If you have spent any time on the trails or near the water, you know that Keen is a household name for a reason. I have been a loyal fan of the brand for years. Usually, my rotation consists of a solid pair of Keen boots for work and heavy hiking and a reliable pair of sandals for everything else. I tend to go through a pair of boots every year because of the mileage I put on them, but the sandals usually have a bit more staying power.
For a long time, my go-to choice was the Keen Newport Leather Sandals. They were rugged, sturdy, and offered that iconic toe protection that Keen is famous for. However, when it finally came time to replace my worn-out Newports, I found myself looking for something a bit different. I wanted something lighter for my travels without sacrificing the brand quality I trust. That is when I landed on the Keen Uneek.
A Design That Stands Out in a Crowd
The first thing that captured my attention about the Uneek was the paracord design. As the name suggests, it is truly unique. I have seen plenty of imitations out there, but nothing quite matches the original look and feel of this corded construction. It is essentially two cords and a sole, which creates a flexible “upper” that conforms to your foot.
While traveling through Central America, these sandals were a constant conversation starter. I lost count of how many times people stopped me to ask, “What kind of sandals are those?” or “Where did you get them?” There is a certain bond between travelers who appreciate good gear. I remember meeting another guy while on the road, we both looked at each other’s feet, saw the Uneeks, and just shared a smile and a “nice sandals” comment. It is those small, worthwhile moments that make gear like this feel like part of the journey.
I decided to stick with the Bison and Black colorway. It has a classic, earthy look that blends in well with the outdoors while still looking sharp enough for running errands around town.
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The Trade-Off: Weight vs. Protection
The hardest part of moving away from the Newport model was the loss of the heavy-duty rubber toe bumper. If you have ever stubbed your toe on a submerged rock while river trekking, you know why that bumper is a lifesaver.
I figured that as long as my toes were not hanging over the front edge of the footbed, I would be relatively safe from hitting things. The Uneek does have a small guard at the very front, so even if you bump into something, there is a layer of protection there. It won’t save you if something heavy falls directly on your foot, but the odds of that happening are pretty slim for my typical activities.
What I gained in exchange for that bulky bumper was incredible lightness. The Newport is a fantastic, rugged sandal, but it can be a bit heavy and bulky when you are trying to pack light for a long trip. The Uneek is much more travel friendly. It fits easily into a backpack and doesn’t weigh you down during a long day of walking. When you are moving from a bus to a boat to a trail, every ounce in your bag counts.
Comfort and the “True to Size” Fit
I am a size 11, and I found these sandals to be perfectly true to size. The comfort level is high because the corded upper is essentially a series of moving parts. Instead of a stiff piece of leather or plastic, the cords move and adjust to the shape of your foot as you walk. This means there are no “hot spots” or areas where the material rubs against your skin.
The footbed is anatomical and provides good support for short walks and daily wear. I have used these for water activities, light hiking, and even a bit of running when I was in a hurry. The flexibility is the standout feature here. Your foot doesn’t feel restricted, and because the design is so open, your feet never get sweaty or overheated. It’s like having the protection of a shoe with the airflow of being barefoot.
Managing the Elements: The Sand Factor
While there is a lot to love, no piece of gear is without its flaws. One thing I noticed is that these sandals tend to attract a lot of sand. Because of the many gaps between the cords, sand gets in easily and likes to stay there.
If the sand is wet, it can be a real task to get it all out. Unlike a standard flip-flop where the sand just falls away, the Uneek tends to trap those grains against your foot. I often find myself having to completely remove the sandals to wash them off or brush the sand out. If you are planning to use these exclusively for beach walks, this is something to keep in mind. You will likely spend a few minutes at the end of the day cleaning them out.
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Versatility in the Field
Despite the sand issue, the versatility of the Uneek is what keeps them in my travel bag. They transition from a water shoe to a walking shoe effortlessly. I have used them for everything from hopping over rocks in a creek to grabbing dinner in a small town.
The sole has decent grip, and after a year of use, they have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of the cords fraying or the sole separating. The build quality is exactly what I have come to expect from Keen. They have survived a full season of heavy use and still look ready for another year of adventures.
See Them in Action
If you want to see exactly how these sandals move and get a better look at the Bison colorway, I put together a quick video review before packing them away for the season. You can see the flexibility and the tread detail in real-time here:
Final Thoughts
The Keen Uneek is a solid choice for anyone who wants a lightweight, breathable sandal that doesn’t look like everything else on the shelf. They are comfortable, durable, and perfect for the traveler who wants to move fast and light. While you might have to spend an extra minute shaking out the sand after a beach walk, the comfort and style more than make up for it. If you are looking for a reliable travel companion for your next trip, these are definitely worth a try.
