Men’s KEEN Newport H2 Review

Bottom Line

The KEEN Newport H2‘s are protective, quick-drying sandals for day hikes, water crossings, and daily use. Their burly toe cap is a unique feature on our best hiking sandals for men guide that makes them an excellent choice for protecting your piggies.

The H2’s rank highly for comfort thanks to a supportive arch and a bungee lacing system that offers a snug feel for miles of walking. Reliable tread delivers decent traction on most surfaces, and breathable, fast-drying webbing keeps our feet cool on hot days. They’re even machine washable for easy cleaning after muddy hikes and come in wide, as well as a ton of colorways and sizes, catering to different styles and needs.

The downside? Newport H2’s are among the heavier and bulkier sandals we’ve tested, making them feel a bit clunky on the trail and less stylish in town. The busy webbing doesn’t drain water as well as other sandals, and can trap debris like gravel and sand. It’s also not as breathable as more minimalist sandals, leading to sweaty, hot feet on dry summer days. Finally, they’re a bit spendy – although we think the H2’s are worth it when it comes to comfort, stability, and versatility for a variety of outdoor adventures.

How We Tested

It’s the third year in a row of Editor Ian Krammer using the H2’s regularly for water adventures. Ian spends much of his time paddle boarding and going to hot springs, where the H2’s are his first choice. He’s also taken them on dozens of hikes to and through rivers, creeks, and lakes, and most recently completed a 50-mile packrafting trip with the H2’s. He’s spent 30+ days assessing these sandals for comfort, traction, adjustability and more to deliver an accurate assessment of where they stand out.

Comfort

If comfort is a top priority for you, the KEEN Newport H2’s won’t disappoint. We love the soft, cushy polyester webbing – it’s gentle against the skin and makes these sandals feel cozy right out of the box. They stay comfy even when wet, too. Having tested these hundreds of times in and out of water, the soft polyester is non-abrasive whether it’s soaked, dry, or somewhere in between. Paired with a simple bungee lacing system that offers a snug, cozy feel, the Newport H2’s stay secure all day.

Ian’s favorite thing about the Newport H2’s? The ergonomic EVO insoles. These give the Newports a smooth and slightly forgiving ride cruising on concrete or stepping carefully on trail. KEEN also gives these sandals plenty of arch support, room in the toe box for toes to splay naturally, and a cupped heel – making them comfy out of the box. 

But the Newport H2’s run hot, especially on dry, sunny summer days, which leads to sweaty, clammy feet. The Newport H2’s have a closed toe and substantial webbing that wraps around both sides of the sandal, so it simply doesn’t breathe as well as other sandals. Additionally, the gaps in the webbing trap debris like sand, gravel and even small branches, which can be uncomfortable and difficult to remove without taking off the sandals completely. 

But, none of these issues are dealbreakers. From the first wear to the hundredth, we found them comfortable – and we’re confident you will too.

Traction

When it comes to traction, the KEEN Newport H2’s are a reliable option for most outdoor terrain. The lugs are fairly shallow and wide, but that’s exactly what we want in a water-centric shoe, as it keeps lots of contact with the ground for steady grip even when surfaces are slippery. The toe and heel areas both have slight ridges to offer a bit of extra grip on moderate ascents and descents. 

Ian’s used these shoes dozens of times to climb over wet, rocky banks when swimming at alpine lakes, and the lower-profile lug pattern is effective for stability. The KEEN rubber is sticky enough for packed dirt, smoother surfaces, and wet terrain. It’s also non-marking, so these are a solid choice for the pool or boat trips. 

But, the shallow lugs struggle on soft terrain where deeper lugs are better for biting into the ground. That’s disappointing considering how burly the toe cap is. Ian’s repeatedly found they can feel a bit unreliable on off-camber trails and super muddy routes, too.

Stability

If you’re looking for sandals with a stable ride, these are the ones for you. The Newport H2’s are wide, fairly stiff and have shallow lugs, a combination that makes for a balanced feel whether you’re just walking the dog or hiking on miles of trail. The ergonomic footbed has both arch support and cushioning, and the bungee tightening system keeps our feet securely in place to prevent foot sliding.

These are fairly heavy sandals, at 1 pound, 12.3 ounces. That’s heavy compared to many options on our sandals guide, but it gives the Newport H2’s a solid, anchored feel. The burly toe cap contributes to the weight, but it adds a real sense of security akin to a hiking shoe, especially on technical trails.

The biggest downside of this design? They’re bulky, and can feel a bit overkill for low-key and short outings where a lighter model is preferable. However, if you don’t mind a bit more weight, these are a stable shoe in most terrain.

Adjustability

Adjusting the Newport H2 is a one-step process. Instead of laces, KEEN uses a single bungee cord. Simply pull the plastic tab at the top to tighten or loosen the entire system quickly, and the polyester webbing will tighten around your foot’s shape for a secure, comfy fit.

Our testing finds the bungee stays solidly in place without needing much adjustment. The sandals flex around our feet for stability even in soaking conditions. A burly heel tab makes it easy to slip the sandals on and off, too.

However, the Newport H2’s score low in this category because they can’t be fine-tuned. There’s no way to adjust for tension or pressure points across the foot or at the heel, so the H2’s aren’t a customizable fit. Most of the competition can be adjusted in two to four other ways: the heel, across the foot, along the sides, and at the toes.

Some of our testers loved this design and others didn’t. We recommend trying them on yourself to see if the simple pull-cord design is a selling point or a dealbreaker.

Durability

The H2’s are decently durable thanks to their huge, burly rubber toe cap and sturdy construction. We’ve spent two years putting them through the wringer all over the Colorado Rockies, and the rubber soles and toe cap have held up well. Since they’re all one connected piece, the Newport H2’s give stellar protection against sharp plants, rocks, roots and branches.

Soft polyester uppers are also surprisingly resistant against wear over time. KEEN double stitches the seams in high-tension areas for reinforcement.

That said, Ian’s pair is around 400 miles, and they’re in rough shape. The lugs have worn flat at the ball of the foot, which has led to less traction. And, the outsoles are delaminating from the midsole at the heel. This is due to an adhesive failure. Additionally, the polyester lacing loops, which hold the bungee in place, are fraying after about 18 months. 

According to our research and testing, these are common wear-and-tear issues with the Newport H2’s. That said, 400 miles isn’t an especially long distance for heavy duty sandals.

Versatility

The Newport H2’s blend elements of a hiking shoe, like a cushy insole and a thick rubber toecap, with the freedom of a sandal, like soft, airy uppers and gaps for breathability. This combo makes them versatile for days tubing down the river or roadtripping to see friends. They’re a breeze to clean up when you’re done playing in the muck, too – just toss them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle to clean.

Our biggest complaint comes down to their unusual look, though. While H2’s are awesomely functional on the river, they aren’t the sexiest sandals out there for urban activities, with a huge toe cap and busy webbing that doesn’t exactly scream sleek or stylish.

But, that’s never stopped us from wearing them out and about. We’ve taken H2’s to patios and concerts in the park, and we’ve even worn them with socks. Plus, with a kaleidoscope of designs and colors, you can match these to your personal style.

Should You Buy the Men’s KEEN Newport H2’s?

The KEEN Newport H2’s are for dudes who want stable and protective sandals for hikes with water and moderate terrain. Their burly toe caps and uppers with polyester webbing make them feel more like hiking shoes, so these are a great choice for saving your toes from pokey underbrush and sharp rocks. They’re also a smart move for adventures with water thanks to fairly fast-drying uppers and lots of gaps for breathability, making them a favorite for creek crossings and days on the river or playing at the lake. The Newport H2’s bungee lacing system offers quick, one-step adjustments for folks who prefer a simple, no-nonsense adjustment system. Low-profile lugs offer plenty of arch support for a secure ride on moderate terrain.

That said, we don’t recommend the Newport H2’s if you want ultralight, minimalist sandals. The bulky design and heavier weight can be a downside if you’re after a barefoot design or want a more packable design. The webbing can trap debris, which can be annoying to get out, and the polyester uppers can run hot. But with so many color choices, these sandals transition effortlessly from adventure to après, and we’ve rocked them to a brewery more times than we can count. If you don’t mind paying a bit more for a protective and reliable all-around sandals, the KEEN Newport H2’s sandals deliver excellent value and performance.

What Other Men’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

Check out our best hiking sandals for men guide to see how the KEEN Newport H2’s compare to the competition. Also, consider these other top picks:

Astral Webber Review: Like the Newport H2’s, the Webbers’ offer a water-ready design and comfortable fit for tackling days in creeks, lakes, and beyond. The Webbers aren’t as stable or comfortable, but they’re a solid alternative. 

Teva Terra Fi 5 Review: The Teva Terra Fi 5 are a great choice for long days of wear in and out of the water. However, these offer many more points of adjustability with several straps – and better traction and support.

Chaco Z/1 Classic Review: The Chaco Z/1 Classic aren’t specifically water shoes, but they’re versatile for wet adventures like the KEENS. These are even heavier, although they’re more adjustable and durable.