Keen - Newport H2 Review

I've never had good water shoes. I have a pair of bobo tennis shoes that I use when I remember to pack them, or I buy those one-season reef runners. These cover my feet, and I do hate to step down in dirt or slime or anywhere I can't see the bottom.

On our beach trip, I saw these Keen Newport H2 on sale for half price. I wasn't really going to get them. But, I tried them on (perfect fit), and they ended up in my basket.

I'm hard to fit in shoes (of any type), because my feet are long but they're narrow. That knocks out Crocs and many other brands. The Keen shoes are kind of stretchy and also have a little drawstring. I pull the string and have a perfect fit.

There was a world of difference in wearing these Keen beach shoes over tennis shoes or cheap reef runners. Of course, sand would go in in with the beach waves, but it would rinse out easy. The sand on the bottom would knock off too - leaving it at the beach parking lot instead of in the truck like usual.

The sole of the Keen is all one piece. No insole that flaps up and traps sand. It's some type of rubber that is flexible, so it moves with your foot. Protective but let's you feel where you're walking - even on rocks.

The upper includes a rubber toe guard. Then there's a leather piece (I think) up the middle and nylon straps up each side. A little bungie kind of string laces everything together and has the slide to get a perfect fit.

If the Keen shoes ever get dirty and need washed, they can go right in the washing machine. I would have thought they'd need to be hand washed, but they don't.

Keen is an earth friendly company. They have minimal packing from recyled materials.

I love these beach shoes. They fit and feel great. They protect my feet but feel free and open. They're perfect for just walking on the beach or for extreme water sports like white water rafting. I like them so much that I'm tempted to wear them just for the heck of it with no water, but that might look strange. They are cute though, so maybe I will anyway.