Long Term Report

Keen Newport Sandals
Long Term Report
12/9/04

Personal Information:

Leesa Joiner
leesaj@gmail.com
Southwestern Maine
43 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 m)
150 lb (68 kg)

Background:

My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one day hikes to 2-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father, when I was about 6 years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. During cold weather, I backpack, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, go ice fishing and winter camp with friends and family. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to ‘lighten up’ and even have converted to using a hammock while camping.   I find that I spend almost as much time outside during the long Maine winters as I do during the summers.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Keen Sandal Company
Product: Newport Sandals
Year of manufacture: 2004
URL: http://www.keenfootwear.com

Size: Women's size 9.5
Listed weight: 11.2 oz (317 g)
Weight as measured: 12.4 oz (342 g)
Keen advertises the Newport sandals as being designed for marine type environments. To meet these conditions, the sandals are designed with:

~ waterproof nubuck upper.
~ lugged, razor-sipped, and non-marking sole.
~ Anatomical last and EVA midsole for comfort.
~ Anti-microbial EVA footbed for odor and moisture control.
~ toe guard for protection.

Test Conditions:

    The majority of my testing has been done in northern New England, where the daytime temperatures have ranged from 60 F (22 C) to 100 F (38 C). Most of my hiking is done below 3000 ft (914 m), but trips to Mt. Washington will be at over 4000 ft (1219 m). There is a wide range of types of terrain on these hikes. Everything from well maintained trails to hiking through heavily wooded areas. At times, the trails follow the rivers' edges, which makes for some wet hiking also.   On many occasions I wore the sandals while canoeing on lakes in Western Maine and boating both in the Atlantic Ocean and in fresh water.

Summary of Use:

    My Keen Newport sandals have received quite a bit of wear - the first four months I wore them for all outdoor activities (hiking, canoeing, boating, walking the dogs, camping and just 'hanging out'). They went through fresh and salt water, sand and dirt. After the initial four months, the weather cooled to the point of needing to wear more than sandals. I continued to wear the sandals while hiking close to home on nice, warm days. I continue to take the sandals with me when going to the YMCA swimming. I wear them while showering and between the pool, hot tub and locker room. They keep my feet protected from any nasty germs and provide good traction on the wet tile floors.
      I found that wearing the sandals while taking part in water related activities worked out well. They provided great traction, dried quickly and were comfortable. I found that wearing them when walking on pavement or packed trails was also comfortable. I liked the protection they provided my feet while stepping out of the canoe or boat into the water when I didn't know what I would find under the water - rocks, gravel or sand? The sandals fit well - plenty of toe room, the footbed conformed to the bottom of my feet and the design provides plenty of ventilation.
    Unfortunately, these sandals did not work out for hiking.    They allowed too much grit and debris into the sandal, causing discomfort. Trying to walk with grit inside the sandals led to raw spots on my foot where the constant rubbing and friction occurred. Trying to clean out the sandals caused hiking to become very slow. I don't hike very quickly anyway, as I frequently stop to look at plants or the scenery. Stopping to clean off my feet though is an aggravation.   I found it easier to take off the sandals and walk barefoot on many occasions.
    Although these sandals did not turn out as well as I had hoped as far as hiking sandals go, I have found them useful for water related activities.

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Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Keen Newport > Leesa Joiner > Long Term Report

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