KEEN Newport H2 Evaluate | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The KEEN Newport H2 mountaineering sandals may be aptly described as “amphibious.” Ideally suited for hikers in want of sturdiness, this adaptable sandal-sneaker hybrid performs nicely in each moist and dry environments. That includes a quick-toggle bungee lace system and a grippy outsole, they guarantee a safe match and glorious traction, even on steep or slippery terrain. The thick midsole offers exceptional vitality return, making these sandals an awesome choice for individuals who prioritize consolation on prolonged hikes.

Nonetheless, the Newport H2 is probably not appropriate for hikers with wider toes due to its cosy match, and the heel strap can develop into uncomfortable throughout extended use. Weighing near 11 ounces per shoe, they’re heavier and bulkier in comparison with normal mountaineering sandals, which limits their practicality for these searching for a light-weight, packable choice. However, their functionality to function each mountaineering and water footwear makes them an interesting selection for various outside adventures. You’ll be able to see extra choices in our ladies’s mountaineering sandal gear information.

How We Examined

We’ve worn the KEEN Newport H2 for over a dozen path miles throughout a number of quick hikes to judge them for varied efficiency metrics. We take into account consolation, stability, sturdiness, traction, ease of use, and weight and packability when testing mountaineering sandals.

Consolation

Our tester didn’t love the KEEN Newport H2 concerning match and luxury. They felt a bit too slim for her toes (and he or she has a fairly impartial width), each by means of the midfoot and within the toe field, even with the bungee laces adjusted as loosely as attainable. Somebody with narrower toes might need to take into account these, as they’d doubtless present a safer match than many different mountaineering sandals. 

The heel strap started to dig into her Achilles tendon after about 1.5 miles, and it actually began to harm after roughly three miles of mountaineering. It reached some extent the place our tester was regularly stopping to readjust her toes and the straps to alleviate the strain. 

Nonetheless, it’s not all unhealthy. We actually just like the midsoles on the Newport H2s: they’re on the thicker facet and are fairly inflexible, however not in a foul manner. They don’t take up shock like sneakers, however they supply an excessive amount of vitality return, which makes us really feel gentle and bouncy on our toes. 

We wore these with socks and with out socks; with out them, we seen a blister forming the place the heel strap pressed into the Achilles on each heels. But, regardless of the tightness of the heel strap, we had ample room between the ends of our toes and the entrance of the shoe, which we have been grateful for. We discovered the arch assist on the Newport H2s to be larger and extra comfy than related types, such because the HOKA Hopara 2 and KEEN Rose.

Stability

You received’t discover many mountaineering sandals that present extra stability than the Eager Newport H2s. Since these are sandal-sneaker hybrid footwear, they match very like path trainers in that they’re cosy, safe, and protecting.

For our tester (who has impartial toes), they’re virtually too cosy, so we wouldn’t advocate them to people with huge toes. The midsole is inflexible, which boosts stability however diminishes floor really feel. You received’t really feel rocks beneath your toes within the Newport H2s. 

The higher is versatile sufficient to allow full flexion and extension of the toe joints, but cosy sufficient to maintain your toes safe even when transferring downhill at quick paces. 

Notably, on account of their cosy match, these may very well be a superb choice for folks whose toes are inclined to get very sweaty. We wore these on a heat day, and regardless of our toes turning into fairly sweaty, they didn’t slip round within the sandal.

Traction

We wore the KEEN Newport H2 sandals on varied path surfaces, together with dry, packed grime, unfastened sand, gravel, and chunkier rocks. We additionally took them up and down steep, gravelly inclines on forest roads. They carried out nicely in each situation, even on the steeper, slippery segments. We even ran down important declines and didn’t expertise any points with slipping or sliding.

Moreover, we wore these throughout a couple of on-and-off wet days at camp, the place we spent plenty of time strolling round within the grime and dust to cook dinner, play with our canine, and work out. We’re totally impressed with their traction, particularly contemplating the outsole lugs aren’t significantly deep. The rubber is simply that sticky!

Sturdiness

These are actually among the many high choices for sturdiness in mountaineering sandals. The outsole and toe bumper are constructed from dense rubber, whereas the higher includes a mixture of suede and woven textiles. 

All material parts incorporate double-stitching to scale back the danger of fraying or unfastened stitches. Moreover, the bungee laces are thick and sturdy towards fraying. 

The one concern we foresee is with the plastic lace toggle. It’s a reasonably delicate piece, so with continued use, it might break. To this point, nevertheless, we now have encountered no issues.

Weight & Packability

We don’t take into account these footwear packable, and we don’t assume most hikers—particularly backpackers—would both. Weighing practically 11 ounces per shoe, they’re among the many heaviest sandals we now have ever worn. 

Along with their weight, they’re fairly cumbersome and can be cumbersome to pack as a second pair of footwear. Nonetheless, the intent behind the footwear is to get rid of the necessity for packing a water shoe completely.

If it’s heat sufficient exterior, you may merely put on these KEENs for all moist and dry segments with no need a second pair. So, whereas not packable, they might in the end aid you scale back your pack weight on this manner.

Ease of Use

Our tester discovered the Newport H2 fairly troublesome to placed on and take off. As a result of there isn’t any adjustment level on the heel, she needed to loosen the bungee laces all the way in which, and even then she struggled to slip her toes into the sandals.

It was considerably of a battle, she admits, and with moist or sweaty toes, it was even worse. Individuals with narrower toes might not have a problem sliding their toes by means of the considerably small ankle collars.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Newport H2?

If you happen to’re a narrow-footed hiker searching for a sturdy, versatile sandal that performs nicely on each moist and dry terrain, the KEEN Newport H2 is value contemplating. Its amphibious design eliminates the necessity to pack separate water footwear, and its glorious traction and energy-returning midsole make it appropriate for varied path situations.

Nonetheless, hikers with huge toes or these prioritizing light-weight, packable footwear might need to look elsewhere. For individuals who worth stability, sturdiness, and a safe match, the Newport H2 is a dependable funding.

What Different Girls’s Mountaineering Sandals Ought to You Contemplate?

If the KEEN Newport H2 doesn’t fairly meet your wants, there are a number of related mountaineering sandals to select from. These options provide distinctive options and benefits for hikers with totally different priorities and foot sorts.

Eager Rose Evaluate: Even narrower than the Newport H2, this lighter, extra female different makes use of a easy Velcro strap closure system (versus the Newport H2’s bungee lace with toggle). Whereas not as rugged, it performs nicely on gentle trails and gives enough safety for gentle mountaineering, informal outings, or water actions.

Ecco Yucatan Evaluate: The Ecco Yucatan is a basic mountaineering sandal identified for its all-day consolation and spectacular arch assist. Its three adjustable straps guarantee a custom-made match, making it an awesome selection for impartial to slim toes. Ideally suited for warm-weather day hikes, it’s versatile sufficient for city exploration and outside adventures alike.

HOKA Hopara 2 Evaluate: The HOKA Hopara 2 blends mountaineering shoe stability with sandal breathability. Its closed-toe design and aggressive outsole lugs excel on most trails, whereas the cushioned midsole gives distinctive vitality return, particularly when bounding downhill. This hybrid sandal is ideal for these needing additional safety and traction on difficult, moist, or rocky paths.