Women’s KEEN Rose Hiking Sandal Review

Bottom Line

The KEEN Rose hiking sandals primarily cater to hikers with narrow feet who struggle to find sandals that fit snugly and also desire toe protection. Their narrow footbed and single adjustment point create a secure fit, while the midsole is plush enough to support all-day wear. However, for anyone with neutral or wide feet, the KEEN Roses are likely to feel restrictive and uncomfortable. 

With a substantial heel-to-toe drop and padded straps, these sandals excel in shock absorption and heel comfort, making them an excellent choice for mild trails and urban walks. Their bulky construction and average traction indicate that these sandals aren’t suited for technical hikes or as a lightweight secondary option. We believe that at 19 ounces per pair, they represent a great option for low-key adventures. Check out other options in our hiking sandal gear guide.

How We Tested

We wore the KEEN Rose sandals across varying terrain, covering several miles in a national forest. While testing them, we considered factors that influenced comfort, stability, traction, durability, ease of use, and weight and packability to evaluate them according to our testing methodology.

Comfort

The KEEN Rose sandals are 100% suited for narrow feet. We tried wearing these with socks because we wanted to do some jogging or downhill running in them, as we did with other sneaker-like sandals. However, we couldn’t even wedge our feet into the sandals with socks on, and the socks weren’t unusually thick; they were light-cushion running socks. So, we ditched the socks and went without them, and even then, we were barely able to squeeze our neutral-width feet in. 

This really shows how narrow they are. We’re not calling this out as a bad thing; it’s actually a great thing for people who have slender feet and struggle to find hiking sandals that fit snugly. 

Because these were so snug on our lead tester, she only managed to hike three miles in them, unable to go further without facing serious discomfort. Because of the tightness, they rubbed the area just below the big toe on both of her feet. She imagines it would develop some intense calluses if she wore them for many miles.

Like many of KEEN’s other sandals, these feature a substantial heel-to-toe drop that can enhance comfort for individuals with limited ankle mobility, especially when hiking on steep uphill trails. Conversely, someone accustomed to barefoot, zero-drop shoes may feel as if they are lugging around 1800s-era clogs. The midsole, made of dense foam, is sturdy yet softer than comparable sandals, including the KEEN Newport H2 and HOKA Hopara 2. This is excellent news for anyone who values shock absorption.

The ankle and heel strap’s interior is padded, which we appreciate.

Stability

Because the footbed is so narrow on these, we sometimes felt like we were teetering. Our tester’s personal preference is for a wider footbed that allows for toe splay and gripping. That said, hikers with narrow feet will probably do just fine in this regard. Our feet were certainly secure in the straps—so much so that we couldn’t move our toes. Again, this is a con for our tester but a pro for those with narrow feet.

The midsole is relatively stiff, resembling a hiking boot more than a trail running shoe. While this enhances the shoe’s stability, it reduces flexibility. If a flexible midsole is essential for you, consider skipping these. However, if you prefer not to feel roots and rocks beneath your feet, definitely add the Keen Rose to your potential shopping list.

Traction

The traction on the KEEN Rose sandals is on the low end of average. Judging by the outsole lug pattern and depth, these are not intended for rigorous hikes. They’re better suited for light day hikes and walking around town.

Though made of a sticky rubber, the outsole does not feature deep diamonds or triangles; rather, it has a shallow, scribble-like pattern. While we didn’t have the opportunity to take the Roses on technical terrain due to the poor fit for our feet, they performed as expected—just fine, nothing special—on the mild terrain (dirt, gravel, moderately rocky segments).

Durability

We don’t anticipate any issues with durability, other than perhaps the Velcro losing its effectiveness over time. The ankle strap is somewhat narrow, so it may wear down quicker than wider straps.

The midsole, known as KEEN.FUSION, actually comes with a guarantee. It’s entirely glue-free and, according to KEEN, won’t delaminate. Delamination occurs when the outsole of a shoe separates from the midsole and/or upper, which can happen to glued soles after a few hundred miles.

Weight & Packability

These are not the sandals you want to take as a second pair of shoes for water crossings or camping. They are heavy, weighing 9.52 ounces per shoe (nearly 20 ounces, or 1.25 pounds, per pair). While a pound doesn’t sound like much at first, it makes a significant difference when you’re planning to walk double-digit miles in a day.

In addition to their weight, the KEEN Roses have a thicker stack height and bulkier upper than other options, making them more challenging to pack. If anything, I’d recommend wearing them as your only pair of shoes and ditching a second pair. Since they fit securely and feature complete toe protection while retaining all the benefits of sandals, they can serve as an all-in-one option depending on the weather.

Ease of Use

For our tester, these are not easy to change in and out of, primarily because they are too narrow for her feet. Since there’s only one adjustment point, you have to slide your foot all the way in as-is: You can’t adjust the forefoot upper at all. Due to this singular adjustment point, it might be challenging for some hikers to achieve the desired fit. The sole adjustment mechanism is a narrow Velcro strap at the ankle; the heel strap is fixed, and the forefoot upper is, too.

For people with narrow feet, putting these on probably won’t be problematic. They should be able to slide their feet in and quickly adjust the ankle strap with ease.

Should You Buy the KEEN Rose Hiking Sandals?

The KEEN Rose hiking sandals are a solid choice for narrow-footed hikers seeking a snug, supportive fit. If you’ve struggled to find sandals that don’t slide around, these could be a game-changer. They’re great for light hikes, casual strolls, or as an everyday summer shoe, especially if you value shock absorption and toe protection.

That said, these sandals fall short for hikers with wider feet, those who prefer flexible midsoles, or anyone planning technical or long-distance treks. They’re on the heavier side and don’t pack down easily, which might make them a poor choice for backpackers needing a second pair of shoes. Ultimately, they are a quality option and a good investment for those with the right foot shape and needs.

What Other Women’s Hiking Sandals Should You Consider?

If the Keen Roses don’t quite meet your needs, take a look at these similar hiking sandals, including a sibling shoe from KEEN.

Keen Newport H2 Review: For hikers seeking more versatility and a wider fit, the Newport H2 serves as an excellent alternative to the Rose. With a slightly sturdier outsole and multiple adjustment points, it is better equipped for technical trails and water crossings.

HOKA Hopara 2 Review: The HOKA Hopara 2 stands out for its improved traction and an upper similar to that of a true trail runner, but with excellent water drainage. Its foot protection and grippy outsole make it a great choice for technical terrain and long hikes, although it’s heavier than most sandals.

Ecco Yucatan Review:  Also great for narrow feet, the Ecco Yucatan provides more arch support and toe freedom than the Rose. These are a solid choice for hikers who require a secure fit but prefer their piggies to be in the open air.