KEEN

Keen was founded in 2003 by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst, starting from a genuinely simple question, can a sandal actually protect your toes? Martin, a sailor, was tired of stubbing his toes on boat decks in traditional open sandals, and the answer became the Newport, a hybrid sandal with a rubber toe bumper wrapped around the front of the foot. The design was odd enough that Keen debuted it at a trade show in the fall, aimed at winter sports buyers, and it still won Launch of the Year from Footwear News. More than two decades later, the Newport remains the brand's flagship product, largely unchanged in fit and construction since 2003, which says something about how well the original idea actually worked. The company relocated from California to Portland, Oregon in the mid-2000s and has stayed family-owned and headquartered there ever since.

The Toe Bumper Isn't Just a Design Detail

Most sandals leave toes completely exposed, fine on a beach, less fine on a rocky trail or a boat deck. Keen's protective toe cap solved a real problem rather than a cosmetic one, which is why it became the brand's signature across nearly every hybrid style, not just the original Newport. It's the reason Keen sandals get worn on actual hikes and worksites rather than staying poolside.

Built for Genuine Outdoor Use

Beyond the toe protection, Keen styles typically include a contoured, metatomical footbed shaped to the natural curve of the foot, multi-directional lug outsoles for grip on wet or uneven terrain, and a TPU shank for underfoot stability. The Newport H2 carries this into a fully washable, quick-dry design meant for muddy, wet, or unpredictable conditions specifically.

Waterproof Hiking Options

The Targhee IV Low Waterproof and Hightrail Mid WP extend Keen's outdoor focus into fully waterproof hiking builds, useful for trail conditions the open-toe Newport isn't designed for.

Everyday Casual Styles Too

Not every Keen style is trail-specific. The Hyperflt and Elle Backstrap bring the same comfort construction into more casual, everyday silhouettes, useful for daily wear rather than active outdoor use specifically.

Genuine Sustainability Commitments

Keen manufactures with 95% PFC-free materials, environmentally preferred leather, and eco anti-odor treatments, part of a broader "Consciously Created" approach that predates most footwear brands making similar claims. This isn't a recent marketing shift, it's been part of Keen's manufacturing philosophy for years.

A Few Things Worth Knowing

• The Newport's sizing and fit have stayed consistent since 2003, a useful reference point if comparing across different Keen styles

• Washable uppers on H2-style sandals make them easier to keep clean after muddy or sandy outdoor use than a standard sandal

• Free 2-3 day priority shipping applies across our kids' waterproof collection

Related Collections: Shop All Keen · Kids' Sandals · Kids' Waterproof · Women's Sandals · Men's Sandals · Women's Waterproof · Merrell