Customer Reviews KEEN Newport Leather Sandals

I do a lot of boating during the summer months, and get sandals wet frequently. Generally within a short time the glue gives way, and the sandals fall apart. The reviews for this sandal were excellent, so decided to give them a try. They appear to be very well made, and I like the protected toe area. The spacing of the slats is such that your little toe can get caught there, and that is an uncomfortable spot on the sandal. This happened on my left, but not right foot, so I suspect a lot depends on your own anatomy. These do not is breathe as well as I would like, and also take a very long time to dry, and is probably my biggest complaint. If you're in and out of the water frequently, you want something that dries fast, and these do not. The build quality does seem excellent, and I see no reason they will not last for a very long time. Soles are thick rubber, and with lots of attachment points of the uppers, I don't see them tearing apart soon.

My husband normally wears between an 11 1/2 and a 12 1/2 medium, depending on manufacturer, so I ordered these sandals in a size 12. His right foot is approx. 1/2 size longer than the left, and frequently swells. I thought that the bungie tie would allow for the swelling, but the elasticized bands under the bungie does not have enough give to accommodate the swelling -- even after 3 days of trying to break them in. He also said that the sandals were heavier in weight than he prefers. The shoes are of excellent quality and I would recommend them. They just didn't work for my husband.

I read some reviews that these ran a half size small. However, the next half size up for me was out of stock. So I ordered my regular size, 9 1/2, and it fit great! I was especially pleased with the width as I normally take a EE width but these had plenty of room. I have two minor criticisms: 1. Though sandals, these are not very cool to wear. My feet actually get quite warm in them and sweat in the summer weather. 2. They are slippery on wet rocks. While hiking after a rain on some nearby rocky bluffs, I slipped several times on some boulders I was trying to stand on. They were more slippery than sneakers as the sole is somewhat hard and doesn't grab.

Bought for a cruise in Central America. A bit snug the first day--be sure to wear with socks the first few days to break-in/stretch to adjust to your feet. After that, ok without socks,if you wish. I prefer the rubber toe protector with these rather than the open toe models,which protect nearly as well as usual tennis shoes or bikers but better for hot weather or water. My husband liked mine so well he bought a male version. He had to go up a half size as his were too short in his usual size. He wore his daily on the excursions, never using his tennis shoes at all.

Comfortable and well-made, but a bit wide. They're also warmer than expected; this summer in the mid-Atlantic region they may prove too hot.