Customer Reviews

KEEN Cimarron Water Shoe - Women's

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I should preface my review stating that I am replacing a previous Keen Amphibious Shoe with this, so I am sitting with two pairs of shoes nearly (but not near enough) identical.

What I am looking for: Flexible versatile shoe I can wear cycling (in cage), gym, travel (with possible jungle mucking about), and walking around river area.

Pros:
1) Makes a superb trail shoe - breathable, washable, insoles removable
2) Quick laces never come untied, easy if you have joint problems or have feet that swell
3) Toe box protected with the keen signature toe guard
4) generous toe box

Cons:
1) In the previous incarnation the straps across the shoe were a synthetic material like pleather - this is thick plastic and gives a clunky appearance
2) The sole of this shoe looks like a hiking boot and has lost its numerous grippy nubs that made me love it so much and results in it being less flexible - I have found with this shoe I get foot pain across my arch, which never happened before
2b) Picks up more debris on the bottom of the shoe now too
3) Insole is substandard - it does not quite fit right and the one in the right shoe actually slips around when I am walking - yuck!, also it is fabric, which is a step down compared to the anatomical (had depressed toe beds) rubberized insole of the previous incarnation
4) Despite being snug in the front, my heel keeps coming up and I have no way to tighten the back.

If I hadn't ever had the old version of this shoe, which I would describe as a workhorse that fit like a glove, I would rate it 4 stars. Having my old completely worn out shoe, I would rate it a generous 3 based on the down-grading. While previously, I would say the shoe is great for rafting, traveling (I have been all over with my Keens - walked through creeks and had them dry in no time) to light terrain climbing/hiking and even to the gym (plus a great cycling shoe for those who use cages not clips), now I would say it has become a trail shoe - period.

I am a size 6.5/7 with a high arch. Typically I wear a 6.5 in Keens. I am wearing a 7 in these and feel like they still need to be broken in a bit before they are comfortable. They feel more restrictive than I am used to in Keens, and I have no way to explain the heel issue.

Bottom line: If you need a trail shoe that might get slightly wet to wet (if you replace the insoles), recommended. Otherwise, I am hesitant at the moment. I am considering trying North Face Padda as an alternative.

I used these for a kayaking trip last year. The back rim of the shoe is not padded and does not protect my heel from blisters. I tried wearing socks, but didn't work. And moleskin doesn't hold in water. I have not worn these a second time. I love all other keen shoes.

I have 2 pairs of these shoes & they are super comfortable. I've used them to walk, bike, hike, swim, and also weare them daily for just chasing after 3 kids! I plan to take them on our upcoming trip to Disney since they are so comfortable to walk in!