The strap system is what makes the Uneek unique, and the single lace pull allows you to wear it like a shoe or like a loose sandal. On the heavier side for a hiking sandal. On the lighter side for a shoe. Thus the hybrid category. We wish it was a little lighter. KEEN makes its own soles, and this one is solid. It doesn’t have gobs of traction, but feels good on basic terrain. While all of the above are interesting, we find the original Uneek to be the most unique, and the best of them all — though the leather model is great if you want a dressier shoe. There is so much on this shoe that seems fragile, and like it could tear (and should), but nothing has yet. Soles 3 stars

The KEEN Uneek does all this while keeping your feet well ventilated and heartily supported — not something I was expecting, and certainly not from the looks of the thing. The Uneek upper is made from a single piece of polyester braided cord and microfiber, which looks like an outdoor take on a pirate shoe, yet it’s surprisingly comfortable. The sole is 100% KEEN: wide, anti-microbial, with basic traction for a casual hiking sandal. Our UNEEK sandals are another option when you want to combine hot climes with long days on your feet. Constructed with just two cords joined by a bungee closure, the UNEEK sandal uppers adjust as you walk to fit your foot. With just the right balance of structure and freedom, these lightweight, airy sandals are a traveler’s dream. KEEN Waterproof Beach Sandals If you’ve worn the Newport sandal, you probably don’t want to give up the toe protection and support for other shoes. But for beach trips and casual walking days, sometimes you just want a minimal flip-flop or clog. KEEN beach sandals come in a variety of flavors for any vacation, whether you’re a lay-on-the-beach type of person, or the guy who’s constantly trying to sneak off to a new trailhead. The sole is too heavy for something that doesn’t have great tread. Either make it lighter and more casual, or keep the weight and add some solid tread so I can really hike in it! The Keen Uneeks fit more like shoes than sandals, and your toes should definitely not touch the front, or they will rub uncomfortably. Grievances

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For the upper being made of polyester rope, which could easily fray or be cut, I’ve found the Uneek’s durability to be outstanding.

The braided polyester cords are what make the Uneek distinct. They dry well when wet, and are quite comfy. If you’ve worn the Newport sandal, you probably don’t want to give up the toe protection and support for other shoes. But for beach trips and casual walking days, sometimes you just want a minimal flip-flop or clog. KEEN beach sandals come in a variety of flavours for any vacation, whether you’re a lay-on-the-beach type of person, or the guy who’s constantly trying to sneak off to a new footpath.The Waimea H2 sandal offers flip-flop-like styling with the KEEN signature protective toe. With enhanced arch support and a grippier outsole, you’ll be set whether you’re hunting down a cerveza post-shuttle, or just skipping stones by the lakeshore. The Uneeks were handed to me the day before the show began, and I wore them for nearly the entire conference. While it wasn’t a test of environmental factors, it certainly was an immediate break-in period. We tested the men’s version of the KEEN Uneek hiking sandal. There is a corresponding women’s version, which is the exact same except for fit and color. The soles have some excellent features, and some that are less than stellar. I love the support they provide, and find them to be fairly minimal in arch support compared to other KEEN models. I think this will allow more people to wear the Uneeks comfortably. They are also durable, and the insole is comfy to walk in. I have noticed that occasionally my feet feel like they are beginning to blister — but they never do. This feeling has lessened the longer I’ve worn them, and I think a small callous had to develop in my inner arch to stop it completely. Durability 5 stars

The outsoles are PU, and provide great support, but they are heavy for not having great traction. As you can see from the lug pattern, these aren’t meant for serious hiking. We categorize hiking sandals in a few ways, with Closed-Toe Casual being the most mellow and protective. They are usually the most comfortable, which the Uneek certainly is. The KEEN Uneek is certainly unique. Stellar comfort, surprising support, and a love-it or hate-it style. If you want chill footwear for almost any occasion, slip into a pair. Where to Buy KEEN Uneek The beauty of a sandal that protects your toes is that you can use it for almost everything, and when you’ve tried them you might be surprised how far you’ll want to roam. KEEN sandals are a great choice for travel whether you’re sightseeing in the city or hiking new trails.A few of my grievances have already been voiced. Overall I love the comfort and ingenuity of this hybrid sandal, and will continue to wear it well beyond this review. However, there are a couple points that KEEN could improve upon. I find that I choose footwear entirely by activity at this point. Am I headed to the beach for a surf? Flip flops. Going on a hike through the local botanical garden? Trail runners. Being in a small beach town, those are the two most common scenarios, beyond heading to the grocery store or a night on the town.

The Kona flip is a familiar workhorse and travel staple, and it comes with KEEN’s supportive sole, to give you a foot up on the standard. My feet were sore afterward, but that’ll happen after walking for six miles and standing in lines all day no matter what shoes I’m wearing. And they weren’t terribly sore, either. Digging Deeper

Likewise, the braided polyester cords are really cool, and very comfy, but they attract clingy things, often found on the trail. Perhaps wax them, or make them less clingy in some way. Final Word The polyester braided and microfiber enclosure of the Uneek is what makes the shoe — it defines it, and makes it unique (I waited a long time to say it!). Overall I love it. It’s comfortable, breathes well, has held up, and I quite like the look of it. Some people don’t, and that’s perfectly fine.