Today, from the popular outdoor brand KEEN, available at FASCINATE_ANNEX and FASCINATE_THE R (Osaka Shinsaibashi), as well as FASCINATE_KYOTO (Kyoto Kawaramachi), we’re taking a deep dive into the versatile features of the iconic amphibious sandal “NEWPORT H2”!

Full NEWPORT H2 collection

• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 メンズ （MONOCHROME-PLAZA TAU） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 レディース （ALLOY-CHEVRON） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 メンズ （WINTER MOSS-CHEVRON） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 レディース （Monochrome-Safari） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 メンズ（Triple Black） ¥15,400

What is the KEEN NEWPORT H2? — Defining Hybrid Footwear

Redefining the Concept of Sandals

The KEEN NEWPORT H2 goes beyond the traditional idea of sandals, emerging as a model that exemplifies KEEN’s philosophy of "hybrid footwear" — sandals that transcend shoes. This model fuses the openness of sandals with the protection of shoes, while offering a high level of functionality, carving out KEEN’s own unique and innovative category.

KEEN’s Unique Approach

The idea of a "sandal that surpasses a shoe" symbolizes KEEN’s unique approach, skillfully merging seemingly contradictory concepts — land and water, fashion and functionality. This caters to modern consumers seeking versatile products that move seamlessly across various environments. As the name suggests, NEWPORT H2 is designed with water (H₂O) in mind, making it ideal for aquatic settings while remaining lightweight and perfect for everyday urban use and travel.

Perfect Fit for Modern Lifestyles

The debut of the NEWPORT H2 marked more than just the arrival of a new sandal — it redefined what sandals can do. By integrating shoe-level protection like toe guards into a sandal form, it expanded the potential of sandals. This forward-thinking concept aligns with today’s lifestyle trends that emphasize minimalism and efficiency, allowing people to do more with fewer items of gear.

The Philosophy of KEEN and the Birth Story of the NEWPORT H2

From a Simple Question to an Innovative Idea

KEEN was founded in 2003 in Portland, USA, as an outdoor footwear brand. Its origin lies in a simple yet profound question posed by founder Rory Fuerst: “Can a sandal protect your toes?” This idea was sparked by a friend injuring their toe on a boat — a personal experience that led to a groundbreaking product innovation. The answer to this question became KEEN’s founding model, the original NEWPORT, and its water-friendly successor — the NEWPORT H2.

What “HybridLife” Means to KEEN

KEEN’s brand slogan is HybridLife, which represents a lifestyle that blends work, play, and social contribution. As a brand that celebrates “places without ceilings,” KEEN aims to leave the world a better place through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing. This philosophy isn’t just about making products — it’s rooted in KEEN’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

The Birth of NEWPORT H2: Evolving the Founding Model

The NEWPORT series began with KEEN’s very first product — a revolutionary sandal designed to protect the toes, released in 2003. The NEWPORT H2 is an evolution of that model, using lightweight, quick-drying materials to better suit water-based activities. Named after the chemical formula for water (H₂O), the NEWPORT H2 has remained largely unchanged for years due to its exceptional completeness and continued popularity as one of the most well-balanced sandals on the market.

Key Features and Technologies of the NEWPORT H2

KEEN.PROTECT: Reliable Toe Protection

One of the hallmark features of KEEN sandals is the signature toe protection. By molding the outsole and toe guard as one unit using KEEN's proprietary technology, durability is enhanced while effectively shielding the toes from rocks, roots, and debris. This level of protection makes them not only ideal for outdoor use, but also dependable for everyday scenarios involving unexpected impact. With performance that rivals full-coverage shoes, the NEWPORT H2 expands its usability across various environments.

Metatomical Footbed: Contoured Comfort

The “Metatomical Footbed” is an anatomically engineered insole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot. It provides a snug, supportive fit, excellent cushioning, and helps reduce fatigue during prolonged use. The materials, density, and design are fine-tuned according to intended use, delivering the kind of all-day comfort KEEN is known for. This thoughtful design philosophy reflects KEEN’s commitment to serving a wide range of foot shapes and ensuring individual comfort for every user.

Superior Traction and Stability

The outsole of the NEWPORT H2 features a multi-directional lug pattern enhanced with laser siping for channeling away water. This ensures a strong grip even on wet surfaces such as slippery rocks or riverbeds. The nylon stability shank reduces torsion, enhancing overall support and minimizing fatigue during extended activity — especially on uneven terrain.

Quick Dry and Easy Maintenance

The upper uses quick-dry polyester, which resists water and dirt, making the sandals both washable and easy to care for. After water activities, they dry quickly and remain comfortable. Mud and sand can be rinsed off easily, and for tougher stains, soaking in a water-baking soda mix for 2–3 hours followed by scrubbing is recommended. While machine washing is possible, hand washing extends the product’s life. This easy-care quality supports KEEN’s goal of creating sustainable, long-lasting footwear.

Versatile Performance for Every Scene

Daily Use: From City Streets to Travel Adventures

Although often associated with outdoor use, the NEWPORT H2 excels in everyday scenarios like walking around town. Its comfort over long distances, adjustable straps, and relaxed design make it an ideal choice for extended wear. The versatile style pairs well with casual outfits across multiple seasons. Reviews also highlight their performance on international trips, including in deserts and rugged terrain — making them a go-to pair for people seeking footwear for various adventures.

Outdoor Activities: Stability and Protection in Nature

The NEWPORT H2 truly shines during camping or light hiking. Its exceptional grip and KEEN.PROTECT toe coverage safeguard against natural hazards like rocks and tree roots. Users frequently praise its ability to shield against pebbles and sudden impacts. The synergy of protection, traction, and quick-drying performance enables confident movement even in challenging conditions.

Water Sports: Grip and Comfort by the Water

Whether at the beach or by the river, the NEWPORT H2 delivers superb performance in aquatic environments. Its standout water traction makes it reliable on slippery rocks, while the quick-drying upper keeps your feet comfortable post-immersion. Designed to withstand both fresh and saltwater without degrading, it's a favorite among water sports enthusiasts. The NEWPORT H2 supports dynamic lifestyles that transition seamlessly between urban and natural environments.

KEEN NEWPORT H2 Size Review

Here we share size impressions from staff who actually tried on the NEWPORT H2.

If you’re unsure about which size to choose, we hope this helps you decide.

Is the KEEN NEWPORT H2 True to Size?

Based on the above reviews and feedback from customers in-store, the NEWPORT H2 tends to run slightly small. We recommend choosing half a size up for the best fit, though individual differences may apply.

If you're still unsure, we also offer a KEEN Size Guide with staff reviews and actual measurements. Please check it out below:

All NEWPORT H2 items

• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 メンズ （MONOCHROME-PLAZA TAU） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 レディース （ALLOY-CHEVRON） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 メンズ （WINTER MOSS-CHEVRON） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 レディース （Monochrome-Safari） ¥15,400
• 
  KEEN NEWPORT H2 メンズ（Triple Black） ¥15,400

All KEEN items