KEEN Women's Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Shoe

I attached photos of myself in each. The Newport H2 is the gray one, and the Whisper is the brown shoe. The Newport H2 is more rugged in every way. Note the toe guard, the width of protection surrounding my foot, and the tread on the sole (see 2nd photo). The Whisper is daintier and more fitted around my foot. It seems, too, that my toes are visible in the Whisper but not in the Newport H2. I plan to return one pair, and here's the rub: I want the sturdier ones for nature walking/hiking and for long walks, but I feel more comfortable in the Whisper. The Newports are a little too wide, and I think the back strap would rub my ankle (I am short, which may affect that). Both use the bungee strings for adjustment in a way that is more effective than I'd realized ahead of time -- they work like any shoe laces. Oh and do buy 1/2 size up!(Update: Decision made. I'm going to keep the Whisper based on comfort.)

Not the same size or quality of my previous ones. Back in 2014 they were "American Built" (see photo) of US and imported materials. These are made in Cambodia. I'm OK with that, but I wear a 6.5 or 7, so based on other reviews I ordered a 7.5 - they were still way too tight - but the right length. The black stretchy part, under the laces of the retro, was so tight that I could hardly slip the shoes on and then when I loosened the elastic strings, the strings were sagging, but the black was still way too tight. My toes could never go under the black toe covering. I have never had sandals or shoes on my feet this tight. Compared to my other Keens, the sole on these is a different texture - my old ones weighed 10.8 oz (301g); new ones = 11 oz (313 g). Already printed the return label. What a disappointment. Did Keen change the pattern or factory. Oh Keen what happened????????? P.S. I even tried these on early the next morning to make sure my feet weren't swollen, but it wasn't my feet. Sad, sad, sad. What is this world coming to when you can't by a new pair of Keens for the spring.

I own a pair of original 15 year old Newport H2 Keen sandals from when Martin Keen owned the company and designed the shoes. Those sandals have been through hundreds of adventures, fit like a glove, and are still going strong. Since that pair I have bought several other Keen's. While they are decent sandals, none are like the originals. I like the colors of these sandals and that is what drew me to them. The colors did not disappoint. But the fit, quality of material, and construction all leave a bit to be desired and cannot hold a candle to the originals. The arch support is much lower and the adjusting strap is flimsier. The fit is odd too. I have a fairly long, narrow foot. It is hard to get the ankle part of this to fit snugly enough to keep the back strap in place and the front is rather tight. These sandals are not at all friendly to even the most mild bunion. I am keeping them for the colors, but will never love the fit. I wish Martin Keen was still designing and selling these shoes!!

I own an older version of this shoe in hot coral and got these new ones in black/rose for replacement. I also got the magnet/hot coral color to try. I own the whisper style as well.Size/fit: Beware the black/rose color fits 1/2 size smaller than the magnet/hot coral color. Also, the insole for the black/rose is a harder rubber while the magnet/hot coral insole is cushy rubber. The black/rose looks very stylish and would look good with a casual city outfit as well as out adventuring. The magnet coral looks much sportier. I have skinny feet with high arch and these can be cinched tight all around your feet but can also stretch to accommodate wider feet.Sole: these are the most protective keens, which cups your feet all around with rubber edges so you don’t have to worry about scrapping the side of your feet on rocks. The arch on these shoes are also the highest compared to other models. The rubber bumper in front is also the most robust and covers the entire front of your feet/toes. For serious adventuring, l love these shoes. The tread is sticky even on wet rocks. There are 4 thick straps on top that protects my feet without leaving too much open space (best protraction). When I walk in rivers where my feet might get stuck between unseen rocks, these shoes protect my feet very well.The whisper is a much slimmer and more leisure walking sandals, which I use for casual everyday use.I’m returning the black/rose size 9 for a 9.5; but going to keep the magnet/hot coral in size 9. Your choice on whether you prefer a stiffer sole or a cushier sole. I didn’t get the other colors, so not sure how those might fit. If you do primewardrobe, you can get several colors and sizes to try for no charge for 7 days (I think) and return the ones you don’t want.

My last pair of Keen sandals, similar, lasted over 5 years. I bought these in the end of October, 2016, have worn these a few times a week to walk the beach. Yesterday I noticed the stitching was coming loose, and today they came apart. I am so surprised, and disappointed, and because they are 'out of warranty' according to Amazon, I have to try to deal with the supplier or Keen. I am not happy.

Excellent walking sandles. Really comfortable and supportive, just what I needed. Thinking about buying another pair in a different colour.

After reading a number of reviews to find a good hiking sandal with arch support, I ordered these in the nick of time before heading off on holiday. They provided the arch support I hoped for otherwise I wouldn't have been able to walk far at all! I have flat feet and have had plantar fasciitis in the past. These sandals could do with a bit more shock absorption in the sole - an old hip muscle injury has resurfaced but I also did a lot of walking around so that might just be a personal health issue I still need to resolve. But considering all the reviews I read before making a purchase without being able to try these one, I think I made a good decision for my needs.My only negative comment is the advertised priced started somewhere between $80-90 and these cost me well over that even before shipping, so I guess that Amazon lists the prices of the brand starting with the children's sizes which I find a bit dishonest.

I have several pairs of Keens, from hiking shoes, to sandals. These sandals looked like they were the same style as the my previous pairs but they are definitely not as comfortable. I have kept them, and they aren't too, too uncomfortable, but the plastic sole feels less rubbery...harder and less flexible. I had to wear them around the house for a few days before deciding to keep them, but I have never had to do that before. The older Keens are THAT comfortable. I still recommend them, but wonder if they have changed the type of materials they use to make their sandals.

Run, don’t walk away from these shoes. So cheaply made as compared to the Keen’s made a decade ago. Right and left shoe is cut completely different and fits completely different, no quality control. Used to love keen and wear them all the time. So disappointed.Even wasted my time calling and emailing keen, no results and no help, because the customer service probably knows there’s nothing they can do...keen sucks. They moved manufacturing out of the US to save a buck and it all went downhill from there.

These are pretty much as expected. They were initially a little bit tight in width at the outer sides of my pinky toes, which caused some discomfort and blistering the first couple of times I wore them. Now that they have formed to my feet, I have no complaints. They are comfortable for any adventure.