Girls’s KEEN Rose Climbing Sandal Overview

Backside Line

The KEEN Rose mountaineering sandals primarily cater to hikers with slim ft who battle to seek out sandals that match snugly and in addition want toe safety. Their slim footbed and single adjustment level create a safe match, whereas the midsole is plush sufficient to help all-day put on. Nevertheless, for anybody with impartial or broad ft, the KEEN Roses are more likely to really feel restrictive and uncomfortable. 

With a considerable heel-to-toe drop and padded straps, these sandals excel in shock absorption and heel consolation, making them a superb selection for gentle trails and concrete walks. Their cumbersome building and common traction point out that these sandals aren’t fitted to technical hikes or as a light-weight secondary choice. We imagine that at 19 ounces per pair, they symbolize an incredible choice for low-key adventures. Take a look at different choices in our mountaineering sandal gear information.

How We Examined

We wore the KEEN Rose sandals throughout various terrain, protecting a number of miles in a nationwide forest. Whereas testing them, we thought of elements that influenced consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, ease of use, and weight and packability to guage them based on our testing methodology.

Consolation

The KEEN Rose sandals are 100% fitted to slim ft. We tried sporting these with socks as a result of we wished to do some jogging or downhill working in them, as we did with different sneaker-like sandals. Nevertheless, we couldn’t even wedge our ft into the sandals with socks on, and the socks weren’t unusually thick; they had been light-cushion working socks. So, we ditched the socks and went with out them, and even then, we had been barely in a position to squeeze our neutral-width ft in. 

This actually exhibits how slim they’re. We’re not calling this out as a nasty factor; it’s truly an incredible factor for individuals who have slender ft and battle to seek out mountaineering sandals that match snugly. 

As a result of these had been so cosy on our lead tester, she solely managed to hike three miles in them, unable to go additional with out dealing with severe discomfort. Due to the tightness, they rubbed the realm just under the massive toe on each of her ft. She imagines it will develop some intense calluses if she wore them for a lot of miles.

Like a lot of KEEN’s different sandals, these characteristic a considerable heel-to-toe drop that may improve consolation for people with restricted ankle mobility, particularly when mountaineering on steep uphill trails. Conversely, somebody accustomed to barefoot, zero-drop sneakers might really feel as if they’re lugging round 1800s-era clogs. The midsole, made from dense foam, is sturdy but softer than comparable sandals, together with the KEEN Newport H2 and HOKA Hopara 2. This is good news for anybody who values shock absorption.

The ankle and heel strap’s inside is padded, which we recognize.

Stability

As a result of the footbed is so slim on these, we typically felt like we had been teetering. Our tester’s private desire is for a wider footbed that permits for toe splay and gripping. That mentioned, hikers with slim ft will most likely just do high-quality on this regard. Our ft had been actually safe within the straps—a lot in order that we couldn’t transfer our toes. Once more, it is a con for our tester however a professional for these with slim ft.

The midsole is comparatively stiff, resembling a mountaineering boot greater than a path working shoe. Whereas this enhances the shoe’s stability, it reduces flexibility. If a versatile midsole is important for you, think about skipping these. Nevertheless, if you happen to favor to not really feel roots and rocks beneath your ft, positively add the Eager Rose to your potential purchasing checklist.

Traction

The traction on the KEEN Rose sandals is on the low finish of common. Judging by the outsole lug sample and depth, these will not be meant for rigorous hikes. They’re higher fitted to mild day hikes and strolling round city.

Although made from a sticky rubber, the outsole doesn’t characteristic deep diamonds or triangles; relatively, it has a shallow, scribble-like sample. Whereas we didn’t have the chance to take the Roses on technical terrain as a result of poor match for our ft, they carried out as anticipated—simply high-quality, nothing particular—on the gentle terrain (grime, gravel, reasonably rocky segments).

Sturdiness

We don’t anticipate any points with sturdiness, apart from maybe the Velcro shedding its effectiveness over time. The ankle strap is considerably slim, so it could put on down faster than wider straps.

The midsole, often called KEEN.FUSION, truly comes with a assure. It’s solely glue-free and, based on KEEN, received’t delaminate. Delamination happens when the outsole of a shoe separates from the midsole and/or higher, which might occur to glued soles after a number of hundred miles.

Weight & Packability

These will not be the sandals you wish to take as a second pair of sneakers for water crossings or tenting. They’re heavy, weighing 9.52 ounces per shoe (practically 20 ounces, or 1.25 kilos, per pair). Whereas a pound doesn’t sound like a lot at first, it makes a big distinction while you’re planning to stroll double-digit miles in a day.

Along with their weight, the KEEN Roses have a thicker stack peak and bulkier higher than different choices, making them tougher to pack. If something, I’d advocate sporting them as your solely pair of sneakers and ditching a second pair. Since they match securely and have full toe safety whereas retaining all the advantages of sandals, they will function an all-in-one choice relying on the climate.

Ease of Use

For our tester, these will not be simple to vary out and in of, primarily as a result of they’re too slim for her ft. Since there’s just one adjustment level, you need to slide your foot all the way in which in as-is: You possibly can’t regulate the forefoot higher in any respect. Attributable to this singular adjustment level, it could be difficult for some hikers to attain the specified match. The only adjustment mechanism is a slim Velcro strap on the ankle; the heel strap is mounted, and the forefoot higher is, too.

For individuals with slim ft, placing these on most likely received’t be problematic. They need to have the ability to slide their ft in and rapidly regulate the ankle strap with ease.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Rose Climbing Sandals?

The KEEN Rose mountaineering sandals are a strong selection for narrow-footed hikers looking for a comfortable, supportive match. For those who’ve struggled to seek out sandals that don’t slide round, these may very well be a game-changer. They’re nice for mild hikes, informal strolls, or as an on a regular basis summer season shoe, particularly if you happen to worth shock absorption and toe safety.

That mentioned, these sandals fall quick for hikers with wider ft, those that favor versatile midsoles, or anybody planning technical or long-distance treks. They’re on the heavier facet and don’t pack down simply, which could make them a poor selection for backpackers needing a second pair of sneakers. Finally, they’re a high quality choice and a superb funding for these with the suitable foot form and wishes.

What Different Girls’s Climbing Sandals Ought to You Contemplate?

If the Eager Roses don’t fairly meet your wants, check out these related mountaineering sandals, together with a sibling shoe from KEEN.

Eager Newport H2 Overview: For hikers looking for extra versatility and a wider match, the Newport H2 serves as a superb various to the Rose. With a barely sturdier outsole and a number of adjustment factors, it’s higher outfitted for technical trails and water crossings.

HOKA Hopara 2 Overview: The HOKA Hopara 2 stands out for its improved traction and an higher much like that of a real path runner, however with wonderful water drainage. Its foot safety and grippy outsole make it an incredible selection for technical terrain and lengthy hikes, though it’s heavier than most sandals.

Ecco Yucatan Overview:  Additionally nice for slim ft, the Ecco Yucatan supplies extra arch help and toe freedom than the Rose. These are a strong selection for hikers who require a safe match however favor their piggies to be within the open air.