this past summer , while wear ` open toe ' water sandal , I accidentally pull off the nail of my big toe while wade my kayak out of some shallow rapid just above Cochran Shoals on a urban stretch of Atlanta 's Chattahoochee River . several of the other paddler regularly wear keen shoe and highly recommend they . so , although expensive , I take the plunge and purchase a pair . on the first pair I order and receive at the end of August 2012 , one of the pull loop above the instep be only sewn on the bottom of the loop , not the top . I return those and promptly receive a new pair . since then , I have wear the replacement pair 6 or 7 time paddle other section of the Chattahoochee River , basically get in and out of the kayak at the put-in and take-out , as well as casual wear at home and around town 3 to 4 time a week for the past 3 1\/2 month . they be very comfortable and I really like the support and , of course , the toe protection . however , yesterday while eat lunch , I notice the stitch on the left shoe be loose and pull out where the outside foot-bed tab meet the back ankle strap just below the ankle . these expensive shoe -lrb- $ 104.95 include original shipping -rrb- have not see any strenuous use like hike or extensive creek walking , etc. . give the first pair have a manufacturing defect right out the box , and this second pair start fall apart in less than 4 month of casual use , while comfortable and great while they last , I recommend you find a alternative manufacturer 's product . because Amazon 's full refund return date have expire , I be out the $ 104.95 , I be unsatisfied with Keen 's product , and now I need to find and purchase a replacement product in time for we traditional new year 's day paddling trip .