KEEN Men's Arroyo 2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals Review
The KEEN Men's Arroyo 2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals in Canteen/Black offer an impressive blend of durability and comfort that many outdoor enthusiasts seek. These sandals are designed to bridge the gap between a sturdy hiking boot and a lightweight sandal, allowing you to traverse both rugged terrains and casual trails without compromising on style or support.
Constructed from waterproof, premium leather, these sandals boast open vents that ensure breathability while keeping moisture out. Weighing just 13.07 oz (388.4 g) per sandal, they're light enough for long hikes but built tough enough to withstand nature's challenges. The unique upper design is complemented by a performance cushioning system beneath your feet, providing lasting comfort over extended periods.
Features
- Consciously Created: Environmentally preferred leather sourced from certified tanneries.
- Material & Closure: Water-resistant leather, quick-dry lining, and lace lock bungee capture system for a secure fit.
- Grip & Protection: KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with 5mm multi-directional lugs for superior grip.
- Support & Comfort: Stability shank for mobility control, heel capture system, and dual-density footbed.
- Care: Easy maintenance with a soft brush or leather cleaner for tough stains.
Pros
- Excellent grip on various surfaces, ideal for hiking.
- Durable waterproof leather construction.
- Comfortable cushioning for long hours of wear.
- Quick on-and-off design thanks to the lace lock system.
Cons
- May take some time to break in before achieving maximum comfort.
- The price point might be higher compared to basic sandals.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Material | Weight (per sandal) | Grip Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEEN Men's Arroyo 2 | Waterproof Leather | 13.07 oz | Multidirectional Lugs |
| Teva Terra Fi 5 Universal | Synthetic | 10.6 oz | Shark Tooth Design |
| Sandalwood Adventure Sandals | Leather/Synthetic | 12.5 oz | Multi-Directional Traction |
Detailed Review
Your adventure begins the moment you slip into the KEEN Men's Arroyo 2 Closed Toe Hiking Sandals. The sandals are engineered for those who enjoy outdoor activities ranging from casual walks to intense hikes. With their innovative design, the Arroyo 2 provides ample toe protection while still maintaining the feel of a sandal.
Comfort: Many users praise the dual-density footbed, which molds to the contours of your feet, providing unrivaled support even during long hikes. Thanks to the stability shank, you can tackle uneven terrains with confidence.
Breathability: The open vent design allows air circulation, making them suitable for hot summer hikes. Plus, the quick-dry lining ensures that if you do encounter water, your feet won't stay soaked for too long.
Traction: The multi-directional lugs on the outsole provide remarkable grip on muddy and rocky surfaces, ensuring safety in slippery conditions. The non-marking rubber outsole is also great for indoor use, so you won’t have to worry about leaving scuff marks on floors.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | Exceptional cushioning and support for all-day wear. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Made with high-quality materials that withstand the elements. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Great grip on various surfaces, reducing slip risks. |
| Value for Money | 8.5/10 | A bit pricey, but the quality justifies the investment. |
User Reviews
I even wear these "shoes" where perhaps, I should something more proper. Since being guided to these sandals (my regular shoes), they are what I wear on my feet. Hey, great for river exploring too. Water don't hurt these at all. "Sure-footed Comfort". I had a problem"turning" my ankles". Not with these wider low to the ground-shoes. These are good looking "shoes" but I will wear them till they come apart, but that takes a really long time. I often have "newer pairs" for dress. We love our Keen's!!!
I have worn sandals for decades in many different climates and environments. in that time I have developed a view of what constitutes a good hiking/walking/everyday sandal. Keen’s Arroyo 2 ticks many boxes. They have a tough and gripping sole for wet, slippery or gravel surfaces. They have a closed heel which prevents entry of pebbles, sticks and grit. They have a closed and tough toe line which protects the toes from street and forrest detritus. They are comfortable and light weight, and cool. They also look classy enough to travel in. Be care to buy the right size as you may experience trouble with tightening. I have four pairs and regard them as the best of dozens of sandals I have used.
I have several Keen branded footwear - hiking boots, sandals, and now these hybrid shoe/sandals. I love the coverage around the heel and toe, so no grit or pebbles get in. At first I didn't like how loose they felt and feel like they might slip off my foot, but that's what makes them really comfortable to walk in (and they don't fall off). The cord isn't bungee like you get on the Newport sandals (a pair I've owned for 20 years and still wear), but it synches up the shoe pretty snug. Now that the weather is warmer I find that I'm looking for these when I head out the door more than any other shoe I wear. The soles are very rugged and you're about an inch taller with these puppies on. I'd buy again and looking forward to their long life protecting my tootsies.
I really like KEEN products, because they have a reputation for holding together and being well-made. I bought these, planning to take them on a big hiking trip down the west coast this summer - I figured with the beaches and water and the inevitable dip in the ocean, these would be great, right? Well, maybe.First off, I notice that they are ever so slightly larger than normal. I usually wear a size 13 shoe, and the way my feet are, the closest size to match my standard shoe size is a 13M. They are a little long, but that's nothing too terrible.The real reason why I gave these 4 stars instead of 5 is because of one flaw in the design. On the back of the heel, they have a bit of stitching that seems innocent enough. I recently strapped these sandals on a local walk to start breaking them in. About 2 miles into the walk, the stitching on the back of the heel had started to rub away at my heel, causing a nice friction rub. I still had 3 miles to go before I could cross the bridge and get back to my car and return home, and by the end of the 5-mile (rough estimate) walk, I had a pretty good wound on both heels.Keep in mind that I was not wearing socks, and I honestly believe that, had I been wearing socks, this wouldn't be an issue, and I would likely be leaving a 5-star review here instead.I had thought about returning them, but I don't think Amazon would take too kindly to me returning sandals with dried blood on the inside of them. So, I will keep them, as they are still excellent sandals, but if you are one of those people who cringes at the thought of wearing socks with sandals, these are most definitely NOT for you!Other than the above issue, these sandals are great! They are very supportive and offer excellent ventilation! The draw-string closure can get a bit annoying, but I just tuck it under the front lacing to hold it in place, so not really to big of a deal.Overall, I would say that these are excellent sandals. Just remember that these are HIKING sandals, and not your flip-flop beach sandals - they require socks with them - and you'll be fine. If that isn't your forte, these aren't for you.
They ran big. I normally take 11.5, but returned for an 11. After that, confortable from day one, feels rugged and well constructed. Perfect for autumn hiking weather.