Keen Ormond Slides
All-terrain Slippers
For the past decade, Keen shoes have made a name for themselves as worthy companions to both watery and terrestrial adventures. The company has leveraged its distinctive toe bumper design (originally to avoid stubbing toes on sailboat deck cleats) to make countless styles, everything from river running sandals to business casual lace-ups. So when the Ormond Slide slid across our desk, we admittedly yawned, “another variation of Keen.” But what the Ormond turns out to be is a whole new category. Call it the “all-terrain slipper.”
Viewed from the bottom or front, the Ormond looks like most other Keens you’ve seen. The toe bumper is there, the rugged waterproof webbing, the bungee lacing and grippy outsole. But there’s no back to these babies, meaning you just slide them on and go. Dial in the lacing to the tightness you want and never do it again. Set it and forget it.
What sets these Keens apart from other clogs or slip-on sandals you’ve seen is the way they stay on the feet. I used them for a week in Mexico, on and off the slippery deck of a dive boat, across sandy beaches and pounding pavement. No fear of stepping out of the shoes by accident, losing traction or that annoying “flip flop” slapping you get with less capable footwear. Back home, they’re still getting use as go-anywhere bedroom and house slippers. No fear stepping out for the morning paper in these.
Cost: $77
