KEEN Rose Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The KEEN Rose mountaineering sandals primarily cater to hikers with slim toes who wrestle to search out sandals that match snugly and in addition want toe safety. Their slim footbed and single adjustment level create a safe match, whereas the midsole is plush sufficient to assist all-day put on. Nonetheless, for anybody with impartial or vast toes, the KEEN Roses are more likely to really feel restrictive and uncomfortable. 

With a considerable heel-to-toe drop and padded straps, these sandals excel in shock absorption and heel consolation, making them a superb alternative for delicate trails and concrete walks. Their cumbersome development and common traction point out that these sandals aren’t suited to technical hikes or as a light-weight secondary possibility. We consider that at 19 ounces per pair, they signify a fantastic possibility for low-key adventures. Take a look at different choices in our mountaineering sandal gear information.

How We Examined

We wore the KEEN Rose sandals throughout various terrain, overlaying a number of miles in a nationwide forest. Whereas testing them, we thought of elements that influenced consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, ease of use, and weight and packability to guage them in accordance with our testing methodology.

Consolation

The KEEN Rose sandals are 100% suited to slim toes. We tried sporting these with socks as a result of we needed to do some jogging or downhill operating in them, as we did with different sneaker-like sandals. Nonetheless, we couldn’t even wedge our toes into the sandals with socks on, and the socks weren’t unusually thick; they have been light-cushion operating socks. So, we ditched the socks and went with out them, and even then, we have been barely in a position to squeeze our neutral-width toes in. 

This actually reveals how slim they’re. We’re not calling this out as a foul factor; it’s really a fantastic factor for individuals who have slender toes and wrestle to search out mountaineering sandals that match snugly. 

As a result of these have been so comfortable on our lead tester, she solely managed to hike three miles in them, unable to go additional with out going through critical discomfort. Due to the tightness, they rubbed the realm just under the massive toe on each of her toes. She imagines it could develop some intense calluses if she wore them for a lot of miles.

Like lots of KEEN’s different sandals, these characteristic a considerable heel-to-toe drop that may improve consolation for people with restricted ankle mobility, particularly when mountaineering on steep uphill trails. Conversely, somebody accustomed to barefoot, zero-drop sneakers might really feel as if they’re lugging round 1800s-era clogs. The midsole, manufactured from dense foam, is sturdy but softer than comparable sandals, together with the KEEN Newport H2 and HOKA Hopara 2. This is good news for anybody who values shock absorption.

The ankle and heel strap’s inside is padded, which we recognize.

Stability

As a result of the footbed is so slim on these, we typically felt like we have been teetering. Our tester’s private choice is for a wider footbed that enables for toe splay and gripping. That mentioned, hikers with slim toes will most likely just do superb on this regard. Our toes have been actually safe within the straps—a lot in order that we couldn’t transfer our toes. Once more, it is a con for our tester however a professional for these with slim toes.

The midsole is comparatively stiff, resembling a mountaineering boot greater than a path operating shoe. Whereas this enhances the shoe’s stability, it reduces flexibility. If a versatile midsole is crucial for you, think about skipping these. Nonetheless, in the event you choose to not really feel roots and rocks beneath your toes, positively add the Eager Rose to your potential buying listing.

Traction

The traction on the KEEN Rose sandals is on the low finish of common. Judging by the outsole lug sample and depth, these aren’t meant for rigorous hikes. They’re higher suited to mild day hikes and strolling round city.

Although manufactured from a sticky rubber, the outsole doesn’t characteristic deep diamonds or triangles; relatively, it has a shallow, scribble-like sample. Whereas we didn’t have the chance to take the Roses on technical terrain because of the poor match for our toes, they carried out as anticipated—simply superb, nothing particular—on the delicate terrain (grime, gravel, reasonably rocky segments).

Sturdiness

We don’t anticipate any points with sturdiness, apart from maybe the Velcro shedding its effectiveness over time. The ankle strap is considerably slim, so it might put on down faster than wider straps.

The midsole, referred to as KEEN.FUSION, really comes with a assure. It’s solely glue-free and, in accordance with KEEN, received’t delaminate. Delamination happens when the outsole of a shoe separates from the midsole and/or higher, which might occur to glued soles after a number of hundred miles.

Weight & Packability

These aren’t the sandals you need to take as a second pair of sneakers for water crossings or tenting. They’re heavy, weighing 9.52 ounces per shoe (practically 20 ounces, or 1.25 kilos, per pair). Whereas a pound doesn’t sound like a lot at first, it makes a big distinction once you’re planning to stroll double-digit miles in a day.

Along with their weight, the KEEN Roses have a thicker stack top and bulkier higher than different choices, making them tougher to pack. If something, I’d advocate sporting them as your solely pair of sneakers and ditching a second pair. Since they match securely and have full toe safety whereas retaining all the advantages of sandals, they’ll function an all-in-one possibility relying on the climate.

Ease of Use

For our tester, these aren’t straightforward to vary out and in of, primarily as a result of they’re too slim for her toes. Since there’s just one adjustment level, you need to slide your foot all the way in which in as-is: You’ll be able to’t alter the forefoot higher in any respect. As a consequence of this singular adjustment level, it is perhaps difficult for some hikers to realize the specified match. The only adjustment mechanism is a slim Velcro strap on the ankle; the heel strap is mounted, and the forefoot higher is, too.

For folks with slim toes, placing these on most likely received’t be problematic. They need to be capable to slide their toes in and shortly alter the ankle strap with ease.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Rose Mountain climbing Sandals?

The KEEN Rose mountaineering sandals are a stable alternative for narrow-footed hikers in search of a comfortable, supportive match. For those who’ve struggled to search out sandals that don’t slide round, these could possibly be a game-changer. They’re nice for mild hikes, informal strolls, or as an on a regular basis summer time shoe, particularly in the event you worth shock absorption and toe safety.

That mentioned, these sandals fall brief for hikers with wider toes, those that choose versatile midsoles, or anybody planning technical or long-distance treks. They’re on the heavier facet and don’t pack down simply, which could make them a poor alternative for backpackers needing a second pair of sneakers. In the end, they’re a top quality possibility and an excellent funding for these with the correct foot form and desires.

What Different Ladies’s Mountain climbing Sandals Ought to You Contemplate?

If the Eager Roses don’t fairly meet your wants, check out these related mountaineering sandals, together with a sibling shoe from KEEN.

Eager Newport H2 Evaluation: For hikers in search of extra versatility and a wider match, the Newport H2 serves as a superb various to the Rose. With a barely sturdier outsole and a number of adjustment factors, it’s higher outfitted for technical trails and water crossings.

HOKA Hopara 2 Evaluation: The HOKA Hopara 2 stands out for its improved traction and an higher much like that of a real path runner, however with wonderful water drainage. Its foot safety and grippy outsole make it a fantastic alternative for technical terrain and lengthy hikes, though it’s heavier than most sandals.

Ecco Yucatan Evaluation:  Additionally nice for slim toes, the Ecco Yucatan offers extra arch assist and toe freedom than the Rose. These are a stable alternative for hikers who require a safe match however choose their piggies to be within the open air.