them on. Guess what! It STILL took an unreasonable amount of effort to get my foot in! Something about the design has changed from the first few pairs I purchased, because had they been this same way, I wouldn’t even consider buying them, let alone multiple pairs! And as you all know, these are definitely not inexpensive! If it wasn’t for what I consider that one defective design, I would rate 5 stars plus! Very disappointed with the last 2 pair I purchased... Show more
Loretta H.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Women’s Keen Sandal
My review is based only on a pair that is about 10 years old. I bought a very similar pair of Women’s Keen Sandal over 10 years ago but with suede so probably not waterproof. I’m impressed with how the basic construction of the pair has lasted. However, we recently rebuilt our dock with new Trex decking. The old dock had a a more textured surface. I always used my Keen Sandals to go boating. When I walked on the new dock I slipped and fell hard, but luckily no broken bones. The soles have lost their grippiness. Time for a new pair. I wonder if there are other reviewers who have experienced this and at what point did their sandals loose their grip.... Show more
Jazzy
originally posted on llbean.com