Gear Locker: Keen Newport H2

October-November 2006

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Alex Matthews

When traveling to warmer climes, an essential piece of gear for most paddlers is a dependable pair of sandals.

Even in the overcrowded sport sandal category, the Keen Newport H2s stand out. Chunky rubber soles and a pronounced toe cap combine with webbing uppers and an elasticized lace system to produce a very distinctive piece of footwear. They look like what the Roman Empire (had it not fallen) would equip its soldiers with today.

Starting from the ground up, the Keens are beefy. The sturdy outsoles are made from non-marking carbon rubber, and a compression-molded EVA midsole provides good support. The sturdy rubber toe cap is one of the Keen’s most distinctive features, and truly works. The toe protection keeps sensitive tootsies far safer from the ravages of sharp rocks, barnacles and general abuse than conventional open-toed sandals. The one negative aspect of the toe cap is that debris can collect in the sandal, and it’s far harder to jettison than with an open-toed sandal, but I found this a small price to pay for the added coverage and comfort.

Two webbing pull-tabs make getting the Keens on and off easy. The numerous polyester webbing straps of the upper do a good job of encircling the foot, while the quick-lock lace system allows easy and secure adjustment. A stretchy lining behind the webbing looks a lot like neoprene, but the company literature asserts it is in fact an “AEGIS Microbe Shield® treated SBR lining”. The lining is soft, cushy and stretches to make donning the shoes easier. One downside of the lining is that it is relatively slow to dry compared to the polyester webbing, so don’t expect the Keens to dry as quickly as more traditional sport sandals with only webbing straps and no lining. The anti microbial treatment is there to reduce noxious odors and the H2s are machine washable for when your foot stench ultimately defeats AEGIS.

The Keens were comfy straight out of the box and never caused blisters or fit issues. I wore them with and without socks, used them extensively both wet and dry, and generally found them to be very capable and sturdy performers, with good grip both in and out of the water.

All in all, the Keen Newport H2 is a terrific shoe. The uppers do a great job of keeping the foot firmly located on the footbed, with very little lateral slipping and sliding within the sandal that unfortunately typifies many other sandal designs. I’ve had enough stubbed toes and barnacle scrapes to last a lifetime, so I love the extra protection of the toe cap. The Keens provide the surefooted confidence and protection of a good pair of light hiking shoes but with the airiness of sandals. They really are hybrids: robust sandals that offer the fit, stability and protection of shoes. Or are they shoes mimicking sandals? Either way, they succeed admirably.

Colors: Navy, Dark Grey, Black
Suggested Retail Price: $130 Canadian, $89.99 US

Keen Footwear
926 NW 13th Avenue, Suite 210
Portland, OR 97209
info@keenfootwear.com
www.keenfootwear.com

© Alex Matthews: matthewsalex@hotmail.com.