KEEN x GRAMICCI
Newport Hemp Sandal
KEEN and Gramicci have come together on a new iteration of the Newport Sandal, built from hemp and grounded in a shared history of outdoor performance. KEEN’s reputation for hybrid footwear that can handle both trail and water meets Gramicci’s legacy rooted in 1980s Yosemite climbing. The result is a durable, understated sandal that blends function, materials innovation, and a clear commitment to conscious design.
OUTDOOR HERITAGE MEETS DESIGN FUNCTIONALITY
The Newport Sandal is already a fixture in KEEN’s lineup. Originally designed to help protect toes, it’s long been known for its rugged toe bumper, siped outsole, and all-terrain grip. This collaboration doesn’t change its utility, but it does rethink its composition. The upper now features breathable hemp fabric – a more natural alternative to synthetics that’s durable and quick to dry. There’s also subtle zig-zag stitching on the webbing and tabs, a nod to Gramicci’s history in stitched canvas gear, and a hemp label on the inner side.
The sandal includes the same features that have made the Newport a consistent go-to: a foam midsole for cushioning, a high-traction rubber outsole with multi-directional lugs and razor siping, and a bungee lacing system that keeps the fit secure. The quick-dry lining makes it useful across weather conditions, and the non-marking sole means it holds up across surfaces, from boat decks to mountain trails.
SHARED PRINCIPLES, APPLIED QUIETLY
The collaboration reflects the larger philosophies of both brands. Gramicci began as a climber’s response to the need for clothing that moved easily and stood up to rock. KEEN started in 2003 with a single design built around protection, utility, and comfort. Both have grown into lifestyle brands without abandoning the specifics of performance. This sandal, with its hemp build, bungee lacing, and co-branded detailing, fits into the everyday as easily as it does on a weekend hike.
Gramicci’s inclusion isn’t superficial. The subtle zig-zag stitch patterns on the tabs and webbing reference its past in climbing apparel, and the stitched Gramicci logo inside the shoe is a quiet callout to its legacy. These are updates that don’t overwrite the Newport’s identity – they expand it.
MATERIAL CHOICES THAT MATTER
That sense of responsibility isn’t just about materials, though that’s central. KEEN’s production has been PFAS-free since 2018, avoiding harmful "forever chemicals" often used in water-resistant products. The brand also uses Eco Anti-Odor tech that replaces pesticide-based treatments with a natural probiotic solution, which is included here too. All of it falls under KEEN’s “Consciously Created” framework – a commitment to reducing environmental harm through every stage of production.
Hemp, as the central material in this collaboration, brings its own list of credentials. It’s renewable, naturally durable and wicks moisture. It makes sense here, not just environmentally but practically. It breathes well, dries fast, and holds up to regular wear.
Gramicci, meanwhile, continues to channel the sensibility of its original climbing roots: gear that works hard, doesn’t overstate itself, and fits into the everyday without effort. The KEEN x Gramicci Newport Hemp Sandal reflects that approach. It’s functional but laid-back, built for movement without looking like it’s trying too hard.
STILL BUILT FOR TERRAIN
The performance features from KEEN’s core design remain. The outsole is built for varied ground, with lugs cut for grip and razor siping to help on wet surfaces. The roomy toe box and cushioned midsole make it a shoe that can go the distance. You can wear it for light hiking, city wandering, or anything in between. While style often gets the spotlight in these kinds of releases, the actual construction here remains utilitarian at its core.
A VISUAL LANGUAGE OF EASE
The campaign imagery strips things back. It’s set around a pool, where friends hang out, mess around, and chill. The sandal appears floating in the water, flying through the air, perched on a chessboard, or sloshing under a splash of water — a casual reminder that it’s light, water-ready, and doesn’t mind getting wet. The vibe is what sets Gramicci and KEEN apart for their fans.
A little green lizard shows up in the shots too, landing with subtle symbolism — a nod to the quieter benefits of responsible production, the kind that considers the smaller things we share our world with. As with the sandal itself, the message isn't shouted. It’s just there, if you notice it.
A SANDAL THAT EVOLVES QUIETLY
In that way, the KEEN x Gramicci collaboration is a refinement – a case of taking something that already works and updating it with better materials and a sharper point of view. Hemp is a natural fit. And the adjustments feel purposeful, not decorative.
The KEEN x Gramicci Newport Hemp Sandal releases April 23 and will be available at both brands’ online and offline stores. For anyone looking for consciously created outdoor footwear that doesn’t sacrifice function, it’s worth a look.
Available at keenfootwear.com on April 23rd