Men's Keen Newport H2 Reviews

• Newport H2's are Keen!

  
  By A6GMEO3VRY51S on 2005-11-04
  By far one of the most comfortable, if not comfortable shoe or sandal I have ever owned. Now that summer is over, and it is late Fall, I find myself still wearing these even now that it is colder because they feel so good. I bought mine in May, and it is November now. They really are tough to give up. Any reservations I had that they look funky evaporated when I wore them. If they do not feel right when you put them on, you probably have the wrong size. Most people that buy Keens find that they need to buy a half size larger than they do with other shoes.
  
  They have a wide toebox so that your toes are not cramped together, and they are the first to come out with the protective toe guard. While other companies are starting to put toe guards on their shoes, they are not designed to be both protective and completely comfortable like Keens. I never stub a toe or catch a toe on anything with these, plus I can hide my ugly toes. It also has a little rise on the rear heel that cups your heel comfortably, but also helps protect you against those people that step on the back of your foot. It feels very secure once it is on and does not slip. There are no straps to fool with or Velcro to adjust, it has an inner lining that looks like the neoprene on a scuba suit, it stretches to fit. It has a no lace closure and you set it once, from then on it slips on easy. The metatomic footbed cradles my foot like no shoe I have ever seen. A feature I had not experienced before in any shoe is the little ridge on the inner sole that runs behind the toes and in between your big toe and other toes. The first time you feel it is a surprise, but it turns out to add to the comfort of the shoe immensely. That ridge forms in a short time to your foot, giving you your own custom fit. Keens shoes are invented by a doctor, who studied the anatomy of the foot very closely, and it shows. I hate to gush about this, but the shape of this shoe inside and out gives me a sensation that the shoe is part of me, and I can stand longer and walk longer... it makes me feel like running. I first saw these on some ultralight backpackers I met, they swore by them.
  
  It has an anatomical outer sole that is very grippy, with a nice athletic shape, it gives good traction on sand, dirt, boulders, mud, you name it. It is not slippery on the boat or dock, and the sole does not leave any marks. It is made in such a way that it does not hold dirt in any grooves to track ion on my carpet either. It is great for water, and you can wear it into the stream, pool, or sea. If it gets wet, for some reason you don't feel it due to the material that wicks the water away. It has an anti-microbial treatment that takes away any germs.
  
  The first Newport that came out has leather trim, but it is officially waterproof. The newer Newport H2 is made of completely synthetic materials, and it holds up better in the long run as far as repeated wettings and mud. When my H2's get dirty, I throw them in the sink, under the hose, or even in the washer and they come out like new. I wore these almost daily for 4 months straight with no evidence of wear. This includes standing in line all day at theme parks and scrambling at the beach and lava rocks on Maui. These come in many colors. Keens makes other great shoes like the Providence boots, clogs, and tennis shoes. My other favorite sandals are for dressier occasions, they are the black Rieker Anti-Stress Jens 09176, and the Dunham Moose Fisherman (actually designed by New Balance).
  
  
  

• Excellent Sport Sandal - I'm a Fan for Life

  
  By A3977M5S0GIG5H on 2007-08-14
  I resisted for a while (years) while my wife raved about her Keen sandals. I like Tevas (Terra Fi 2) and have owned many pairs over the past 10 years. Love them for warm weather hiking, around the water, and general warm/wet conditions. But, I finally gave these Keens a try after wearing out the soles of my Tevas.
  
  The reviewers are right on. They feel like sneakers and I wear them all day with pleasure. These are a great buy. I'm going to buy another pair of Teva Terra Fi 2s also but I do love these Keens.
  
  Pros:
  - Rugged build
  - Great traction (I think the Tevas are a little better but I hardly notice the difference - that's the key detail)
  - I bought the mostly nylon (not leather) version (brown/bison) and they do dry quickly. My wife has the leather version and they're significantly slower to dry - overnight at least.
  - Extremely comfortable to wear all day
  - I never have to adjust these - they stay on my feet in all conditions with no worries
  - Look good with everything
  - There is a nice sense of comfort with that toe protector on the front
  - Wide toe bed - very nice
  
  Cons if I have to name some (certainly won't deter me from buying these again):
  - In the sun, the toe bed/cap does get hot on your toes if you hang out in direct sun for a while
  - I agree with the other reviews (not necessarily on Amazon) that you'll read regarding the "funk". Yes, these do get funky/smelly very quickly - much more quickly than my Tevas ever did. But, hey, they're outdoor sandals. Throw them into the washing machine or go swimming with them every 3-4 days and you're set.
  
  The "funk" reputation worried me a little so I held off buying these but I can live with it. It's not as bad as I expected. And, these are super comfortable!
  
  Added after owning for six months:
  I think the Teva Terra Fi 2 probably have a slight edge when it comes to rafting/boating because they dry in record time and you can really tighten them so they don't shift on your foot. So, I'd give them a slightly higher score in terms of functionality for the very active or career outdoors folks.
  
  Also, I do get annoyed at the gravel that gets stuck in the toe bed of these - I can't shake it loose so I have to take them off and turn them upside down. This wasn't an issue with the Teva open toe design and I kind of miss those days. Last pet peeve: despite what my wife says, (she has same kind of Keens) the tread just isn't as good as the Teva's. Conclusion, I have to buy both for the forseeable future - they're both solid products and I won't give up either.
  
  
  
  

• fade is correct

  
  By A3R04LT87V2DL1 on 2007-05-06
  I like the shoes don't get me wrong. They look great and are comfortable. But, the big problem is the cheap dye comes off on your feet when you wear them. I get blue dye on my feet and it's worse when you wear socks with them. The shoes didn't even get wet and I wasn't sweating. I guess this will eventually fade (pun intended) but I never had a pair of shoes that did this. Keen should be ashamed of themselves and offer these shoes at a much lower price!
  
  

• Great performer; short life span

  
  By A1B1ERGGIV47SB on 2008-04-07
  My experience with Keen Newport H2 sandals was similar to many I read here. Comfortable, convenient, good toe protection, stable, etc. For the price they are an excellent value, given that you'll likely be wearing them at every opportunity. I do have a couple of observations that might differ from what many others have said.
  
  I, for one, did not experience an odor problem. My model was touted as having an anti-microbial footbed that apparently prevents odors. Whatever it was, the product was remarkably effective in my case.
  
  My great disappointment, and the reason that I cannot award 5-stars here and why I did not buy another pair at the beginning of this season, is the surprisingly short life of my shoes. On both shoes (left and right), the footbeds were parting at the mold seams and the webbing was pulling away from the shoes at these same points. This, just after one season of wear (frequent wear, including a few camping trips and creek wades, I should point out). I have a pair of Teva sandals that are years-old and still on the job.
  
  So, I am giving another product a try this year; but I wouldn't discourage you from giving these a shot. Maybe you'll have a better experience.
  
  

• original keen newport sandal better

  
  By A3MPI4L1JEKD5V on 2007-09-17
  i own two pairs, the 'h2' version and the 'original'. i prefer the original, if i purchase a third pair it will be the original.
  
  
• Great sport sandel
  By A2M49Z5T0NGYPV on 2004-08-02
  I just returned from rafting in Costa Rica and the H2 worked really well. They seem to fit big as I generally wear a size 13 Nike or New Balance (sometimes wide width) and my foot fit a little loosely into the size 12. The sandal gives great traction and provides solid protection around the toes. As any sport sandal, they don't give much stability for hiking, but this sandal is probably one of the best for rafting, walking, sailing, etc.
  
  
• Love these Shoes
  By A1XNJRYL4XG1XX on 2007-09-11
  Got a great deal on the shoes. Have wanted a pair for about a year but could not make myself pay the $100.00 retail price. Finding them for 40% off helped me to finally purchase a pair. Boy am I ever happy!
  
  I have worn these now for about three weeks almost every day (I took 2 days off for some big appointments at work). Great build. Super comfort. Ventilation! Whatever they do to control odor really works.
  
  So far the have been worn in the office, to (and in) the lake, wading in the creek, in a rain storm (finally) and around the house. I really love these shoes!
  
  I agree with the others' comments about ordering a 1/2 size larger that your normal size. I followed their advise and it was jussssssssssssssst right.
  
  I am now a huge Keen fan.
  
  
• Poor vendor coordination!!
  By A2GPJBZS7FZI5A on 2007-09-21
  I ordered this pair of shoes for my husband's birthday. He is a 10W so I ordered a size 10.5 thinking it would be plenty big. My son has a pair of Keen's and they ran true to size. Well I was wrong. So I followed the instructions on the shipping label I got from Backcountry (an Amazon vendor)to exchange them for the next size up. Backcountry credited the return, but did not notify me that they received/processed the exchange. When I called to ask if the larger size was on the way, they said since it was purchased through Amazon they would not pay the shipping on the way back. So now I'm out $12 for return shipping, no shoes, and very disappointed at the lack of coordination between Amazon and its vendors. I will not be ordering anything like this on Amazon again!
  
  
  
  
• One of the greatest shoes ever!
  By AJ2YZAM2USTWO on 2006-07-14
  This purchase was a gift for my husband. He and I have owned Keens since the day they came on the market! WE LOVE THEM. This pair is his 3rd pair and he could not be more happy with them. They are the perfect shoe for everything from river hiking, to dry land hiking, to a day in the city, to a day at the park! They are comfortable and oh so reliable. Keen Newport H2's are a must for just about everyone! (can you tell I really dig these shoes, hehee)
  
  
• Good Second Thoughts
  By AAZ02KMOFR4C4 on 2008-01-09
  At first I thought spending this much money for a pair of sandles was normally not me. I would rather go to Walmart and get a pair of $25 Specials to last me a few months but the pickings are limited here on Guam (and no Walmart. A Kmart but no Walmart) I thought I give "online" shopping a try. I found these Keen on Amazon and based my choice due to the colors to be honest...Men's Blue Yellow Fade represent the Navy Colors. So I took a gamble and spent so-so money for these shoes and since they arrived I've worn them everyday. Their that comfortable. The next time I need sandles I'm going Keen again. Sorry Walmart.
  
  
• A GREAT ALL PURPOSE SANDAL If You Know Its Limitations
  By APXKSYPG1URYE on 2008-09-19
  I have had this shoe for a couple of months and have been using it this summer in the humid East coast, deserts of New Mexico, and tropics of Hawaii. It's a great sandal and alternative to regular shoes if you know the caveats. This is my opinion:
  
  SIZING: I normally wear 9.5 W shoes. Keens are fitted to be snug with no sloppiness of a traditional sandal. I bought first a 9.5 then as a backup a 10 because I didn't want the hassel of returning it. I thought at first the 9.5 was too snug. I was wrong. After a month of break in, the shoe fits like a glove. My recommendation however is, if you want a sandal to replace a hiking shoe and you plan to be very active with it, buy your regular shoe size and let it break in and mold to your foot. My toe is very close to the end of the shoe but not touching. I thought I would be jamming my toe after awhile. That never happened. The shoe is snug and my foot doesn't move around. If on the other hand, you want a more traditional, casual, looser fitting sandal for walking around the mall but a closed toe to prevent the occasional toe jam, buy a half size up.
  
  CLOSED TOE: I wasn't used to it in a sandal. At first I thought the snug fit would start to bug me because I can occasionally feel the top of my toe touch the top of the shoe. It hasn't. As you break in the shoe your toes get a smidgen more room, but not sloppy more room.
  
  TEMPERATURE: This sandal is more like a hiking shoe with a lot of ventilation slits. Your foot is very well covered and protected with this sandal. However, this makes your feet warmer than most sandals and perspire more, hence the comments of foot odor over a period of time. Still cooler than a hiking shoe but warmer than the open toe sandals. This sandal is useable in cooler seasons like early spring and late fall knowing it could keep your feet warmer than other sandal types.
  
  PROTECTION: Can climb and walk on nearly any terrain with confidence. Only real caution is climbing volcanic rock and jamming your foot into crevasses. The sandal still exposes some of your skin.
  
  DEBRIS: Dirt, sand, twigs, seeds, etc. that gets in the sandal stays there until you take off your sandal. Walking into a fast moving stream can clear it out without taking it off.
  
  WASHABLE: All synthetic and no leather so I have washed them with no concerns. Does dry slower than most, so if you wash them at night and want them dry in the morning, put them under a fan at low setting overnight to dry it out. I have not yet put them in the dryer, but seems at low temperature it should be ok.
  
  LOOKS: Kinda looks like I went to Spiderman to make me a pair of sandals. It has that very busy, webbing, stringy look. Wife's immediate first reaction was: "That's really ugly!" I probably won't wear these to any weddings in the near future. However she is getting used to them. Besides, attractive sandals won't be on my mind when I am suffering from a painful or cut-up foot... FYI I have a nice pair of leather Ecco sandals for casual social events...but those will NEVER see an intentional salt water immersion no matter what Ecco's ads say.
  
  OVERALL: These are an extremely comfortable, all purpose sandal if you only want to bring along one pair of shoes to hike, slog in mud, run, dive into the surf, climb rocks, traverse a stream, or just walk around the mall and to be able to just wash them out at night and start anew in the morning.
  
  
• Great Shoes, Great Service
  By AVJW4E42OBXE on 2007-12-26
  Shoes arrived as promised. These shoes are wonderfully comfortable. I ordered them for a trip to the Carribean. Can't wait until the warm weather comes back!
  
  
• Keen's Are Great
  By A326PYF8KXL09S on 2007-12-24
  I have been wearing them for about 3-4 years now and I love them and will continue to buy them.
  
  
• The best outdoor sandal ever
  By A3OW16JNVHJ8AG on 2008-04-07
  These Keen newport sandals are my second pair, they were amazingly comfortable right out of the box. There is only minor wear to the first pair after 4 years of hard use and travel. A bargain at most any price.
  
  
• My favorite shoes of all time
  By AD1MBEUYGUG8S on 2008-05-20
  Simply the most comfortable shoes--not just sandals--I've ever owned. Has a great built-in insole. Fits my flat, surgically repaired foot perfectly. I wear them to work, to play and everywhere else. I will buy this shoe as long as it is made--and then I will be sorry it is no more...............
  
  
• These shoe/sandals rock!!!
  By A1UN19BOQ8MLAH on 2007-07-10
  These are perhaps the best shoe I have ever bought. Accordingly, they ARE the best sandals I have ever bought. You might think they look funny, and they do, but once you slip your feet into them it won't matter. Awesome.
  
  
• Awesome Sandal!
  By A2I5X9X1XO6SQ6 on 2007-09-29
  Great shoe. Like most sandals, I was skeptical to pay the price, it seems like a lot, however, it is well worth the money. I wear them all day from 6 AM till I go to bed. If I get sand or dirt in them, I rinse them out with the garden hose and keep on truckin'. Very comfortable, however, if your feet sweat a lot, I would be cautious as to ordering the right color, as I did receive a bit of a tint on the top of my foot from the strapping. All in all 4.75 out of 5 stars, simply due to the fact I can't wear them in the winter because it is too cold outside, and their's just something wrong about wearing sandals with socks!
  
  
• These are way too cool!
  By A2D0ORZ44MBBOI on 2007-10-11
  I have been told by the recipient of this gift of Keen Newports that they are so comfortable and a pleasure to wear. I was attracted to the look of them when I saw them on a really great looking guy at the Cincinnati Reds ballgame at the new stadium in Cincinnati on September 5, 2007. The Tea/Black color, which is a cinnamon red/wine, is AWESOME. The shoe is a cross between a gym shoe and a sandal, and has a rich classy look...one that I particularly love. The person that I bought them for was a little bit leary of the bright color and the different look, but went out on that limb for me, and was ultimately happy to wear them. I love being different, don't you...
  
  
• ideal sport shoe, water shoe
  By A3YJX1TWOHVDA on 2007-10-30
  I bought a pair for a Kauai and Maui trip last March. I ended up wearing them everywhere for everything. I tried them on in a shoe store so I got a perfect fit, which I highly recommend. I wear a size 10 normally and I have wide feet. These are 9 1/2 and fit me perfectly. It is a little bit of effort to put them on and I normally don't cinch them down. If I'm hiking or need them totally solid for hiking and the like, then I tighten them down. They are very comfortable either way. I stopped noticing them at all after a day or two. Obviously they won't give ankle support, but for day hiking with a day pack they're perfect. They were just right for Hawaii, which is so humid and muddy. I was constantly hosing off my shoes. Throw them in the washing machine and they look new again. They like any kind of fresh or salt water activity and they are very durable and of course very protective of your toes. I think they look very good, too. I put them on over thin nylon socks and then directly into my fins for snorkeling, since my fins have a large foot bed. Just put on your fins and take off your fins. It is so convenient.
  
  The only complaint I have is that I did notice some foot odor, even though they are synthetic, after two weeks of daily use. I think my feet are probably less stinky than most people, but given the constant humidity and wet environment in a closed toe shoe, I don't blame the shoes and it's not that bad of a problem. You can just throw them in the washing machine when they start to smell, too. I still wear my old super durable and comfortable Teva's for everyday stuff, but for anything else, short of backpacking, I put on my Keen H2's and forget about my feet.
  
  
• Keen sandals that you can literally kick butt with...
  By A1LX3VIGXZ1LMX on 2007-11-11
  Great deck shoe with good non-slip bottoms and designed for the serious sailor, where they can get wet... and keep going.
  
  The only sandal that keeps your toes in place when you're tripping over Genoa track-cars and deck-cleats.
  
  

• Short-Sleeve Classic Tee
• Short-Sleeve Oxford Shirt
• Adventurer Ripstop Large Drop Bottom Rolling Duffel
• Long-Sleeve Button-Collar Oxford Shirt
• Smooth Toe Oxfords

• Newport H2 Full Sandal -Ladies
• Keen Women's Venice H2 Sandal
• Men's Keen Newport
• Keen Men's Venice H2 Sandals
• Newport H2 Water Shoe -Kids