Chris Townsend gives his assessment on Keen’s flexible and grippy Maupin sandals


I was impressed enough with my initial trial of these sandals by Keen to take them on the TGO Challenge where I wore them on the first day as the weather was hot, walking some 22 kilometres alongside Loch Morar in them on roads, tracks and sketchy rough paths. They were very comfortable and handled the varied terrain well.

What makes the Maupin stand out is the footbed, which is more shaped than on many sandals with a deep heel cup and arch support, and the uppers, which have side supports that are a bit stiffer than on most sandals and a single webbing strap that runs through these supports. There’s only one adjustment point, a buckle and Velcro-fastened strap over the instep. I’d rather have a second front adjustable strap but the continuous strap does mean a good fit is still possible.

The sole is quite flexible with good cushioning and grip. Keen says the sizing runs small and suggests a size larger than usual. This is so, as the size tens are smaller than some size nines tested.