absolutely awesome h2o sandal ! I buy my Keen Newport H2o 's in 2005 to go on a trip to Costa Rica for 14 day . I be in sand , rock , mud , muck , lava rock , the ocean , river , everything in between , and they perform flawlessly . Easy to Clean , Lightweight , durable , great support , Great Protection , H2o Friendly . I still wear they every spring and summer and they be hold up very well . there be absolutely no separation that I can see anywhere on they , other than `` 1 string '' that go around the side patch where the keen logo be located . and as far as the toe guard go ... it be extremely Tuff . if you smack you toe against a rock , it just bounce right back . you might feel a vibration of course , but I honestly never hurt any toe in these shoe ... -lrb- knock on wood -rrb- . I would not be surprise if these last another 3 to 5 yr , but by then I will have buy a nice new pair of Keens : -rrb- highly recommend !!