More Information
 On: 2008-09-30
I love my Keen Newport style sandals -- they are the most comfortable casual shoes Ive evern owned. Cycling shoes with their stiff soles and clackety cleats are, at best, okay for short walks.
My cycling is strictly recreational. My rides are typically 12-15 miles on local rail trails. However, Ive done a few week-long trips in Europe as well as local riding events like the Five Boro and MS rides in New York City.
The most notable thing about Keens Commuter Cycling Sandal is how narrow they are compared with other Keens. If youve got truly wide feet, they probably arent for you.
I ordered the half size up from my regular Keens because they didnt offer the half size. I feared that Id have to return them, but since my feet are a little wider than "normal," this size worked out.
One reason I bought the Keens was because I wasnt satisfied with my Lake sandals -- the straps hit my foot in the wrong places and theyre exceptionally wide. The Keens are certainly narrower -- about the same as my closed cycling shoes.
The drawstring adjustment on top of the sandals does, in fact, adjust them (unlike their non-cycling counterparts, where it doesnt seem to make a difference).
Installing the SPD cleats was easier than on my Lake sandals, which had very stuborn covers over the plates. The position is adjustable, and I was able to position them where I like them. The cleats are sufficiently recessed that they dont clack on the ground most of the time -- and they dont tear up my wooden floors and carpets if I put them on in the house before setting out.
Putting them to use, I have found that the narrow footbed makes for a good cycling shoe that doesnt bang into the frame like my regular Keens do (when Ive done some casual cycling on a rental bike). Releasing the cleat is easier than the Lakes -- their width seems to require me to twist my ankle much further, although it may be the position of the cleat on the sole. Basically, I forget Im wearing the Keens, which is exactly the point.
And when I dismount, I dont think about them then either, also the point. They are comfortable to walk in, even with the characteristic cycling shoe stiffness. And, as I said, the cleats dont seem to hit the ground as much as with my regular cycling shoes.
Anybody want to buy a hardly used pair of Lakes?
On: 2008-07-13
After suffering for all three years of my road bike career with foot burn and foot problems, I was looking for something different and thought I would try this sandal. I read many reviews and most said they were only for short distance, commuting, etc. I bought them to ride across the country from South to North along the Underground Railroad Route. After 2000 miles on the road with them, including several century rides, I can say that I have not had one MINUTE of foot problems since I started wearing these sandals. I do think they run a bit small and I needed a half size larger. Although they are suggested for commuting, I can highly recommend them for touring, daily riding, and for events.
On: 2008-06-01
I ride to work daily and love these sandals. They have a firm sole to eliminate fatigue and my feet stay cool in the breeze. They do run small in size though which is lucky for me.
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