If you haven’t guessed, I’m coming up with 10 things I am grateful to have discovered, this year. Not that hard to do, and a good way to let the bike industry know which ideas are good, and areas for improvement. I’m going to be riding bikes awhile (hopefully forever), so I think this is a small investment towards continued quality products. I’m trying for something different each time, to cover all the bases.

These sandal/shoes came were a treat to wear when traveling in a new destination (previously mentioned Albuquerque trip), in 100 degree heat. As a repeat customer to Keen, I was surprised when I ordered the same size I have in 3 other pairs of regular sandals or shoes, but these came in narrower and seemingly longer. And yet they still fit. I suppose the extra width may be provided so that you don’t hit the crank arm? The shoes are easy to put on and off, especially great for running errands, spending a day on the bike between different facilities.

Keen Commuter Sandal

One distinct attribute that sets it apart from my Sidi Dominator bike shoes, is that it is clearly not a performance shoe. The elastic and neoprene fabric does stretch a bit when you lift up on the pedals, so I wouldn’t recommend to take this mountain biking on technical rocky sections, although its pretty great for hiking with its aggressive tread and toe bumper. It forces you to chill out – which can be a welcome change, sometimes. You get to feel the wind in your toes!

*picture from another review on Road Cycling.