First, you start leaving the windows open. Then, you forget your jacket for the first time. And suddenly you have an overpowering craving for iced coffee. No doubt about it, summer is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about sandals. Unless, that is, you’re one of the many women who wear their sandals year-round. (We get it. We’re pretty big supporters of the socks and sandals movement ourselves.)
Let's not overcomplicate summer gear. We like one pair of shoes you can do a whole bunch of stuff in. Our women’s sandals, flip-flops and slides are built to go many places, from rocky riverbanks to dusty trailheads, black sand beaches to your neighbor’s backyard birthday party. But which pair is The One? To figure it out, find the statement that describes you best:
“I’M LOOKING FOR OUTDOOR SANDALS TO GO WALKING IN (THERE'LL BE STREAMS TO CROSS AND MAYBE A LAKE OR TWO TO COOL OFF IN).”
The trick for outdoor sandals is finding that just-right balance between breezy comfort and rugged support. The Newport sandal for women is just that. It’s well-ventilated and airy feeling, but still protects your foot with a closed-toe as you’re scrambling over fallen logs or scaling a rocky outcropping. The most supportive walking sandals for women in the KEEN family, they have a heavy tread outsole that keeps you from slipping on wet or muddy terrain. They also come in a bunch of colours, including a rainbow tie dye print that’s our personal favourite (we’re hippies at heart).
Pro tip: If a Newport (or any KEEN shoe) has “H2” in the product name, that means it’s ok to go in the water - so jump in!
“I like the one-handed adjustment when going from land to water. … The toe protection is critical on rocky trails, creek beds and thick brush.” - American Botanist
Also take a look at the SOLR sandal. It stands for Sea, Ocean, Land, River (and we recommend it for all of the above). The Aquagrip rubber outsole gives you confidence when going across those smooth, slick river rocks that can be so hard to get a grip on.
"I'M LOOKING FOR SANDALS TO WEAR ON A TRIP WHERE I'M A TOURIST: LOTS OF SIGHTSEEING AND WALKING AROUND."
For packing suitcases, nothing is better than the UNEEK trainer-sandal collection. It's a great travel shoe as the minimal design flattens out to take up less space. The corduroy upper is super flexible and moulds to the shape of your foot. Plus, it looks a wee bit fancier than the classic strappy sandal. (Our friends have worn them for cycling in Portland, visiting ramen shops in Tokyo and even getting married on a Hawaiian beach). It's definitely a more casual shoe for walking around town than an outdoor or water shoe for ladies, but if they get wet, it's no big deal.
From the beginning they were very comfortable. I run three miles a day for training and this shoe is perfect. It provides the right amount of flexibility and great arch support - Karen
I THINK MY FEET ARE A BIT TOO NARROW FOR KEEN SHOES. WHAT SANDALS WOULD FIT ME WELL?
Generally, KEEN shoes are a bit generous (for that comfortable feel and toe wiggle we love). If you have a narrower foot, you'll appreciate the Whisper walking sandal for women. Its shape has more contour and also features a lace-up closure that can be tightened for a perfect fit. The UNEEK collection of walking shoes for women also has a more contoured fit. The flexible corduroy upper comfortably adapts to different foot types.
