KEEN Newport H2
Pros
- Versatile for various hikes
- Exceptionally plush
- Incredible grip level
- Stable and supportive
- Day-one comfort
- Easy and fast to lace up
- Quick-drying
- Stink-proof
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Traps debris
Key Features
- Water-Resistant: Quick-dry washable synthetic straps and lining ensure active use in and out of the water all summer long.
- Support & Comfort: Featuring a lace lock bungee capture system for a secure fit, these sandals provide quick on and off access, complemented by shock-absorbing support for enhanced cushioning.
- Traction & Protection: Equipped with multi-directional lugs and siping channels, they offer superior grip on slippery terrains, while non-marking rubber outsoles leave no imprints indoors or on boats. The iconic toe bumper adds an extra layer of safety against injury.
- Fit & Insole: Designed with KEEN's original fit, they provide ample space across the forefoot, allowing toes to spread out comfortably. A non-removable footbed with added arch support ensures all-day comfort.
- Care Tips: The KEEN water sandals are machine washable; just use a small amount of detergent on a gentle cycle and air dry away from heat to keep them fresh and ready for your next adventure.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Mesh
The KEEN Newport H2 is a top choice for those seeking a closed-toe hiking sandal that offers significant stability and protection. It excels in both lab tests and real-world hiking conditions, providing excellent traction while keeping toes safe from sharp objects.
This sandal prioritizes protection, featuring a rubber-coated toe cap and a measured stack height of 29.4 mm at the heel. This thickness is 6.7 mm greater than the average, delivering notable defense against sharp rocks encountered on trails.
In our stability assessments, the KEEN Newport H2 demonstrated impressive results. Its platform width contributes to this stability, with measurements of 121.1 mm at the forefoot and 88.8 mm at the heel, making it wider than many winter hiking boots and exceeding the average widths for hiking sandals by 4.2 mm and 3.6 mm, respectively.
We confidently navigated various terrains, including wet rock and dry gravel, owing to the sandal's effective lug design. With a lug depth of 4.1 mm, which closely aligns with the 4.3 mm average for hiking shoes, the Newport H2 provides reliable grip on diverse surfaces.
However, flexibility is a drawback of this model. During lab testing, we found that bending the sandal to 30° required 14.8N, significantly more than the average of 9.0N for hiking sandals. Consequently, hikers who prefer a more flexible footwear option may want to consider alternatives.
KEEN Newport
Pros
- Comfortable hiking sandal
- Durable construction
- Well-cushioned platform
- Wide and stable
- OK for both hot and cold weather
- Effective traction on various surfaces
- Zero break-in period
Cons
- Too heavy
- Largely inflexible structure
Key Features
- Water-Resistant: Quick-dry washable synthetic straps and lining ensure active use in and out of the water all summer long.
- Support & Comfort: Featuring a lace lock bungee capture system for a secure fit, these sandals provide quick on and off access, complemented by shock-absorbing support for enhanced cushioning.
- Traction & Protection: Equipped with multi-directional lugs and siping channels, they offer superior grip on slippery terrains, while non-marking rubber outsoles leave no imprints indoors or on boats. The iconic toe bumper adds an extra layer of safety against injury.
- Fit & Insole: Designed with KEEN's original fit, they provide ample space across the forefoot, allowing toes to spread out comfortably. A non-removable footbed with added arch support ensures all-day comfort.
- Care Tips: The KEEN water sandals are machine washable; just use a small amount of detergent on a gentle cycle and air dry away from heat to keep them fresh and ready for your next adventure.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Mesh
The KEEN Newport is an ideal choice for those seeking a sandal that combines the comfort of a shoe with the breathability of a sandal, making it well-suited for full-day hikes. This ultra-protective option offers significant toe box space, earning it recognition as one of the most comfortable closed-toe hiking sandals available.
During our test hikes and lab evaluations, we noted that the footbed of the KEEN Newport is notably robust, featuring an average heel stack height of 27 mm and a forefoot stack of 17.7 mm, which is only 0.9 mm below average. This ample stack height is complemented by a soft midsole, which we measured to have a durometer rating of 22.4 HA, significantly softer than the average of 27 HA. As a result, the sandal provides both protection akin to hiking shoes and the cushioning expected from a quality sandal.
The closed toe design contributes significantly to the shoe-like feel of the KEEN Newport. It effectively withstands bumps and scuffs during hikes, safeguarding the toes from painful impacts. This durability was verified through a Dremel test, where after 12 seconds at 5K RPM and 3.2N, the rubber toe cap showed minimal damage, receiving a score of 5/5 for durability.
Comfortably spacious, the KEEN Newport offers generous room around the toes. The widest part of the sandal measures in line with the average at 102.2 mm, while the area around the big toe boasts a width of 95.9 mm. For context, standard hiking shoes typically measure an average of 81.6 mm around the big toe, indicating that this sandal does not compromise on space.
However, it is important to note that the sturdy construction of the KEEN Newport results in increased weight, measuring 31% heavier than the average for hiking sandals. Hikers seeking a lighter alternative might consider options like the Teva Hurricane Drift.