Men's Clearwater CnxSandal

Still going strong

Like all blokes I've struggled with showing my feet through my shoes over the years. What to do? Go the leather 'ugly but you know it's proper shoe material' look? Try the 'I might go hiking but I'm actually just on the high street' style? Or how about 'I don't really care so black Velcro is fine by me' ultimate cheapos? I've tried them all and I can tell you, as the first pair of Keens I've bought, that these beat them all. Super comfortable from the box, really tough, and versatile - I've so far worn them to a music festival, on a bike, and around the house. The real test will be going around Japan this summer. They do perhaps fit a bit more into the 'hiking' category but as I'll be using them for that it's fine. I actually think they just look quite nice. And I've always worried about the basic vulnerability of my toes in sandals so I like the trademark Keen chunky toe cap. So there you go - solves a blokey problem without being uncomfortable. Am already thinking of ordering a second pair. Update from Japanese trip - continued to cope really well but on longer walks and slightly stonier terrains I found myself thinking thicker soles might make my feet slightly less tired. Also the thinner soles of the CNX's mean you are more likely to get little stones flicked into the shoe on gravelly paths. But these are small issues - still a fantastic sandal and next summer I may simply buy the hikier version and take both. I actually only wore the other shoes I brought with me once - on the plane. Here's an update 2 years later - they're still my most comfortable sandals of all time, and the other thicker soled Keens I bought (Newport) thinking these were too thin to wear all the time are just too bulky and hot to wear anywhere that is above about 22 degrees. I would rather have bought a second pair of these and hope they don't discontinue them at some point, as I will definitely be buying another pair when (if?) these ones wear out.

This is a review after 2 days - 1 day of house and garden and 1 of a 5 mile walk. They are very comfortable. They fit snugly, are spot on for my size (9), and have a good sole for trail walking. I don't expect they'll be substantial enough for rough and rocky walking, but that's not what they are for. My initial observation, and the reason for only 4 stars, is because they are awkward to get on. There's no way of slackening off the back strap so you have to struggle with the loop and I wonder how long it will last. In time I might discover a way of using the the front and back loops together and then I'll up the stars - because that's the only dow side I have experienced.

Very comfortable. Had to add a blister plaster to the heel strap for summer so I could walk without socks. But these are brilliant. Cheap here too!

Comfy! A good fit. Sizing matches. Flexible. Water proof! I tried five different pairs of sandals and as soon as I put these on I realised they were the ones.

I got these after my previous Newports wore down at the heel. These are a lighter version of the Newport Sandal. The sole is much thinner and you can feel the ground more. The protective toe box is smaller. Great for walking around town. Newport would be better for hiking over rougher terrain.

They seem ok, but was surprised unlike other keen purchases, that they arrived in a plastic bag inside a paper Amazon bag no care instructions or anything. They seem the real deal, but based on packaging you can’t help wonder if they are genuine. Ordered size 12 good fit, used for a couple of weeks comfortable so far.

I bought these for a trip to east Asia and my partner also bought the womens version and were very happy with them. They kept our feet cool while exploring the citys, handled and wet conditions very well while also providing stability and durability for hiking. They don't feel like you are wearing a sandal and we didn't have any problems of small stones or anything going under your foot like you would with regular sandals being the perfect balance of ventilation and protection for your feet. The grip on the sandals were also perfect in sometimes steep muddy conditions and we were fine when some in trainers struggled. They are very comfortable and feel like you are wearing regular walking shoes after a while. We did start to develop slight tenderness/ early stages of a blister on the soles of our feet after a couple days wearing for the first time after a few miles daily walking but I find this is always been the case when wearing new flipflops or sandals. These went away the next day then we had long hike without any issues at all, so I recommend wearing them for a few days before you do any long walks for your feet and soles to adjust, then give your feet a break then they will be perfect. I did consider the heavier duty version of these sandals which might be more suitable for those constantly hiking or in poor terrain but I found these the perfect balance to be able to wear day to day hiking, urban areas and travelling. One thing I would say is they are not ideal for walking on loose sand as it tends to collect in the front. This is definitely not a deal breaker but this was the only situation I had to take them off to empty them which I think says a lot.