KEEN Men’s Newport Sandal Review

  • SHOE TYPE: SANDAL
  • SIZES: 7-14 US
  • HALF SIZES: YES
  • WEIGHT: 15 OZ
  • SHIPPING WEIGHT: 3 POUNDS
  • DIMENSIONS: 13 X 9 X 6”
  • MATERIAL: LEATHER UPPER/ SYNTHETIC
  • OUTER SOLE: NON MARKING RUBBER
  • ALSO: METATOMICAL EVA MOLDED FOOTBED COMPRESSION MOLDED EVA MIDSOLE MULTI-DIRECTIONAL LUG PATTERN
  • HEEL: 1.25”
  • PLATFORM: 0.75”
  • WATERPROOF: YES
  • WASHABLE: YES
  • COLORS : BISON, BLACK/GOLDEN GLOW, KHAKI/FOREST NIGHT, NEUTRAL GRAY/GARGOYLE, WHITE PEPPER/BLACK
  • BRAND: KEEN
  • FIT AS EXPECTED: 78%
  • OUR RATING: 4.5 OUT OF FIVE STARS
  • PRICE GUIDE: $44-148+

Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandal

Buy On Amazon

Rainbow Sandals Men’s Single Layer Premier Leather

Buy On Amazon

Teva Men’s Mush Ii Flip-Flop

Buy On Amazon

Kaiback Men’s Drifter Sport Flip Flop Sandal (8, Black/Grey)

Buy On Amazon

A SANDAL THAT FITS LIKE A SHOE …. OR EVEN A GLOVE!

You want something on your feet that is capable of eating up the miles … and not your feet.  But, and this is the harder part, you would also like to wear them in the summer, without your feet sweating to death and smelling like something died when you take them off.

So what you really want is some sort of walking sandal, with a proper sole on it, which will stay the distance and fit properly.

Unfortunately, that’s quite a tough ask, but fortunately we have just the thing for you.

Because these Keen Men’s Newport Sandals fit just that bill.  With a leather upper (some of their other models may be suitable for vegetarians, but not this one) and non- marking rubber sole, these are quality built, and have acquired something of a fearsome reputation among their loyal followers.

THE DESIGN VIEW

These are comprised of leather uppers and a rubber sole, with a handy pull on sports design that means you don’t have to mess around lacing them up.  The double laced style means they snap on nice and easy.

There is a patented toe guard, which means if you aren’t too keen on your tootsies protruding, they don’t have to.  Of course, this protects them from any small rocks that may fall on you during your ramble.

The soles are designed for some serious walking, and should ensure your grip on every type of terrain.

But what do they look like on?  Well here we have to mention the J word!

Yes, these may be best described as biblical.  Moses probably parted the red sea wearing something that looked like these, and if he had done, the best bit would be they wouldn’t get wet!

As well as everything else, these leather sandals are waterproof and can be washed.  Which is good news all round!

So yes, these are definitely traditional style men’s sandals, which could comfortably be worn with socks, if necessary.  Maybe they aren’t going to win any beauty contests, but they are cleverly designed and will be easy to get into – and out of – without it becoming a chore.

THE FIT

78% of people surveyed thought that these fit as expected, which is good news.  It would seem that recently there has been a change in sizing policy by Keen, so if you have ever ordered these before, the sizes may have shifted a little.  The general advice is to order half a size up for a decent fit.

This has a compression fitting EVA sole and fitted EVA midsole, which means it will mold into the shape of your foot and improve the comfort and overall fit.

The pull on double needle lace design improves the fit, with none of that saggy feeling  you sometimes get with lace ups, when they’ve been worn a while.  You also shouldn’t have to tie them repeatedly, which is always a plus.

THE COMFORT FACTOR

Hallelujah!  There is massively good news ahead.  These not only fit well, but are also some of the most comfortable footwear you will ever own.

Wide enough for most feet, (these come in a standard D fitting) they won’t squash your toes despite the toe covering, and the soft loop heel makes it nice and easy on your Achilles tendon too.

On the topic of the heel, this is a substantial 1.25 inches high, and the rubber sole won’t let you slip or trip in any weather.

Anyone needing extra support should definitely consider purchasing a pair of these, as they provide excellent support for a range of podiatry issues.

We reckon with the non-marking rubber sole, and the significant depth of tread means you should be bouncing along like a rubber ball, making walking in these a pleasure.  You should have, literally, a spring in your step with these on.

ALL TERRAIN ALL WEATHERS

All you have to do is inspect the quality of the sole and the tread markings, to see that these will grip tightly, and not have you skidding when the first spot of rain comes along.

Better still, you can clean these down thoroughly with a lot more than a damp cloth – they are fully washable – and that’s something you can’t say often about sandals, especially not leather ones.

However, make sure you allow ample time to dry these.  They can withstand the odd splash without soaking through, although obviously, with them being sandals, your feet are still going to get wet if you tread in a puddle.

THE LIFESPAN

These are a high-end sandal destined for, if not a lifetime of use, then quite a long time.

Most customers are expecting to get a LOT of wear out of these, and in the main, they are not disappointed.  How much, clearly depends on how often you wear them.   They should last a minimum of a couple of years, and quite possibly much longer.

Some happy owners have been wearing theirs for upwards of a decade, but it will be an entirely personal thing, depending on not just how many miles you cover, but the manner in which you walk, and how heavily you generally wear a pair of shoes.

OVERALL VALUE FOR MONEY

As we already mentioned, these are far from being the cheapest sandals on the market, but to be fair, you should not start from the comparison point of view of other ‘ordinary’ sandals.

Most sandals are lightweight items, designed for casual use, most probably on holiday, and not with the expectation that many miles will be completed in them.

The Keen Newport is different.  It is a walking sandal.  Although, be assured, these are also highly versatile, and can be used for playing sports, hiking, beach holidays, wet weather and just general walking.

Yes, they are not cheap, but we think the combination of comfort, quality and high durability to be completely worth the price tag.

And if you really desire it, you might even be able to walk on water in them!