Published on August 7th, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink
9Go Exploring in the Keen Rose Sandal Come Rain or Shine
I’ve never thought of Keen sandals as pretty–cute maybe, outdoorsy for sure, but not pretty. But the Keen Rose sandal is prettier than most sport sandals on the market, yet can be tough when needed.
I took my new sport sandals on a week-long camping trip to Manitoulin Island, Ontario two weeks ago. While we headed north, the weather turned south. Gale-force winds buffeted our tents and white-caps crashed across the normally serene lake right outside our tents. Needless to say, I was happy to have a sandal that could take on the wet conditions. I brought them into my tent each night and they were dry by morning, no harm done.
The soft polyester-microfiber straps and wide toe box make a perfect combination for sensitive feet: my bunions and hammertoes rejoice–no blisters, no irritation. And the asymmetrical strap pattern resembles the petals on a flower–hence the name of the style.
Depending on whom you ask, you’ll get varying opinions about the footbed support of the Keen Rose sandal. Many with flat feet comment that the support is spot-on–not too high to aggravate, not too low to allow over-pronation. Since I have relatively high arches (and a fusion of my talonavicular joint), I found the arch support a bit too low for my needs–at least for all-day wear. But scan the reviews to help make your decision as to whether the Keen Rose sandal will provide enough arch support for your feet. I think we’ll all agree that the EVA footbed and midsole provide excellent cushioning for heel and forefoot.
The signature Keen toe bumper isn’t as bulky on the Rose as it is on other Keen sandals. This enhances to the overall feminine look while still providing much-needed toe protection on hikes.The velcro instep strap provides a secure fit, but I found I needed to loosen it during the day as the tops of my feet are sensitive.
I took the Keen Rose on a few short hikes in between rain squalls and found the traction to be good across rocky and wet terrain. And I still wear them around town to grocery shop, attend the kids’ sporting events, go for a bike ride…even out for a casual dinner. What a versatile little sandal!
Sizing is true and best fits a medium to wide width foot. Available in whole and half sizes 5-12 (yes, even the elusive 10.5) for $79-90 from Amazon and Zappos.
I have had a pair of Keen Rose sandals for a few years now. I love the style and get compliments on them, but I will agree they do not have the arch support I need for all day. I keep looking for something similar that does have the necessary support but haven’t found it yet. In the meantime, I will continue to wear these as needed.
Kristin, how would you describe the flexibility of the sole on these? Bendable at the ball of the foot? Stiff throughout?
I thought that I had hit the jackpot with these sandals, but no luck. No size 12 sandals. As I lay here with an infected big toe,due to contact with a concrete slab, two nights ago, wearing sandals- these sandals would have been great. I am diabetic & I hate wearing shoes.
I am looking for a water walking shoe? I had bunion surgery 8 weeks ago and have been cleared to walk in the water. I also have Neuroma’s in both feet and need arch support and cushioning. Any suggestions would be great!
Thanks, Emma
Off the top of my head, the brand I hear the most about is Ryka for water-walking. I know their toe box is wide. Look into these.
I have bought Keen sandals (not the Rose) off eBay and they seem to run very small. Some I’ve ordered I can’t even get my feet into. Is it just me?
I have extreme achilles tendonitis. The Keen Rose sandal is the best shoe I have worn for this problem. Bought my first pair and walked all over Disney World in them next day with no problem. I have 4 pairs in different colors. Love these shoes! Been wearing them for 2 years.
These would be great to wear with midi and maxi dresses too. I have severe psoriatic arthritis and have been wanting to go back to work but shoes are an issue. My old career, we could be a bit more casual in the office but other places expect a nicer put together. My feet hurt in shoes and having a nice outfit on with ugly shoes don’t work. These would be perfect.
Oh dear! I just this moment walked my poor flat feet into the house after my first trip through the park in my Keen Rose sandals and oh, my word — my feet are not happy! The footbed is so, so, so hard, and I felt no arch at all. The soles of my barking dogs are on fire. That was an expensive mistake but I made it all on my own — I didn’t see this review until I clicked through today’s Barking Dog Shoes Early Summer Update email. 😆 (Wide toe box is good, though.)