Surf Fishing Footwear Top Pick: Keen H2

Finding the proper footwear for surf fishing depends on your area's water temp and the beach terrain. Here in Florida many areas with soft sand and moderate year round water temps require nothing but bare feet. However, here in Northeast Florida the terrain can range from powdery sand to natural coquina and the water temps get colder between very late fall and early spring. I typically fish the coquina beaches because they are partially formed by Donax clams, a natural bait for Pompano and Whiting. Due to the nature of these small sharp shells on the beach I typically wear footwear while fishing. In the warmer months (March -October) I prefer to wear sandal style footwear. Finding well constructed sandals that hold up well to saltwater while providing maximum comfort can be challenging. Several mfrs. have introduced sandals that are marketed toward the fisherman. For rougher beach surfaces and moderate water temps ( 60 degrees +) , Teva has the Omnium and Keen has the Newport H2. Both sandals are very similar in style and comfort . I purchased a pair of each and alternated them between outings. Both are low sport styled sandals with rubber toe protection, nylon upper webbing, molded EVA mid sole and rubber lower sole. Comfort wise they both provide plenty of support for a full day casting off the sand. Neither sandal is adequate for colder water temperatures, however. After a full season I found the Keen H2 to win the durability contest hands down.

Teva on left . Keen on Right

TEVA sole seperating from EVA Mid Sole










The Keen H2 glues and machine sews the rubber sole of the sandal to the EVA mid sole while Teva uses glue only. The rubber soles on the Keen are also thicker to provide less sole wear. The sole of Teva Omnium after one year has separated from the mid sole from the arch to the heel, the Keen shows no signs of over wear and all outer stitching seems to be holding up well. While I liked the Teva Omnium and found them easier to put on, as well as being comfortable, I think the Keen H2 offers a much better value since both retail for around $90/pair.