Edit on this review a few months later:  The shoes were defective and the stitching became unraveled and the back strap detached from the bottom of the shoe.  When I contacted the merchant to get a replacement on an obviously defective item, I was told they could not take back worn shoes. I know that Keens stand by their products and have a 1 year warranty on normal wear (mine had much less than normal wear) but this merchant would do nothing to help.  Amazon was helpful and said they could file a claim for a refund, but I just wanted a pair that I could wear.  So I am filing a claim directly with Keens because this merchant was not helpful and did not care that they had sold a defective item.

I already have 2 pairs of Venice H2 but was looking for something a little more girly to wear with dresses and skirts.  These are perfect and just as comfy as the more sporty Keens.  LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!  The "slate black" is actually dark brown so don't let that throw you off.