Males’s KEEN Newport H2 Mountain climbing Sandal Assessment

Backside Line

The KEEN Newport H2‘s are protecting, quick-drying sandals for day hikes, water crossings, and each day use. Their burly toe cap is a singular function on our greatest mountain climbing sandals for males information that makes them a wonderful alternative for safeguarding your piggies.

The H2’s rank extremely for consolation because of a supportive arch and a bungee lacing system that gives a comfortable really feel for miles of strolling. Dependable tread delivers first rate traction on most surfaces, and breathable, fast-drying webbing retains our toes cool on sizzling days. They’re even machine cleanable for straightforward cleansing after muddy hikes and are available in broad, in addition to a ton of colorways and sizes, catering to completely different types and desires.

The draw back? Newport H2s are among the many heavier and bulkier sandals we’ve examined, making them really feel a bit clunky on the path and fewer trendy on the town. The busy webbing doesn’t drain water in addition to different sandals, and might lure particles like gravel and sand. It’s additionally not as breathable as extra minimalist sandals, resulting in sweaty, sizzling toes on dry summer season days. Lastly, they’re a bit spendy – though we expect the H2’s are price it in relation to consolation, stability, and flexibility for quite a lot of outside adventures.

How We Examined

It’s the third yr in a row of Editor Ian Krammer utilizing the H2’s repeatedly for water adventures. Ian spends a lot of his time paddle boarding and going to sizzling springs, the place the H2’s are his first alternative. He’s additionally taken them on dozens of hikes to and thru rivers, creeks, and lakes, and most lately accomplished a 50-mile packrafting journey with the H2’s. He’s spent 30+ days assessing these sandals for consolation, traction, adjustability and extra to ship an correct evaluation of the place they stand out.

Consolation

If consolation is a high precedence for you, the KEEN Newport H2s received’t disappoint. We love the gentle, soft polyester webbing – it’s mild towards the pores and skin and makes these sandals really feel cozy proper out of the field. They keep cozy even when moist, too. Having examined these a whole lot of instances out and in of water, the gentle polyester is non-abrasive whether or not it’s soaked, dry, or someplace in between. Paired with a easy bungee lacing system that gives a comfortable, cozy really feel, the Newport H2s keep safe all day.

Ian’s favourite factor in regards to the Newport H2s? The ergonomic EVO insoles. These give the Newports a easy and barely forgiving experience cruising on concrete or stepping fastidiously on path. KEEN additionally offers these sandals loads of arch help, room within the toe field for toes to splay naturally, and a cupped heel – making them cozy out of the field. 

However the Newport H2s run sizzling, particularly on dry, sunny summer season days, which ends up in sweaty, clammy toes. The Newport H2’s have a closed toe and substantial webbing that wraps round either side of the sandal, so it merely doesn’t breathe in addition to different sandals. Moreover, the gaps within the webbing lure particles like sand, gravel and even small branches, which might be uncomfortable and troublesome to take away with out taking off the sandals fully. 

However, none of those points are dealbreakers. From the primary put on to the hundredth, we discovered them snug – and we’re assured you’ll too.

Traction

Relating to traction, the KEEN Newport H2s are a dependable choice for many outside terrain. The lugs are pretty shallow and broad, however that’s precisely what we would like in a water-centric shoe, because it retains numerous contact with the bottom for regular grip even when surfaces are slippery. The toe and heel areas each have slight ridges to supply a bit of additional grip on average ascents and descents. 

Ian’s used these sneakers dozens of instances to climb over moist, rocky banks when swimming at alpine lakes, and the lower-profile lug sample is efficient for stability. The KEEN rubber is sticky sufficient for packed filth, smoother surfaces, and moist terrain. It’s additionally non-marking, so these are a stable alternative for the pool or boat journeys. 

However, the shallow lugs battle on gentle terrain the place deeper lugs are higher for biting into the bottom. That’s disappointing contemplating how burly the toe cap is. Ian’s repeatedly discovered they’ll really feel a bit unreliable on off-camber trails and tremendous muddy routes, too.

Stability

In case you’re on the lookout for sandals with a steady experience, these are those for you. The Newport H2s are broad, pretty stiff and have shallow lugs, a mix that makes for a balanced really feel whether or not you’re simply strolling the canine or mountain climbing on miles of path. The ergonomic footbed has each arch help and cushioning, and the bungee tightening system retains our toes securely in place to stop foot sliding.

These are pretty heavy sandals, at 1 pound, 12.3 ounces. That’s heavy in comparison with many choices on our sandals information, but it surely offers the Newport H2s a stable, anchored really feel. The burly toe cap contributes to the burden, but it surely provides an actual sense of safety akin to a mountain climbing shoe, particularly on technical trails.

The largest draw back of this design? They’re cumbersome, and might really feel a bit overkill for low-key and quick outings the place a lighter mannequin is preferable. Nevertheless, should you don’t thoughts a bit extra weight, these are a steady shoe in most terrain.

Adjustability

Adjusting the Newport H2 is a one-step course of. As an alternative of laces, KEEN makes use of a single bungee twine. Merely pull the plastic tab on the high to tighten or loosen all the system rapidly, and the polyester webbing will tighten round your foot’s form for a safe, cozy match.

Our testing finds the bungee stays solidly in place while not having a lot adjustment. The sandals flex round our toes for stability even in soaking situations. A burly heel tab makes it straightforward to slide the sandals on and off, too.

Nevertheless, the Newport H2s rating low on this class as a result of they’ll’t be fine-tuned. There’s no method to regulate for stress or stress factors throughout the foot or on the heel, so the H2’s aren’t a customizable match. A lot of the competitors might be adjusted in two to 4 different methods: the heel, throughout the foot, alongside the edges, and on the toes.

A few of our testers liked this design and others didn’t. We suggest making an attempt them on your self to see if the straightforward pull-cord design is a promoting level or a dealbreaker.

Sturdiness

The H2’s are decently sturdy because of their large, burly rubber toe cap and durable development. We’ve spent two years placing them by the wringer everywhere in the Colorado Rockies, and the rubber soles and toe cap have held up properly. Since they’re all one related piece, the Newport H2s give stellar safety towards sharp crops, rocks, roots and branches.

Gentle polyester uppers are additionally surprisingly resistant towards put on over time. KEEN double stitches the seams in high-tension areas for reinforcement.

That mentioned, Ian’s pair is round 400 miles, and so they’re in tough form. The lugs have worn flat on the ball of the foot, which has led to much less traction. And, the outsoles are delaminating from the midsole on the heel. This is because of an adhesive failure. Moreover, the polyester lacing loops, which maintain the bungee in place, are fraying after about 18 months. 

In line with our analysis and testing, these are frequent wear-and-tear points with the Newport H2s. That mentioned, 400 miles isn’t an particularly lengthy distance for heavy obligation sandals.

Versatility

The Newport H2’s mix components of a mountain climbing shoe, like a soft insole and a thick rubber toecap, with the liberty of a sandal, like gentle, ethereal uppers and gaps for breathability. This combo makes them versatile for days tubing down the river or roadtripping to see pals. Not solely are they wonderful for the outside, however their machine cleanable function makes post-adventure cleanup a breeze.

Our greatest criticism comes all the way down to their uncommon look. Whereas H2’s are awesomely practical on the river, they aren’t the sexiest sandals on the market for city actions, with a large toe cap and busy webbing that doesn’t scream smooth or trendy.

That’s by no means stopped us from carrying them to patios or live shows within the park, although – and we’ve worn them with socks loads of instances. Plus, with a kaleidoscope of designs and colours, you’ll be able to match these to your private model for footwear with each operate and persona.

Ought to You Purchase the Males’s KEEN Newport H2’s?

The KEEN Newport H2s are for dudes who need steady and protecting sandals for hikes with water and average terrain. Their burly toe caps and uppers with polyester webbing make them really feel extra like mountain climbing sneakers, so these are an important alternative for saving your toes from pokey underbrush and sharp rocks. They’re additionally a sensible transfer for adventures with water because of pretty fast-drying uppers and many gaps for breathability, making them a favourite for creek crossings and days on the river or enjoying on the lake. The Newport H2’s bungee lacing system presents fast, one-step changes for folk preferring a easy, no-nonsense adjustment system. Low-profile lugs supply loads of arch help for a safe experience on average terrain.

That mentioned, we don’t suggest the Newport H2s if you need ultralight, minimalist sandals. The cumbersome design and heavier weight is usually a draw back should you’re after a barefoot design or desire a extra packable design. The webbing can lure particles, which might be annoying to get out, and the polyester uppers can run sizzling. However with so many colour selections, these sandals transition effortlessly from journey to après, and we’ve rocked them to a brewery extra instances than we are able to rely. In case you don’t thoughts paying a bit extra for a protecting and dependable all-around sandals, the KEEN Newport H2s sandals ship wonderful worth and efficiency.

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

Take a look at our greatest mountain climbing sandals for males information to see how the KEEN Newport H2s examine to the competitors. Additionally, think about these different high picks:

Astral Webber Assessment: Just like the Newport H2’s, the Webbers’ supply a water-ready design and cozy match for tackling days in creeks, lakes, and past. The Webbers aren’t as steady or snug, however they’re a stable different. 

Teva Terra Fi 5 Assessment: The Teva Terra Fi 5 are an important alternative for lengthy days of damage out and in of the water. Nevertheless, these supply many extra factors of adjustability with a number of straps – and higher traction and help.

Chaco Z/1 Traditional Assessment: The Chaco Z/1 Traditional aren’t particularly water sneakers, however they’re versatile for moist adventures just like the KEENS. These are even heavier, though they’re extra adjustable and sturdy.