KEEN Men's Clearwater CNX Lightweight Water Sandals Review

Okay, I really REALLY like these sandals. They are the second pair of Keen sandals I've owned, the first being a pair of Newport H2, I believe. They've been awesome, worn them to work and on vacation and hiking and around town, you name it. They are about five or six years old, at least, and are finally showing their age. I'm relegating them to yard duty, working in the garden, mowing, etc. It is time for a new pair that I can add to my daily "retirement uniform" of shorts, Hawaiian shirt and Tilley hat.The Keen Clearwater CNX sandal seems to be the perfect "next step" for my retirement attire. I say "seems" because I only got them this week, but Amazon being Amazon and the online world being what it is, an immediate review is expected.The only caveat emptor I have for you is, double and triple check the sizing before you order. My old Newport H2 sandals were size 12 and a bit large for me. I wear 12 in just about all of my other shoes, including a couple of pairs of Merrells. So naturally I ordered size 12 for the Clearwaters. Nope, too small. Small enough to be awkward and almost painful to wear. I moved up to size 13 (there is no ... sorry, there ARE no half sizes above 12). It's just as well as 13 is the magic number. These are very comfortable, have plenty of toe room but are snug enough to inspire confidence.Oddly, put side to side with my old Newports in size 12, the new size 13 Clearwaters are the same length, but more slender and a better fit for my foot. The Clearwaters are also considerably lighter, a huge plus. I also like the slightly smaller rubber toecap.To sum up, the Keen Clearwater CNX are a step up from my old shoes and in the limited amount of use I've got so far, look promising. They seem to have the same high quality construction as my old shoes and even some improvement in the neoprene lining and inner sole. I expect to have many years of service from them and several adventures in my new retired life.Just beware the sizes and make use of Amazon's free return policy. This is one of the key reasons I keep my Prime membership

These Keens are on my short list of “Definitely buy”Best sandal to buy for active use. They are as good for active people as any sandal comes.I have been impressed enough to have made it my only sandal for almost the whole duration of my 30’s (3 pairs over 8 years). They would have been a “best choice” for my 20’s as well, but I dI’m a guy who sticks with what really works. These sandals really work. Buy them in your normal shoe size. I’m not a fashion nut. These provide great function but offer nothing flashy. I believe you will not find another option that can stand up like these despite the wide variety of demands I’ve put on mine countless times. This is my third pair of these exactly same sandals over about 8 years (4 mos summer season use/yr). If I lived in tropical weather with no season changes, I would be averaging 1 yr of daily use out of each pair I’ve owned. I don’t wear a different style or brand of sandal. My day-to-day Asics walking/running shoes typically also last 1 yr/pair, so comparable life expectancy (I’m not a runner).Offers a good sole with avg. support that will probably be the first thing to break down with hard use, because things wear out, and I use these hard. Has good fit to the foot overall and true to sizing. Pull string can snug them up, but will slip eventually/soon after if you just slip them on and off, so just buy them in your normal shoe size and never reach for the lace cord again (it has elasticity making this a fast slip-on/off design that won’t slip off accidentally. I can compare sizing to Asics running shoes. Be aware they initially compare as more snug for the first week, but quickly stretch a little to form to your foot as is true to Asics sizing.Closed toe (not steel toe). Enough grip to walk down a slimy boat ramp (into the water) with average confidence in footing. Mine get no love...just “normal use” for outdoor activities in and out of lake water frequently. The loops for the lacing are not going to rip through before the soles wear out. They are thickly woven just like most anchor loops of a tent and are not cheaply sewn to an inferior center material (like some tent loops). I hope they keep this design around forever, because the combination of comfort, durability, no hassle with on/off, and non-flashy profile make these perfect. Black color works with about any clothing attire. I would not worry about the function of these on a day hike in the Colorado rockies with my wife and kids on any established trail.If you need something to climb K2, then stick with mountain climbing cleats and and a pick, because these have soles that might be a comparable intermediary to mid-cut climbing boots and a good running shoe. They will allow more internal movement of your foot than shoes, so if doing hard climbing, then you could develop a blister (I never have had that problem). Remember the laces are a strong cloth-coated elastic cord that will allow for more stretch than boot laces. No ankle “support“ as you can see, but the strap around the heel has never been problematic for me regarding fit, comfort, durability, or otherwise.

Are they "water resistant" water shoes because they have a padded insole instead of smooth rubber? I think maybe. But it also makes them comfy.Used for a few hikes to ford rivers in New Hampshire. Very comfortable, protected toes and feet most ably. Dried out in about a day, no shrinking. Nylon uppers help make them lightweight. I ordered my own true size and never had to fiddle with the tightening cord. Keen sole material nice and grippy even when wet, it's certainly one of the best reasons to choose them.I was utterly pleased with these. I recommend these or really any Keen water sandal that you might fancy.