Keen sandals

[SouthernBelle]

I got an email telling me about my dividend.

I definitely plan on trying them on before buying. I can't abide anything rubbing my foot and sometime sandal straps will.

I'm so sensitive, ya know.

[sgtiger]

Picked up a pair of these today at REI(Alderwood). It was too hard to resist with the 20% coupon and my dividend since that brought them down to half of the retail price. Wahoo! They're amazing comfortable - even for my wide feet. I did have to take out the Exacto knife to trim off a tiny, tiny bit around the bottom to make my cleats(Frogs) fit.

[Bad JuJu]

So did anyone ever say definitively how well the the Keen Commuter cycling sandals did when actually used for cycling?

I love the two pairs of Keens I have, but they're the H2 model--not cycling-specific. I have the Shimano cycling sandals (newer style), and they fit me all right, but the straps are a bit stiff and not as comfy as I could wish. (And my REI dividend is burning a hole in my pocket, too.)

I guess I'm most concerned to hear whether the sole is stiff enough on the Keen Commuters for, say, a 30-40-mile ride.

[MM_QFC!]

Picked up a pair of these today at REI(Alderwood). It was too hard to resist with the 20% coupon and my dividend since that brought them down to half of the retail price. Wahoo! They're amazing comfortable - even for my wide feet. I did have to take out the Exacto knife to trim off a tiny, tiny bit around the bottom to make my cleats(Frogs) fit.

Hey Sgtiger,
I'm interested to hear how you like these; so, I'll look forward to seeing you again (+ family) and hearing your review 'live' at the TE gathering next week, ok?
Mary

[sgtiger]

So far I've only done short rides(3-10 miles) to do errands and take the kids on the trails. Very comfortable but maybe not as stiff as I would like them to be for really long rides. I could see doing ~30 miles in them, but I'm not sure I would want to wear them for rides any longer than that. But honestly without actually having ridden those distances in the Keens I can't give a reliable review right now.

Mary, I'm looking forward to seeing you again too.

[jobob]

I've worn them a couple of days I commuted to & from work (~ 15 miles each way) and they were fine over that distance. And they're very easy to walk in despite the moderately stiff sole.

Like sgtiger, I'd probably stick with my Sidi mtn bike shoes for much longer rides. But that's simply because I haven't ridden with the Keens all that much yet.

[GLC1968]

My DH just bought these last night. I tried on the women's version, but there were just too narrow. I'm sure they'd be ok on the bike, but walking wouldn't be comfy for me.

The REI guy suggested I try the men's version on, but they didn't have my size. I can't find it online anywhere, but he said they used to have it (sold out). Anyone seen the men's in a 37 or 37.5 anywhere? If you do, I'll pay you to buy and ship them to me.

I'm pretty sure I'd get a lot of use out of these if I could just get a pair that would fit!

[AnnieBikes]

So I am not the only one with the REI dividend burning a hole in my pocket (wallet). I ordered a pair this week. I wear Keen Isabella sandals all summer long and have two pairs. LOVE them. I am worried about the sizing of the commuter sandals but will post here after I receive them later this week and let you know how they feel. I plan to wear them on long days of cycling.

Last year when I rode the Southern Tier, many of the women were wearing sandals and all loved them. So, we shall see. I want to use them alot before May when I leave to ride the Underground RR route with a group of riders from WomanTours.

http://www.womantours.com

Glad to find this post.

[MM_QFC!]

I forgot to thank you for your earlier response and review, so thanks!
Yeah, I think that Keen notes that they're a commuter sandal, not recommended for longer distances.
Also, I'll bring some cue sheets/maps on Saturday for you.
Mary

So far I've only done short rides(3-10 miles) to do errands and take the kids on the trails. Very comfortable but maybe not as stiff as I would like them to be for really long rides. I could see doing ~30 miles in them, but I'm not sure I would want to wear them for rides any longer than that. But honestly without actually having ridden those distances in the Keens I can't give a reliable review right now.

Mary, I'm looking forward to seeing you again too.

[jobob]

I did a 68 mile ride w the Keen cycling sandals this weekend and I never thought about them, which is good.

It was hot out -- mid to high 80's -- but I wore my lightweight smartwool cycling socks and all was well. I haven't tried wearing them w/o socks, and I don't think I will, I'd be worried about chafing. I have delicate feet.

We walked around a bit during our lunch break and they were fine for that as well.

I use eggbeater cleats & pedals, btw.

[AnnieBikes]

Well, I said that my REI dividend was burning a hole in MY pocket, too, especially with that 20% coupon as well, so I bought a pair. I ended up needing a 9.5 as the 9 was too small. I think they do run a little small. Sorry that it took me a month to post but I had to get the new sandals after trying out the size nine, then wait for the 9.5 to come and try them out before I felt like I was "qualified" to really talk about them.

After my Southern Tier problems last year with BAD foot burn, these have absolutely cured my problem. I have ridden with them on long and short rides and had no problem at all. I was a bit concerned that they would not be as good when "pulling up" while climbing hills but that turned out not to be the case. They feel plenty stiff enough for all the workouts I can dish them! I use Shimano A520 pedals (SPD cleats) so that I can use them for road and MTB. I really feel that these are going to be the answer for my foot burn. The first three or four times I used them (two times spinning) I had pain in one of my arches but that has not been an issue since those first few rides. They are comfortable from the first pedal stroke now. I really do highly recommend them and they will probably be the ONLY bike footwear that I take with me on my Underground Railroad ride, which starts in two weeks. I still have time to make the decision but feel sure they will work great for long distances. I have a century the second day! http://www.grahamcam.com/annesbicyclejournal

Several people had bad sunburn on their feet wearing sandals last year with Shimano sandals so I intend to wear socks with them all the time (prevents blisters, too, or just chafe) These sandals are comfortable to walk in, have recessed cleats so that you do not slip when walking, or hear a click from them. All in all, I highly recommend these "commuter sandals". I don't know why they designated them for commuting! Give 'em a try and post what you think here!