24 Feb 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.