• Metatomical Low Durometer EVA Footbed
• Compression Molded EVA Midsole
• Non-Marking Siped Rubber Outsole
• Patented Toe Protection
• AEGIS Microbe Shield (T) Treated SBR Lining
• Washable Waterproof Leather Upper
• V Strap Forefoot Capture Design

Description [return to top] The Venice has a V-strap design that allows the tongue to float, giving the sandal – and the foot – increased flexibility. The upper is a perforated waterproof leather backed by neoprene throughout. The sandals are pre-laced with a non-removable elastic cord and cordlock. The midsole has a sueded surface and sturdy arch support. The sole is made of a non-marking rubber, and has siping (grooves) cut into it. In the front, the sole material continues up and back over the toes to provide toe protection.

For a much more detailed description, along with photos, please see my Initial Report.

Field Testing [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings include a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures from lows around 50 ºF (10 ºC) to highs around 105 ºF (41 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations ranged from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m)

Since my Field Report, I spent a week of 10-15 mile (16-24 km) days – just wandering around scout camp – at the end of July. Temperatures for this trip ranged from lows around 65 ºF (18 ºC) to highs around 105 ºF (41 ºC) with fairly high humidity creating a heat index of 115 °F (46 °C), and elevations ranged from about 800’ (244 m) to about 1,200’ (366 m) with a lot of ups and downs. It was too hot for boots, so I basically lived in the KEENs, including wearing them into the shower (free sandal laundering!). I had no complaints all week.

I also wore the KEENs – sans socks – when we took a few of our Scouts to hike the Valley Forge Historic Trail at the end of September. Temperatures were around 60-65 °F (16-18 °C), with occasional light rain, and elevations ranged from 100-200 ft (30-60 m). The trail ranged from paved footpaths and gravel roadways to dirt tracks and open fields with waist-to-chest-high grass. I got the occasional bit of gravel or handful of grass seeds inside the shoes, but it took much less effort for me to remove the bits than for my fellow, boot-wearing hikers. No complaints here, either. As I mentioned in my Field Report, the anti-odor technology in the insole does not work for me. Except for hiding them inside a sealed footlocker, I will likely be forced to relegate them to trail-only use after completing this test, which is a shame, because they work so well for me otherwise.

Things I was looking for: Fit. Do they fit me? Is the sizing accurate? Are they wide enough? Materials. Is the upper durable? Is it waterproof? Comfort. Can I wear the sandals with socks? Do they provide good arch support (and, if not, can other insoles be used)? Do they hold my feet securely while walking/running/hiking? Traction. Do they slip at all on wet rocks? How about wet pavement? Do they shed mud well? Smell. Do the footbeds develop an odor? If so, can it be washed out? Appearance. Can I wear them to work? Out to dinner? Do they ‘work’ with pants? With or without socks? Washability. Are there special instructions? Are they easy to follow? Do they dry well? Do they hold much dirt in the first place?

My findings: Fit. I am quite happy. Materials. The sole has some slight wear, but nothing major considering the mileage they have gotten. The leather has polish marks from the lacing, but that is to be expected. They are aging quite well. Comfort. Good arch support. Secure. Traction. I have had trouble making them slip (see my Field Report). Smell. The footbeds managed to acquire an odor after 3 continuous days of wearing (no socks). The odor washed out, but it keeps coming back. Appearance. I have been wearing them everywhere for the past four months, almost always without socks. Washability. Machine wash, Gentle cycle. Air dry. After washing, I set them on my dresser overnight. Temp in my bedroom was in the mid-80s °F (28-29 °C), without much breeze, and they were dry in less than 3 hours. These results have been repeated numerous times in temperatures slightly warmer to slightly cooler.

Things I like [return to top] Light. Comfortable. Supportive. Things I don't like [return to top] They start to have an odor fairly quickly. It washes out, but comes back.

Summary [return to top] These are very supportive, cool, comfortable shoes. I expect from their current condition that I will get a minimum of several more years of 3-season use from them before they wear out. I may go buy myself another pair to put in storage for when that happens. In short, I like ‘em. Good job, KEEN.

Thank you for your time. Chuck Kime a.k.a. Fuzzy

Reviews > Footwear > Sandals > Keen Venice > Chuck Kime > Long Term Report