Keen sandels

[Betty Bauer]

Do they stretch when they are being broken in? My guess is yes ... but I also really hope the real answer is yes ... since the one's I've just bought are a bit snug in terms of getting my foot (and I have small feet) all the way into them. I know the base won't change, I'm just thinking of the upper part.

 

[Betty Bauer]

To clarify, I have them on ... it just seems like it would be a challenge wearing socks with them, etc. unless they give a little more, which I'm assuming they'll do in the future.

 

[lynnejohn]

Don't buy them. If they are snug, they don't fit. Buy something else that fits, and wear your socks, if that's what you intend to do.. Breaking in shoes is chancy - some shoes never break in. I've worn Keens and worn them right out of the store and they never fit any differently months later.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

Agree with lynnejohn. They should fit with with socks on. I brought Keen Whisper waterproof sandals and loved them on the trail, with or without socks. I got them 1/2 size larger than normal.

 

[Kiwi-family]

yes, but no. I bought a pair that fit perfectly and I wore them for three years - always perfectly comfortable. When I replaced them, the new pair (same style, same size) was much too tight so I went up a size. It was still snug, but I talked to myself the way you have talked to us. I got blisters after a few days of 15+km. I have since ditched those sandals and have done walks up to 30km and not had a hint of a blister (just one hot spot teh day I did not wear liner socks as well as woolen socks and y feel slipped round a bit causing too much friction)
I would highly advise you AGAINST those sandals in that size.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Shoes just depend on the person.
Honestly.
There is no "one type fits all.'
Example: My friend Patty's feet looked like hamburger by the time we arrived in Los Arcos.
She bought a pair of Keen sandals and was happy all the way to Santiago.

I tried on every pair of Keen Sandals in REI last year and they all hurt my feet like heck!
I have hobbit feet - narrow heels, VERY wide toes, and a high instep.
New Balance trail shoes on an SL-2 shoe last work for me.

That said, the NB shoes have always lasted quite well for 2 Caminos.
Last year, by the time I finished, I was holding my pair together with duct tape.
So ya nevah know...

 

[Betty Bauer]

I decided to exchange them for a pair a full size larger. Hopefully these ones will fit more normally. They are the Keen Whispers.

 

[MM4214]

Good call Betty.
I love my Keen sandals and have worn them in for the past year but as I approach my due Camino date (sounds like a much awaited baby doesn't it), I am preserving the wear and tear on them by only training in them every few weeks on short walks. I don't want to break a new pair in before May 13th- my due date!!!

 

[weradln]

I wore Keen Newport sandals every day for over a year. There is no break in period with them. Walked a mile or two most days and did a few 10 mile hikes over very rocky trails with them. But I ultimately developed foot problems due to the minimal cushioning they provide. I have since switched to ECCO Sport Terra VG Fisherman sandals which are very similar to the Keens but with a far better foot bed & cushioning. I'm planing on wearing them on the Camino.

 

[cher99840]

I love my Keen sandals. They were my "second shoe" on the Camino and I walked in them about a third of the time as well as evenings after the walk. They never stretched but they did wear out and are good for nothing now except yard work (support vanished). I have replaced them with an identical pair because they served me well. They took no breaking in at all.

 

[Betty Bauer]

I have my second pair now and I think I've discovered the answer to at least part of the mystery for me. This may be true for all the Keen sandal models, I don't know, but the way the lace tightens everything (including around the ankle) at once seemed to push my foot backwards in the smaller size. I suppose it wanted my ankle to be smaller or something, since I normally wear shoes sized for people more than 6 in. shorter than I am. I'll have to see how these work.