New Shoes And Bags From Keen

Chunky-toed footwear brand Keen has made its award-winning Newport sandal more year-round useable by the simple expedients of turning it into aa all-round hiking shoe for the winter and the brand has also launched two daypacks.

The Newport sandal is one of Keen's most popular open shoes, so the new Newport Trail is a logical next step. It takes the Newport sandal and adds a fully protective upper combining leather, water-resistant wool and a textile mesh backed up with a waterproof, breathable eVent membrane.

Other features include a cushioned, low durometer EVA footbed and a razor-siped outsole with 3mm multi-directional lugs for traction, it says here.

Looks nice and should be interesting, particularly for those with broad, high volume feet. Price of the new Newport Trail is £89.99.

Bags Too

Keen has also supplemented its footwear range with some bags for this autumn. There are some great-looking urban / casual carriers in the range, but most OMers will be looking at the more functional day packs.

The two we like the look of are the Menlo Park (£64.99) a top-loading daypack with adjustable shoulder straps and a draw-cord closure and the Goose Hollow (£59.99) - pictured - an ergonomic pack with a hollow core moulded foam back panel featuring a central air channel and sharp looks. It also has a built-in laptop sleeve sleeve and a built-in iPod / mobile pocket with headphone access on each shoulder strap.

The big story is that both packs are make from 'repurposed materials' throughout. That means auluminium buckles derived from recycled drinks cans, linings made from recycled polyester and rubber reclaimed from the trimmings from Keen's footwear outsole manufacturing process making up the reinforced bases of the packs.

More information

Reviews to follow, but for more Keen information and models see www.keenfootwear.com or call 0800 612 9292 . Do people really still use telephones ;-)