Few states hold as many hidden treasures as Nevada. Minerals, mountains and majestic, sparsely populated landscapes are par for the course. But less high on the Nevada adventure radar? Hot springs. Lots of ’em.
Sure, the state looks incredibly dry when you’re zooming through on I-80, but that topography hides some of the most geothermally active zones in the United States. It’s a good spot to get your soak on — which also made it a perfect place to slide into KEEN’s new water-friendly and PFAS-free Hyperport H2 Sandal.
The Nitty-Gritty of Hot Spring Adventure
Accessing hot springs can be a mixed bag. Some are drive-up friendly, allowing you to put in minimal effort for an outsized reward. But others — the ones that are truly worth the trip (in my opinion) — demand effort, time, and a sense of adventure to access their sacred, steamy waters.
My personal favorite — “Mile High” Hot Spring — is tough to access, requiring a long drive, rough four-wheeling, and then an amphibious foot-bound approach. At least once a month, my golden retriever, Blue, and I visit Mile High to soak up the tranquility and escape the din and hum of civilization.
Like many hot springs, accessing Mile High requires some grit. Numerous creek crossings, traversing dilapidated bridges and mud patches, plus the business of getting around the creek that’s adjacent to the hot pool itself make sturdy, amphibious footwear essential.
The Hyperport H2 is the latest addition to KEEN’s line of aquatic adventure-ready “shandals.” Comfortable on land, and super dependable in the water, the Hyperport is built to navigate slick, wet, rocky conditions with grip and grace. The brand defines the Hyperport H2 as a “Hybrid Adventure Sandal.” Based on its design characteristics, the name seems to stick almost as well as its Aquagrip rubber.
Hyperport H2: What Is a Hybrid Adventure Sandal?
A former raft guide, I’ve lived in sandals my whole adult life. One of my biggest complaints? The typical open-toe design of non-KEEN footwear leaves my toes exposed and stubbable. As a brand, KEEN has always been at the forefront of addressing this issue via its KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper, which has been keeping toes safe since 2003.
As the name implies, the Toe Bumper is designed specifically to protect your feet from external scrapes, chafes and stubs. The route to Mile High includes tons of hazardous, mossy creek walking. The Toe Bumper, however, creates a barrier that lets the wearer stomp freely.
Working in tandem with the KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper, the Hyperport H2’s Aquagrip is constructed to provide traction in all manner of wet and slippery conditions. Whether you’re exploring tide pools, traversing the block on a drizzly morning, or making your way to an obscure hot spring in the middle of Nowhere, Nevada (population: you), the Hyperport H2 is crafted to keep you locked in and upright.
What’s Under the Hood of the Hyperport H2?
Creating a rugged, protective, grippy amphibious sandal is an intentional process. As such, the team at KEEN integrated a bevy of features, listed below, that allow the Hyperport H2 to excel, whether you’re poolside — or in the wilderness.
PFAS-Free
Being PFAS-free means these shoes are kinder to the planet and safer for you. It’s a win-win for eco-conscious adventurers who want to minimize their environmental footprint.
Original Fit
Comfort is king at the spring, and the cushy original fit of the KEEN Hyperport H2 ensures you can wear these kicks all day without feeling the pinch. Whether you’re trekking to that hidden hot spring or driving from one scenic spot to the next, these shoes have got your feet covered.
Quick-Dry Breathable Mesh
Hot springs mean wet feet, but with quick-dry breathable mesh, you won’t have to worry about soggy shoes. This feature lets your feet breathe and dry out in record time, keeping things comfortable and blister-free.
Aquagrip
Slippery surfaces are no match for the Aquagrip Technology. The Hyperport H2 provides the confidence to explore every nook and cranny around the spring without the fear of a nasty slip.
KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper
Stubbed toes, cuts, and scrapes suck — especially when you’re out in the wild. The KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper adds an extra layer of defense against unexpected bumps and scrapes, perfect for navigating rocky trails, creek beds, and uneven ground.
Eco Anti-Odor
Let’s face it: wet shoes can stink. But with Eco Anti-Odor — made with natural probiotics that are water/eco-friendly — these shoes stay fresh, even after a day of splashing around. No more holding your nose when you pull them out of the car.
Lightweight/Injected Foam
Packing light is crucial for a road trip, and the Hyperport’s lightweight design makes them easy to stash without adding bulk. Plus, the injected foam provides cushioning without the weight, keeping your steps light and springy.
Shock-Absorbing Insole/Arch Support
Long hikes and extended wear can take a toll on your feet. But the shock-absorbing insole and arch support are designed to keep you comfortable mile after mile. Say goodbye to sore feet.
Spring Into the Hyperport H2
Many of the best adventures combine a warm summer day, fresh air, and the purifying quality of aquatic bliss. Keeping your feet safe and comfortable fits into that equation. So you can go farther and find the special places that make the journey worthwhile.
That said, the Hyperport H2 is perfect for playing in the water and getting a little (or a lot) dirty. From comfort to safety to eco-friendly materials, these shandals have everything you need to spring into your next adventure.
This post is sponsored by KEEN.
