KEEN Whisper Sandal Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

KEEN is a beloved model, so we had excessive expectations for the Whisper Sandal – which ranked in the course of the pack of the camp footwear we suggest. After field-testing it, we’d fortunately put on the KEEN Whisper for water-based actions and should even take into account it for longer mountaineering or backpacking journeys. Nonetheless, our gear analyst had points with rubbing and scorching spots. 

We liked the sensible options just like the cinch on the prime, which helps regulate the scale and match – even the webbing on the heel. We’re additionally endeared to the eco-conscious mission of the corporate, which prioritizes supplies and processes that gained’t hurt the surroundings. All-in-all, we imagine this to be a high quality sandal that may deal with nearly something.

How We Examined

We examined this shoe within the discipline by taking it on a 1.5-mile stroll on grass, gravel, pavement, and water and a 4.3-mile stroll alongside pavement, mud, gravel, and a dry riverbed. On the workplace, we examined this shoe for its assist and analyzed the supplies to evaluate sturdiness.

COMFORT

After we initially put them on, the KEEN Whisper sandals match via the soles and toes, however our heels felt near the sting of the footwear. Over the course of our strolling checks and adjusting the cinched closure, the shoe felt extra snug, and we quickly forgot in regards to the heel. 

The cinch is a pleasant element to regulate the sandal’s match. These sandals are simpler to placed on than a path runner or lace-up shoe however not as fast as a few of our different favourite camp footwear. 

We did have some pause on our longer, 4-plus-mile stroll. The fabric on the ankle opening hugs proper up on the underside of the ankle bone. We seen the fabric on the ankle opening hugging our ankle bone, which led to rubbing and pinkish pores and skin however no damaged pores and skin or blisters. One other situation was a scorching spot that shaped below our toes on a quick stroll, which left our toes feeling delicate for the remainder of the day.

VERSATILITY

KEEN payments the Whisper sandal as a multi-talented water shoe, able to deal with nice outside adventures. We discovered the traction acceptable for each land and water. Nonetheless, the sandal’s drying time restricted its versatility. It options artificial webbed uppers which took extra time to dry than the OOfos OOriginals. Throughout scorching days, this most likely doesn’t matter, however on a 65-degree day, our toes felt moist for greater than 20 minutes after strolling via water. 

Their weight additionally limits their appropriateness for backpacking. The Whispers weigh 9.9 ouncesper sandal – heavier than the KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal and the second-heaviest choice in our camp footwear information. We nonetheless would possibly take these on backpacking journeys that require frequent water crossings, however their weight would possibly deter some backpackers.

SUPPORT

We carried out assist checks at dwelling utilizing the bend, twist, squeeze technique. Throughout the bend check, the toe field compressed fully however the midsole stayed agency and hard via the stress. The soles additionally resisted twisting, and the heel didn’t budge when squeezed. Total, these checks concluded that this shoe provides good assist and stability – however not as a lot because the KEEN Hyperport H2 sandal. 

We examined this shoe within the discipline after a giant exercise that left our joints and our our bodies sore. Strolling within the Whispers, we instantly felt our dangerous knees and ankles. By the tip of a 4.3-mile stroll on flat floor, our knee felt swollen. The only will not be fully flat, nevertheless it didn’t assist our arch as a lot as we needed. The Whisper wasn’t as restorative because the restoration slides we examined and reviewed – the HOKA Ora and OOfos OOriginals. 

DURABILITY

We discovered no faults within the sturdiness of those footwear. As we examined the supplies, we discovered the polyester webbing and stitching appeared strong, even after almost 6 miles of exhausting path use. Nonetheless, consumer evaluations web site points with the heel straps coming unfastened or ripping after solely a few wears. 

KEEN provides a 1 yr guarantee on their footwear in the event that they’re bought from a certified supplier and the complaints will not be of regular put on and tear, accident, neglect, or improper use. We don’t love that KEEN’s guarantee excludes the bungee lacing system and insoles. 

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Whisper Sandal?

The KEEN Whisper is made for extra intense actions than a few of our different favourite camp footwear. Its consolation, assist, and traction make it simple to stroll good distances – although be ready for some rubbing – and its design makes water crossings and days on the seaside a breeze. These will not be the easy-going, slip-on footwear you’re in search of to run to the lavatory at 2am out of your tent. It really works finest in summer time, so these in search of a three-season shoe ought to look elsewhere. These sandals are an awesome worth, nonetheless, for somebody who’s in search of a camp shoe that’s able to greater than merely strolling and dealing across the campsite.

What Different Camp Sneakers Ought to You Think about?

Proceed your camp shoe analysis under or browse our full information to one of the best camp footwear. 

KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal Evaluation: The cousin of the KEEN Whisper. This mannequin we discovered to be extra soft, supportive, and comfy. 

Bedrock Mountain Clog Evaluation: This clog is one other do-it-all shoe that we imagine works higher for three-season use. The one disadvantage is that this doesn’t journey via water just like the KEEN. 

Merrell Hydro Moc Evaluation: If the Crocs Basic Clogs and KEEN Whisper had a child, the Hydro Moc could be it. It has the sunshine, rubbery higher of the Croc however the assist and foot safety of the KEEN.