Over the years I have owned several pairs of the Newport sandals and they have always been one of my favorite shoes. The Newports are perfect for kicking around town, light duty on a trail, relaxing in camp or as a travel shoe. They are versatile, comfortable and good looking and they perform well in and around the water too. In short, they are a fantastic option for an urban adventure or one that takes you to the far side of the globe.
I wasn't sure if that description would hold up for a pair of Newports that I designed myself and Keen custom built to my specifications, but considering Keen's legacy for creating excellent products, I should have known better than to worry. My new sandals have a fantastic build quality and look great too, which wasn't always a given considering I picked all of the colors myself. But more than all of that, this new pair of sandals are by far the most comfortable Newports that I have worn. That says something considering they weren't just picked off the rack in a retail store but were instead built specifically for me.
The new "Build Your Own" option is not only fun it delivers a great pair of shoes too. That is exactly what you'd expect from Keen but it was nice to have those expectations not just met but exceeded. If you're a fan of Keen's active sandals, the ability to create your own is a compelling option. Sure, you can still go buy a pair of Newports in your favorite outdoor store and they'll serve you well. But for a few dollars more, you can get a pair built to your own custom design. Why not express your creativity and go with this option? You won't be disappointed.