Clearwater Cnx is the name of the Keen sandal with the proven fit and toe protection. Manufactured from CFC-free materials and equipped with a foot arch support of the midfoot, this shoe offers an extremely pleasant wearing comfort. Multidirectional flexion notches provide high felxibility and excellent ground contact. Supported by the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole with cut-perforated profile, the Clearwater Cnx guarantees the best grip on a wide variety of surfaces. The upper material is made of washable polyester fabric, which makes cleaning the sandals extremely pleasant. The foot also receives natural support through reinforcement in the midfoot area. Can a shoe protect toes? The answer is yes. The reason for this is Keen's patented toe protector, which wraps the toes around and protects them from the sun.
Clearwater Cnx is the name of the Keen sandal with the proven fit and toe protection. Manufactured from CFC-free materials and equipped with a foot arch support of the midfoot, this shoe offers an extremely pleasant wearing comfort. Multidirectional flexion notches provide high felxibility and excellent ground contact. Supported by the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole with cut-perforated profile, the Clearwater Cnx guarantees the best grip on a wide variety of surfaces. The upper material is made of washable polyester fabric, which makes cleaning the sandals extremely pleasant. The foot also receives natural support through reinforcement in the midfoot area. Can a shoe protect toes? The answer is yes. The reason for this is Keen's patented toe protector, which wraps the toes around and protects them from the sun.
Clearwater Cnx is the name of the Keen sandal with the proven fit and toe protection. Manufactured from CFC-free materials and equipped with a foot arch support of the midfoot, this shoe offers an extremely pleasant wearing comfort. Multidirectional flexion notches provide high felxibility and excellent ground contact. Supported by the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole with cut-perforated profile, the Clearwater Cnx guarantees the best grip on a wide variety of surfaces. The upper material is made of washable polyester fabric, which makes cleaning the sandals extremely pleasant. The foot also receives natural support through reinforcement in the midfoot area. Can a shoe protect toes? The answer is yes. The reason for this is Keen's patented toe protector, which wraps the toes around and protects them from the sun.
Clearwater Cnx is the name of the Keen sandal with the proven fit and toe protection. Manufactured from CFC-free materials and equipped with a foot arch support of the midfoot, this shoe offers an extremely pleasant wearing comfort. Multidirectional flexion notches provide high felxibility and excellent ground contact. Supported by the abrasion-resistant rubber outsole with cut-perforated profile, the Clearwater Cnx guarantees the best grip on a wide variety of surfaces. The upper material is made of washable polyester fabric, which makes cleaning the sandals extremely pleasant. The foot also receives natural support through reinforcement in the midfoot area. Can a shoe protect toes? The answer is yes. The reason for this is Keen's patented toe protector, which wraps the toes around and protects them from the sun.
Last updated at 05/15/2026 06:20:21
KEEN Clearwater CNX Men's Sandals 45 EU Black Gargoyle
Delivery between 16–28 May $27.84
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
... 2nd pair of this model... 1st was great, no issues at all... wish could say same for this latest pair... the left sandal was very tight fit right from very start, the right also vert tight, in addition pinching and hurting small toe... need to go out spend $21.00 for a pair of shoe trees to see if they could be stretched into better fitting condition... still working at it... now they're a bit better, but the right sandal still is more snug than I'd prefer... for a $120 purchase (plus $21.00) it's not what I would have expected when ordering from the KEEN brand... yours truly... BJ Arias, Henderson, NV (518.258.7878)
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
I have the Keen Newport sandals and I like them but I’ve always hated how goofy wide they were in the toe box. The Newports look clownish, quite honestly, but I like the style and quality of Keen. Enter the Clearwater CNX. These are a smaller, lower profile sandal so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing clown shoes. That's good.FIT: As many other reviewers have already pointed out, these run small. Knowing this, I purposely ordered a half size larger and they fit perfectly. They actually fit a little better than my Newports that are a half size smaller. So yeah, size up.QUALITY: Overall quality is on par with Keen. The webbing is robust and the rubber sole is rugged, not soft, so I anticipate tread wear to be slow. I also like that they still include the wavy razor ... MoreI have the Keen Newport sandals and I like them but I’ve always hated how goofy wide they were in the toe box. The Newports look clownish, quite honestly, but I like the style and quality of Keen. Enter the Clearwater CNX. These are a smaller, lower profile sandal so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing clown shoes. That's good.FIT: As many other reviewers have already pointed out, these run small. Knowing this, I purposely ordered a half size larger and they fit perfectly. They actually fit a little better than my Newports that are a half size smaller. So yeah, size up.QUALITY: Overall quality is on par with Keen. The webbing is robust and the rubber sole is rugged, not soft, so I anticipate tread wear to be slow. I also like that they still include the wavy razor cuts in the sole like boat shoes have for traction on wet, slippery surfaces. This is a feature that is often overlooked by many other companies and, as subtle as it may be, it sets Keens apart from the rest. The only thing I can point out that I don’t like (and this is probably just me being really nitpicky) is the thickness of the elastic draw cord. It seems a bit thinner than the one on my Newports. Hopefully they last with daily pulling on them to tighten. Other than that, I have no other gripes regarding quality.DESIGN: Comparing these to the Newports, the sole is not as thick and not nearly as wide. This is exactly what I was looking for. One peculiar aspect of the design is the rounded soles. They’re not flat at all so ankle support could suffer a bit. It would be rather easy to lose your balance or roll an ankle just walking in these. I’m sure I’ll adjust and adapt but it puzzles me why they went with this design at all. I love the Raven/Tortoise color and the quality of the webbing. The insoles are also comfortable and absorb shock. They're Keens!
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
These are my favorite shoes I’ve ever owned!! They are so lightweight and comfortable. I bought the men’s version because I preferred the triple black colorway and the subtle design differences to the upper. They feel like wearing supportive dance shoes, super natural like a barefoot walking feeling. Nothing rubs or moves around. I love the super low profile of the upper and the outsole. They look really graceful not chunky or outdoorsy. I have bunions and these feel great! As far as sizing if any other women are thinking of purchasing these, I recommend measuring your foot in cm and following the Japanese sizing system. These are on the smaller end of my shoe size range but that’s relative to other brands which aren’t necessarily trustworthy anyway.
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Product dimensions | 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm; 272.16 Grams |
KEEN Clearwater CNX Men's Sandals 45 EU Black Gargoyle
Delivery between 16–28 May $27.84
... 2nd pair of this model... 1st was great, no issues at all... wish could say same for this latest pair... the left sandal was very tight fit right from very start, the right also vert tight, in addition pinching and hurting small toe... need to go out spend $21.00 for a pair of shoe trees to see if they could be stretched into better fitting condition... still working at it... now they're a bit better, but the right sandal still is more snug than I'd prefer... for a $120 purchase (plus $21.00) it's not what I would have expected when ordering from the KEEN brand... yours truly... BJ Arias, Henderson, NV (518.258.7878)
I have the Keen Newport sandals and I like them but I’ve always hated how goofy wide they were in the toe box. The Newports look clownish, quite honestly, but I like the style and quality of Keen. Enter the Clearwater CNX. These are a smaller, lower profile sandal so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing clown shoes. That's good.FIT: As many other reviewers have already pointed out, these run small. Knowing this, I purposely ordered a half size larger and they fit perfectly. They actually fit a little better than my Newports that are a half size smaller. So yeah, size up.QUALITY: Overall quality is on par with Keen. The webbing is robust and the rubber sole is rugged, not soft, so I anticipate tread wear to be slow. I also like that they still include the wavy razor ... MoreI have the Keen Newport sandals and I like them but I’ve always hated how goofy wide they were in the toe box. The Newports look clownish, quite honestly, but I like the style and quality of Keen. Enter the Clearwater CNX. These are a smaller, lower profile sandal so it doesn’t look like I’m wearing clown shoes. That's good.FIT: As many other reviewers have already pointed out, these run small. Knowing this, I purposely ordered a half size larger and they fit perfectly. They actually fit a little better than my Newports that are a half size smaller. So yeah, size up.QUALITY: Overall quality is on par with Keen. The webbing is robust and the rubber sole is rugged, not soft, so I anticipate tread wear to be slow. I also like that they still include the wavy razor cuts in the sole like boat shoes have for traction on wet, slippery surfaces. This is a feature that is often overlooked by many other companies and, as subtle as it may be, it sets Keens apart from the rest. The only thing I can point out that I don’t like (and this is probably just me being really nitpicky) is the thickness of the elastic draw cord. It seems a bit thinner than the one on my Newports. Hopefully they last with daily pulling on them to tighten. Other than that, I have no other gripes regarding quality.DESIGN: Comparing these to the Newports, the sole is not as thick and not nearly as wide. This is exactly what I was looking for. One peculiar aspect of the design is the rounded soles. They’re not flat at all so ankle support could suffer a bit. It would be rather easy to lose your balance or roll an ankle just walking in these. I’m sure I’ll adjust and adapt but it puzzles me why they went with this design at all. I love the Raven/Tortoise color and the quality of the webbing. The insoles are also comfortable and absorb shock. They're Keens!
These are my favorite shoes I’ve ever owned!! They are so lightweight and comfortable. I bought the men’s version because I preferred the triple black colorway and the subtle design differences to the upper. They feel like wearing supportive dance shoes, super natural like a barefoot walking feeling. Nothing rubs or moves around. I love the super low profile of the upper and the outsole. They look really graceful not chunky or outdoorsy. I have bunions and these feel great! As far as sizing if any other women are thinking of purchasing these, I recommend measuring your foot in cm and following the Japanese sizing system. These are on the smaller end of my shoe size range but that’s relative to other brands which aren’t necessarily trustworthy anyway.
I now have owned 3 pair of these sandals and they are great. What I like about them is they are comfortable and keep your feet cool in the summer heat. Being waterproof maked them very functional for outdoor activities plus they look nice enough to wear out with casual dress.
I generally enjoy Keen sandals. I currently own four pair. One pair has lasted 6 or 8 years and still going. This pair has been rafting down the Grand Canyon, on a two week trip to the Galapagos and on several hiking adventures.The pair this review covers is the Men's Clearwater CNX. These were to replace another oldest pair of Clearwater's. I ordered the same size as my other Keen sandals. I bought these in November when I noticed the color I wanted was available. This pair was purchased for some spring adventures. When they arrived, I put them on and noticed they were uncomfortable through the footbed area. I thought they just needed to "settle in". I didn't wear them over the winter until recent weeks. I am hoping they will give a little to accommodate my foot ... MoreI generally enjoy Keen sandals. I currently own four pair. One pair has lasted 6 or 8 years and still going. This pair has been rafting down the Grand Canyon, on a two week trip to the Galapagos and on several hiking adventures.The pair this review covers is the Men's Clearwater CNX. These were to replace another oldest pair of Clearwater's. I ordered the same size as my other Keen sandals. I bought these in November when I noticed the color I wanted was available. This pair was purchased for some spring adventures. When they arrived, I put them on and noticed they were uncomfortable through the footbed area. I thought they just needed to "settle in". I didn't wear them over the winter until recent weeks. I am hoping they will give a little to accommodate my foot shape. My other Keen sandals did not need a wear in period, but the materials are not designed to give/stretch.The recent sandals do not use Vibram soles like my older ones. I am not sure if, or how, that change might affect the comfort. These are not the same level of comfort as my previous pair.
I would have given these a 5 star rating had this been a review of this same model I purchased a year ago. They were great, fit like a glove, were super comfy, and I wore them every where. Whether it was kayaking, going out to dinner, or just hanging out, they were perfect from late spring to early fall. The only issue I encountered was that one of the heel pull tabs half tore off. So, I just cut both of them off and still wear them today. I loved them so much I thought I had better order another pair of the same model since they were still available and before they became discontinued. Cuz that's what usually happens, you come across a great product that's perfect and then it becomes discontinued and they come out with another similar product that's new and ... MoreI would have given these a 5 star rating had this been a review of this same model I purchased a year ago. They were great, fit like a glove, were super comfy, and I wore them every where. Whether it was kayaking, going out to dinner, or just hanging out, they were perfect from late spring to early fall. The only issue I encountered was that one of the heel pull tabs half tore off. So, I just cut both of them off and still wear them today. I loved them so much I thought I had better order another pair of the same model since they were still available and before they became discontinued. Cuz that's what usually happens, you come across a great product that's perfect and then it becomes discontinued and they come out with another similar product that's new and improved (not so much).So, I ordered them up again about a month ago (April 2020). When they arrived I could tell they looked small. They were marked size 11US but when I tried them on I could barely get my foot into the right shoe, I finally was able to pull it on but my foot was all crunched up inside. Oddly enough the left shoe seemed smaller than the right. When I compared them sole to sole with the size 11's from the year before they seemed to be an inch in a half to two inches too small.Frustrated, I packed them up, shipped them back, and I'm reluctant to order another pair. Did something change with the manufacturing, or were these just mismarked?
This is my second pair of these sandals. The first pair lasted a long time, and obviously I liked them well enough to replace with the same thing. Both times the fit was snug when they first went on (I got 9 1/2 and I usually wear either 9 1/2 or 10), and after a few wearings they stretched just the right amount for a really good fit. I like my feet to not slide around in the sandals for active use on a variety of terrain such as slopes or rocky river bottoms.The only issue is that the old ones were blue and currently they are only offered in black. I would have liked a color choice. But aside from that they are fine footwear, and should last a good while.
I've been wearing Keen's for tweny years, First were the Newports then the Targhee shoes and boots. Probably fifteen years ago, or whenever Clearwaters first came out, I started wearing them and I'm still wearing them. They last between three and five years and that with every day wearing. When the get worn down, I wear them out as slippers.I have two pairs under my bed. I'd just like some brighter colours.
I got these to use in the rainforest in Costa Rica, in the rainy season.THE GOODThey seem reliable on rocky paths and loose gravel.It took a bit of cleaning to get mud out of the tread underneath, but was manageableThey handled getting wet and dried out in time to use again next day.THE BAD(1) As should be clear from the photos, they fully enclose the foot & toes. This offers a degree of protection but for me brought other problems(2) Even trying them out before in the UK, I found my feet got quite sweaty in them compared to more the open sandals I usually wearDespite the "specially treated footbed to reduce odor" they still smelt at the end of each day.(3) Be careful about the size you choose and wear them several times before any big journey. Mine ... MoreI got these to use in the rainforest in Costa Rica, in the rainy season.THE GOODThey seem reliable on rocky paths and loose gravel.It took a bit of cleaning to get mud out of the tread underneath, but was manageableThey handled getting wet and dried out in time to use again next day.THE BAD(1) As should be clear from the photos, they fully enclose the foot & toes. This offers a degree of protection but for me brought other problems(2) Even trying them out before in the UK, I found my feet got quite sweaty in them compared to more the open sandals I usually wearDespite the "specially treated footbed to reduce odor" they still smelt at the end of each day.(3) Be careful about the size you choose and wear them several times before any big journey. Mine rubbed one of my toes raw - so much so that walking was uncomfortably painful after 10 mins initially. It took about 4 separate sessions to smooth down the rough stitching inside (and build up the skin on my toe)(4) Worse still, when I raised this with the supplier, asking if I could return them (after my brief initial trial) they basically said "ahh, maybe you chose the wrong size - sorry you can't return these"I no longer get this pain, but I wasn't impressed by this (not even sure it's legal) and would think carefully before using this supplier again.If any of these would be an issue for you, I'd suggest you look elsewhere
What I received was not what I saw in the photo. I don't know what happened but when I tried them on, they were narrow and felt very, very cheap. The soles of the shoes were very thin. I compared them to the Keens I was replacing it was not even close to the same shoe. My old Keen's lasted 5 years and I wore them all the time. The sole was thick, the leather was thick and the shoe fit perfectly. The replacement shoes I ordered were like a cheap China knock-off. So, so sad what has happened to Keen. They lost me as a customer. I ended up buying some Berks. They were more money, but I love them and will never go back. I could not be more disappointed with Keen. What happened?
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Product dimensions | 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm; 272.16 Grams |
