Multi-Sport Shoes Keep You Movin’!

Words I live by: simplicity, practicality, durability. The KeenVenice H2 multi-sport sandal is the perfect, ahem, *fit* for my outdoorsy-lifestyle.

As part of the Go Green Get Fit Challenge, I wore my Keens on a recent camping/hiking trip to Shenandoah National Park. The features of the Venice H2 ended up being the perfect combination of long-walk-worthy comfort and waterproof necessity.

Day One: After setting up camp in the late afternoon, we decided to take an early dinner at the campground lodge. Cooking outdoors did not seem possible since the skies were looking ominous and the wind had shifted to indicate rain. Unfortunately (or, fortunately, for sake of this review!), we got caught in a downpour like I’ve never experienced. In a split second, a light rain turned into the kind of drenching, heavy, thunderous storm that only occurs on the top of a mountain. So much water fell from the sky that we had to yell to hear each other! I experienced more time in the elements as I strapped our two-year-old in his carseat and ran to the opposite side of the vehicle.
Shoe Notes: the Keen Venice H2’s neoprene straps dried quickly, and my feet did not have that icky, squishy feeling that can occur after stompin’ through puddles. Waterproof Grade: A+

Day Two: The rainstorm continued through the night, dropping at least 3 inches of rain on us, splattering the tent with mud, and creating a spectacularly-glistening-yet-droopy campsite upon our waking. Despite the drought that has been occurring this summer, we figured the morning after a storm would be a great time to view a waterfall. The fam tromped to Dark Hollow Falls and hiked downhill a mile, across slippery rocks and muddy, loose terrain. Our ascent traveled the same trail, so one mile again, this time, uphill.
Shoe Notes: the sole on the Venice H2 is sturdy yet flexible, and extra-grippy. I had no problem navigating the rain-soaked trail. The strap system of the Venice allowed me to get the right fit, so I had no problems with the shoe rubbing nor causing hot-spots. I got a pebble in my shoe only once, but because of the stretchiness of the neoprene, I slipped the shoe on and off in seconds to remove the rock. I found the Venice to be absolutely comfortable, but it does lack the ankle support I prefer for hiking, so I probably wouldn’t wear this particular model for a hike any longer than 2 miles. Hiking Grade: A

I wore my Keens for walking around the campsite and the campgrounds, and used them for a shorter, flatter hike through the forest. I didn’t want to take them off! They are definitely a shoe that I look forward to putting on, because, CONFESSION, I hate wearing shoes. I generally wear only flip-flops and it’s saying a lot that I stare wistfully at the Venice H2 until I have a reason to put them on. 🙂

I can’t wait to wear the Venice H2 on our next kayaking trip because I see the shoes faring well when we walk over rocks or across muddy shores to put our boats in the water.

Are you a multi-sport sort of person? I highly recommend the Keen Venice H2 as a lightweight, yet rugged alternative to simple sandals or light hiking shoes. They’re the perfect summer footwear.

Get a pair through the eco-conscious PlanetShoes.com! Get Free Shipping with THIS LINK.

Disclosure: I was provided with a pair of shoes, courtesy of PlanetShoes.com, a sponsor of the Go Green Get Fit Challenge, from The EcoMom Alliance Sustain YourSelf series. Affiliate links appear in this post; the few cents I may make from your purchase help to fund this blog. Thanks!