Keen Monterey Sandal : All I Can Handle

I love wearing sandals as much as the next person, but I also need footwear that's functional. I need to be able to walk for miles, dance all night, and run for my life, if necessary.

Keen's men's Monterey sandal fits my criteria perfectly. They're also the most comfortable summer shoes in my closet (well, they never quite make it to my closest because I always wear them). Like other Keens I've tested, the Monterey features the thick, stable, tractioned sole I love so much.

I also love the Greek fisherman style, with the trademark Keen toe bumpers on front and heel of each shoe. I'm just not a strappy sandal girl; I like to buckle in my big feet and know that when I move, my footwear moves with me. (Yes, these are men's shoes, but I have super wide feet; these are the best fitting shoes I've ever had.)

Now that I live on the left coast, I see plenty of men wearing sandals. Not the case in other parts of the country. I think even men who aren't used to wearing sandals (or who don't think real men wear sandals) will appreciate the Monterey sandals because they fit and feel like a shoe, but have the ventilation of a sandal.

Keen has paid atttention to detail while keeping this shoe simple, functional, and attractive. For example, there's a leather "lip" about a centimeter high that runs along both sides of the shoe, which helps keep out pebbles and adds a bit of stability to the uppers.

I like the thick, dense footbed that I can remove when I need to wear my full-length custom orthotic. Available in tan, brown, black leather. Similar women's style: the Tijuana Canvas. Women's Monterey sandal available on Online Shoes; see below.

Bottom Line: I can't think of another shoe/sandal that I'd rather wear every day this summer!--E.S. (May '06)

Price: $95 (REI), 79.89 (Onlines Shoes), 59.95 ( Sierra Trading Post). Click on icons below to purchase.

Manufacturer's Site: www.keenfootwear.com

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