Keen report

P

ptn

Joined
Sep 6, 1999
Messages
389
I've been wearing a half dozen pair of Keen shoes for the past year and a little more. I 've worn one pair of Newport H2's daily for general purpose and hiking. Recently I've stopped wearing them for our daily hour walks because they've become so compressed in the critical pressure points. They've have lost ability to cushion the shock of steady footfall. I'm using a new pair now for walking, the old pair for messing around the yard. Inspecting the old pair showed that I was wearing through the yellow stuff on the soles to the black. My wife's pair [purchased at the same time] show the same wear. Given our level of activity, I'd estimate near a thousand miles of walking brought them to this point. Not bad really. When I could run 30 miles a week, I'd wear out a pair of shoes in 6 months easy. I'm still sold on the product. The older I get the more fond I grow of the things that bring comfort to my days. My wife and I walk 5 or more days a week. Usually 3-5 miles sometimes 5 to 10. We go through shoes. We understand it as a cost...an investment in our health. We've worn them chest deep in water, thigh deep in muck, through sand and slop on bog and shore..they're a great all terrain amphibious warm weather, hiking sandal. If you use them expect them to wear out.
 
I was thinking of trying out a pair. I've seen them in the store but have not gotten around to trying them as my Teva's are still in good shape. Are you saying they beat the teva for walking comfort? And is the comfort level more on line with a good athletic shoe like New balance?

My wife and I try to walk nightly and we are in our early 60's. We use Teva's for our canoeing and summer exploring. We have looked at the Keens in the store and thought about trying them. We also like to bring some comfort to our days.
 
As my sign on implies, I paddle whitewater kayaks. Been doing it for fifteen years or so. I've gone thru multiple pairs of sandals, starting with Tevas back in 1991, then on to Alps, Gecko - which became Chaco, and finally Keen. (Also: Birks and Ecco for casual, dry wear.)

I was a big, big supporter of Chaco, especially back in the Gecko years, but it seem their overall quality has gone down. I've given the last pair more than enough time and miles to break 'em in and they just don't match the build or comfort of the earlier stock.

The Keens, though. Oh, baby! These things are, hands down, the most comfortable, stable, and well thought out sandals I've ever owned. I'm sold!

I wouldn't, however, recommend my Newports or H2 for backpacking but light hiking. Short walks of a few miles w/o full pack are no problem though.

I've learned to buy good shoes... my feet thank me for it!
 
"The Keens, though. Oh, baby! These things are, hands down, the most comfortable, stable, and well thought out sandals I've ever owned. I'm sold! " I'm quoting paddling_ man to answer jackknife's question.
I realize shoe choices are subjective, but I feel the same way as paddling_man. The shoes are noticably more comfortable than any I've ever worn. I have been getting the same kind of feedback from friends and relatives for the past year. Good footwear is a priority and I'm willing to pay for it.
 
The Keens in my closet....

2 pair of H2's (Black, Green)

1 pair of Newports (Brown leather)

1 pair of Antiguas

2 pair of Bronx Mesh (Steel, Brown)

1 pair of Bronx Mesh Mid (Black)

1 pair of Brookly Mid (Brown)

As you can see I love this company. Both the sandals and shoes are kick ass.
 
I have a pair of H1's and they kick ass. My big test for them was my summer vacation to Atlanta and then to Florida. 9 days of nothing but walking for 14-16 hours a day. They held up great without any rub spots.
Matt
 
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