Reason #14 to wear my Keen Madrid mary janes: Family bikeride.
When arthritis settled into my wrists a few years ago, I gave up bike-riding completely. At the time I had a mountain bike with low, uncomfortable handlebars. The pressure on my sore wrists was too much to bear so I just quit riding. For Mother's Day 2008, my husband bought me this Raleigh hybrid bike and I'm still gushing about it. Next to comfortable shoes, investing in a comfortable bike is one smart move.
Now to my Keens. I've reviewed the Madrid mary jane before, but wanted to update you on how they're holding up. They're still one of the cutest, sportiest shoes I have in my closet. The beet red color is perfect for the summer to fall transition. The footbed feels like a cushioned slipper and the synthetic mesh upper hugs my foot--this is the best part. You may have bunions, hammertoes, ugly toenails and ain't nobody gonna know when you wear these beauts. That stretchy mesh upper hides all the those pesky imperfections and all people see are cute feet.
I love wearing this streamlined shoe on bikerides. The flexible sole allows my feet to feel the pedals and the rubber-capped toes protect the top of my shoes when I drag my feet to stop...not recommended, but fun.
Two words of warning. Unlike other Keen styles with a removable footbed and ability to accommodate a thin orthotic, the Madrid mary jane footbed isn't going to budge...and it's flat which means no arch support. Bummer. Also, I don't find this shoe to be very breathable which leads to the irksome sweatyfeets. Other than that, the Madrid MJ has been a fun closed-toe alternative to sandals this summer and I see myself wearing them well into fall.
Where to buy (I ordered down a half size. Best fits medium to slightly wide widths):
- Zappos (62 reviews, 5 star average for comfort) $84, free shipping both ways.
- OnlineShoes.com: on sale for $64.99, free shipping and exchanges.
- Shoebuy: $79.95, free shipping and returns. Currently running a 20% off Back to School promo.
- Keenfootwear.com: $80
Now for some new Keen styles and colors for fall!
Keen Bern ankle strap: I quote Keen regarding the footbed, "KEEN.CUSH is a blend of recycled PU, cork and memory foam that contours
to feet and adjusts to give you the cushioning you need throughout your
day." Metatomical footbed provides excellent arch support.
Keen Erin Ballerina: A bit clunky for a ballerina, but I love the orangish-red hue.
Keen Emily: Removable metatomical footbed would probably accommodate orthotic. No reviews yet!
