Keen Newport

[tillyjones]

As we all know, it's impossible to give shoes a good workout trial before buying them.

I am considering the Keen sandals to hike in and I know that many do. I went and tried some on yesterday and liked them very much. (That said, I was going to opt for the men's as the women's were very narrow, though I started questioning whether extra width would cause a problem. Though they did seem perfect in size)

My concern is this. As with any other time I try to wear a shoe barefoot for a lot of walking, there is inevitably friction related issues of skin against sole....is there some magical reason this would not happen in the Keen's?? It's hard to imagine it not. Part of the attraction is not wearing socks. If I have to wear socks regardless, may just go with what I know and get another pair of Oboz hiking shoes which I love. I thought with the Keen's I might get away with only one pair of shoes, i.e not need a second pair of sandals.

Experience? Can one truly hike all day in Keen's sandals without socks?

 

[Deleted member 39850]

If you buy one of the "no-friction" sticks (like compel, but also: your local drug store should carry an equivalent product for the prevention of blisters in their diabetic foot-care section. Shoppers Drug in Canada makes their own brand, for example), then you should be fine. I used it all the time on the last camino in Keen sandals.

 

[tillyjones]

If you buy one of the "no-friction" sticks (like compel, but also: your local drug store should carry an equivalent product for the prevention of blisters in their diabetic foot-care section. Shoppers Drug in Canada makes their own brand, for example), then you should be fine. I used it all the time on the last camino in Keen sandals.

I carry that stuff...but it's a wee bit greasy. On the sole of your foot, direct on the rubber sole, didn't it make you slip/slide around?

 

[Deleted member 39850]

I carry that stuff...but it's a wee bit greasy. On the sole of your foot, direct on the rubber sole, didn't it make you slip/slide around?

I did not put it on the soles of my feet -- just toes and the boney ridge of my heel. I did buy a gel insert for the bottom of the shoe -- one of those self-sticking kind that gives a little more protection and stability to the sole of your foot. I find the product far far preferable to vaseline, and very effective.

 

[onwayhome]

As we all know, it's impossible to give shoes a good workout trial before buying them.

I am considering the Keen sandals to hike in and I know that many do. I went and tried some on yesterday and liked them very much. (That said, I was going to opt for the men's as the women's were very narrow, though I started questioning whether extra width would cause a problem. Though they did seem perfect in size)

My concern is this. As with any other time I try to wear a shoe barefoot for a lot of walking, there is inevitably friction related issues of skin against sole....is there some magical reason this would not happen in the Keen's?? It's hard to imagine it not. Part of the attraction is not wearing socks. If I have to wear socks regardless, may just go with what I know and get another pair of Oboz hiking shoes which I love. I thought with the Keen's I might get away with only one pair of shoes, i.e not need a second pair of sandals.

Experience? Can one truly hike all day in Keen's sandals without socks?

I enjoy keen Newports without socks generally but I just don't want to risk blisters when walking longer distances with a pack. My solution is a couple of lightweight coolmax liner socks. Black ones look more discreet I reckon. An additional plus is cleaner feet at the end of the day.

 

[Priscilla NC]

I have a wide toe box and cannot wear the Newports. My go-to sandals are Keen Venice H2, which I wear year round (except when the snow flies). I find it hard to find this model in stores, however. I usually order them from Amazon or Keen itself.

I have worn them for up to 10 miles with no socks and have experienced no friction. Of course YMMV (your mileage may vary). I just have not walked over 10 miles, I'm sure I'd have similar results with higher mileage.

Hope this helps.

 

[Waka]

You could always tape where you think the hot spot is going to be.

 

[Saranger]

I’ve worn Keen Newport H2 (men’s because women’s aren’t long enough) for the last 10 years on every type of trip. I’ve worn out two pair-they fell apart.

Bought a new pair (same size and model) in January 2018 and took on a trip to South America, without wearing them much around home.

This pair is decidedly different than previous two as I developed two blisters on Day 1 walking (sans socks as always) about 6 miles around San Salvador. I’ve never had blisters from Keens before. One was on big toe. The other was on my heel just where it curves at the back, under a callous I keep in check. Deep. And painful. And I didn’t have other “cruising around shoes” because Keens have always been fine.

Ended up cushioning the blisters, draining yet protecting, and wearing socks for the next two weeks. No more blisters but after 5 months of wear they still aren’t as comfortable as my previous pair and any more than 5 miles barefoot I can feel my heel getting a hot spot again as it did in Paris this weekend. Back to socks and lube.

Good luck!