KEEN Rose Overview | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The KEEN Rose mountaineering sandals primarily cater to hikers with slim toes who battle to seek out sandals that match snugly and in addition want toe safety. Their slim footbed and single adjustment level create a safe match, whereas the midsole is plush sufficient to help all-day put on. Nonetheless, for anybody with impartial or extensive toes, the KEEN Roses are prone to really feel restrictive and uncomfortable. 

With a considerable heel-to-toe drop and padded straps, these sandals excel in shock absorption and heel consolation, making them a wonderful selection for gentle trails and concrete walks. Their cumbersome building and common traction point out that these sandals aren’t suited to technical hikes or as a light-weight secondary possibility. We imagine that at 19 ounces per pair, they signify an ideal possibility for low-key adventures. Try different choices in our mountaineering sandal gear information.

How We Examined

We wore the KEEN Rose sandals throughout various terrain, protecting a number of miles in a nationwide forest. Whereas testing them, we thought of components that influenced consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, ease of use, and weight and packability to guage them in accordance with our testing methodology.

Consolation

The KEEN Rose sandals are 100% suited to slim toes. We tried sporting these with socks as a result of we needed to do some jogging or downhill working in them, as we did with different sneaker-like sandals. Nonetheless, we couldn’t even wedge our toes into the sandals with socks on, and the socks weren’t unusually thick; they had been light-cushion working socks. So, we ditched the socks and went with out them, and even then, we had been barely in a position to squeeze our neutral-width toes in. 

This actually exhibits how slim they’re. We’re not calling this out as a foul factor; it’s truly an ideal factor for individuals who have slender toes and battle to seek out mountaineering sandals that match snugly. 

As a result of these had been so cosy on our lead tester, she solely managed to hike three miles in them, unable to go additional with out going through critical discomfort. Due to the tightness, they rubbed the world slightly below the massive toe on each of her toes. She imagines it could develop some intense calluses if she wore them for a lot of miles.

Like a lot of KEEN’s different sandals, these characteristic a considerable heel-to-toe drop that may improve consolation for people with restricted ankle mobility, particularly when mountaineering on steep uphill trails. Conversely, somebody accustomed to barefoot, zero-drop footwear could really feel as if they’re lugging round 1800s-era clogs. The midsole, manufactured from dense foam, is sturdy but softer than comparable sandals, together with the KEEN Newport H2 and HOKA Hopara 2. This is good news for anybody who values shock absorption.

The ankle and heel strap’s inside is padded, which we respect.

Stability

As a result of the footbed is so slim on these, we generally felt like we had been teetering. Our tester’s private choice is for a wider footbed that enables for toe splay and gripping. That stated, hikers with slim toes will in all probability do exactly fantastic on this regard. Our toes had been definitely safe within the straps—a lot in order that we couldn’t transfer our toes. Once more, this can be a con for our tester however a professional for these with slim toes.

The midsole is comparatively stiff, resembling a mountaineering boot greater than a path working shoe. Whereas this enhances the shoe’s stability, it reduces flexibility. If a versatile midsole is important for you, contemplate skipping these. Nonetheless, should you favor to not really feel roots and rocks beneath your toes, undoubtedly add the Eager Rose to your potential buying record.

Traction

The traction on the KEEN Rose sandals is on the low finish of common. Judging by the outsole lug sample and depth, these should not supposed for rigorous hikes. They’re higher suited to mild day hikes and strolling round city.

Although manufactured from a sticky rubber, the outsole doesn’t characteristic deep diamonds or triangles; moderately, it has a shallow, scribble-like sample. Whereas we didn’t have the chance to take the Roses on technical terrain as a result of poor match for our toes, they carried out as anticipated—simply fantastic, nothing particular—on the gentle terrain (grime, gravel, reasonably rocky segments).

Sturdiness

We don’t anticipate any points with sturdiness, aside from maybe the Velcro shedding its effectiveness over time. The ankle strap is considerably slim, so it could put on down faster than wider straps.

The midsole, referred to as KEEN.FUSION, truly comes with a assure. It’s totally glue-free and, in accordance with KEEN, received’t delaminate. Delamination happens when the outsole of a shoe separates from the midsole and/or higher, which might occur to glued soles after a number of hundred miles.

Weight & Packability

These should not the sandals you need to take as a second pair of footwear for water crossings or tenting. They’re heavy, weighing 9.52 ounces per shoe (practically 20 ounces, or 1.25 kilos, per pair). Whereas a pound doesn’t sound like a lot at first, it makes a big distinction once you’re planning to stroll double-digit miles in a day.

Along with their weight, the KEEN Roses have a thicker stack top and bulkier higher than different choices, making them more difficult to pack. If something, I’d advocate sporting them as your solely pair of footwear and ditching a second pair. Since they match securely and have full toe safety whereas retaining all the advantages of sandals, they will function an all-in-one possibility relying on the climate.

Ease of Use

For our tester, these should not straightforward to alter out and in of, primarily as a result of they’re too slim for her toes. Since there’s just one adjustment level, you need to slide your foot all the way in which in as-is: You possibly can’t alter the forefoot higher in any respect. As a consequence of this singular adjustment level, it may be difficult for some hikers to attain the specified match. The only adjustment mechanism is a slim Velcro strap on the ankle; the heel strap is fastened, and the forefoot higher is, too.

For individuals with slim toes, placing these on in all probability received’t be problematic. They need to be capable to slide their toes in and shortly alter the ankle strap with ease.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Rose Mountain climbing Sandals?

The KEEN Rose mountaineering sandals are a stable selection for narrow-footed hikers searching for a comfortable, supportive match. In the event you’ve struggled to seek out sandals that don’t slide round, these might be a game-changer. They’re nice for mild hikes, informal strolls, or as an on a regular basis summer season shoe, particularly should you worth shock absorption and toe safety.

That stated, these sandals fall brief for hikers with wider toes, those that favor versatile midsoles, or anybody planning technical or long-distance treks. They’re on the heavier facet and don’t pack down simply, which could make them a poor selection for backpackers needing a second pair of footwear. In the end, they’re a high quality possibility and an excellent funding for these with the fitting foot form and wishes.

What Different Girls’s Mountain climbing Sandals Ought to You Take into account?

If the Eager Roses don’t fairly meet your wants, check out these related mountaineering sandals, together with a sibling shoe from KEEN.

Eager Newport H2 Overview: For hikers searching for extra versatility and a wider match, the Newport H2 serves as a wonderful various to the Rose. With a barely sturdier outsole and a number of adjustment factors, it’s higher outfitted for technical trails and water crossings.

HOKA Hopara 2 Overview: The HOKA Hopara 2 stands out for its improved traction and an higher much like that of a real path runner, however with glorious water drainage. Its foot safety and grippy outsole make it an ideal selection for technical terrain and lengthy hikes, though it’s heavier than most sandals.

Ecco Yucatan Overview:  Additionally nice for slim toes, the Ecco Yucatan supplies extra arch help and toe freedom than the Rose. These are a stable selection for hikers who require a safe match however favor their piggies to be within the open air.