Keen sandals are known for their durability and quality, but can you run in keen sandals? While they are great for hiking and walking, we don’t recommend running in them.
Keen sandals are not a good option if you’re looking for a shoe that’s easy to run in. However, Keen might be worth a try if you want something comfortable and lightweight to wear for a hike or other outdoor activities. Here is everything else you need to know about running in Keen sandals.
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So, Can You Run in Keen Sandals?
The answer is no. Keen sandals are ideal for walking on flat, smooth surfaces but unsuitable for running or jogging on hard surfaces. They do not have the same stability as running shoes and will not absorb shock as a running shoe would.
What Makes Keen Sandals Different from Running Shoes?
Keen sandals are great for hiking, walking, and casual wear. Keen sandals feature various materials, including leather and synthetic uppers. You might also be interested in our Hoka Ora recovery slide sandals review.
They have a padded footbed that conforms to the shape of your foot for support, cushioning, and comfort during long walks. However, if you choose to run in these sandals, you might get blisters because the shoes move under your feet.
Design
Keen sandals have a toe guard. This part of the sandal covers your toes when you wear them, so they don’t hurt or get damaged by rocks or plant life while walking. However, running shoes should have a high-quality toe guard construction that can withstand a lot of force and pressure when running or walking on hard surfaces.
The sandals feature a heel strap that helps keep your foot in place so your foot doesn’t slip out from underneath during your steps. However, this heel strap will likely cause Achilles tendon irritation if you run in the sandals. Running shoe design should lean towards a closed comfy fit free of binding and chaffing.
Support and Stability
The sandal has a rocker midsole that provides flex but not stability. This means that the foot rolls inward too much, which will cause pain and injury over time. Even though the outsole looks like it has traction, it doesn’t provide enough grip to prevent slipping on wet surfaces like concrete or asphalt.
I recommend something like a pair of Nike Free Run shoes instead of Keen sandals for running. The Nike Free Runs have more support because they are designed specifically for running. The people who created it took into account how feet move when you run and ensure that their shoes would have enough support so that you don’t get blisters.
Comfort
Keen sandals soles are pretty stiff and won’t give you the comfort to run at a fast pace over loose terrain. Whether you’re looking for stability or motion control, these features are lacking in keen sandals.
The best running shoe soles should provide shock absorption for your feet. A good pair of running shoes will feature materials that are both flexible and durable, with a sole that has a springy bounce to it.
The outsole is what makes contact with the ground when you move around on your feet. It’s designed to create friction between itself and the ground so that you don’t slip or slide when you run or walk on it. The best material here is usually rubber with a tread design that maximizes friction.
Width
Regarding the fit of running shoes, width is a key factor. A good fit will ensure that the shoe feels comfortable and offers adequate stability, while a poor fit can lead to discomfort, injury, and limited performance. Keen sandals have a wide fit that can increase the risk of injuries while running.
A running shoe should fit snugly around your foot. The width of your foot will determine which width of shoe you need. If your foot is particularly narrow or wide, you may need to select a shoe from either end of the range depending on how close it matches your foot shape.
Support
You should not wear Keen sandals for long periods. They are not designed to withstand long periods of walking or standing. They do not have proper arch support, toe protection, or heel cushioning.
If your feet tend to swell up when getting active (especially if you have trouble with plantar fasciitis), we recommend going easy on these sandals until you know how your body handles them.
If your toes feel pinched after only an hour of wear, for example, consider buying another pair of shoes that better fit what activities you plan to do in them. You can also swap out the heel straps with ones that give more room around the forefoot area (though this may affect their structural integrity).
It’s quite common to wonder if you can use some of your other footwear for running, but always advisable to check first. Have a look at our article can you run in hiking shoes. And if you are looking for something more minimalistic for running, check out what are barefoot running shoes; they might be right up your street!
