KEEN Rose Assessment | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The KEEN Rose mountain climbing sandals primarily cater to hikers with slender toes who wrestle to seek out sandals that match snugly and likewise need toe safety. Their slender 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 extensive toes, 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 alternative for delicate trails and concrete walks. Their cumbersome building and common traction point out that these sandals aren’t suited to technical hikes or as a light-weight secondary possibility. We consider that at 19 ounces per pair, they signify an excellent possibility for low-key adventures. Try different choices in our mountain climbing 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-about components that influenced consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, ease of use, and weight and packability to guage them in line with our testing methodology.

Consolation

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

This actually exhibits how slender they’re. We’re not calling this out as a foul factor; it’s truly an excellent factor for individuals who have slender toes and wrestle to seek out mountain climbing sandals that match snugly. 

As a result of these have been so cosy on our lead tester, she solely managed to hike three miles in them, unable to go additional with out dealing with critical discomfort. Due to the tightness, they rubbed the world slightly below the large toe on each of her toes. She imagines it could develop some intense calluses if she wore them for a lot of miles.

Like lots of KEEN’s different sandals, these function a considerable heel-to-toe drop that may improve consolation for people with restricted ankle mobility, particularly when mountain climbing on steep uphill trails. Conversely, somebody accustomed to barefoot, zero-drop footwear might really feel as if they’re lugging round 1800s-era clogs. The midsole, manufactured 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 respect.

Stability

As a result of the footbed is so slender on these, we generally felt like we have been teetering. Our tester’s private desire is for a wider footbed that enables for toe splay and gripping. That stated, hikers with slender toes will in all probability do exactly advantageous on this regard. Our toes have been definitely 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 slender toes.

The midsole is comparatively stiff, resembling a mountain climbing boot greater than a path operating shoe. Whereas this enhances the shoe’s stability, it reduces flexibility. If a versatile midsole is crucial for you, take into account skipping these. Nevertheless, in case you choose to not really feel roots and rocks beneath your toes, positively add the Eager Rose to your potential purchasing record.

Traction

The traction on the KEEN Rose sandals is on the low finish of common. Judging by the outsole lug sample and depth, these aren’t meant for rigorous hikes. They’re higher suited to gentle day hikes and strolling round city.

Although manufactured from a sticky rubber, the outsole doesn’t function deep diamonds or triangles; reasonably, 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 toes, they carried out as anticipated—simply advantageous, nothing particular—on the delicate terrain (grime, gravel, reasonably rocky segments).

Sturdiness

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

The midsole, often called KEEN.FUSION, truly comes with a assure. It’s totally glue-free and, in line with 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 just a few hundred miles.

Weight & Packability

These aren’t the sandals you need to take as a second pair of footwear 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 major distinction if 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 suggest sporting them as your solely pair of footwear 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 possibility relying on the climate.

Ease of Use

For our tester, these aren’t simple to alter out and in of, primarily as a result of they’re too slender for her toes. Since there’s just one adjustment level, it’s a must to slide your foot all the way in which in as-is: You possibly can’t alter the forefoot higher in any respect. As a result of this singular adjustment level, it is perhaps difficult for some hikers to attain the specified match. The only adjustment mechanism is a slender Velcro strap on the ankle; the heel strap is mounted, and the forefoot higher is, too.

For folks with slender toes, placing these on in all probability received’t be problematic. They need to be capable to slide their toes in and shortly alter the ankle strap with ease.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Rose Mountain climbing Sandals?

The KEEN Rose mountain climbing sandals are a strong alternative for narrow-footed hikers in search of a cosy, supportive match. In the event you’ve struggled to seek out sandals that don’t slide round, these might be a game-changer. They’re nice for gentle hikes, informal strolls, or as an on a regular basis summer time shoe, particularly in case you worth shock absorption and toe safety.

That stated, these sandals fall quick for hikers with wider toes, those that choose versatile midsoles, or anybody planning technical or long-distance treks. They’re on the heavier aspect and don’t pack down simply, which could make them a poor alternative for backpackers needing a second pair of footwear. Finally, they’re a high quality possibility and a great funding for these with the suitable foot form and desires.

What Different Ladies’s Mountain climbing Sandals Ought to You Think about?

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

Eager Newport H2 Assessment: For hikers in search of 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 geared up for technical trails and water crossings.

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

Ecco Yucatan Assessment:  Additionally nice for slender toes, the Ecco Yucatan gives extra arch help and toe freedom than the Rose. These are a strong alternative for hikers who require a safe match however choose their piggies to be within the open air.