KEEN Clearwater CNX Leather

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.

Just received my 3rd pair which seem as good as ever. They generally last me 2 or 3 years. I have tried alternatives including other Keen styles but the Clearwater CNX remains the best in my opinion. There is some scope for adjustment and they do loosen up a little so I find the sizing accurate. Great for summer walking and holidays. Advantages: (1) They protect your toes. You can trip over a tree root or stub your toe against a rock without it ruining your holiday. (2) Passable alternative to shoes if packing light. Disadvantages: (1) Although they don't mind getting soaked the fabric will feel damp afterwards which is not pleasant in cool conditions. (2) Small stones e.g. beach shingle can get in but can't get out. In some terrains you have to keep stopping to shake them 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.

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.

Still going strong

Bought these to replace a similar Merrell version that is no longer sold. Used straight from the box and surprisingly good fit on first use. Impressed. Time will tell if performance continues but other reviews seem to validate this.

Over the last fortnight, since they arrived, I have continually worn my Keen Clearwater CNX sandals mainly because of their comfort. The sandals have been used outside on a rare sunny day and I have found them to be protective and lightweight. They were a birthday purchase and so far seem worth every penny!

I have been delighted with these this summer. I have used them for hiking, every day use and swimming in lakes and streams. They have proved very comfortable for extended wear and are quite sturdy. They haven't made my feet smell! They look good too. I have wide feet and normally buy size 10 but the size 10 was too tight all round so I went to a size 10.5 for a good fit. I will definitely buy another pair when these wear out.

Utmärkt!

We ordered two pairs, one size 44 which was well fit and maybe a but tight, and then ordered a 44.5. When is arrived after a wok or so waiting, the size was completely off. The sticker inside says 44.5, but when we place it beside the other keen shoe size 44, looks like it's 1.5-2 sizes larger. Amazon customer service helped us, so hopefully next one would be the correct size.

J’adore keen car j’ai les pieds larges

I like Keens because they have a closed toe that is designed to protect your toes when you are walking around the deck of a boat and accidentally kick some of the rigging. However, the "regular" Keens I have worn have a bulky sole and are heavy. Not so with these. The soles on these are thinner, and no wider than the top of the shoe, and the shoes feel light on my feet. They still protect my toes, and have nice grippy soles. Perfect. Best Keens I have ever worn. I have D width feet but tend to prefer E width shoes for comfort, and these feel great on my feet. 2024 UPDATE: Sometime between 2020 and 2024 Keen changed the fit of these shoes. I ordered a second pair of them in Size 11, and they were WAY too tight. I compared them side-by-side with the pair I bought in 2020 and they were noticeably smaller. The 2020 pair still fit great. So I read the reviews and found that others had simply ordered 1 size bigger, which is what I did - I ordered a size 12 even though my foot is an 11, and the size 12 fit well, although they are just slightly big. Not so big I would return them, but slightly big. So I strongly recommend ordering at LEAST a 1/2 size larger than your shoe size, and perhaps a whole size. I don't regret getting a whole size larger.

Excellent