Keen Hybrid Footwear Commuter

What's Are They For?

Basically a pair of classic Keen sandals - they're based on the Targee - with a difference, they can be used with clipless bike pedals thanks to an SPD-compatible mounting plate hidden under a screw-off yellow plastic cover. Think summer touring, commuting or just nipping to the shops and back. 

The Techy Bits

Keen's classic features are all present and correct - the non-marking rubber sole, hydrophobic mesh liner, shock-corded closure and big, fat toe bumper, but two features really stand out. The first is a mounting for clipless pedal cleats like Shimano's SPD system.

The second is that the sole unit is significantly stiffer than a normal Keen sandal to allow more efficient and comfortable pedalling.

How They Performed

If you're a serious sort of cyclist and use clipless pedals, you'll come to love the Commuters for non-technical riding, popping down the shops and for more general use in hot conditions. On the bike they're pretty much drama free with good power transfer and a pleasant cooling effect as the breeze gets to your feet.

We found the fit snug enough to work well on the bike and off it. You do pay a penalty for bike compatibility in the form of added stiffness and greater weight and while they're fine for pottering around in, we wouldn't use them as serious trekking footwear, not least because the sole unit is a little clumpy. For wandering around after a day bike touring though, they'd be great.

The rest is just what we've come to expect from Keen. We like the big toe bumper that stops you stubbing your pinkies - good on the bike too - the fast-drying uppers, easy to use shock-corded fastening and airy comfort in hot conditions