Keen Coronado Cruiser shoes

Essentially the result of a steamy threesome involving a skate shoe, street pump and an SPD trainer; Keen's Coradoro shoes are remarkably comfortable for prolonged walking, loafing and short haul commutes/urban riding. Common to the type, compromised rigidity and arch support precludes more spirited/extended pedalling but the outer sole works remarkably well with dual sided commuter pedals, rattraps and beefy nylon toe clips.

Detailing throughout the Keen range is to a very high standard and the Coradoro is no exception. Plucked from the box, I was immediately smitten by their pronounced guppy-fish toe guards and the fifty-fifty nubuck/canvas uppers. The former is waterproof and relatively oily so doesn't demand anything more taxing than a periodic Nikwax wipe-over. Recycled materials extend to the aluminium eyelets but there's a wealth of hidden technology too. Metatomical foot beds, as their name implies are anatomical inserts made from a blend of recycled cork and polyurethane designed to mould to the wearer's feet and become increasingly comfortable with use.

The reassuringly stout rubber outer is less exotic but features the usual water channelling groves while the ball of your foot area comprises of a black centrepiece designed for enhanced grip and power transfer. Sizing is street as opposed to cycling and there's plenty of room in the toe-boxes for broader feet. This wasn't the happiest union with traditional chrome clips but bang on with caged type commu-spuds and buxom nylon mtb types. Powering away from the lights or in hillier regions reveals some obvious sag around the arches, especially riding fixed but this never resulted in painful hot spots.

Despite some torrential rainfall, my feet have remained surprisingly dry-even around the ventilation holes, although water dripping from my lengths finally snuck in through the tops after twenty minutes or so. Blessed with the smelliest feet in the known universe, odour control is reassuringly good. Worn for 17 hours on consecutive days, they've never felt fetid or smelt anti-social suggesting there's more to the insoles than clever marketing.

Verdict

Stylish, comfortable street trainers great for leisurely riding and commuting