Playtime Tester – KEEN Arcata Shoes

The second pair of KEEN shoes I chose as part of my Playtime Tester prize earlier this year was the Arcata shoes in black. These are from their Spring/Summer collection.

Part of the KEEN BLVD range, these are designed for every day casual wear. They aren’t for miles and miles of serious walking, they are for more relaxed days mooching around town or wandering around lakes or cultural landmarks (note they are still designed for playtime!). I chose them because I liked the styling (you all know I like the Converse-look and I guess these have something of those about them) and thought they’d go nice with jeans or walking trousers for day time activities.

They have an upper made from a combination of leather and canvas, and those aluminium eyelets are recycled – these are durable and eco-friendly. Labelled as 100% vulcanised footwear they are supple and lightweight with a grippy sole for pavements and paths.

I am really happy with them, they fit me really well. They have quite a wide fit (they are actually quite a big shoe) and are low at the ankle – my feet spread out in them which makes them ideal for wearing after a day-hike when my feet aren’t feeling that fantastic. The footbed is springy and I find my feet stay really cool thanks to the canvas. With them being canvas and suede these aren’t suitable for jumping in puddles, but I have had them on in a rain shower and they didn’t ruin (these photos are all taken after quite a bit of wear – I got these probably two months ago now).

If I could choose a third pair from the Spring/Summer range (which I can’t as my second two pairs were from the Autumn/Winter range) then I’d be a bit braver and choose something a bit more unusual like the Harvest Mary Jane. I love the design of these but have no idea if they’d suit me or if my friends round here would snigger at my feet if I wore them! Maybe if I win another KEEN competition sometime I’ll go for something different. Wishful thinking maybe! But to be fair, I’m more than happy with my Turia Sandals and these Arcata shoes – I chose well I reckon!

I do love these every day sneakers and genuinely enjoy wearing them. My feet are very happy in them. Thanks KEEN 🙂

Find the KEEN Arcata Shoes on their website for £54.99.