Keen Newport H2 Water Shoe - Review 2025

Rating

• Outoria Score: 4.8/5
• Quality: 5/5
• Comfort: 5/5
• Performance: 5/5
• Price/Quality: 4 / 5

Keen on the Newport H2

The KEEN Newport H2 Water Shoes made a great first impression – highly rated on customer reviews, top rated on many outdoor sites, and significant brand awareness in outdoor/active communities gave us a great feeling about these shoes.

Upon opening the package you get the sense that these shoes are made to last. The substantial toe bumpers and sole have a weight to them that just scream quality, which instill a certain level of confidence like a sturdy piece of furniture. You get the feeling as though they will protect you from the sharpest rocks and the toughest terrain, even with the breathable sandal uppers.

We immediately took note of KEEN’s integrity and transparency as a company. Between cleanup efforts, funds raised, and nonprofits supported, KEEN has redefined what it means to be a conscious company. It is clear that they are steadfast in their values, both in the production of lasting products and in their outreach.

Amphibious Comfort

The KEEN Newports are equal parts function and comfort, providing alignment that creates a stable foundation for any aquatic or amphibious adventure. KEEN will keep your feet healthy and comfortable so they can take you where you want to go.

If you want to take better care of your feet while covering miles at a time, these are a great choice. The Newport H2 features a roomy toe box and phenomenal arch support, which offers preventative care against bunions or plantar fasciitis. As the foundation of your skeletal system, your feet are well worth taking care of – especially for long journeys on varied terrain.

The KEEN Newports are as comfortable wet as they are dry and remain functional for traction and support. The snug fit will keep your feet from sliding around, so you won’t have to worry about them flying off when tubing or trail running.

One thing we noticed was the noticeable weight to these sandals. While it speaks to their durability, it’s worth noting for those who find comfort in a little more flexibility and ground-feel. These are heavy duty sandals that will keep your feet safe in some of the most rugged terrain, so we highly recommend them if you don’t mind a little extra weight. 

Keen Water Shoe in Action

The biggest selling point of the KEEN Newport H2s is their shoe/sandal hybrid versatility, which makes them a great pick for most outdoor activities and water sports. The sandal design makes for excellent drainage and lots of ventilation when hopping into a kayak or wading in and out of water – we didn’t feel like we were sloshing around in these. The drying times are great on a hot, dry day, but in the cooler evenings or muggy weather, the upper material reatains moisture longer. You may want to bring a change of shoes if you’re worried about cold feet at the end of a long day.

These shoes are ideal for hiking, not only because of the great arch support, but also because of the grip and traction you get from their impressive lugs. As long as they fit well when dry, they keep their snug fit even after getting wet or sweaty, so you won’t have to worry about sliding around. These are arguably the highest performing outdoor sandals on the market, keeping your toes safe through all sorts of adventures.

If you’re looking for something packable or lightweight, these probably aren’t your best bet. For backpacking adventures or weight prohibitive travel, we suggest a more packable option like perhaps the Bedrock Cairn Pro II Adventure Sandals.

Material

From the elastic cinch cords to the thick, rubber soles, all of the materials used for the KEEN Newport H2s are high quality and thoughtfully constructed. The non-marking rubber soles offer superior traction with multidirectional lugs and feature hefty toe bumpers to provide valuable toe-stubbing protection.

The fabric uppers of the KEEN Newport H2’s are made up of a washable polyester webbing and a quick-dry lining to keep these sandals nice and breezy. The soles and lining are quite comfortable, with a nice foam upper sole and a cushy inner lining. While these are strong enough for rugged terrain on the outside, they do an excellent job of keeping your feet plush and comfortable on the inside.

While the Newport H2’s are a bit heavier than some of the other options on our list, the weight is a byproduct of the durable design, and quality material choices made by KEEN – and we think this kind of quality is well worth the weight. Keen does make a lighter option, the Keen Whisper water shoe.

Value

Ringing in at $130 retail, the KEEN Newports aren’t the most affordable shoe on the market, but we think they’re worth every penny. KEENs are like the Subaru of shoes in the sense that they are made to last. You’ll see Subarus still on the road with over 400,000 miles on the odometer, just like you’ll see a decade old pair of KEENs still working hard, out on rugged terrain.

So while the cost is a bit higher than the average water shoe, the cost per wear rings in lower than most budget options so the value is exceptionally high. We think these shoes, and your feet, are well worth the investment.

Toe Bumpers for Life

Ultimately, we’re very fond of what KEEN lovingly calls “the world’s ugliest sandal.” While they unabashedly value function over form, they are also one of the most versatile, durable, and enduring options available when it comes to water shoes. Whether you’re swimming, kayaking, or hiking, the KEEN Newport H2s are there to keep your toes safe, your feet cool and your foundation supported.