*Get 10% off with code ANYA
Unshoes is a reliable minimalist shoe brand with a good selection of summer sandals available (see my other Unshoes reviews here). Here I am reviewing and comparing the Uinta Sandal ($99) and the Keota Sandal ($55). All of Unshoes sandals are unisex, so these are available for men as well.
Keota
The Keota sandals have a 5mm thick sole and a strapping system that allows for infinite tightening. They are very minimal, with no straps crossing the toes or restricting movement in any away.
The elastic loop in the center allows you to pull these on with no buckles or velcro. The loop is tight, so I need two hands to put them on. I’ve been putting my forefoot into the shoe as far as I can and then pulling the heel strap over my foot last.
Unshoes recommends tightening your Keotas so there is enough tension to slightly stretch the elastic loop. They’ve created an instructional video showing how to tighten the strap, since some people have had trouble.
The excess strap can be snipped and then sealed using a flame
Your foot is held to the sole of the Keota at 3 points: the toe post and on either side of the ankle. Because of this, they feel less secure than the Uinta sandal (or other strappier sandals) and if I wear the strap too loose the sole feels floppy.
If I tighten them too much for extra security the toe post pushes my foot back past the heel of the shoe. There is definitely a sweet spot of tension. At the correct tension the sole stays close to my foot and feels comfortable, but still can be caught on a rock or the ground occasionally. So there is a bit of a trade off with such a minimal shoe: Totally barefoot friendly, a little bit less secure for rugged wear.
I was concerned that my foot would slide forward into the toe post causing discomfort, but the tensile loop and strapping keep my foot in place enough that I don’t get discomfort there. Overall, these are really comfortable and easy to wear!
Style
These sandals are simple, non bulky, and neutral, but nicer than a flip flop so can be brought into your everyday wear easily. This is the type of shoe you can wear all summer long!
Uinta Sandals
The Uinta sandal ($99) has a 10mm thick sole and a more intricate strap design that is meant to be very secure to the foot for more rugged wear.
The two straps criss cross over the foot and each can be adjusted and held down with an elastic band. They go on with a buckle strap, which will not wear out like velcro does over time and is very quick and easy to put on.
The sandals can be worn with the toe post over the big toe (for more security) or with it underneath the toe to take pressure off.
The heel strap is shaped to be secure to the heel, which is a nice feature for those with narrow heels.
I had high hopes for these, I loved the unique strapping and saw them as being very versatile in my wardrobe. Plus I looked forward to having a really secure sandal with a slightly thicker sole. These are sandals that should be able to work overtime for you. Unfortunately I have some issues with the fit and haven’t been able to get much use out of them.
The biggest issue I have is that the straps slowly loosen as I walk in them, so I have to continually tighten them. When hiking on rocky, hilly terrain these come loose in a matter of minutes. I reached out to Unshoes customer service (which is excellent) to get some guidance and see if this was a common problem. I was told that they have heard this from a few customers and it seems to be an issue of strap placement on the ankle. I have very skinny, low volume feet, so that may be the cause.
The second big issue for me was the strapping over the big toe. The strap holders do not keep the straps held in place, they slide through the holders easily. That means that the strap moves with your foot. I found that when my foot flexed the straps tightened and all that pressure went to my big toe (which is where each strap ends). I have a sensitive big toe, so it is only a short time before I feel that pressure as pain. I wish the straps could be isolated like in the Xero Z Treks to keep it at a consistent tension while you’re moving. If that was possible, I think I would love these sandals.
I did try wearing them with the toe post underneath my foot, and while that was more comfortable it was not as secure without it (fine for walks, but not hiking). If I tightened them to be more secure I found that the strap holder rubbed against my big toe joint.
Style
Fit issues aside, I love the look of the Uinta sandals. They’re reminiscent of a fashion sandal and can be worn with your everyday wear effortlessly. I always go for black because it’s versatile and helps to disguise the texture of a sporty strap.
This is a shoe that can be your one and only summer sandal (as long as it fits you!), taking you around town, on lunch dates, and then out hiking easily.
If you are interested in trying these sandals out I would recommend not wearing them outside until you are certain they will work for you. This is a good rule of thumb to live by, but be especially cautious with these in case of issues.
Sizing
Unshoes has consistent sizing across its sandal models (thank you!!). They have a size chart as well as printable templates. I highly recommend using the printable templates and reaching out to customer service if you have any questions. I get my normal size in Unshoes sandals and they’re a perfect fit. They do have a free exchange policy if you get it wrong the first time, but you pay return shipping if you don’t keep them.
Materials
All Unshoes sandals are vegan! The straps are textile and the sole is a synthetic material. Unshoes sandals come with a textured sole to provide grip for the soles of your feet when wet.
One cool feature about Unshoes sandals is that you can customize them with different sole thicknesses, footbed shapes, and toe post placement. This can be really helpful if you want one strapping system but a different sole thickness than what is offered. I wouldn’t recommend customizing the other features unless you know your feet needs really well.
Conclusion
Both the Keota and Uinta sandals are versatile and functional. The Uinta is more expensive and might have fit issues for those of you with thin ankles, but is really nice looking and secure for rugged use. The Keota is one of the most affordable options out there and will fit almost any type of foot universally, but you compromise a bit on security. Given the price and that I can customize the Keotas if I choose, the Keota is the clear winner for me.
Unshoes also makes a sandal with no toe post (the Pah Tempe) and a dressy minimalist sandal (my personal favorite, reviewed here).
Have you tried these sandals? What was your experience? Everyone’s feet are different, so please share below to help others interested in these sandals.
10 thoughts on “Unshoes Uinta + Keota Sandals Review”
Thanks for the review! I’m looking to buy some minimalist sandals after not liking Chacos. Your review is very helpful.
Just wanted to say that I have been wearing the Uinta for 6 weeks or so and have had none of those problems so far. They do get slightly lose after a week or so, bit not enough to bother me much — so makes sense that it may just be dur to differences on fit/feet. I find them super comfy and secure on my foot. Switched from Chacos and super happy so far! Just throwing it out here that they are worth a try 🙂 But I appreciate knowing they loosen quickly for some so I can warn people that I recommend them to.
This is very helpful! Thank you.
Hi there, what you think of the Unshoes compared to the Xero Ztrails. I like the crisscross straps in both styles?
I haven’t tried Unshoes Pah Tempe (with the criss cross strap), but I prefer my Xero Z Treks over the Uintas and Keotas. They’re more secure on my foot and the sole is lighter.
Hi Anya,
I love your reviews! I was wondering which sandal you think best for someone with really wide feet? My feet are 11.2cm wide. I’m hoping to buy some Softstar Primal Sawyers as they look really wide, but what would you suggest for a summer sandal? Ideally I’d love something a bit sporty which aren’t made of leather and can be used for hiking and getting wet. I’ve already tried a men’s Xero Z Trail and they were slightly too narrow. Also I felt like my feet were moving around too much, even with the strap done tightly. I’m currently wearing Merrell Kahuna sandals but I’d love something lighter and more flexible. Thanks for any tips!
Custom sandals from Deliberate Life Adventure Sandals would be great! I have a review of them on the blog, and since they’re custom they’ll fit any shape.
Super helpful! I’m debating trying these or the shammas trail stars… I prefer the thinner sole the Unitas have but I definitely want them to be secure to my feet! Maybe I’ll order both with PayPal and try them on inside. Both reviews are helping me decide! Thank you!
Have you or anyone tried them in water? Wondering how the grip is between the foot and footbed of the shoe. Thanks1
Anya, I think the Uinta sandals that you tried were sized too large for your low-volume feet.
I just got a pair of the Uintas and haven’t experienced any of the issues that you had w/them. The size I chose was the same as my Unshoe Feather sandals.
I had issues w/the Feather sandals that I initially bought. I couldn’t get them to feel secure and comfortable at the same time. After being frustrated w/them for a couple of years (way too long!), I decided that I probably just needed a smaller size. What I did was order two pairs in smaller sizes so that I could compare them. The smallest pair of those was too small, since it put the bottom of my foot on the edge of the sandal, to the point that I would probably feel it underfoot. The next size up was perfect for me. This size is two US half-sizes smaller than my minimalist shoe size.
Having a very close-fit minimizes how much the sandal can move laterally from your foot. That’s because the smaller sandal is being pulled from opposing sides by the strapping, whereas the too-large sandal isn’t being pulled in that manner.
I’m very happy w/my Uinta sandals. The only thing more I’d ask for is for a thinner stack-height. Mine are 9mm at their thickest, while the Feathers were made with the same 5mm sole as the Keota pictured here (now ‘updated’ to the same 9mm, unfortunately).