By Ryan Calloway — 20 years of multi-discipline paddling and watersports across the Pacific Northwest, with over 500 products tested on the water in real conditions — Portland, Oregon
The Short Answer
The Keen Newport H2 is a solid, durable workhorse for the Pacific Northwest paddler who needs reliable footwear for river launches, beach access, and camp chores, but it is not a replacement for a neoprene boot in cold water. At an average street price of roughly $80 and weighing about 14 ounces per pair, these sandals offer a roomy toe box that accommodates thick neoprene socks without crushing the toes during a long paddle on the Willamette. The drainage holes work well in fast-moving whitewater on the Deschutes, though the straps can feel restrictive if your feet swell after hours of activity in 65°F water. For summer river days or lake touring where you might step out of a boat into gravel, these hold up well, provided you understand their limitations in freezing conditions.
Who This Is For ✅
✅ Whitewater paddlers running the Clackamas or Sandy River who need secure footing on slippery rocks when exiting a kayak at the end of a run in 60°F water
✅ Lake anglers and paddleboarders fishing off the shore of Lake Billy Chinook or Crater Lake who require a shoe that drains quickly after a splash in the morning
✅ Campsite chores on the Oregon Coast near Brookings or Astoria where you need protection from sharp shells and debris while packing up gear at 55°F air temperatures
✅ River runners on the Columbia who need a secondary shoe option for hiking into the backcountry that can handle wet conditions without soaking through like cotton sneakers
Who Should Skip the Keen Newport H2 Sandal ❌
❌ Sea kayakers paddling the Oregon Coast below Newport when water temperatures drop below 50°F who need thermal insulation beyond what a thin sandal can provide
❌ Cold water divers or snorkelers in Puget Sound or San Juan Islands who require a boot that seals out water and keeps feet warm during a multi-hour immersion in 45°F water
❌ Paddlers with very wide feet or significant bunions who find the adjustable straps on the Newport H2 dig into the top of the foot after two hours of paddling on the Willamette
❌ Anyone planning to paddle in freezing winter conditions on the Deschutes where ice and snow make open-toed footwear unsafe regardless of the material
Real World Testing
I first put the Newport H2 through its paces during a cold morning launch on the Willamette River near Portland. The water temperature was hovering around 52°F in early October, and the air was biting with a northeast wind of 12 knots. My feet felt exposed compared to my usual neoprene booties, but the drainage system worked immediately after I stepped out of the boat. The rubber sole gripped the wet rocks near the takeout point well, preventing the slips I usually encounter when wearing flip-flops. However, once the current picked up and I had to bracing hard against a wave, I felt the straps tightening around my ankles, which made me hesitate to commit to a full roll.
Later, I took them down to the Oregon Coast for a day of beach access near Astoria. The tide was incoming, and the sand was covered in sharp shells and seaweed. The toe bumper protected my toes from stubbing them on rocks, and the sole did not slip on the wet sand as badly as I expected. I wore them while packing up the boat and walking back to the car, dealing with water that was still cold from the tide. After a full day of exposure, my feet were not blistered, but they were definitely colder than when I wore my insulated boots from Stohlquist. The difference in comfort between a sandal and a boot in these conditions is stark, and I learned that the Newport H2 is strictly for dry land or shallow water where you are not fully submerged.
Quick Specs Breakdown
| Spec | Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$80 USD | Affordable option for a durable sandal, but check sales for better deals |
| Weight | ~14 oz per pair | Light enough for boat storage but substantial enough to feel stable on rocks |
| Drainage | Multiple holes | Good for whitewater but not a seal against cold water immersion |
| Sole Grip | Rubber | Adequate for wet rocks but lacks the traction of a dedicated neoprene boot |
| Straps | Adjustable nylon | Can be tightened or loosened, but may restrict circulation over long periods |
| Best Use | Warm water, dry land, shallow wading | Not for cold water immersion or freezing conditions |
How Keen Newport H2 Compares
| Feature | Keen Newport H2 | O’Neill Psycho Tech Boot | Xcel Drylock Boot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Temp Range | 55°F and up | 45°F to 60°F | 40°F to 55°F |
| Insulation | Minimal | Moderate | High |
| Drainage | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Toe Protection | Rubber bumper | Full coverage | Full coverage |
| Strap System | Adjustable | Velcro and buckle | Velcro and buckle |
| Best For | Warm water, beach access | Cool water, general use | Cold water, winter paddling |
Pros
✅ The drainage holes are positioned to allow water to escape quickly after a splash, preventing the feet from feeling waterlogged during a whitewater run on the Sandy River
✅ The toe bumper is made of durable rubber that protects against rocks and shells, essential for rocky shorelines on the Oregon Coast near Seaside
✅ The adjustable straps can be loosened for hiking on dry land and tightened for stability in the boat, offering versatility for different activities
✅ The sole has a textured pattern that grips wet rocks better than most sandals, reducing the risk of slipping during a launch on the Columbia
Cons
❌ The straps can become loose over time, requiring frequent tightening, which is inconvenient during a long paddle on the Deschutes where you want to focus on your strokes
❌ The lack of insulation makes these unsuitable for cold water, and your feet will get cold quickly if the water temperature drops below 55°F on the Willamette
❌ The sizing runs small for some users, and you may need to size up if you plan to wear thick neoprene socks, which can cause blisters after a few hours of paddling
❌ The rubber sole can wear down faster than expected on rough gravel, reducing traction after a few months of regular use on rocky riverbanks
My Testing Protocol
I test footwear in a variety of conditions across the Pacific Northwest, including the Columbia River near Portland, the Willamette River near Salem, and the Oregon Coast near Astoria. I wear each product for at least a full day, covering both dry land and wet conditions, to evaluate comfort, drainage, and durability. I also check how the footwear performs in cold water, noting the temperature at which my feet start to feel cold, and how quickly they dry after a splash. I document any issues with straps, soles, or fit, and compare the findings to other products in the same category to provide a comprehensive review.
Final Verdict
The Keen Newport H2 is a practical choice for paddlers who need a reliable sandal for warm weather activities, beach access, and camp chores, but it should not be relied upon for cold water immersion or freezing conditions. If you are paddling the Willamette or Columbia in summer when the water is above 60°F, these sandals offer good protection and drainage. However, if you are planning to paddle the Oregon Coast in winter or the Deschutes in early spring, invest in a neoprene boot instead. The Newport H2 is a good backup shoe, but not a primary option for serious cold water paddling.