How to Pick Men's Sandals for Beach, Trail and River Days
By weOfficial KEEN® Site – Consciously Created Footar for a Better Planet | KEEN Footwear | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: Buying Guides
A practical buying guide to men's KEEN sandals for beach, trail and river days, with fit tips and clear decision rules for the Targhee III, Hyperport Fisherman and Newport Retro.
Quick answer
Choose the Targhee III Open Toe for mixed trail and water days, the Hyperport Fisherman Leather for cushioned everyday wear with a leather upper, and the Newport Retro for a quick-adjust hybrid that handles city strolls, day hikes and beach time. Fit comes first: these are men's sandals with size and width options, so check both before deciding.
Open toe versus closed toe changes where the sandal works
An open-toe hiking sandal like the Targhee III gives your toes room to spread and lets water and grit rinse out, which suits river crossings and hot trail days. The trade-off is less protection from rocks and roots than a closed design, so choose it when freedom and drainage matter more than bump protection.
A fisherman-style sandal covers more of the foot and reads more like everyday footwear. The Hyperport Fisherman Leather uses an ethically sourced leather upper with a high-rebound insole and extra-thick midsole, so it prioritizes cushioning and a dressed-up look over quick drainage.
Water time rewards quick-dry materials and simple adjustments
For river days and beach trips, look for a sandal that sheds water and adjusts fast. The Targhee III has a quick-dry lining and waterproof leather, while the Newport Retro uses an Easy-On Bungee Cinch for a quick, adjustable fit. Those details matter when you are getting in and out of water or switching from socks to bare feet.
Leather uppers are not the same across models. The Hyperport Fisherman's leather upper is a comfort and style choice, not a claim of quick drying, so treat it as a dry-land or light-splash sandal rather than a river shoe.
Trail grip and city versatility pull in different directions
The Targhee III carries a rugged outsole and a roomy fit, which makes it the most trail-oriented pick here. The Newport Retro is described as a go-everywhere hybrid for casual days, city strolls, travel, day hikes and water time, so it trades some specialization for versatility.
If most of your miles are on pavement and you want one pair for travel, the Newport Retro's hybrid brief is the closer match. If most of your miles are on dirt and rock, the Targhee III's trail focus is the better fit.
Decision rules for beach, trail and river days
- If your day is mostly trail with water crossings: Pick the Targhee III Open Toe for its rugged outsole, roomy fit and quick-dry lining. Accept less toe protection than a closed sandal. Choose it when drainage and toe freedom beat bump protection.
- If your day is mostly city, travel or casual wear: Pick the Newport Retro for its hybrid brief and Easy-On Bungee Cinch. It handles day hikes and beach time but is not a dedicated trail shoe. Choose it when one pair must cover several casual plans.
- If you want a leather sandal with maximum cushioning: Pick the Hyperport Fisherman Leather for its ethically sourced leather upper, high-rebound insole and extra-thick midsole. Keep it to dry land or light splashes. Choose it for comfort and style, not river submersion.
- If you are unsure about fit: Order your usual size and width first, then check that your toes sit inside the footbed without hanging over the edge. The Targhee III is described as roomy, so a tighter fit may suit narrower feet. Use the size and width options rather than guessing.
Product facts at a glance
- Men's Targhee III Open Toe Sandal | Grey/Black: Open-toe design with a roomy fit, rugged outsole, quick-dry lining and waterproof leather. Best for trail and river days when you want toe freedom, drainage and grip.
Men's Targhee III Open Toe Sandal | Grey/Black - Men's Hyperport Fisherman Leather Sandal | Black/Keen Yellow: Ethically sourced leather upper with a high-rebound insole and extra-thick midsole. Best for cushioned everyday wear and a more polished look, not for full submersion.
Men's Hyperport Fisherman Leather Sandal | Black/Keen Yellow - Men's Newport Retro | Original Tie Dye: Hybrid sandal with an Easy-On Bungee Cinch and an Original Tie Dye colorway in KEEN's Eco collection. Best for travel and mixed casual use when you want quick adjustments and a playful look.
Who each sandal fits best
Best for
- Men who split time between hiking trails and river crossings
- Travelers who want one hybrid sandal for city strolls and beach time
- Men who prefer a cushioned leather sandal for everyday wear
Not for
- Men who need maximum toe protection on rough, rocky trails
- Men who want a leather sandal for full river submersion
- Men who need a single sandal for technical scrambling
