The Astoria West is a cross-functional hybrid sandal designed for women who love adventure in the outdoors. With a more streamlined last and fit, and a feminine silhouette, it‘s also ideal for use in and around the city. As the brainchild of two women on the KEEN product team – product director Dana Strand and designer Lindsey Johnson – the Astoria West sandal is designed by women, for women.
“We were overdue for a performance sandal that is just right for her,” Dana says. “We know women need and want a shoe that fits her lifestyle. They want shoes that are flattering to the foot, comfortable, and perform well.”
Developed in accordance with KEEN’s Consciously Created approach, the Astoria West features a long lasting webbed upper containing recycled PET plastic bottles and treated with KEEN’s Eco anti odor system to keep feet smelling sweet all summer long without the use of chemicals or harmful pesticides. A quick drying lining make this versatile sandal ideal for active use, with an Aqua Grip Rubber Outsole with razor siping providing maximum traction on wet or slippery surfaces. A PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) keeps the environmental footprint to a minimum and offers agile performance ready to be switched on for adventure when moving from city to waters edge. An EVA midsole provides airy, lightweight cushioning, whilst an EVA insole with contoured arch support promises all day comfort and luxurious midfoot support on longer excursions.
We pioneered the hybrid sandal concept in 2003 when we paired the protection of a shoe with the performance of a sandal to create the Newport sandal. Since then, we‘ve made tweaks over the years that have resulted in different styles such as performance water sandals or trail sandals. In this case, we wanted to make it even more versatile and stylish for around-town life, too.
However, the Astoria West isn‘t just an evolution of the Newport sandal. Some of the women’s-specific performance features were inspired by the revolutionary Terradora hiker, the first KEEN boot built on a women’s-specific last and designed with women’s biomechanics in mind.
All in all, by maintaining the original fit of the Newport – with just as much toe room and just as much girth in the instep – but with a more athletic stance by creating a women‘s specific last, and with a modern wedge look, we were able to design a versatile and stylish sandal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking for all-day adventures from the coast to the mountains.
"What MATERIALS is your product made off? "
• Upper - Textile 56% Synthetic 44%
• Recycled PET plastic bungee cord and lace-lock system
• Quick-dry lining for active use
• Outsole material 100% rubber
• EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning
"Tell us more about your COMPANY / PRODUCT SUSTAINABILITY... "
We love making the most original, purposeful, comfortable, and durable footwear on the planet, but we really just want to make a difference. As a family-run business we’ve always felt we have a shared responsibility to do things the right way. The kind of products we make and how we treat our environment and each other are part of a mission we’ve taken to heart since KEEN was conceived in 2003.
In 2005, we collaborated with The Conservation Alliance through a combination of funding and activism that helped drive a 4X increase in its membership. The executive director referred to that impact as the “KEEN Effect.” The name stuck and now KEEN Effect represents the good we do to support our communities and protect the planet. Every time someone buys a KEEN boot, sandal, or sneaker, they help create a KEEN Effect.
We have a dedicated KEEN Effect team to helping drive lasting change across the entire company and beyond. By focusing on advocacy, conservation, and our consciously created approach, we strive to leave the world better than we found it.
And because we are aware that every product has an impact. And we’re on a path to lighten it. It’s a long journey, and we are definitely not there yet, but we are dedicated to do better.
We also don‘t like to use the word “sustainable”. Because the most sustainable decision would be to make nothing at all. But products make it possible to go outside and enjoy nature, connect with the world and with each other and do something good at the same time. And we believe in all of these things too. So for us, it‘s about being more aware of all the decisions that go into making a shoe and doing everything we can to minimize our impact on the planet. It‘s about rethinking the way things are normally done and acting on our values by doing things differently. Even if it is not the easiest way.
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS on the product:
• Upper contains recycled PET plastic bottles
• Recycled PET plastic bungee cord and lace-lock system
• Eco Anti-Odour for natural Odour control
"We know there are FUN FACTS and / or a BACKSTORY! Please share!"
• „We deserve good-looking shoes – designed just for us, that will also perform well.“ That was the mindset of our designer when she transformed our iconic hybrid sandal into an active wedge sandal with a women‘s-specific fit and slip-resistant grip.
• Designed exclusively for women with a subtle feminine style without compromising any performance.
• The shoes are 100% hybrid, from high intensity hikes to aquatic adventures.
