GEAR | KEEN Whisper Ladies Water Sandals – Review

October 2, 2020 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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I wanted a pair of sandals that I could use for kayaking, swimming in the sea and splashing through streams. After a lot of research the Keen Whisper sandals looked like they fitted my requirements. Read on to find out what I think of them.

What is it?

KEEN Whisper Sandals £69.99

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

Stockists

Features

Cleansport NXT™ for natural odour control
Multi directional lug pattern for increased traction
Secure fit lace capture system
TPU stability shank
Women’s specific fit
Metatomical Footbed Design This internal support mechanism is anatomically engineered to provide excellent arch support and cradle the natural contours of the foot.

KEEN Whisper Ladies Water Shoes — *I bought a second pair for my daughter too*

What we thought

I’ve been wearing my Keen Uneek water shoes for several years, but they were starting to look tired and I fancied something different so after a bit of research I decided that the Keen Whisper looked best for my needs.

I was about to go down to Cornwall for a week of beach walks, swimming in the sea and kayaking, so I ordered from Amazon and using Prime, they arrived the next day.

Before ordering I’d read lots of reviews and was a little nervous. Many of the reviews for the Whisper sandal mentioned that they were narrow with some people saying they were so narrow they’d even had to return them!

My feet are a standard width and the Whisper in my usual size is an excellent fit, not even close to feeling too narrow for me, so perhaps it’s just those with wide feet who’d be better off looking at a different sandal?

Pros

Lightweight and super comfortable sandals
True to size fit
Easily adjustable
Stays on the foot securely, even while swimming
Perfect for watersports like kayaking
Lots of different colours to choose from
Comfortable to walk in even when wet
Fast drying

Cons

I’d prefer a slightly higher arch to the footbed

The verdict

Our Rating

Quality 5/5

Practicality 5/5

Looks 4.5/5

Value 4.5/5

Overall Rating (4.5 / 5)

I took up open water swimming during lockdown and am in the water every chance that I get. Down in Cornwall I wore the Keen Whisper sandals every day, went sea kayaking in them, went on long beach walks and swam in the sea wearing them.

They stayed on my foot well and felt secure. At no point did they feel like they might come off regardless of what activity I was doing.

The shaped footbed is comfortable, but the arch support isn’t quite as high as I’d like, so I’d say the footbed is more for those with a neutral foot motion. That said, as an overpronator I was able to walk moderate distances of a few kilometres comfortably in the Whisper sandals.

I found the grip on the bottom of the sandals to be very good, allowing me to scramble confidently over wet rocks and walk on pebble beaches without worrying about slipping.

Once wet, the sandals remained comfortable to walk in. They still held my foot well and they didn’t rub at all.

I also found that they are quite quick to dry; a couple of hours left hanging outside in the sunshine and they were completely dry again. Bascially, these sandals are everything I’d hoped they would be, great Keen quality, good comfort and ideal for watersports, so I’d have no problem in recommending them.

DISCLOSURE | The featured product was privately purchased and this is not a brand collaboration.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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