KEEN Expands CNX Sandal Range

KEEN Expands CNX Sandal Range

The minimalist KEEN CNX collection expands for spring 2014 with the ‘almost barefoot’ range of footwear getting a new hybrid addition plus tweaks to the award-winning Clearwater CNX sandal.

New to the range – and brilliantly timed given the recent weather – is the KEEN Gallatin CNX, which KEEN says offers ‘ the  protection of a shoe with the quick-drying, debris-stopping mesh of a sandal’ in best of both worlds scenario.

Underfoot there’s the now familiar mix of signature KEEN  integrated con­toured arch and metatarsal ridge, with the CNX minimal 4mm heel to toe drop and low-profile PU midsole with integrated TPU stability shank.

Up top – see image left – there’s a washable polyester web­bing upper with a two-millimeter bungee lace capture system. The fat KEEN integrated toe-bumper is present and correct and, as you can see, the shoe has some of the openness of a sandal, but with considerably more foot protection.

The outsole is razor siped for better grip on wet rock.

If you’re after a pure sandal take on the CNX concept, the Clearwater CNX gets new colours for 2014 meaning there’s a choice of no fewer than 18 different choices for men and women. The award-winning sandal has the same CNX chassis as the Gallatin.

Based on the CNX footwear we’ve used so far, we’d say it’s a great choice if you want something with barefoot traits, but a little more underfoot structure than a pure barefoot shoe.

Great choice for travel use as well, with the Clearwater CNX weighing just  238g in the men’s and 214g in the women’s specific versions.

Also worth a look if you find earlier KEEN models a little on the ‘clumpy side’ thanks to a slimmed down fit.

More information at www.keenfootwear.com.