#3 on this list
Newport H2
Keen
The Keen Newport H2 is an amphibious hybrid shoe built for rocky rivers, muddy portages, and rough trails where open toes invite broken nails. The defining feature is Keen's massive wrap-around rubber toe bumper, which absorbs direct collisions with submerged river rocks, hidden roots, and jagged granite. If you hike in terrain where foot protection is non-negotiable, this is the premier sandal. The upper pairs washable polyester webbing with a quick-drying hydrophobic mesh lining that sits comfortably against bare skin. A quick-draw bungee lacing system snugs the entire upper evenly around the foot with one pull, avoiding the hassle of multiple buckles or Velcro straps. On the bottom, a razor-siped rubber outsole sips moisture away from the contact points to deliver tremendous friction on wet, slippery surfaces. The primary downside is debris management. Because the upper offers so much coverage, small pebbles, gravel, and sand that enter through the side vents become trapped under your foot, forcing you to remove the shoe entirely to flush them out. The Newport H2 is also heavy, slow to dry compared to minimalist webbing sandals, and takes up significant room in a backpack. **Highlights** - Massive patented rubber toe bumper protects against impact and trail hazards - Razor-siped, non-marking rubber outsole provides outstanding wet-surface traction - Quick-pull elastic bungee lacing system offers fast, one-motion adjustments - Washable polyester webbing upper with quick-drying hydrophobic mesh lining - Compression-molded EVA midsole provides generous underfoot cushion **Watch-outs** - Traps pebbles and coarse sand inside the footbed until removed - Heavy and bulky, making it a poor choice for ultralight camp packing - Slower drying time than open-strap designs
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#4 on this list
Original Universal
Teva
The Teva Original Universal is the sandal that birthed the outdoor sport sandal category decades ago, and its fundamental design has changed very little for good reason. Built on a simple, flat EVA footbed with a lightweight rubber sole, it is the ultimate low-fuss footwear choice for mellow trails, river put-ins, and relaxing around the fire after a twenty-mile day. Its greatest asset is its featherweight packability. The simple webbing layout and flat sole compress down virtually flat, sliding effortlessly into an external pack sleeve or lashing to your compression straps without adding noticeable heft. The three-point webbing system is straightforward, utilizing basic hook-and-loop closures that are quick to put on in the middle of the night for camp chores. Do not mistake the Original Universal for a technical backcountry hiker. It has essentially zero arch support, no torsional shank, and a shallow tread pattern that slips easily on steep, slick mud or loose scree. Sharp rocks can be felt directly through the soft EVA sole under heavy steps. Keep it on gentle trails, flat water, and in camp, and it will serve you reliably for seasons. **Highlights** - Exceptionally lightweight and packs down flat inside or outside a backpack - Simple, proven three-point hook-and-loop strap layout for fast adjustments - Quick-drying polyester webbing made from recycled plastic - Soft EVA foam footbed delivers instant, out-of-the-box comfort - Timeless, minimalist design with zero break-in period **Watch-outs** - Flat footbed offers minimal arch support for long-distance hiking - Shallow tread pattern lacks traction on steep mud and slick wet rock - Thin foam sole provides little defense against sharp, jagged trail debris
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Newport H2 | Original Universal |
|---|---|---|
| Average Weight | 14.2 oz (402 g) per shoe | — |
| Upper Material | Washable polyester webbing with quick-dry lining | REPREVE recycled polyester webbing |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam | — |
| Outsole | Non-marking rubber with multidirectional lugs and razor siping | Durabrasion rubber outsole |
| Closure System | Bungee lace-capture system | — |
| Footbed | Anatomically contoured EVA | Molded EVA foam |
| Weight Per Pair | — | 11.0 oz (Men's 9) |
| Closure Type | — | Hook-and-loop straps |
| Heel Drop | — | Zero drop (flat platform) |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Newport H2
- Patented rubber toe bumper delivers unmatched impact defense on rocky trails
- Razor-siped outsole bites aggressively into slippery, wet river stones
- Supportive, contoured EVA footbed cushions long miles comfortably
- One-pull bungee closure provides fast, uniform tensioning across the instep
- Traps gravel and small pebbles inside the footbed until manually removed
- Heavy and bulky, making it impractical as a lightweight camp shoe
- Foam-backed webbing lining dries slower than open-strap nylon designs
Original Universal
- Exceptionally lightweight and packs completely flat inside or outside a pack
- Soft EVA footbed requires zero break-in time for immediate comfort
- Recycled polyester webbing dries rapidly after river crossings and camp showers
- Simple three-point strap layout allows quick adjustments on the fly
- Minimal arch support and zero shank protection on rough trails
- Shallow outsole tread slips easily on wet river stones and steep mud
- Open toe box offers zero defense against roots and loose rocks
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