Keen Sandals

[rector]

We set out from St Jean in exactly 8 weeks time. Last time on the Frances our boots got soaked outside Estella and took 5 days to dry out and so we decided that this time we would have a pair of multi purpose sandles and thought that Keens would be a good choice, but now we are not so sure. Does anyone have experience of walking any distance in them, or does anyone have any other suggestions. My wife hates warm feet and the warmer sections are a bit of a trial for her.

 

[lynnejohn]

My husband has often walked long pieces of the camino in Keen sandals, and they have been more than adequate.
Pros: Comfortable, no blisters, airy, good gripping sole, easy to get on and off.
Cons: Stones get in, socks or no socks. Keen sandals get stinkier than any other shoe I've come across.

 

[rector]

Thanks, strange you have the same combination of names as ourselves. it is good to hear that they are comfortable and the stones we had worked out, but we were concerned about the slipping about underfoot. Once again thanks for your help.

 

[Anniesantiago]

We set out from St Jean in exactly 8 weeks time. Last time on the Frances our boots got soaked outside Estella and took 5 days to dry out and so we decided that this time we would have a pair of multi purpose sandles and thought that Keens would be a good choice, but now we are not so sure. Does anyone have experience of walking any distance in them, or does anyone have any other suggestions. My wife hates warm feet and the warmer sections are a bit of a trial for her.

Talk to Patricia Moak (she's on the forum). She walked with me two years ago. Her feet looked like hamburger by Los Arcos. She bought a pair of Keen Sandals and walked in them the rest of the Camino quite comfortably.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

When my 25 year old niece met me in Sarria to finish the walk, she arrived in the most ridiculous boots! So, she walked in my Keen sandals and she did quite well in them.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Our whole family (11 of us) walked Astorga to Santiago in Keens. I was the only one with a problem and that was because the sandal was too tight.

 

[dkenagy]

We set out from St Jean in exactly 8 weeks time. Last time on the Frances our boots got soaked outside Estella and took 5 days to dry out and so we decided that this time we would have a pair of multi purpose sandles and thought that Keens would be a good choice, but now we are not so sure. Does anyone have experience of walking any distance in them, or does anyone have any other suggestions. My wife hates warm feet and the warmer sections are a bit of a trial for her.

I have walked twice in Keen knockoffs called Nevados. They are extremely light and well-ventilated, and they have a "back" - solid portion behind the heel - which Keens do not have. I've gotten 1000 miles out of one pair (I have ten pairs) and they cost $40 max via the internet. You DON'T NEED BOOTS! They are heavy, hot, abrasive, impermeable and prone to cause blisters.

 

[Wynne. Carson]

I have walked twice in Keen knockoffs called Nevados. They are extremely light and well-ventilated, and they have a "back" - solid portion behind the heel - which Keens do not have. I've gotten 1000 miles out of one pair (I have ten pairs) and they cost $40 max via the internet. You DON'T NEED BOOTS! They are heavy, hot, abrasive, impermeable and prone to cause blisters.

Ok, I am pretty well-convinced. However, in May wouldn't one run the danger of slogging through mud in open shoes?

 

[Olivares]

I would never tell anybody what they need or don't when it comes to hiking shoes. I can only relate MY experience and let you to it.

So, on that note: I walked in Merell boots and absolutely loved them. They feel light, my ankles feel well anchored, my heel feel cushioned from the repetitious impact, and I walked happy with them. Om the other hand, I have tried dozens of hiking sandals so far and NONE of them feel comfortable whatsoever. Bottom line: you have to try them; nobody can walk on YOUR shoes .

 

[rector]

Bought the Keens today and they fitted like a glove for both of us the test will come when we wear them and and the question is whether or not we take our leather Bergus boots with one Frances on them or our Merrill approach shoes for the mud and rain. The Bergus are like old friends and you feel invincible in them but they are heavy. But thanks everyone for all your comments and encouragement. Today we got the first aid stuff but we could not decide on hats well anyway only seven weeks on Sunday we fly out of Dublin and hope that there are more to share our Express Bouricout taxi to St Jean thanks again everyone!

 

[WalkingJane]

I would never tell anybody what they need or don't when it comes to hiking shoes. I can only relate MY experience and let you to it.

So, on that note: I walked in Merell boots and absolutely loved them. They feel light, my ankles feel well anchored, my heel feel cushioned from the repetitious impact, and I walked happy with them. Om the other hand, I have tried dozens of hiking sandals so far and NONE of them feel comfortable whatsoever. Bottom line: you have to try them; nobody can walk on YOUR shoes .

Exactly. To each, what works for them. My feet will not tolerate hiking boots but Keen sandals work fine. I do wear dress boots at home, just for ambling about, nothing near hiking/Camino walking.

 

[ginniek]

We set out from St Jean in exactly 8 weeks time. Last time on the Frances our boots got soaked outside Estella and took 5 days to dry out and so we decided that this time we would have a pair of multi purpose sandles and thought that Keens would be a good choice, but now we are not so sure. Does anyone have experience of walking any distance in them, or does anyone have any other suggestions. My wife hates warm feet and the warmer sections are a bit of a trial for her.

Because of a variety of inherited orthopedic problems, which I deal with continually by means of yoga, core strengthening, etc., I need footwear that provides support. The only sandals that fit the bill for me are Hoka's Hoparas, which I really love. They are sufficiently airy/cool, but keep dirt, sand, stone, etc. out. For really rocky conditions I still wear Hoka mid hiking shoes/boots.