KEEN Newport H2 Review | GearJunkie Tested

When my summer days start on the water but end with a hike to a viewpoint or a campfire hang, I always reach for KEEN Newport H2 Sandals. They’re one of the few water shoes I trust to handle paddleboarding, portaging, hiking, and even casual town wear without skipping a beat.

I’ve taken them on SUP trips through Grand Teton National Park, hauled camera gear over slick river crossings, and hiked to desert swimming holes in 100-degree heat. No matter the terrain or the task, they hold up.

The beauty of the Newport H2 is that I don’t have to think about changing shoes. They dry fast, grip on slick rock, and offer more protection than just about any other water shoe I own.

The closed-toe design keeps my feet safe from underwater surprises, and the structured midsole gives enough support to carry me through a few miles of trail with no problem. They’re my default when the adventure involves both water and walking, which, in summer, is pretty much every day.

In short: The KEEN Newport H2 water shoes are tough, secure, and ready for almost anything. They’re perfect for paddlers, river guides, campers, and anyone who wants one pair to handle water, trail, and camp without missing a beat. They’re not sleek or stylish, but they’re dependable and built to last.

Compare KEEN Newport H2 to others we’ve tested by checking out GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Water Shoes and the Best Water Shoes for Women.

KEEN Newport H2 Review

Fit and Comfort

Out of the box, the Newport H2 feels structured and supportive. The wide toe box gives your feet room to breathe and splay naturally, and the contoured footbed offers solid arch support. I’ve worn them for full days on my feet and never had any hotspots or tired arches. The bungee lacing system adjusts quickly and stays tight, even when my feet are soaked.

They’re definitely on the bulkier side. If I were tight on space, I wouldn’t pack them, but I’ll wear them straight onto the plane if I know water is on the itinerary.

Traction and Performance

This is where the Newport H2 shines. The outsole grips well on wet boat ramps, slick rocks, and muddy trails. During testing, I scrambled up a steep, loose trail to an excellent rock for jumping into the river, and they stuck better than some trail runners I’ve used.

They’re also stable enough for short hikes and camp chores, making them a reliable one-shoe solution for warm-weather trips that include water and walking.

Dry Time and Breathability

The synthetic webbing dries quickly, and the shoe drains water efficiently through the open sides and bottom. It’s not as breathable as a true open-toe sandal, but it vents well enough, especially considering the added coverage. Even in humid conditions or on back-to-back water days, my feet never felt soggy or swampy.

Durability

After several seasons of hard use, mine are still going strong. The stitching is solid, the webbing hasn’t frayed, and the toe cap has taken plenty of hits without breaking down. These water shoes live in the bottom of your dry bag all summer and are always ready to go.

Room for Improvement

Let’s be real: These water shoes aren’t winning any fashion contests. They’re chunky, loud, and not exactly subtle. If you want something sleek or minimal, these probably aren’t it. But the performance outweighs the aesthetics once you’re knee-deep in a river crossing or hauling gear up a dusty trail. I’ve embraced the look, but they’re not nearly as stylish as the Astral Brewer 3.0 to wear into town after a river day.

There’s also a lack of adjustability. The bungee system is quick and convenient, but doesn’t let you fine-tune the fit much, especially around the heel.

The semi-enclosed design tends to trap debris. Sand, gravel, and pine needles can sneak in and stick around until you take them off. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting if you’re hiking in dry or gritty terrain.

KEEN Newport H2 Review: Who Are These Water Shoes For?

These are for anyone who lives in and around water during the summer. If you paddle, raft, camp, hike to swimming holes, or just need something that can handle everything, the Newport H2 water shoes are hard to beat. River guides, SUP enthusiasts, and anyone who needs more than a flimsy sandal will appreciate the support and protection.