Keen sandals

A gal in our office (Sandy) rode 357 miles in 24 hours wearing her Keen sandals at the 24 hours of Davis last month. She loved them.

A very good friend of mine wore hers on a 400km fleche a few weeks ago and was similarly enamoured.

Sandy jokes that all bets are off after 358 miles, though. :D

Susan

Oh no. I have been really wanting a pair of these even though I don't really need them. But I'm trying to be thrifty and practical since I'm saving for the long list of renovations that my condo needs. Now after reading this thread it's going to be that much harder not to buy these sandals.

I'm going to take a long look at my hideous not-renovated-since-the-'70s bathroom now in the hopes it will give me strength not to rush out to REI and buy a pair.

I bought a pair of these today from Traci (Bike4Ever formerly Bikemom) at Alpine Shop in Kirkwood. Everyone there is always so great and helpful! I had tried on the women's previously and they were too narrow for me, but the men's fit like a glove. I usually wear 8.5 - 9, and the 7.5 mens were perfect. I rode about 10 miles on them today and they were mah-ve-lous! Very comfortable! Perfect summer cycling shoe.

I am in the process of breaking in my new Keen Commuter Sandals.

Perhaps "breaking in" is the wrong term, because they are really so comfortable, no break-in period is required.

It did take me a couple of rides to dial in the cleat position. I use candy's on my road bike. After a couple rides where I either could not unclip (very scary) or spending 50+ miles with my feet precariously unclipped on top of my pedals, my DH put a shim in, and they are perfect ever since.

These sandals are lined with a very soft, comfortable fabric so there is absolutely no rubbing of any kind. There is no need to wear socks. I feel one of the best aspects of sandals is the ability to go without socks. One less item to launder.

Having my feet open to the air is such a refreshing feeling. They are easy to walk in and I think they look pretty nice too. Pedicure optional ;)

As far as sizing, I normally wear 8 1/2, so I sized up to a 9(only full sizes on TE). An 8 1/2 would have been perfect, the 9's feel just hair too big. Occasionally when I twist my foot to unclip, the foot moves, but the sandal doesn't, because they don't fit really tight. I can correct this by pushing down while unclipping and get all the traction I need. And I can add a thick sock when the weather gets colder, so that's a bonus.

I'm going to take only these sandals on an upcoming week long bike tour. I can wear them off the bike and even in the public showers, (they are waterproof) so they versatility is outstanding.

I was somewhat skeptical about spending this much on bike sandals, but now that I have them, I am very happy with them.

Colleen

Thanks for the comments about the sandals being a bit narrow. I currently have....heck, can't remember what they're called, and I'm at work.... While I love wearing sandals with clips in the summer, I have wide feet compounded by bunions. My middle toes on the left foot go numb every time I ride with my sandals, which is a drag.

I'm planning to ask for the Keens for my birthday--I think I'll just ask for a gift certificate, and try the mens', as well as the womens'.

TE comes through again! :p

My Keen Taos lace clasps slip, so that the shoes are always loose. Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep the laces tight?

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Originally Posted by Grog

I am envious of those of you who can wear Keens. They are always too "high" for me (i.e. there is a lot of room between the top of my foot and the upper of the shoe). But they're really cool.

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How about putting insoles in them? That would also alleviate any stinky problems.

I am very interested in purchasing Keen Commuter Cycling Sandals; however, I have road clips. Do these sandals work with road clips? or do they only work with SPD clips? Sorry, but this is only my second year of cycling and I am very new to clips.

Thanks,

Lisa

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LisaSmith1963

I am very interested in purchasing Keen Commuter Cycling Sandals; however, I have road clips. Do these sandals work with road clips? or do they only work with SPD clips? Sorry, but this is only my second year of cycling and I am very new to clips.

Thanks,

Lisa

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Hi Lisa,

Only SPDs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zen

How about putting insoles in them? That would also alleviate any stinky problems.

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Great idea Zen! I find that I have the same problem with my Keens. Mine are just a smidge too big and that would definitely help. Especially in the summer when socks are not necessary.

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Originally Posted by redrhodie

Hi Lisa,

Only SPDs.

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I wear mine with Crank Bros. But still no road clips.