Women’s KEEN Newport H2 Hiking Sandal Review

Bottom Line

The KEEN Newport H2 hiking sandals can be aptly described as “amphibious.” Ideal for hikers in need of durability, this adaptable sandal-sneaker hybrid performs well in both wet and dry environments. Featuring a quick-toggle bungee lace system and a grippy outsole, they ensure a secure fit and excellent traction, even on steep or slippery terrain. The thick midsole provides remarkable energy return, making these sandals a great option for those who prioritize comfort on extended hikes.

However, the Newport H2 may not be suitable for hikers with wider feet because of its snug fit, and the heel strap can become uncomfortable during prolonged use. Weighing close to 11 ounces per shoe, they are heavier and bulkier compared to standard hiking sandals, which limits their practicality for those seeking a lightweight, packable option. Nevertheless, their capability to serve as both hiking and water shoes makes them an appealing choice for diverse outdoor adventures. You can see more options in our women’s hiking sandal gear guide.

How We Tested

We’ve worn the KEEN Newport H2 for over a dozen trail miles during several short hikes to evaluate them for various performance metrics. We consider comfort, stability, durability, traction, ease of use, and weight and packability when testing hiking sandals.

Comfort

Our tester didn’t love the KEEN Newport H2 regarding fit and comfort. They felt a bit too narrow for her feet (and she has a pretty neutral width), both through the midfoot and in the toe box, even with the bungee laces adjusted as loosely as possible. Someone with narrower feet may want to consider these, as they’d likely provide a more secure fit than many other hiking sandals. 

The heel strap began to dig into her Achilles tendon after about 1.5 miles, and it really started to hurt after approximately three miles of hiking. It reached a point where our tester was frequently stopping to readjust her feet and the straps to relieve the pressure. 

However, it’s not all bad. We really like the midsoles on the Newport H2s: they’re on the thicker side and are quite rigid, but not in a bad way. They don’t absorb shock like sneakers, but they provide a great deal of energy return, which makes us feel light and bouncy on our feet. 

We wore these with socks and without socks; without them, we noticed a blister forming where the heel strap pressed into the Achilles on both heels. Yet, despite the tightness of the heel strap, we had ample room between the ends of our toes and the front of the shoe, which we were thankful for. We found the arch support on the Newport H2s to be greater and more comfortable than similar styles, such as the HOKA Hopara 2 and KEEN Rose.

Stability

You won’t find many hiking sandals that provide more stability than the Keen Newport H2s. Since these are sandal-sneaker hybrid shoes, they fit much like trail running shoes in that they are snug, secure, and protective.

For our tester (who has neutral feet), they are almost too snug, so we wouldn’t recommend them to individuals with wide feet. The midsole is rigid, which enhances stability but diminishes ground feel. You won’t feel rocks beneath your feet in the Newport H2s. 

The upper is flexible enough to permit full flexion and extension of the toe joints, yet snug enough to keep your feet secure even when moving downhill at fast paces. 

Notably, due to their snug fit, these could be a good option for people whose feet tend to get very sweaty. We wore these on a warm day, and despite our feet becoming quite sweaty, they did not slip around in the sandal.

Traction

We wore the KEEN Newport H2 sandals on various trail surfaces, including dry, packed dirt, loose sand, gravel, and chunkier rocks. We also took them up and down steep, gravelly inclines on forest roads. They performed well in every scenario, even on the steeper, slippery segments. We even ran down significant declines and didn’t experience any issues with slipping or sliding.

Additionally, we wore these during a few on-and-off rainy days at camp, where we spent a lot of time walking around in the dirt and mud to cook, play with our dog, and work out. We are thoroughly impressed with their traction, especially considering the outsole lugs aren’t particularly deep. The rubber is just that sticky!

Durability

These are certainly among the top options for durability in hiking sandals. The outsole and toe bumper are constructed from dense rubber, while the upper features a combination of suede and woven textiles. 

All fabric components incorporate double-stitching to reduce the risk of fraying or loose stitches. Additionally, the bungee laces are thick and durable against fraying. 

The only issue we foresee is with the plastic lace toggle. It’s a fairly delicate piece, so with continued use, it could break. So far, however, we have encountered no problems.

Weight & Packability

We don’t consider these shoes packable, and we don’t think most hikers—especially backpackers—would either. Weighing nearly 11 ounces per shoe, they are among the heaviest sandals we have ever worn. 

In addition to their weight, they are quite bulky and would be cumbersome to pack as a second pair of shoes. However, the intent behind the shoes is to eliminate the need for packing a water shoe entirely.

If it’s warm enough outside, you can simply wear these KEENs for all wet and dry segments without needing a second pair. So, while not packable, they could ultimately help you reduce your pack weight in this way.

Ease of Use

Our tester found the Newport H2 quite difficult to put on and take off. Because there is no adjustment point on the heel, she had to loosen the bungee laces all the way, and even then she struggled to slide her feet into the sandals.

It was somewhat of a battle, she admits, and with wet or sweaty feet, it was even worse. People with narrower feet may not have an issue sliding their feet through the somewhat small ankle collars.

Should You Buy the KEEN Newport H2?

If you’re a narrow-footed hiker looking for a durable, versatile sandal that performs well on both wet and dry terrain, the KEEN Newport H2 is worth considering. Its amphibious design eliminates the need to pack separate water shoes, and its excellent traction and energy-returning midsole make it suitable for various trail conditions.

However, hikers with wide feet or those prioritizing lightweight, packable footwear may want to look elsewhere. For those who value stability, durability, and a secure fit, the Newport H2 is a reliable investment.

What Other Women’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

If the KEEN Newport H2 doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are several similar hiking sandals to choose from. These alternatives offer unique features and advantages for hikers with different priorities and foot types.

Keen Rose Review: Even narrower than the Newport H2, this lighter, more feminine alternative uses a simple Velcro strap closure system (as opposed to the Newport H2’s bungee lace with toggle). While not as rugged, it performs well on mild trails and offers sufficient protection for light hiking, casual outings, or water activities.

Ecco Yucatan Review: The Ecco Yucatan is a classic hiking sandal known for its all-day comfort and impressive arch support. Its three adjustable straps ensure a customized fit, making it a great choice for neutral to narrow feet. Ideal for warm-weather day hikes, it’s versatile enough for urban exploration and outdoor adventures alike.

HOKA Hopara 2 Review: The HOKA Hopara 2 blends hiking shoe stability with sandal breathability. Its closed-toe design and aggressive outsole lugs excel on most trails, while the cushioned midsole offers exceptional energy return, especially when bounding downhill. This hybrid sandal is perfect for those needing extra protection and traction on challenging, wet, or rocky paths.