For a company that got its start crafting water-focused, toe-protecting sandals (that heavy black rubber toe cover is the company’s trademark), Keen has rapidly expanded into nearly every corner of the outdoor footwear market. These days, you can get hiking boots, casual shoes and even work footwear, all with that comfortable KEEN fit and feel.

The Gallatin CNX is where the multiple points of the company’s product line come together.

Built like a sort of sandal-shoe hybrid, the Gallatin CNX is, according to KEEN, an “ultralight, full-coverage, go-for-it water shoe” that provides the benefits of a sandal in a package that can do more than your average strap-on footwear.

Like a water sandal, the shoe features an “amphibious” rubber sole with flex grooves to provide sure grip on both wet and dry surfaces. It’s also heavily vented along the sides, so it won’t get waterlogged or slow you down when at sea.

But, like a shoe, the Gallatin CNX also offers the support of a low-profile PU midsole that doesn’t feel anything like your typical sandal sole. And, in today’s sea of floppy Teva knockoffs and foam-slab summer footwear options, it’s a nice change of pace for those of us who can appreciate a real arch in a warm-weather shoe. There’s real support here.

Still, given the sandal-inspired looks of the Gallatin CNX, I’m not sure how much wear time they’ll be getting away from the water. They just don’t look enough like a casual shoe to fit in for most of us. But as a secure, supportive water shoe/sandal alternative they more than fit the bill.

The Gallatin CNX is available direct from KEEN or from a wide range of footwear retailers.

I aim to stay dry on most of my hikes but sometimes there is the occasional neck-deep river fording in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park or getting caught in a heavy downpour in Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rainforest.

In such situations, I have ended up using a plastic tarp/bag to protect my backpack and have always wished for a rugged waterproof backpack that would be more effective against the power of water. To my delight, my wish was granted when Outdoor Products sent me their Amphibian Weather Defense Backpack to try it out.

I love the Outdoor Products brand and have several of their products which I adore, including their backpacks and outdoor accessories for hiking and backpacking. I’ve been using their Amphibian Weather Defense backpack for several weeks now and I must say, I’m very impressed with the top-notch quality and effective waterproofness of this product.

The backpack is made from 420 Denier fabric (densely weaved) with thermoplastic polyurethane coating (TPU) which is resistant to oil, grease and abrasion. The backpack is a comfortable size capable of holding approx 20 liters, which is great for both weekend or day trips. I was initially not sure of the roll-top seal, but after using it for a while, I’ve realized that this is the most effective way of keeping water out during a heavy downpour or when fording a river. The welded seams all over the bag and the roll-top seal ensures the bag is completely watertight and all your belongings remain dry and safe.

On a recent camping trip in California’s Big Sur wilderness, I loaded up Outdoor Products Amphibian Weather Defense backpack with everything that I needed for the weekend and hauled it onto my shoulders. Thanks to its comfortable padded shoulder straps and sternum handle, the backpack did not feel heavy at all! There’s even a handle on top of the backpack which allowed me to carry it around easily when I wasn’t wearing it. I love that the backpack has a front mesh pocket with a zipper and two side pockets that allowed me to easily access essentials (like energy bars, chewing gum, headlamp etc) on the trail without having to open up the roll-top main compartment.

I always carry my hiking poles on strenuous trails and Outdoor Products Amphibian Weather Defense Backpack makes it easy to stow the poles away when I don’t need them. Hiking at night is made easier and safer with reflective accents that make the backpack and you visible from a distance. Although I haven’t hiked at night yet with this backpack, it makes me feel better with the knowledge that the backpack already has its own reflective accents. The Outdoor Products Amphibian Weather Defense backpack comes in many colors, I love the one I got which is a bright eye-catching red, there’s also a cheerful blue color available online.

With all these amazing features rolled into one backpack, it’s no wonder that Outdoor Products Amphibian Weather Defense Backpack has been consistently voted the #1 Waterproofing Backpack by Backpacker Magazine! I look forward to using this backpack on many more exciting hikes in the future. Perhaps hiking the Virgin river through the Narrows in Zion National Park is where I should be headed next?

Buy your own Amphibian Weather Defense Backpack here for $59.99.

For all other Outdoor Products, go here.

Disclosure: Outdoor Products provided for my Amphibian Weather Defense Backpack in exchange for writing about my experience. Regardless, everything I have said in this post reflects my honest observations and opinions.

Ever dreamt of a shoe that you can wear all day long whether you’re kayaking on a river, hiking on a trail or walking along an ocean beach? Your dream has materialized in the form of Sperry Top-Sider’s H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers…

These trendy and amphibious shoes boast an ultra-lightweight design featuring Adaptive Wave-Siping technology. Innovatively designed internal water-channels ensure that any excess water is squeezed out from the shoes, leaving your feet dry and comfortable after a river run. So you can continue kayaking, surfing, swimming or hiking without having to worry about packing an extra pair of shoes to keep your feet dry.

The H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers are the perfect accessory for summer. Weighing just 5.6 ounces, these shoes are built with quick-drying upper mesh material and inner lining. Wearing these shoes, you can fearlessly go kayaking, river rafting, jet skiing, SUP-ing, boating, hiking along the river and a dozen other possibilities.

Brightly colored bungee cords not only dazzle but also ensure that the shoes can be easily slipped on or off. The bungee also helps securely fasten the shoes onto your feet, so even if you’re caught by a wave when surfing or knocked over when balancing on your paddle, rest assured that these shoes will keep your feet well protected.

I’ve worn the H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers several times now and found them to be ultra comfortable and lightweight. They fit snugly onto my feet and the breathable material keeps my feet cool and dry even on hot summer days. If they get wet, the shoes dry super fast so you won’t have to worry about dragging your feet around in damp shoes. I love the flexible sole with sturdy raised treads which provide a solid grip on wet slippery surfaces.

The H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers are a must-have accessory this summer. The Women’s shoes come in 3 vibrant colors – Fuchsia, Gray and Blue. The Women’s sizes run from 6-10 and are true to size, although you can go a half-size bigger if you like your shoes a bit roomier. The Men’s shoes come in a wide color palette.

MSRP for the H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers is $90

To order your Womens H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers, click here.

To order your Men’s H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers, click here.

For more on all products by Sperry Top-Sider, click here.

Disclosure: Sperry Top-Sider provided for my H2O Escape Bungee Sneakers in exchange for writing about my experience. Regardless, everything I have said in this post reflects my honest observations and opinions.

The KEEN Alpha WP CNX is a low drop, low-cut shoe featuring a waterproof breathable layer. It is neither a trail runner nor a light hiker, per se. It could fulfill either role, however, as well as offering an alternative to sneakers for around the town and travel wear.

The KEEN Alpha WP CNX feature a waterproof-breathable layer.

Design features include:

• The KEEN signature toe bumper
• A contoured polyurethane (PU) midsole for arch support and good cushioning without squishiness
• KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable layer
• A heel cup married with a sturdy heel counter forming a nicely fitted pocket
• A mesh-cushioned heel collar notched to accommodate the wearer’s Achilles tendon
• A minimal insole (but see contoured midsole above)

I have put a few dozen trail and sidewalk miles on my Alphas over the past month. They are a lightweight shoe; my size 9US (8UK/42EU) pair weigh in 25.5 oz / 723 grams. The Alphas have worked well for me so far in the majority of instances when I have used light hikers in the past. As to trail running, I am not a trailrunner myself, so I would encourage anyone considering using the Alphas as their primary shoe in that role to try them on at a brick and mortar store prior to purchase.

My only caveat with the Alphas involves the waterproof breathable layer. If the weather is hot and humid the wearer is going to sweat a lot faster than the shoes will be able to vent, resulting in soggy feet. By the same token, a wearer caught in a rainstorm is going to end up with rain-sodden footwear that is not going to walk dry quickly. But on cool, dewy mornings and on muddy trails during fall and spring hikes the waterproofing will go a long way towards keeping the wearer’s toes warm.

MSRP for the KEEN Alpha WP CNX is $130. For more, check out the manufacturer’s site.

To purchase the KEEN Alpha WP CNX, click here.

– Matthew Timothy Bradley

I am sitting here wearing a brand new pair of KEEN Clearwater sandals while I write this review. Which should raise the question of how I can write a review of a sandal designed for outdoor adventure if I am wearing them as a pair of bedroom slippers. More on that later.

I don’t consider my kayaking footwear clothing but another piece of paddling equipment just like my paddle and pfd so there are a few things I need in my sandals. Most importantly, they need to protect my feet. When I am scrambling over rocks carrying my boat to the water’s edge I can’t always see where I am placing my feet. I need a sole that is rugged enough to protect the bottom of my foot when I step on a sharp rock. And I need toe protection when I slam my toes into a rock.

I also need a sole that is grippy. Wet rocks and seaweed can be slippery and I need to have confidence that I’m not going to end up on my butt with a loaded kayak on top of me.

I want footwear that is light and low profile. There is not a ton of foot-room inside a kayak so big, bulky sandals aren’t going to cut it.

Probably like most paddlers, most of my kayaking footwear doesn’t come anywhere near the house. The funky smell of shoes that have spent most of the time wet isn’t pleasant to say the least so washable sandals and maybe even treated sandals would be a bonus.

Like all footwear, whether it’s for the office or the beach, they need to be comfortable and look good. When we’re enjoying a post paddle beer in the pub it’s nice to be wearing a stylish pair of sandals.

The KEEN Clearwater sandals meet all my requirements. These sandals are lightweight while still providing the protection I want. The toe cap is smaller than one some of KEEN’s older styles, giving a nicer profile while still saving my toes from those bumps on the rocks. This smaller toe cap also lets me wear them inside my sea kayak. This might not seem important until I have to come ashore with some following surf and I’m scrambling to climb out of my boat in a hurry onto a rocky beach.

Like the toe cap, the soles are low profile so I can wear them in my boat. They do protect the bottoms of my feet. They do have some grip but really, I have yet to wear anything that can take a hold on slippery seaweed.

These sandals are factory treated with microbial protection and are washable so I really hope to avoid that horrible smell and bring them in from the back deck.

And yes, they look good. Mine are midnight navy with golden yellow piping.

So, how can I endorse them when I haven’t worn them out of the house yet? Simple, this is my second pair. I lost my first pair when I flipped over in my white water boat and went for a swim. I had the sandals behind the seat and they didn’t survive the dunking. I liked the first pair so much I bought another pair on the way home.

To purchase the KEEN Clearwater Sandals, click here. For more information on KEEN Footwear, visit www.keenfootwear.com.

In the middle of Southern California’s heat-wave, I was anxious for good news. I was hoping for the first dousing of rain to arrive, but sometimes good news comes in the form of light packages delivered to your front door.

Reaching across the threshold of my doorstep into the hot, heavy air, the box FedEx had just dropped off felt wispy, a mere pound (0.5kg) at best. There was supposed to be pair of Women’s KEEN Clearwater CNX sandals inside of the box. However, the box was surprisingly light. Had KEEN mailed me an empty container on accident?

Closing the door, I left the oppressive heat behind and ripped into the carton. It wasn’t empty inside as there were a size 7.5 sandals in a cranberry-esque shade of pink. I held one in each hand and examined every detail. Folding the shoes in half, I noted their flexibility. Then, tugging at the bungee lace, I thought of their promise of a custom fit. Finally, tossing them in the air, I noted their unbearable lightness.

Look at this beautiful cranberry-esque, a.k.a Barberry/Hot Coral KEEN Clearwater CNX sandal!

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Using The KEEN Women’s Clearwater CNX Sandal As A Lifestyle Sandal

I’d read about the CNX technology – the proprietary and lightweight midsole construction, a sole that allows better connection to ground surfaces, and a contoured arch and metatarsal ridge configuration for better support. Holding a Clearwater CNX sandal in each hand, I admired their profile and color (KEEN called them Barberry/Hot Coral) and thought, “Whatever, these are cute.”

Unbearably Lightweight

While the traditional KEEN sandal styling was recognizable – KEEN’s patented toe protection, a webbed upper, an open heel, and a bungee cord lace – the weight was not. These were feather-light. So light I grabbed my first-generation KEEN sandals – my trusty Newports – and performed a high-tech, side-by-side comparison.

I held a Newport in my left hand and a Clearwater CNX in my right. I tossed and caught the shoes, juggling them in the air. The Newports, at almost a pound (0.5 kg), were considerably heavier than my brand new KEEN delivery. According to KEEN’s product specs, the Clearwater CNX’s are a measly 7.6 ounces per shoe. Either way, they felt airy in my hand.

Sizing Recommendations 

Now I was just anxious to move into the long Fourth of July holiday weekend and put these sandals to the test. First up: a trip to the grocery store. I needed to stock up, and I wanted to show these shoes off. They paired nicely with shorts and a t-shirt, and I felt mountain-town cool.

As a seasoned KEEN footwear owner (there are thirteen pairs of KEEN shoes in my home), I had ordered one size larger than my usual shoe size despite KEEN’s fit tip. My feet are wide, and my Newports chafe my pinky toe. Plus, many of the newer model KEEN’s tend to run narrower than my giant feet. I’d employed this successful strategy – sizing up – when I’d purchased my KEEN Commuter bike sandals.

Thankfully, my sizing up strategy worked for the Clearwater CNX too. The CNX’s felt snug but did not irritate my small toe into an angry red mass.

Comfortable 

Furthermore, the texture of the polyester webbed uppers felt soft against my skin yet durable. Like they wouldn’t give the first time, I moved aggressively in a direction other than forward or backward, particularly as I dodged the haphazard maneuvers of frenzied shoppers.

Durable

The soles and tread also felt tough. KEEN notes their low-profile CNX’s boost the “natural flexibility of the foot” and improve “ground contact.” They even promise the shoe “provides advanced traction on slick surfaces.” This info was useful to know because I had plans for this shoe.

But for now, as a lifestyle sandal, the Clearwater CNX received high marks, meaning they looked good, were super comfortable, didn’t overheat my feet, and provided protection from wayward shopping carts piloted by children.

Read More: KEEN Newport H2 Sandals Change Summer Fun Forever

Using The KEEN Women’s Clearwater CNX As A Hiking Shoe

Next up was a trip into the woods to walk my energetic golden retriever. We opted to trek his favorite trail called ‘Don’t Shoot Me.’ It’s rugged, starts and finishes at a shooting range (which requires a bit of speed until you clear the perimeter), and ascends as much as it descends. In addition to the features above, the Clearwater CNX delivered in a few other areas as well.

Foot Support

The contoured sole of the Clearwater CNX delivered enough arch support for the three-mile, round-trip hike. Also, the low-profile sole supplied considerable traction on the slick DG (decomposed granite).

Foot Protection

KEEN’s notable full-toe and foot protection also came in handy as I climbed over downed trees, scrambled through boulder gardens, and squeezed between overgrown sage bushes I was sure concealed rattlesnakes. Again, I was impressed with the Clearwater CNX sandals.

Using The KEEN Women’s Clearwater CNX Sandals In The Water

To escape the heat, I took to the water and brought the Clearwater CNX’s along. I decided to standup paddleboard wearing the Clearwater CNX sandals. While I usually SUP sans shoes, I was in the mood for distance. On a paddleboard, distance equals time on my feet, which is always made better with a bit of foot support.

But would the Clearwater CNX sandals be too bulky? Or, would I hate the confinement? Lastly, would I be too hot or lose connection with the board? These were all questions I had as I donned the Clearwater CNX’s, pulled the bungee cord tight, and stepped aboard.

I paddle boarded a little over 12k, and the Clearwater CNX’s minimalist sole held their own: supporting my arches while accepting the stresses of aggressive reaches and quick changes in-stance that resembled balancing drills.

Lace-Capture

The following day I showed up at the shoreline again, this time with my 17-foot touring kayak. Sliding into the cockpit, I positioned the footpegs and was pleased to use KEEN’s lace-capture feature, a plastic clasp to tuck the 2mm bungee away.

Performance

I paddled 15k, noting that kayak footwear is about performance. I’d pushed hard against the footpegs as I edged around buoys. I even dumped over to see how the sandals fared as I re-inserted myself into the boat.

The Clearwater CNX’s did well: they protected my feet and allowed me to maintain the necessary connection points between my toes and heels and the bottom and sides of the boat. Most of all, the tight-fitting sandal and lace-capture system assured me there was no danger of snagging a shoe.

Moreover, I’d carried both of my paddle-crafts to and from the car wearing the Clearwater CNX sandals, and they handled the muck of the shore well. They also eased my worries that I would stub my toe and trip due to my limited peripheral. Only a few annoying pebbles made their way between my toes, but they were easily dispensed with a quick flip of the sandals off and back on again.

Read More: Kayaking Articles

Additional Considerations of the Women’s Clearwater CNX Sandals

After the excursions, I had time to consider the sandal and a few other noteworthy features.

Color

Another consideration of the shoe is the color. While I was initially hesitant about the Barberry/Hot Coral sandal’s KEEN sent me. However, after five days of testing, I highly recommend stepping outside your color box and reaping the benefits of their exuberance.

But if you’d rather sport riotous color well above your ankles, KEEN makes the Clearwater CNX in a refined black on black and a Gargoyle Grey nuanced by Norse Blue.

Washable

My favorite feature of these KEEN Clearwater CNXs though, is that they’re washable. Filthy from a busy weekend of non-stop use, their pink color was the mere hue of its former self. I tossed the sandals into the washer with a small amount of detergent, and in 20 minutes, the brilliance of the Barberry tone returned, and they were ready for a night at the pub.

Overall

The Clearwater CNX is incredibly versatile. From pavement to dirt to water, the Clearwater is constructed to shift with you. The sandal is comfortable and will provide you the support, protection, and performance when you need it most.

In fact, I came up with a list of other uses for my new Clearwater CNX sandals, including a lightweight camp shoe for backpacking, a transition shoe between mountain biking and lunch, and a great lifestyle shoe for my quiver of summer sandals that’s hip and cool and says “I make this outfit look easy.”

Have you used the KEEN Clearwater CNX sandals? What’s your favorite feature? What adventures do you enjoy using them most?

KEEN Clearwater CNX Sandal Specs

Weight: 7.6 oz per shoe
Shoe Construction: 4mm mid-sole drop with a non-marking rubber outsole, patented toe protection, and Aegis Microbe Shield lining to control odor-causing bacteria.
Retail: $110.00

Purchase the KEEN Clearwater CNX Sandals for Women or the KEEN Clearwater CNX Sandals for Men  For more information on KEEN Footwear, visit www.keenfootwear.com.

Article updated April 23, 2020, to include additional links and formatting changes

The Newport H2 Sandal is what would happen if the KEEN Targhee shoe ate a KEEN Portico Flip; the two would magically morph into a pair of Newports. No matter the sport—even for everyday wearing—the Newport Sandal is the perfect solution that combines comfort with functionality.

Simply put, the KEEN Newport is the answer to the numerous “river-to-trail” challenges: when stand up paddleboarding quickly becomes a day of bouldering (and vice versa).

I’m not the kind of guy that wears a sandal. I have my “go-to” flips, but a full sandal is a big commitment for me. In my opinion, most sandals look goofy; I can’t help but think of a scene involving a bunch of dudes in togas—wearing their silly leather sandals—sitting around discussing philosophy. However, if these dudes were wearing Newports, they would be ready for a day of canoeing the Aliakmonas River and then hiking Mount Olympus.

I digress.

What I’m getting at is that I’ve adopted my Newports for all-things summer adventure. I wear them all the time. I’ve even gone as far as outfitting my whole family with pairs of Newports. Of course, as the saying goes: “A family that wears their KEEN sandals together, stays together.”

During my recent retreat to Rosemary Beach, Fla., for a little “R and R,” my Newport sandals represented the only footwear I bothered to pack. On the beach and in the surf, they performed flawlessly and didn’t become dead weight on my feet—after being drenched in saltwater and sand.

During our Florida vacation, my kids wore their Newport sandals with pride—my wife included. Ultimately, they became handy when hiking over the sun-drenched sand and toasty sidewalks. Spending time near the waves and then touring Rosemary Beach called for the Newports’ versatility and dependability. There was no whining with the Newports in charge.

My brief history with sandals has always been a tumultuous one. I abuse my footwear. In the past, straps would fail, buckles would bust, and elastic fasteners would snap. The Newports have survived some hearty abuse from yours truly:

• The AEGIS microbe shield treated hydrophobic mesh lining and polyester webbing upper have remained intact, and they still hold up to a lot of “wet and dry” situations—no matter the sport of choice (aside from snowshoeing, of course).
• The Secure-fit Lace Capture System with added hook and loop adjustability still perform reliably and without fail.

My favorite feature on the Newport sandal is the patented, KEEN-branded toe protector. Like most of KEEN’s shoes and sandals, the mighty toe protector escalates each pair to a level where rugged and active pursuits are no match for its dependability.

I’m sure there are millions of toes—protected from all kinds of mayhem—that would gratefully thank KEEN for its innovation and ingenuity. I know mine do.

For more information on the KEEN Newport Sandal for kids, visit http://bit.ly/MXlYuo. For the men’s Newport, visit http://bit.ly/MXm3hK. For the women’s Newport, visit http://bit.ly/MXlK6v.

To purchase the KEEN Newport sandal: Men’s – http://bit.ly/Pb2SmF, Women’s – http://bit.ly/Pb3j0c, Kids – http://bit.ly/Pb3Gbg.

(This was first published on Snowshoe Magazine.)