Let’s Not Forget About the Keen Uneeks
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I am generally opposed to wearing any type of activewear when I’m not being “active.” I don’t judge those who think, or dress, otherwise (in fact, I suspect my opinion puts me in the minority these days), but personally, if I’m not engaging in a potentially sweat-inducing activity, indoors or out, I don’t want to dress as though I am. And, perhaps because I was a footwear designer for close to a decade, this conviction is especially strong when it comes to shoes.
So when the Strategist’s own Lauren Ro (who has notoriously excellent taste)recently declaredKeen’sNewport H2“the perfect summer sandal, one that can take you from the beach to dinner, no shoe change required,” I had a hard time getting onboard. To be clear,Newportsare excellent for their intended purpose: part water sandal, part hiker. They have a water-friendly upper, a hefty toe bumper, and mid- and outsoles more akin to an ATV tire than aTevasandal. But as far as I’m concerned, hiking sandals are for hiking — not heading to dinner.
Instead, I invite you to consider Keen’sUneeks. The style is not new. They debuted over a decade ago and have had a solid hold on the streetwear market ever since,especially on the men’s side. They’ve walked therunwayand been part of some very fashion-y collabs, like their2020 collaboration with Engineered Garments. And just earlier this month, fashion criticSusie Menkescradled a rich, mauve-colored version of the Uneeks on herInstagram.
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I agree with all this praise, but I’m drawn to Uneeks for their details. Yes, Keen refers to the Uneeks as “sneakers,” and they do have some undeniablyactivefeatures, including a shock-absorbing PU midsole with a sporty, wave-like shape and a water-resistant bungee cord upper that tightens with the same toggle you’ll find on the Newport (or aPatagonia backpack). But they also have a U-shaped braid detail that runs around the front of the foot, much like the pronounced moc seam on aclassic loafer. A cord threads in and out of the heel, just like the 360-degree lacing on a boat shoe. And, in sharp contrast to the Newport’s very obvious all-terrain roots, the Uneek’s woven bungee upper lies somewhere between fisherman sandal and huarache — neither of which signal “I’m off to get some exercise.”
The completeUneeks linealso has a range of styles, from the more sedateclassic slingback(also inleather) andopen toe, to a Y2K-esquemary janeand a gorpcorehigh-top. I prefer the two former, tamer versions, which fulfill my sartorial desire to be comfortable while also appearing understated, pulled together, and, most importantly,not boring.Regardless of which Uneek iteration you choose, you’re getting a combination of fashion and function that’s moreCollina StradathanCotopaxi, more high fashion than High Sierra, and much more equipped to take you (or at least me) from the beach to dinner.
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