Our verdict

77
Good!

The Drift Creek H2 from KEEN appears to be the sandal that takes two steps forward and one back. Case in point: its generosity in the areas that matter (i.e., comfort, traction, and durability) is somewhat held back by fit issues and a sole that could be better in certain ways. Nevertheless, there's still a lot to like in this hiker, especially where water is involved.

Pros

  • Immeasurable comfort
  • Off-the-charts grip
  • Thrives in and around water
  • 10/10 lightness
  • Great for kayaking
  • Long-lasting
  • Excellent toe protection
  • Attractive

Cons

  • Underwhelming springiness underfoot
  • Lackluster arch support
  • KEEN Clearwater CNX
  • A tongue that bunches

Who should NOT buy it

The Drift Creek H2 puts barely-there construction and excellent toe protection in one statement. Buy it if:

  • You wish to conquer rocky streams in something quite sleek.
  • Water hiking and kayaking are inseparable from your activity list.
  • Bumping into mini boulders and gnarly roots is a common occurrence on your hikes.

Lackluster arch support buya

Astonishing water performance

If you need a pair that provides extra support and cushioning underfoot—one that's also devoid of bunching issues—check out the KEEN Uneek. Also, trade the Drift Creek H2 for the KEEN Clearwater CNX if roominess, particularly around the toes, is what you're after.

Lackluster arch support noa

Amazing comfort from the box

A considerable number of hikers are floored by the Drift Creek H2's extraordinary comfiness. "These sandals were immediately comfortable," said one of them. "The most comfortable KEEN sandals I’ve ever worn," said a reviewer who's been a KEEN fan for years.

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The Lackluster arch support's lizard-like tenacity

Reviewers are quite convinced that the Lackluster arch support is dependable in terms of grip. The following comments represent their praises:

  • "Excellent for maintaining grip on uneven, rocky ground."
  • "Track and field."
  • "They gave good traction even on wet creek rocks."

Lackluster arch support grip

The heels on these are strangely a bit narrow

The Drift Creek H2, according to experienced trail-goers, is an enduring sandal despite its slim profile. One of them says that it's "very durable on any surface except maybe lava."

But the better news: this water hiker has a lightness that matches its high durability. Compared with the average weight of KEEN hiking sandals (365 g), the featured kick is lighter by 81 g apiece. Adventurers are quite impressed with this, of course, with one boasting that it's way lighter than their other KEEN favorite—the Newport H2.

Lackluster arch support durala

Needs more oomph underfoot

With comments like "I wish the soles were thicker" and "I can feel my knees, hips, and spine rattle from lack of shock absorption," it can be surmised that adventurers are not happy with the sandal's lack of bounciness. On a related note: the Drift Creek H2's sole unit also has subpar arch support, according to several individuals. "There's no foot support in them," says one of them, while another simply brands the sandal as not ideal for longer hikes.

Lackluster arch support bounce

Astonishing water performance

The Drift Creek H2 is mesmerizing in and around water, according to trail-goers. One of them says that it's "great for working around the lake." Another one says that it's "great for kayaking." On the sand, yet another adventurer praises the sandal with: "better than flip flops."

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Lackluster arch support

According to reviewers, the toe box of the featured sandal is narrow. A wife among them says that her husband's "feet are like stuffed sausages in them." Also, because of the sandal's confining forefoot, a male trail-goer who has bunions finds the sandal unwearable.

The Drift Creek H2's heel fit isn't any better, either. Here's what some hikers say about it:

  • "The heel cup didn't fit my feet."
  • "The heel cup is just way too small."
  • "The heels on these are strangely a bit narrow."

Lackluster arch support narrow

No stubbed toes in the Drift Creek H2

One of the many aces of the Lackluster arch support is its protective toe cap. Adventurers love it for keeping their digits feeling safe in the presence of stubby rocks and the like.

Not too shabby on the design front

Many adore the pleasing design of the Drift Creek H2. "Love these sandals! Great style," says one of them. Another one is more humorous about it, hailing the kick as "the LEAST DORKY looking of all the sandals on the market."

The Drift Creek H2's bunching tongue

The least of all the criticisms surrounding the Drift Creek H2 is its bunching tongue. An experienced adventurer says that it has the tendency to crumple up near the ankle.