USVI-On-Line

Ok, ladies and gents, I took the plunge. The $30 REI certificate my hubby had helped cushion the blow.

These are now mine.

Super CUTE! Hello Keen convert!!

Welcome to the KEEN club!

ENJOY...

My next pair might look something like those!

LOVE'EM!

Carolyn

Whoa, those red Keens are way cute. I might have to take the plunge, too. I think I might have not made the best choice for St. John footwear, as the shoes I got were more like lightweight mesh sneakers.

I was the only person in our group who wasn't complaining of tired, achy feet and not a one blister (and I didn't have to break them in).

Every time I hike without socks, I get blisters, even in the Land's End <font face="Times,sans-serif" size="2"><b><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/SeatoShoreSp ... index">Sea to Shore Shoes</a></b></font> that I bought specifically for our trip. I thought I'd "broken them in" by walking the dog a few times, but when we got to St. John, they lasted for one hike. Coming back from Waterlemon, my heels were a raw mess. Thank goodness our villa had an ample supply of Band-Aids.

So these Keens...you don't have to wear socks, and they don't blister up your heels?

Quote:
I was the only person in our group who wasn't complaining of tired, achy feet and not a one blister (and I didn't have to break them in).

HI,

The above was made in reference to a closed in Keen shoe (Napa style). I did wear socks, but didn't break them in. I wasn't walking near water or boating (unless you consider the Venice vaporetto a boat) or hiking. Perhaps, Gromit or someone with the H2's can comment on the breaking in piece; I don't think you'd wear socks with those.

Hey FF, that's the same color I just got! (I also ordered a pair in Mango, but I'm sending those back because they are 1/2 size too big.)

Regarding breaking them in: I never needed to break in my Keens (Venice H2 style like Flip Flop's.) I don't wear socks with them. I got my first pair 2 years ago and wore them right away for reffing soccer games (lots of running around), with no problems. Also wore them every day on a 10 day trip to Maui and a 10 day trip to STJ (lots of walking/hiking each time) and never got blisters or felt discomfort.

I do think the Keen Newports fit differently. My son says his give him a blister at the back of the ankle, which is where they felt tight on me, and I notice that my daughter really has to pull hard to get the back strap up over her heel. (And she has really skinny feet and legs, so one they're on, they're a bit loose, but the back strap is tight.)

I am addicted ... this is my next planned purchase if I can find them on sale.



Oh, and I plan to break mine in sans socks on hikes down to our creek.

Oooh, I like the red ones! My Merrills are almost dead, maybe I'll have to try Keens next.

Does anyone have advice on which shoe (Keens vs. Tevas) would fit best for someone with a long, but sort of narrow foot? I've never bought all-terrain shoes because when I've tried them on, they feel too wide. I'd really like to order a pair before our trip, and was hoping for some expert advise. Maybe I should just order both and send one back?? So many tough decisions. Thanks.

Pjayer-- I would say that Keens are better for M to W feet. I could see how they might feel a bit loose on the sides for a more narrow foot.

The nice thing about Teva's is they are really adjustable for a narrower foot. Another brand you might try are Chaco's. I know folks with narrower feet that like these. I, personally, am not a fan becasue I think they are pricey for how much shoe you get.

Unfortunately the Chaco's nor the traditional adjustable Teva's offer much in the way of toe protection -- which is why I love the Keens, especially on STJ. We like to go to Salt Pond, Jumbie and other beaches that are a bit of a walk and I feel steadier in my Keens than flip flops.

I think Teva is recognizing the desire for toe protection and are starting to come out with Keen-like styles.

The gal at REI told me to try Ahnu's as well as an alternative to Keens. These too felt more narrow and the founder of Ahnu apparently used to work at Keen.

Your best bet is to hit a place like REI or another outdoor store and try them all on. Or if you don't want to leave home, go to Zappos and order from them-- although I find that Zappos pricing can be all over the place.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advise, Gromit. Over the weekend I tried on a pair of Keen Newports and liked the fit. They were snug around my heel which is where I need it. They didn't have the H2s, but the store called me today and they're in now. I'm going tomorrow to check them out. I was surprised how comfortable they felt. Now I'm going to try to talk hubby into a pair.

So my Mango Venice H2's arrived today. They are BRIGHT!! I think they might attract sharks and barracuda if I leave then on the beach.

I need to find another color. They are super comfy though

PS - Flip-flop, yours are on sale at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Keen-KEEN-Zerrapo ... _a_title_4