Keen Newport H2 - Women's Review

The Keen Newport H2 is a snug sandal that still offers protection for your feet. A pair of size 7.5 weighs a hefty 21.2 ounces and comes in a ton of colors. They're made with polyester webbing, quick-dry lining (with Eco Anti-Odor treatment), and have rubber outsoles with foam midsoles.

Comfort

Compared to other sandals, the Newport H2 feels snug and runs a bit narrow. That said, they're not uncomfortable to wear, even for our lead tester, who often chooses wider-fitting shoes. They feel more like you're wearing a shoe than a sandal, and if you're into that feeling, these are comfortable to wear. Their insides are soft and cozy, and they feel snug without being tight.

Despite their snugness, the Newport H2 didn't cause any rubbing, even when we wore them all day, both in and out of the water. The straps are soft on bare feet, while the rubber toe bumper and extra strap coverage offer additional protection for your feet. The soles are impressively supportive for long days on your feet. If you're coming from tennis shoes, though, you'll find debris can get trapped inside these sandals, and the near-zero heel-to-toe drop may cause some fatigue if you're not used to it.

Traction

Walking up inclines, across loose gravel surfaces, and over rocks and boulders, the Newport sandals provide above-average traction. Even when wet, they do a commendable job of maintaining grip. While they are not quite as secure on wet surfaces as some adventure-focused sandals we tested, they still outperform most others in this regard.

The outsoles of the Newport H2 feature a series of razor-thin slits designed to help channel water away from your foot. Although we're not entirely sure if these slits make a significant difference—since the sandals need to be quite bent for the channels to open—we had generally positive experiences wearing them on wet docks and in kayaks. The footbed doesn't have any special wicking surface but instead has an integrated textured pattern that provides a high level of traction between your foot and the sandal. Even on hot days with sweaty feet, we didn't feel that we were slipping unnecessarily inside this shoe.

Stability

The Newport is one of the most secure and stable sandals we tested. With so many strap anchor points surrounding your foot, this pair creates a cage to hold themselves firmly in place. They can be tightened for an even more snug fit, using the bungee on top.

Due largely to the way these sandals attach to your feet, they're some of the most secure sandals we tested — and just about the most secure option we could imagine. Unlike some lookalike pairs we've tested, these stay put and feel secure even in rushing water and on side-to-side boulder hops.

Adjustability

If the Newport H2 sandals don't fit your feet properly, there isn't much you can do to adjust them. These sandals do not feature any Velcro adjustability for the heel or anywhere else. They only have a single bungee cord across the top for added security.

The Newport H2 sandals have some size and shape limitations since they don't come in wide sizes. They can also be a bit tricky to get on; unlike most sandals we tried, these don't just slip on easily. You'll often need to put in some extra effort to get your heels settled. Once they're on, you don't have to tighten the toggle because the fit is skin tight, but doing so can give you extra security.

Previous Next

Versatility

When listing the types and diversity of outdoor activities that the Keen Newport H2 can handle, there's not much left off the list. Their performance on all types of terrain makes them a solid choice for most casual to moderate outings and adventures. Significantly, they're far more versatile than any similar-looking sandal we tested.

When it comes to style, you get what you see. If you like the look of these sandals, they come in an astonishing array of possible colors and can frequently be found in last season's patterns as well. Once again, when comparing the look and profile of the Newport H2 to other sandals of a similar style, these are much sleeker and have an overall more “elegant” and streamlined appearance.

Should You Buy the Keen Newport H2?

If you're thinking about trading in your shoes for sandals this summer and still want something that gives you the support and security you're used to, the Newport sandals are a solid choice. With their closed-toe design, grippy sole, and quick-drying materials, they're perfect for wet hikes, river crossings, and all your summer adventures where you need durability and toe protection. Plus, if you're into boating, these are one of the few sandals approved for sailing because they won't leave scuffs on your boat. They do fit a bit snug—especially for wider feet—and aren't the lightest option out there, but their secure fit, sneaker-like protection, and traction for any terrain make them a reliable pick for those who value function over style. If you're just looking for something quick and simple to throw on for vacation and then stash away, though, these pricy and bulky sandals might be a bit much.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

For folks who just need an easy sandal for a once-every-few-years rafting trip or a boating vacation, the Dream Pairs offer a similar vibe with a looser fit and less support — but for a fraction of the cost. If you're looking to invest in a great pair of river shoes with solid security and excellent wet traction, the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is the option we recommend.