Keen Newport Tested

Keen Newport Tested

Price: £69.99

Weight: 890 grammes (pair size 43)

Features: Wrapped EVA Metaomical Footbed with anti-micorbial treatment, compression-moulded EVA midsole, patented toe protection, razor sipped and 3mm lug rubber outsole, waterproof leather upper with SBR lining, eleasticated drawcord fastening.

Comfy, attractive, non-ponging and cool. High volume last may make them too big for some feet.

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The Concept Keen are new to the UK and specialise in 'hybrid' shoes and sandals with waterproof uppers, lots of ventilation and grippy sole. Th company describes the Newport as the 'foundation' of its range and it's intended to combine comfort, style and performance. It's not really a full-on walking shoe - take a look at some of the other options in the range, the Taos particularly, if that's what you're after - but is intended to work in wet environments and for hot conditions travel.

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Features The Newport's loaded with features. Both the mid-sole and the footbed are made from EVA for cushioning, there's an anti-microbial treatment to stop them smelling with use and Kenn's patented toe bumper protects your delicate little pinkies.

The outsole is a chunky, non-marking number with razor cut slits for better wet weather grip and the uppers are made from waterproof leather which Keen says you can just chuck in the washing machine if needed... Closure is by shockcord and you even get reflective strips on the heel and tongue areas.

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In Action It's stinking hot at the moment, so the Newports' combination of comfort and ventilation has been a bit of a godsend. They're instantly comfortable with the cushioned footbed and lined uppers feeling pleasant against the skin. They are built quite large however and that, in combination with the shockcord lacing system may mean that they're simply too big for narrower feet - ultimately you reach a point where you can't tighten the cord any further - so trying before buying is essential.

If your previous sandal / hybrid experience has been characterised by a morbid fear that someone will step on your exposed toes, then you'll welcome the reassuring presence of Keen's patented toe bumper. You lose a little ventilation, but your toe nails may thank you for it one day.

Comfort and traction underfoot are both good, though the heel strike can feel a little 'clacky' on hard surfaces like rock slabs or pavement. We used them more for general slobbing about on the campsite and everywhere else really than for actual hillwalking, though we reckon they'd be up to crag walk-ins and summer strolls and would make a good hot weather travel shoe option. For more committed walking, take a look at the Keen Taos which is closer to a vented shoe and looks to have a more fitted heel system.

 

What else? The waterproof leather uppers will still get wet if it's erm, wet, but they dry much faster than you'd expect plus the anti-microbial treatment has been working so far and we've avoided stinking sandal syndrome.

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Verdict

We like the looks and we like the performance. We don't think that the Newports are an ideal hillwalkling sandal, they're not quite technical or adjustable enough for that, but as a comfortable, stylish knockabout and travel shoe, particuarly in hot conditions, they're hard to beat.

We also, to our wimpy shame, love the big protective toe bumper and if, like us, you've experienced a coming together of sandalled toe nail and concrete doorstep, you will too.

Our only real quibble is the sizing. If you have medium to high volume feet you should be fine, but the slimmer footed may find themselves a litte at sea thanks to the generous fit.

Performance
Value

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Keen web site

Pushed for time: Great leather travel and general knockabout sandal with generous fit, big toe bumper and non-stink treatment. Not technical enough for serious hill walking though.

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