My doctor more or less prescribed the KEEN Newport H2 sandal to me twenty years ago—and I've been wearing them ever since. Why? This sandal isn't only supportive (which is why my doctor recommended them for my flat feet), it's made for both water and land. For a paddler, hiker, and angler like me, that's meant one sandal I can wear for almost anything in the summer. My KEEN Newport H2 review is based on more than 20 years of regular use and several months of hike-specific testing in 2025.
Hiking Havasupai Falls in the KEEN Newport H2 sandal
This post includes affiliate links. If you click on these links and buy something, the retailer may share a small percentage of the sale with Hiking Feet—at no cost to you. That's a free and easy way for you to support this site's free and independent content.
KEEN Newport H2 Sandal Review
My KEEN Newport H2 Sandal review included several test hikes in 2025 on top of 20 years of regular use as a casual, fishing, and kayaking sandal. I wore the newest Newports while scrambling up and down Embudito Canyon, hiking a hot springs route in the Jemez Mountains, and tackling switch-backed trails in the Sandia Mountains outside Albuquerque. Along the way, I took testing notes on this sandal's support, protection, weight, fit, comfort, traction, and overall value.
As always, Hiking Feet's reviews are based on personal experience and my professional experience in the outdoor gear industry.
Testing the suport, protection, and traction of the KEEN Newport H2
Support & Protection
The KEEN Newport H2 stands out as one of the most supportive and protective sandals on the market. Support-wise, it has thick soles that absorb shock and take the edge off trails with rocks and uneven steps. It's reasonably stiff to the balls of the feet, again adding foot support and more lateral stability than most sandals I've tested. I especially appreciated this sandal's support while hiking Havasupai Falls, logging many miles of hiking and water crossings without my feet wearing out.
As a closed-toe sandal, it's also highly protective. KEEN's toe bumper has saved my toes from countless rocks and roots over the years. The extensive straps also wrap my feet more than other sandals. That cuts down on summer tan lines—but also provides a nice buffer against trailside vegetation and underwater rocks. If you want a sandal that's almost as protective as a hiking shoe, check out the KEEN Newport H2.
KEEN's closed toe design makes the Newport heavier than average
Weight
The downside of all that support and protection is weight. My pair of Newports weighs 1lb 14 oz (men's size 11.5). It's the second heaviest hiking sandal I tested behind the burly Chaco Rapid Pro sandal. I've carried these as camp sandals, but they're heavier than you actually want to carry or strap to your pack. (The KEEN Hyperport is lighter and more packable.) However, the weight isn't bad on your feet. The Newport H2 is lighter than most of the best hiking shoes.
KEEN's bungee cinch makes it easy to slip the sandal on and off
Fit
The KEEN Newport H2 sandal fits true to size. It almost has a shoe-like fit with its closed toe design and several straps that snug the sandal against the sides of your feet. A simple bungee cinch lets you tighen town the hatches to limit your feet rubbing against the straps. KEEN also has extra room in the toes, which works well for my wider feet. I prefer sizing up a half-size for hiking.
I've found the KEEN Newport H2 comfortable in water and on land
Comfort
For more than 20 years, outdoor lovers have worn the Newports for comfort and protection. There's plenty of cushioning and support underfoot, which takes some pressure off your feet—a potential comfort plus. The closed toe design isn't for everybody, but if you hike trails with rocks and roots, that protective feature can spare you the discomfort of stubbed, jammed, or broken toes. Plus, the Newport has extra coverage, potentially sparing hikers from cuts, scrapes, bruises, and sunburns that come with simpler sandals with limited straps.
If you want a more minimalist sandal that maximizes your tan lines, you won't like the KEEN Newport. If you want a more supportive and protective sandal, it's an excellent choice for both comfort and performance.
The Newport's siped outsoles channel water away
Traction
The KEEN Newport H2's tread is made for solid rock, pavement, and wet surfaces. There are limited lugs—with plenty of surface area to create friction on stone with siped grooves (like tires) to let water escape. I've never had traction troubles while wading and fishing, and I was impressed with how grippy this sandal was on my bucket list Havasupai hike.
At the same time, the tread isn't great on wet and muddy river banks. Plus, the soles are made with KEEN's proprietary rubber—not the premium Vibram rubber on most of the adventure sandals I've tested. Even so, I've found this rubber lasts a long time.
KEEN's protective toe bumpers are a selling point
Value
The KEEN Newport H2 sandal lists for $130 (MSRP), which is the going rate for a good hiking sandal. That's a fair price for the best closed toe hiking sandal on the market. I'll add that these last forever. I've worn this sandal extensively since 2005 and have only purchased four pairs over 20 years of regular use. That's exceptional durability for a sandal. Plus, I can't count how many times this sandal's protective toe bumpers have prevented gashed toes on the river bottom and stubbed, jammed, or broken toes on the trail.
Click on the bottoms below to see current prices and color options:
Men's Newport H2 Sandal
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's Newport H2 Sandal
Check current price, styles, and colors:
KEEN Newport H2 Pros vs. Cons
Overall, these are the pros and cons of the KEEN Newport H2 sandal:
Should you buy the KEEN Newport H2 sandal?
The KEEN Newport H2 sandal is my favorite closed-toe sandal and my top pick for hikers who value foot protection over weight savings. It's not very packable, but it's a great sandal for trails water crossings, paddling, and wading.
Conclusion
This tried-and-true sandal for land and water has made my short list of the best hiking sandals. However, if you're not sold on a sturdier, close-toe hiking sandal, check out my reviews of the Bedford Cairn EVO Pro or Chaco River Pro, which have different pros and cons and recommended uses.
If you are feeling the Newport H2, please consider purchasing your pair through the affiliate links below. That sends a few pesos my way—at no cost to you—which gives me a little bit back for the thousands of unpaid hours I've devoted to testing hiking footwear and sharing free, independent, and expert content.
If this site hooked you up, I'd appreciate you hooking me up, too. Thanks!
Men's Newport H2 Sandal
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's Newport H2 Sandal
Check current price, styles, and colors:
