Verdict from 33 experts and +100 user reviews

8 reasons to buy

  • According to the majority, the lightness of the KEEN Uneek has made it one of the best sandals for hiking.
  • The comfort provided by these KEEN sandals has impressed hordes of outdoor lovers and gear testers.
  • Many wearers and experts admire their versatility.
  • A high percentage of owners have lauded the breathable design of the Uneek from KEEN.
  • A bunch of delighted online buyers has commented that it did not require any breaking in at all. 
  • Lots of users attest to the durability of this shoe.
  • Its grippy outsole has earned positive remarks from hundreds of wearers.
  • Some verified purchasers have mentioned that this KEEN outdoor sandal shed water easily, making it excellent for use in water sports.

3 reasons not to buy

  • Several reviewers and hikers are not too happy with the KEEN Uneek’s style as it was prone to getting small pebbles. 
  • This hiking sandal is on the expensive side, based on a lot of customer reviews.
  • A considerable number of owners have stated that they experienced rubbing from the straps. 

Bottom line

The KEEN Uneek hiking sandal has been positively received by those who love the outdoors, thanks to its impressive traits. Its undeniable lightness won the hearts of its owners. Its comfortable feel, versatility, and breathability were just some of the features that made it a likable sandal.

However, there were reported setbacks that keep users from fully enjoying the product. Performance-wise, the advantages of KEEN Uneek seems able to tick all the basics.

Tip: see the best hiking sandals.

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Good to know

-This lightweight strappy sandal from KEEN uses PFC-free materials that offer all-day comfort to outdoor lovers. The Uneek’s unique upper employs two woven polyester cords that are designed to conform to the natural shape of the user’s foot. Thanks to the Cleansport NXT, its interior is kept odor-free.

-The PU midsole is paired with the brand’s very own metatomical footbed. This duo provides durable cushioning and decent arch support. On the other hand, in contact with the ground is a razor-siped non-marking rubber outsole. 

The KEEN Uneek is a light hiking sandal that caters to men and women. According to the brand, this style runs a half size small; hence, they recommend getting a bigger size than the usual. Its one-pull tightening system allows owners to customize the fit quickly. 

The Uneek from KEEN employs a non-marking rubber outsole. Its tread design yields traction on virtually all types of terrain. It has razor sipings (tiny incisions across the sole) that boost grip, especially over slick surfaces.

This hiking sandal from KEEN uses a lightweight polyurethane (PU) midsole. This element renders rebound and long-lasting cushioning, providing a more comfortable ride. It also has a high resiliency, meaning it is resistant to constant compression. 

KEEN Uneek has a metatomical footbed that is covered with microfiber. It cradles the foot and provides arch support. 

The KEEN Uneek’s upper is made of durable polyester braided cord with a nylon core that adapts to the shape of the hiker’s foot. It has an open-air design that maximizes ventilation, especially during active use. A microfiber heel back is added to enhance comfort. The Cleansport NXT feature prevents the development of odor. The Secure-fit Lace Capture system facilitates a straightforward on and off.

KEEN Uneek O2 

Just like the original Uneek sandal, the Uneek O2 has two woven cords that follow the contours of the foot. It also comes with an antimicrobial treatment, the Cleansport NXT, to maintain an odor-free and fresh interior. It also carries the Secure-fit Lace system for quick on and off. But, instead of having a PU midsole, the Uneek O2 employs an EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning. Additionally, the back of the sandal is fully enclosed with a supple and quick-dry lining. The KEEN Uneek O2 caters to both men and women.

KEEN Uneek Leather

The Uneek Leather from KEEN is a men’s-only sandal. This variant carries the same silhouette as the original Uneek hiking sandal; however, it comes with leather accents on the upper.

KEEN Uneek Evo

Carrying the two-cord construction of the original Uneek sandal, the Uneek Evo comes with an EVOFIT knit upper. It eliminated the lacing system and added a heel tab, providing a more convenient on and off. It has a PU footbed and midsole that render resilient cushioning and long-lasting comfort. A non-marking rubber outsole complements its features. This style is available in men’s and women’s variant with regular size options. 

KEEN Uneek Flat Cord

The KEEN Uneek Flat Cord differs from the original through its 8 mm nylon cord upper. The wider and flat cords offer extra protection on and off the trails. This variant caters to male hikers only and comes in whole and half sizes. 

KEEN Uneek Slide

The open-air design of the Uneek also comes in a slip-on style. It employs the same materials used in the original Uneek including durable cords, lightweight PU midsole, metatomical footbed, and a razor-siped non-marking rubber outsole. It is available in men’s and women’s sizing.

Outdoorsy people seeking for comfort and breathability may find the KEEN Uneek and KEEN Newport H2 interesting. This section discusses the similarities and differences between the two models.

Upper. KEEN Uneek uses two woven cords to create a form-hugging upper, and the Newport H2 employs a polyester webbing for a sturdy upper. The former uses a microfiber for its footbed cover and heel back that amplifies comfort. The latter sports a quick-dry lining for active use.

Closure system. These KEEN sandals employ the Secure-Fit Lace Capture system. A bungee cord with an adjustable locking clip is included. This feature facilitates quick fit adjustment.

Midsole. These KEEN sandals vary in the material used in their midsoles. The KEEN Uneek has a PU midsole that gives durable cushioning. On the other hand, the KEEN Newport H2 hiking sandal carries a compression-molded EVA midsole for lightweight comfort. A TPU stability shank enhances its benefits.

Care and maintenance. In caring for KEEN Uneek, the brand’s designers encourage handwashing it using cold water and mild soap. Excess dirt can be removed using a brush or a soft cloth. Do not machine wash. Let it dry naturally. The KEEN Newport H2, on the other hand, is machine-washable. Clean the sandals in a gentle cycle using a small amount of detergent. Once done, let it air dry.

How Uneek compares

This shoe: 91
All shoes average: 83
58 96
This shoe: £110
All shoes average: £90
£40 £130
This shoe: 369g
All shoes average: 332g
130g 578g
Ready to buy? Available from £55
Not sure yet? Overview of all 108 hiking sandals
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com