Keen Nopo Lace

I am a longtime Keens fan. However, this has been due their durability and comfort not how they look. Never have I been in love with the bowling shoes look of Keens. That all changed with these puppies. I might buy a couple more pairs in case they ever get discontinued. I always order half a size up! Zappos, as per usual, was off the chain with the always super fast delivery and packaging.

I have owned these shoes for approximately 5 weeks. They are made of quality leather, wear like a boot, and support my feet well. I also appreciate the look of the shoe. I would love this shoe except: I have had one major disappointment with this shoe that has never happened to me previously. This will be difficult to explain in text and I wish I could upload a jpg. On the sole of the shoe, the black rubber above the tan rubber has begun to reveal an underlayer of tan in places. The effect is that sole of the shoe now looks old and/or muddy. So, no impact to functionality - but for the price I expected better craftsmanship and longevity. Pretty upsetting actually. I will probably pass on Keens from now on due to this. Zappos was quick with the order as usual.

I'd also recommend: Patagonia, Merrill

As a tried and true Keen customer for the last six years, I have worn through the soles and/or the uppers of dozens of Keens over the years - many miles on the trails, around town, in all conditions. With a hardware-isle full of screws and plates in my right foot, I need a Rx Orthotic 24/7. Keen's roomy toe boxes keep my shoe collection full of many versions of the Keen lineup. I am consistently a size 9½, shoes, boots and sandals - never fail. However, with the Nopo Lace, the 9½ is big - in the heel-to-toe length and a bit loose through the mid-foot. I am wondering if that is the result of the new version of their footbeds, which seem to have thicker cushioning these days. When I remove the stock footbed for my orthotic in the Nopo's 9½ size, my foot is unusually sloppy and I experience significant heel slippage. I am too loyal and satisfied overall to give up. I just printed my return label and will swap them for a size 9, which I am sure will do the trick. As for the quality, the shoe seems Keen-solid as usual and I am a fan of the new, fresh styling the Nopo adds to the brand. As for Zappos, you cannot beat them, they are the best in the business!

I'd also recommend: Ecco

These are simply great walking shoes. They are supple, have oiled leather, grippy but flexible soles, and wide comfortable toe boxes. I bought these shoes at the last minute and wore them brand new for most of a five day traverse of Manhattan. No break-in was required. They look good and feel even better.