Verdict from 3 experts and +100 user reviews

8 reasons to buy

  • The KEEN Venice H2 is the choice of the majority, owing to its all-around features.
  • A large number of users acknowledged the hiking sandal for its comfort.
  • Many wearers mentioned that the sole was sufficiently thick. It kept their underfoot safe and reduced the effect of craggy roughness on trails.
  • KEEN Venice H2 is a closed-toe hiking sandal. Many users appreciated how its front bumper protected their toes from debris and rocks.
  • A lot of individuals were satisfied with the excellent arch support offered by the sandal.
  • The wide toe-box was welcomed by numerous buyers. It provided sufficient space for natural toe splaying while walking.
  • Several purchasers admired the cool looks and easy-to-wear style of the Keen Venice H2.
  • A few people pointed out that the footgear took very little time to dry after getting wet.

1 reasons not to buy

  • A handful of buyers complained that the footwear started to wear off after only several days of walking.

Bottom line

The Venice H2, KEEN’s multi-sport sandal has a modern look, a comfortable interior, a wide toe-box, an excellent arch support, and a thick sole which won the vote of many. It's an easy-to-wear, quick-drying, all-around footgear applauded for its toe bumper--a trail-ready feature which protects forefoot from protrusions encountered on the way. A few users, however, were disappointed about its durability issues.

Tip: see the best hiking sandals.

Expert reviews:

User reviews:

Good to know

  • The hiking sandal has a non-marking, siped rubber outsole whose thin slits on the surface make it fairly grippy. It is also durable and resistant to abrasions.
  • The CMEVA midsole and the EVA metatomical footbed work together to provide comfort and responsiveness. Moreover, the sandal is infused with an odor-controlling, pro-biotic technology—the Cleansport NXT.
  • The upper features a polyester webbing which is both washable and quick to dry. Its design allows for maximum ventilation. Furthermore, the bungee lacing system maintains a snug fit and prevents uncomfortable sliding of the foot inside the sandal, especially on ascents and descents.

The KEEN Venice H2 is a sandal for women. The closed-toe hiking sandal fits snugly. However, it provides sufficient space in the forefoot region to allow for natural splaying of toes. The bungee lace-up closure results in a comfortably close-fitting and a ripple-free fit.

The non-marking rubber on the outsole is razor siped to provide resistance against slipping. The thin slits across its surface render the rubber fairly grippy over muddy, slanting, and wet surfaces. This feature maintains a strong foothold of the hiker over challenging grounds, thereby preventing slippage and reducing the risk of injury. The material is also durable and resistant to abrasions. The outsole extends to the front to form Keen’s patented toe bumper. It protects the forefoot against rocks and roots.

The midsole features the compression-molded ethyl vinyl acetate (CMEVA) layer along with the metatomical footbed of reduced stiffness. The combination provides comfort, responsiveness and the needed flexibility to adapt to the natural foot shape and its movements. The midsole layer also has a TPU shank for stiffness. It protects the underfoot from obstacles such as rocks and protruded roots on trails.

KEEN's metatomical footbed is anatomically designed to provide support. Built around the entire shape of the foot, it has an emphasis on the first metatarsal joint or the big toe.

The KEEN Venice H2 uses a pro-biotic technology called Cleansport NXT. Integrated into the footbed to control odor, it involves microbes that lie dormant in the fibers of the product until activation. They are stimulated upon contact with any organic material (the sweat of the sandal wearer). These microbes work by reducing the material that produces odor.

The upper features a polyester webbing and hydrophobic mesh lining. The combo dries faster than nylon and renders the hiking sandal suitable in moist environments. Moreover, the V-Strap forefoot ensures the additional flow of air through the upper for keeping the foot comfortably cool and dry.

The bungee lacing system distributes the tension force in the upper instantly. This mechanism allows the laces to adjust with the upper and flex with the foot naturally. The heel loop facilitates wearing of the multi-sport sandal.

  • The Venice H2 is made using materials free of perfluorinated chemicals. Being PFC free means that the production of this sandal is friendly to the environment.
  • The brand notes that the sandal is machine washable. To clean the product, just use a little detergent. Set your washing machine on a gentle cycle. Then let it air dry.
  • The term metatomical is a combination of the words metatarsal and anatomical.
  • Lady hikers looking for other KEEN sandals can check out the Whisper and Clearwater CNX.

How Venice H2 compares

This shoe: 87
All shoes average: 83
59 96
This shoe: £90
All shoes average: £90
£40 £130
Ready to buy? Available from £26
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