I LOVE these Keens! I've had my pair for almost 5 years and they're still in good, working order (despite much poor treatment and abuse). They're my ALWAYS shoes for any type of travel and adventure, & we travel a lot (3-4x yr or so...) They've been to Mayan ruins, tribal villages and ancient cities throughout Central & South America, Hiking a myriad of rain forests, jungles and deserts in the Americas, Africa & Europe, and dunked in a variety of Caribbean, Mediterranean, and American Beaches, lakes, and streams. They've also seen a variety of urban settings except for those that require "fancy" attire.

I also have a pair of lime green Keen Newport H2&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Keen-Women-s-Newport-H2-Sandal/dp/B003O2SLXY/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Keen Women's Newport H2 Sandal</a>&nbsp;which I bought specifically for going in rivers, oceans, etc. & usually take them on all trips as well. However, most of the time I'm already out and about in my leather Keen Sarasotas, so they end up soaking wet then caked in dirt or sand anyways. Despite being leather, they've held up to this abuse quite well (although they take much longer to dry than the H2's).

While the H2 also offers toe protection, I find that the toe protection is part of the reason I tend to favor my Sarasotas. For me, when somewhere tropical and hot, having that toe piece keeps my feet hotter, so I end up not as comfortable or happy. I've yet to suffer any big damage by hiking with my open toe Sarasotas (knock-on-wood...) and the added comfort makes it worth the risk. Although I currently live in California, I claim Portland, OR as home, so I have absolutely no qualms about wearing socks under my Sarasotas if the day starts or ends on the chilly side (although I wouldn't be brave enough to wear them in snowy, cold weather...)

Another reviewer complained that the bottoms are too hard - if you're using them for hiking and travel as I am, you want that over a squishy/mushy bottom. With these you can feel the terrain a bit better and so have better traction. I compare it to having a truck or a Cadillac. With the truck you can feel every bump in the road, but you feel much more solid and your driving can respond accordingly. The Caddy will cushion you quite well, but you end up with that swaying, floaty feeling with much less a sense of the road. Give me the vehicle on a truck chassis any day....

Additionally, despite the firm bottom, my feel don't hurt after a day of exploring (in any setting...) when wearing these shoes (8-10 hours on average..) - that is another reason they are my "go-to" shoes whenever traveling. However - I am a barefoot at home person, so my feet are used to the hardness of tile, wood floor, cement, etc. I only wear shoes when out and about (usually 6-10 hours/day max). If someone is used to wearing shoes at all times but in bed, perhaps they need more cushion?

Summary: EXCELLENT shoes for travel and adventure in most all settings (except snow and fine dining type settings. Very comfortable for all-day wear, and very durable even when abused.