Bottom Line
The KEEN Hyperport H2 is one of the highest rated in our Camp Shoes guide because it is very supportive, well cushioned, versatile, and comfortable. We had some issues with rubbing on the side when testing and acknowledge that it’s not the easiest to slide on at midnight to make a bathroom run. However, overall, this sandal exceeded our expectations.
The Hyperport is billed as a water shoe – one that you might wear to take the kayak out. It works well at water crossings, especially when there are particularly rocky sections to navigate. The sole has a unique pattern that enhances traction without adding bulky spaces for pebbles to get stuck in. The cushy support and snug fit at the heel melted our feet into absolute comfort while wearing.
After a couple of miles, however, we did experience some rubbing from the straps. When we took the shoes off, we had red marks on our feet. This is not a common complaint from user reviewers, however, so this may be a personal fit issue.
How We Tested
We tested this shoe in a few different scenarios. The first was a 2-mile walk around the park, in which we experienced both flooded paved and dirt trails, sandy volleyball courts, gravel pathways, and rocks. Our second test was walking through a shallow stream up to our ankles. This review also takes into consideration tests conducted back at the office, including tests for support and durability.
Quick Specs
HOKA ORA Recovery 3 Slides
Best Recovery Shoe
CleverHiker Rating: 4.9/5.0
Price: $60
Weight (Pair): 15.6 oz.
Pros
- Supportive
- Cushy soles
- Affordable
- Great traction
- Good for both home and camp
Cons
- Not made for walking long distances
- Not as versatile as some
- May be too cushy for some
COMFORT
The Hyperport H2 rated lower than expected for comfort. The fit was excellent and the shoe was relatively easy to throw on, but after a field test, we noticed significant rubbing.
As soon as we put these on, the heel snapped to our foot. The fabric along the back cradled the heel in a way that felt secure and comfortable. While snug, it was still flexible. We wore our normal size in this shoe and felt happy with that decision. Unlike the KEEN Whisper, this sandal didn’t feel too short or like our heel was stepping on the outer edge of the footbed.
As we started our walking test, we immediately noticed how amazing the shock-absorbing foam insole with arch support felt and how it made each step so comfortable. We thought that this would be comfortable enough to hike a full trail. However, the shoe rubbed and made these very uncomfortable.
Our heels slid up during the test, regardless of how tight we cinched the top. This caused rubbing at the arch of the foot. After 1.5 miles without socks, we had blisters starting to form. Even before the blister stage, the rubbing distracted us from the absolute heavenly feel of the soles. We also noticed that we started curling our feet to keep the shoes in place when walking over heavy, damp sand.
The rubbing on the arch was so uncomfortable that we couldn’t wait to get these off. This was such a disappointment because the shoe’s insole is so comfortable.
VERSATILITY
KEEN bills the Hyperport H2 Sandal as a hybrid adventure shoe, meant to hike and travel through water comfortably. When going through water, we noticed it felt grippy and comfortable. KEEN says that the sole is made from something called “Aquagrip” –– a rubber with zonal siping, or horizontal, thin slits. This technique is used for snow or all-terrain tires, providing more flexibility and traction. That Aquagrip worked well in water and also made us comfortable when climbing up boulders.
When we got out of the water and shook our shoes out, a significant amount of water came out. This is all good and fine, but our feet felt squishy when walking. The uppers were soaked through. Even though the company claims these are quick-drying sandals, it took more than two hours for them to fully dry in 60-degree shade.
These sandals exceeded our expectations for hiking, however. We could see ourselves wearing the Hyperport sandals instead of our trail runners for hikes with frequent water crossings. The cushion is incredible, as well, preventing anything on the ground –– from pavement to golf-ball sized rocks –– to penetrate our consciousness. Weighing in at 9.2 oz per sandal, the Hyperport H2 sits in the mid-range of our favorite camp shoes. At this weight, we would think about adding it to a weekend pack for treks into the backcountry –– especially since we’re confident in its ability to keep up anywhere in the environment.
SUPPORT
Support is where we fell in love with the KEEN Hyperport H2 sandals. We tested this metric in two ways:
First, we went through in-office tests of bending and twisting the sole and squeezing the heel. The sole was stiff enough to resist bending when we applied pressure. When we twisted the sandal, it demonstrated a healthy flex that might be appropriate on uneven terrain. Our tests also concluded the heel was stable and supportive.
Sometimes these office tests don’t match the field tests, but when we took this sandal out for its two-mile hike, we were overjoyed with this sandal’s support. They felt as supportive as our trail runners, which made us confident in their long-distance abilities.
DURABILITY
We found no faults with this shoe’s durability nor did user reviewers. After spending a full day of wear, plus a two-mile hike and a good stream soaking, we found the constitution of the shoe immaculate. The uppers feature durable materials that won’t stretch, shrink, or pill. The soles are soft, but when we dug our fingernails into them, they didn’t puncture.
We don’t love that KEEN’s warranty excludes the bungee lacing system, but they will provide support and information to help you replace the bungee lacing system yourself.
Should You Buy the KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal?
The KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal provides excellent value to those looking for a warm-weather option. In spite of some potential rubbing issues, it offered us excellent support, cushion, and traction. The materials feel durable and won praise from other users. These may not fit the bill for someone who wants a more open water shoe –– like the Crocs Classic Clogs –– or a warmer option to protect against chilly nights and four-season camping. However, this sandal can walk through rivers and seashores to the rough granite peaks of our favorite hikes, which makes them even more versatile at camp and on trail.
What Other Camp Shoes Should You Consider?
The KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal is just one of our favorite camp shoes, including
Crocs Classic Clog Review: This classic clog replaces the polyester webbing upper of the KEEN for a fully rubber shoe that dries quicker after water crossings or shoreside days.
Bedrock Mountain Clog Review: These clogs aren’t necessarily made for water, but their incredible traction and cushion make them a great option for a camp shoe.
The North Face ThermoBall Traction Mule V Review: This mule is also not made for water but it is made to keep you warmer during fall and spring camping.
