I am a fan of Keen. Ever since I put my first pair on, I knew they were a brand for me. Super comfortable, perfectly supportive and a little funky – love it! I am a mom, a professional, a walker, a gardener and I love clothes. Like all moms, I have several style persona’s.

Keen fits in with my mom on the go persona perfectly, keeping me comfortable all day long as I try (in vain) to keep up with an energetic five year old and two crazy dogs. I also love Keen as a brand. They use sustainable business practices, they encourage people to go outdoors and they, as a company, are actually super nice in person too.

When spring hit, I knew I wanted a pair of Keen shoes but I also knew I didn’t really want a pair of their athletic sandals this season. I wanted something a little different and that’s when I stumbled on the Keen Madrid Mary Jane.

This little Mary Jane popped out at me on the site. Now, I did get this in the blue, but I also love the black. The upper is actually a ribbed mesh material that is super flexible. The rubber outsole has a great textured and earthy look and is super cushy and also flexible. Between the upper and the outsole, I literally put these Mary Jane’s on and walked three miles.

I also love the multiple textures in the Keen Madrid. The upper, the strap material and the outsole all bring different style aspects to this sandal and they all work for me.

The other great thing about these shoes is that they are Mary Jane’s with a closed toe – but not too hot. They breathe really well, no matter the heat, and I get compliments wherever I go. Plus, if my pedicure is suffering, no one is the wiser. My Keen Madrid Mary Jane’s are also slip resistant and I’ve put this to the test, wearing them in rainy and post-rainy weather.

My Keen’s are also super versatile. I have worn them with jeans, capris, maxi dresses and simple cotton skirts and tank tops. I can’t say enough great things about these shoes. In fact, last weekend I was wandering around Governor’s Island in New York City at the Figment art festival in complete comfort. We walked the island, engaged in a very arty version of Mini Golf, took tons of silly pictures and had some great ice cream. It was steamy and there was a lot of walking, but it didn’t matter to me – I was in my Keen Madrid Mary Jane’s and no one was as comfortable as I was!

I’m just going to shed all pretense with the blog post and admit that I have a deep and abiding love for all things Keen. I was slow to adopt, honestly, because I was dubious of their signature toe protective Keen sandal. I am a Teva athletic sandal girl, after all, and I still am, but then I started to fall for Keen. Ok, I’m a sucker for great imagery and branding! I admit it – but then I got my first pair of Keen.

I admit that this choice is not at all seasonally appropriate, but I can’t say enough great things about the Keen Bern High Boot. When I slipped them on my feet, over my skinny jeans, I totally fell in love.

The super comfy footbed felt like heaven, the leather was soft and supple, the faux shearling lining made them super cozy – and they are water resistant!

The rubber sole was non slip and I walked in these all winter in Massachusetts so you know I pushed them hard.

The cushy footbed incorporates recycled PU and Cork because Keen is working on their sustainability, which I love.

Mostly though, these boots just looked great and felt great ALL winter. I got countless compliments and they were a treat to put on every day. I can’t say enough great things about the Keen Bern High Boot!

So you’re wondering what I got next, right? Well, I needed a new laptop bag and I chose the Keen Cornell II Bag. This is a fun, colorful bag that never gets lost in a crowd. What I love the most about it is that the lightweight but durable bag material doesn’t weigh you down, but the laptop sleeve is very well padded and my laptop is snug and safe.

The strap is very comfortable and capable of being worn cross ways. This bag is also super roomy, with plenty of space for files, spare sweaters or snacks (all of which are essential for me).

There is a great little organizer section where I can tuck my phone or wallet if I don’t feel like bringing a purse. Finally, and what I love the most is that this bag is made from material that would otherwise get tossed in the trash – but is instead pieced together to make fun bags! Every one is a little bit different.

So next up, it’s spring going into summer and I needed a Keen shoe to enjoy in the warmer weather. I hooked myself up with the Keen Madrid Mary Jane! This versatile Mary Jane really spoke to me from a practical mom level to a funky fashion level. I love the rough crepe rubber outsole and the ribbed mesh upper moves and grooves with my foot.

The footbed is super cushy and comfy and I walk EVERYWHERE in these shoes. Literally, I put them on and walked 3 miles with nary a blister. Also, they look really fun.

I’ve rocked them with long boot cut jeans, skinny capris pants and cute and funky dresses and I’ve been so comfortable and happy. I’ve also gotten a ton of compliments on these because they just look cool.

My most recent purchase though, was not for me. I got my five-year-old daughter her very own pair of Keen, the Newport H2 Kids sandal. My daughter is a serious outdoor kid. She spends the summer roving our back yard and the yards of others in search of flora and fauna.

She caught her first frog at age 1, so she needs serious sandals for summer. I couldn’t imagine anything more durable or well suited than a brightly colored, sturdy pair of Keen Newport sandals to protect her little feet.

She is now as obsessed with Keen as I am. She begs to go onto our website to see different options because her new sandals are her absolute favorite.

So there you go, my completely biased and outrageously positive review of Keen. I am a fan, there is no denying it, but I think if you try them, and you’ll be hooked too.

P.S. Don’t even get me started on how much I love Keen socks!

Geox Junior Vita

Your little one is sure to love these sporty sneaks, the Geox Junior Vita. These retro kicks are set in a mesh and suede upper and feature breathable technology to keep little feet cool. Two Velcro straps provide easy on/off, even for little fingers.

• Materials: Textile leather and suede upper, rubber sole
• Item #: J01A4J
• Lining: Mesh
• Weight: 10 oz.

Geox Junior Cupido

The Geox Junior Cupido is a stylin’ sneaker for your little girl. Set in a leather upper, this style features hook and loop closures for easy on/off, even with little hands. A breathable shoe for active little ones, mesh in the upper allows for air flow, and the Geox breathes system expels moisture.

• Materials: Leather and mesh upper, rubber outsole
• Item #: J01C4A
• Lining: Fabric
• Weight: 11 oz.

Crocs Summer Dawson

Just like our original Crocs™ Dawson shoe, the Summer Dawson is the perfect shoe for all day play. With a full leather upper and an amazing croslite™ material footbed your little one won’t want to wear anything else. If you are looking for a supportive and fun summer shoe, the Summer Dawson is ready!

• Materials: Full grain leather and breathable mesh upper, Croslite sole
• Item #: 10951
• Lining: Croslite

Keen Newport H2 Kids

• Metatomical low durometer EVA molded foot bed
• Compression molded EVA Mid-sole
• Patented toe protection
• Quick drying polyester webbing
• Secure-fit Lace Capture System with added hook and loop adjustability over instep
• Care: All Keen water sandals are machine washable and have been treated with AEGIS Microbe Shield(R) antimicrobial technology that helps prevent odor, staining and deterioration.  Use a small amount of detergent, wash on gentle cycle and air dry.

SPECS

• Weight: 7.4oz/210 grams
• Lining: Hydrophobic mesh
• Rubber: Non-marking rubber out-sole
• Upper: Webbing

Sanuk Lunch Money

Bully: Hey kid, give me your lunch money.
You: I don’t have any.
Sanuk: You’re welcome for the secret pocket in your shoe.

• Materials: Handmade canvas upper with Jean detail stitching, molded EVA footbed with AEGIS microbial additive, Happy U outsole
• Lining: Synthetic

Skechers Twinkle Toes Groovy

Brighten up her life with the SKECHERS Twinkle Toes: Shuffles-Groovy Baby shoe. Canvas upper in a lace up casual sneaker with sequin toe cap, light up feature and colorful tattoo designs.

Features:

• Smooth canvas and painted smooth canvas upper
• Metallic painted canvas with texture detail
• Contrast colored canvas fabric toe cap overlay
• Twinkle Toes glittering sequin detail on toe
• Stitching detail
• Contrast colored glitter fabric overlays at laces and heel stripe
• Fun, colorful side stripe and tattoo graphic print detail
• Tattoos with heart, flower and peace symbol elements
• Light up bright colorful lights blink with every step
• Lace up front with metal eyelets
• Soft fabric shoe lining
• Cushioned insole
• Shock absorbing midsole
• Retro vulcanized rubber midsole with textured toe bumper
• Flexible traction outsole

Pikolinos St. Louis 7097

The Pikolinos St Louis 7097 is a darling and environmentally friendly Mary Jane sure to brighten your day. Set in a vegetable tanned leather upper, this shoe features contrast stitching and perforated detailing on the vamp. The strap features elastic goring for a flexible fit. Bring some color to your feet in the Pikolinos St Louis 7097.

Pikolinos has been awarded a certification for its environmentally friendly production of its shoes. They strive to use all-natural leathers, free of chemical treating, with natural and biodegradable soles.

• Materials: Vegetable tan leather upper, molded unit outsole
• Heel: 1/2″
• Item #: 786-7097
• Lining: Leather

Simple Satire Silk

A truly sophisticated sneaker. The Simple Satire Silk is set in a gorgeous silk upper and ready for adventure, wherever your feet may take you. Features a certified organic cotton lining and footbed.

The “pedbed” (the cushiony and supportive stuff at the bottom of the shoe) is made of super soft and squishy polyurethane foam and recycled rubber. Partially recycled shoe – the bottom of this shoe is made from a recycled car tire. The earth friendly foot form inserts are made of post consumer recycled paper. Shoebox made of post-consumer recycled paper, soy based printing ink, natural latex and starch based glue.

• Materials: Silk upper, polyurethane foam and recycled rubber footbed, recycled car tire outsole
• Country of Origin: China
• Item #: 9003
• Lining: Organic cotton

Keen Coronado Mary Jane

A versatile update to the classic style, the Keen Coronado Mary Jane is a casual sneaker for summer fun. With its two-tone floral print natural canvas upper, cushy PU footbed, vulcanized rubber toe and non-marking sole, this new-school shoe is sure to be your new favorite. Features vulcanized eco-friendly construction and all Vegan materials.

• Materials: Natural canvas upper, PU footbed, non-marking rubber outsole
• Country of Origin: China
• Item #: 5348
• Lining: Canvas

Naya Fowler

Enhance your style and soften your step in the Naya Fowler eco-friendly flats. Chrome-free leather upper in slip on flat style with a round closed toe. Pretty floral embellishment on scooped vamp adds texture and interest. Stitching accents around collar, heel overlay. Cushioning biodegradable latex foam under chrome-free leather lining. Recycled cork outsole. 1/2 inch heel.

• Materials: Chrome-free leather upper, biogradable latex foam footbed, recycled cork outsole
• Heel: 1/2″
• Item #: 32778001
• Lining: Chrome-free leather

Spring is springing across the country! Grass is greening, flowers blooming, trees are budding, it is time to get back outside and enjoy the weather! I’ve pulled together a couple possibilities to consider for footwear just right for sunny conditions!

The Merrell Chameleon Arc Pure is a beautiful blend of high tech comfort, performance and design. Cutouts in the upper part of the shoe are covered in a breathable mesh allowing air to flow through the shoe, keeping feet cool and dry on hikes on warm Spring days and hot summer afternoons.

The effect is architectural in design and gives these shoes a unique and appealing look. The protective rubber toe cap combined with the Merrell Air Cushion heel makes this comfortable and stable no matter how much you put your Merrells through.

Just in time the hazy days of summer, the Merrell Circuit MJ Breeze appears with its cool mesh material covering the entire upper part of the shoe.

For those who like more than a flip flop or a sandal, these Mary Jane inspired shoes offer just enough support without weighing you down in something heavy.

With the famous Merrell sticky rubber sole for traction and stable footing, you can wear these shoes all day every day.

I know that I’m a sucker for the Mary Jane look, it’s just so classic and comfy, and the Patagonia Kenosha is a delight. More substantial, with a thicker more sneaker-like sole, this is a more rugged version than the old dress-up shoe.

Two adjustable straps on top and at the heel make for a perfect fit while the molded EVA midsole provides cushioning and support. I also love that Patagonia uses so much recycled material in their products.

This shoe has 100% recycled laces, 70% recycled footbed and 15% recycled midsole. How awesome is that?

The Teva Westwater is a favorite for a reason- it is stylish, comfortable and lives up to all we expect of a Teva sandal.

From the street to the park you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort or performance, this shoe has it all.

The sponge EVA topsole was inspired by yoga mats, which means it is comfortable, supportive and healthy for your feet.

The open design of the shoe combined with the mesh material used means that your feet stay cool and dry in hot, humid conditions.

Live near the beach, lake or river? Like to hike in terrain that changes from the start to finish of your hike? I’ve got just the shoes for you- the Keen Venice H2.

A very rugged sandal with open webbing and great traction it’s perfect for hiking through streams, walking the beach and and taking on water of all sorts.

A molded EVA footbed cradles your foot in complete comfort and the fast-drying materials used make this shoe ideal for excursions near water.

My favorite new find has to be the Keen Coronado sandal, it is so different from the other styles and yet so perfect.

It looks a bit like a skate-style sneaker that has been sliced apart and re-formed into something all new.

It is an unexpected look that looks great and lets you stand out with your own flair.

With natural canvas on the top, recycled PU and cork for the footbed this earth-friendly shoe has a laid back style all its own. We love Keen!

Kenneth Cole Reaction Give Me Light

The Give Me Light by Kenneth Cole Reaction is a stylishly sporty, casual shoe. Set in a leather upper with a rounded toe, this shoe features leather and suede accent detailing, as well as perforated detailing.

Laces up the front with a padded tongue, inside is mesh lining and a removable insole. This is a versatile and low key mens fashion shoe that could easily move from casual Friday, out on a pub crawl and through a weekend in the city or on another adventure. Comfortable and stylish, as usual, Kenneth Cole Reaction won’t steer you wrong.

Geox Daytona

This well-structured casual style features sleek brushed metal grommets.

• Smooth leather and brushed leather
• Lace-up styling
• Ultralight, waterproof and breathable rubber sole

Don’t forget the awesome Geox air flow technology that will keep air moving around your foot so you stay cool no matter the weather conditions! These lace up’s will look great at the office with a pair of khaki’s or out on the weekend!

PF Flyers Glide

The PF Flyers Glide is a plush 70s-era basketball reissue. Vintage logo and tread details, padded tongue and heel ribs, all with Posture Foundation comfort.

• Materials: Italian leather upper, rubber outsole
• Country of Origin: China
• Item #: PM10GD1
• Lining: Squarepoint Print Poplin

This sneaker is very cool. The vintage styling is sleek, simple and fun and the comfort features PF Flyer’s offer will make sure you’re in great shape all summer long.  Feel free to shoot hoops, hit the mall or explore your world in these great high tops.

Camper Peu Cross 18435

A shoe that is as multi-faceted as you are. The Camper Peu Cross is set in a canvas upper with multi-toned suede accents, multi-toned stitching, multi-toned rubber outsole and elasticized lacing.

• Materials: Canvas and suede upper, rubber outsole
• Country of Origin: China
• Item #: 18435-004

This shoe is comfortable, fashionable and fun – with a European edge.  Camper shoes are made with the best materials and with an unparalleled eye for detail. You’ll love how these fashion sneakers feel and look all spring and summer long.

Sanuk Chiba

These will feel so good you will not believe, like at all.

• All New pattern!
• Textured cotton upper for the ultimate beach look
• Happy U sole

Sanuk is all about casual, surfer cool. Super comfortable, a little slouchy and a great look will make these the perfect spring and summer shoe at the beach, out on the water and all weekend long.

Keen Coronado Slip-On

Unlace for summer in this laid-back update to the classic slip-on design. Combining comfort and sustainability, the Keen Coronado Slip-On wraps your foot in cool natural canvas and a plush PU footbed.

With a vulcanized rubber toe and non-marking sole, this new-school slip-on has got performance to match its soul. Features vulcanized eco-friendly construction and all Vegan materials.

• Materials: Canvas upper, PU footbed, non-marking rubber outsole
• Country of Origin: China
• Item #: 13001
• Lining: Natural canvas

Choosing the right kid’s shoes as they go back to school is always a challenge. You want something sturdy and versatile that will work with most of their clothes, keep up with them no matter how hard they run and play and that will stand up to changing weather conditions.

My daughter starts kindergarten this year and I have to say I’ve been stumped! Do I go with fashion or straight up durability and practicality? Do I choose an athletic shoe or do I go with a sturdy Mary Jane? So I perused my options over at Planet Shoes and I came up with a number of cute styles that will please the parent of daughter or son, girly girl or tomboy, athlete or bookworm!

Keen Coronado: Let’s start with the Keen Coronado’s. This is a cute and durable option from Keen, a shoe maker known for quality and making a shoe that can stand up to just about anything. This sneaker, in particular, is also made with eco-friendly construction in mind, offering a recycled PU and cork footbed and using an eco-friendly vulcanized construction.

The natural canvas is both breathable and strong and the look is classic and works perfectly for boys or girls depending on the size you choose. If you decide to go with the classic Converse inspired sneaker, consider the Keen Coronado for this fall!

New Balance KV993 Running – Do you have a preschooler heading into the hallowed school halls for the first time? One of the best options for an athletic or super active tyke is a great New Balance sneaker, with a Velcro closure. These are made for running around, so they are well cushioned and have reflective detailing for additional safety.

They are made with a suede and mesh upper which keeps the shoe comfortable in any temperature. Easy to get on and off and super supportive and durable, these kid’s sneakers are a great option for little boys or girls on and off the playground.

Simple Macaroon – Do you have a little girl on your hands who is likely to turn her nose up at a pair of sneakers, no matter how cute? Well, I have the compromise for you! The Simple Macaroon is an adorable Mary Jane style kid’s shoe that has the benefit of a rubber outsole and comfortable footbed.

As with all Simple Shoes, these sweeties are also very eco-friendly, using Organic cotton for the lining and the EVA pedbed covering. The rubber outsole used to be a car tire and these shoes ship in recycled boxes. So basically, you’ll be helping your little darling look adorable in the most comfortable and eco-friendly way possible! No downside!

Merrell Jungle Moc – Last, but certainly not least is the Merrell Jungle Moc, the classic Merrell slip on that combines simple styling, extreme durability and water and stain resistant exteriors. These shoes have a ton of benefits for kids – they are slip on’s, which make them easy for all ages, but they also offer fantastic traction and a great, snug fit because of the elasticity.

These shoes are sure to see them through the winter – and maybe you’ll swing over to the grown up section and pick some up for yourself!

We love Keen Shoes.

They are an active lifestyle brand that supports people in getting out into the world and having all kinds of interesting experiences and adventures! Offering styles that run the gamut from hiking and trail shoes, to casual comfort, Keen always maintains its commitment to durability and quality along the way. Keen Shoes offer four basic style concepts; Trailhead for hiking and performance, Waterfront for your amphibious needs, BLVD for the urban jungle and Market St. for every day casual wear.

Apart from their well made shoes and versatile styles, Keen is also a company that has made a commitment to social and environmental causes worldwide. Recently, they introduced their 100% Hybrid Box which is made of biodegradable materials, soy based inks and even water based latex glue. Easily collapsible for recycling, the boxes also weigh less than their predecessors which means that Keen shoes is saving money on shipping and emissions as well!

Recently, we were over on the Keen Shoes website and they are offering a great contest. If you enter, you can win a Volunteer Vacation in South Africa! The winner will be flown from a major metropolitan location to Cape Town, South Africa and housed in a dormitory while they are able to volunteer with a local Animal Rescue Society.

This is the kind of personal activism we love to see encouraged! Sure, you can win something, but the best part is you win the opportunity to see an amazing place from an amazing perspective while doing good work.

Way to go Keen Shoes! Now, click and enter to win!!

Ever since Desperate Housewives debuted, we’ve seen dark comedy and outrageous story lines out of Wisteria Lane’s fabulous inhabitants.

It has been a great place to get style inspiration. In fact, I found one of my favorite sandals last year through Susan Mayer, played by Teri Hatcher on the show!

The episode aired in early 2007 and although they’re more earthy then trendy, they are super comfortable and perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. I’m also plenty clumsy, just like Susan, so I love these shoes for their stability – and especially for the toe protection! I don’t mind emulating my favorite TV characters for style tips so I took the plunge with Keen!

Spring is approaching and we have a lot of travel and outdoor activities planned so I decided I wanted to check out some other Keen styles for this Spring.

Keen began with trail shoes and moved into the amphibious ready market to improve their versatility for the hiker! Not only are they committed to a number of environmental causes, they also design their shoes for maximum comfort, durability and ergonomics.

The Keen Newport is the closest to the sandal I bought in inspiration of my favorite Desperate Housewife. These are serious – designed for durability in any condition, well ventilated, well fitted and eco-friendly. With a leather upper and incorporating specially designed anti-microbial materials, these shoes are easy to maintain and unlike other sandals of this type, there is no annoying odor mid-summer.

I used them for gardening, hiking with my family and for just pulling on to hit the grocery store. They are also super long lasting – so if you decide to invest you’ll have them for many years!

I have my eye on a real alternate from Keen’s casual shoe line for this spring and summer. These are a cute and earthy version of a traditional Mary Jane made with waterproof Nubuck and a really cool elastic instep strap that ensures a snug fit.

The outsole is made from natural rubber and cork and they are fully lined with moisture absorbent canvas. I’m totally tempted by the funky Sweet Pea color and I can see them with capris, shorts and a bunch of summer dresses.

I’m also considering Keen for my family. With hiking in the Adirondacks on the docket for the summer, the Keen Newport H2 Kids would be a great choice for my daughter.

I swear all she does is trip because shoes are too loose or too tight so the adjustable fit of these durable hiking sandals would probably help her find her feet whether on the trail or navigating the river bed. Available in an array of colors, I know the pink hook and loop straps will make her love these despite their rugged look.

I’m telling you – this is why I love the media. I get inspiration from a crazy woman on a hilarious show and I find a shoe that I totally love that’s also environmentally friendly. Does it get any better than this?