KEEN Uneek Review: All Purpose Sandal for Adventurers

I’m not the sandal type of person – or so I thought. After wearing the KEEN Uneeks almost everywhere, I’ve grown to like the feeling of air flowing through my toes and the freedom of sandals. While most shoes can only be used for just one activity, the Uneeks are perfectly suited to whatever traveling throws at you, whether walking along the beach, doing a city tour or hiking.

What really sets these sandals apart from other sports sandals is, or course, the ‘unique’ design and structure of the Uneeks. The design is so simple yet practical it makes you wonder why no one had thought of the “two cords and a sole” design earlier.

I’ve tested the Uneeks in black, however they also come in 15 other colors for men, not to mention the 16 more colors in the women’s version.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Versatile
• Good traction
• Durable
• Sexy?

In an attempt to push the sandal’s limits, I tried doing my usual run – except with the Uneeks on. The wind blew through the sandals keeping my feet cool After running two miles in the Uneeks, my feet felt fine, although the back strap started to tug on my achilles tendon. A couple of tiny pebbles got into the sandals as well. I think I’ll stick to my Sauconys when it comes to running, but the Uneeks were a viable backup.

You can do basically anything with the Uneeks on, as long as the weather’s right. The open design allows them to be worn in the water, and I’ve even tried showering with them on. That could be useful the next time I have to take a shower in a dodgy hostel.

The Uneeks do a good job at merging the comfort and freedom of sandals with the durability of hiking shoes. You could hit the trails on a hot day with the Uneeks on, or walk casually in the city.

This is up for debate, but I think the “two cords and a sole” design looks pretty cool. Wired magazine seems to disagree:

Nothing screams “I’m an adventure dork/hippie!” like brightly colored parachute cord woven into an intricate web around your foot.

I guess you could say ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. Let me know if you think the Uneeks are ugly in the comments below. One thing’s for sure, the KEEN Uneeks are definitely unorthodox.

Fit:

The Uneeks are extremely comfortable, and a lot of that comes down to the fit of the sandals. I’ve noticed that they also have great arch support and really mould to the shape of your feet. With the Uneeks on, you should feel comfortable standing, walking or hiking for several hour long stretches.

The Uneeks run a bit small, so you may want to size up by half a size.

The lace up system is good as well and I prefer it over the normal velcro straps found in most sandals. The laces are elastic, unlike the cord which make up the upper. They can be tightened by using the draw cord. Compared to velcro, the laces allow you to tighten certain areas and loosen others.

Cons:

• Heavy (1.5 lbs for one pair size 9)

I really don’t have many negative things to say about these sandals, although one minor issue I have is that they weigh as much as my lightweight hiking shoes. Since sandals are made with less material compared to hiking shoes, I imagine they should be lighter but that’s not the case. Most of the weight of the Uneeks comes from the soles which are quite thick and rugged, making the Uneeks a bit heavy, something you may want to consider if you’re traveling ultra light. (The thick soles add to the durability of these sandals.)

The Verdict:

For the travelers looking for a pair of sandals that live up to their adventures, the Uneeks fit the bill. KEEN Uneeks can be used for strolling down city streets, hiking, going to the beach and even the occasional run. With their unconventional design and practicality the Uneeks are sure to become a favorite of any adventurer.

The Uneeks cost $100, which I’d say is reasonable and normal for most sandals of this caliber.

Where to Get it:

• You can find the Keen Uneek shoes on KeenFootwear.com
• On Amazon.com
• On Backcountry.com
• Or on REI.com

Do you think the KEEN Uneeks are ugly or awesome? Leave a comment below.

The KEEN Uneek Sandals were provided for this review. As always, this KEEN Uneek review contains only my honest views and opinions. Some links found in this review are affiliate links, meaning that we get commission if you decide to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This helps to fund the site. 🙂