Behind the Name- Keld 2: From Winding Village Lanes to Open Hills

At Freet, we’ve always had a soft spot for Keld. Only a stone’s throw from Richmond—just up the valley in Swaledale—it’s a place we keep coming back to. Maybe it’s the waterfalls, the meadows, the wild openness of it all. Or maybe it’s how the whole place shifts under your feet—from village lanes to grassy paths and rocky climbs in no time at all. 

And we’re not the only ones. Surrounded by waterfalls, sheep-dotted moors, and the ever-changing Yorkshire skies, Keld sits at a unique crossroads—the only point where the Coast to Coast and the Pennine Way meet. That alone makes it a legendary stop for long-distance walkers and a fitting source of inspiration for a truly versatile shoe.

That contrast—the mix of village, valley, and rugged hill—is exactly what led us to name the Keld 2 after it.

Watch Now: Keld - Behind the Name 

We’ve tested a lot of shoes in this part of the world. But there’s something about walking out of the village, over limestone slabs, across slippery old stone bridges, and into the hills that stuck with us. You need a shoe that can keep up: comfortable enough for tarmac and farm tracks, grippy enough for muddy meadows and uneven climbs, and quick-drying after those inevitable splashy bits.

That’s where Keld 2 comes in. A hybrid between a sandal and a trainer, it’s light, breathable, and made for mixed terrain. Whether you're heading out on a long-distance walk along the Coast to Coast or just clocking a few evening miles up the valley, Keld 2 is built to handle it all.

We made some thoughtful updates from the original:

• A new light olive colour to reflect summer use

• An extra eyelet to help fine-tune the fit

• Increased height at the ankle for better hold

• A firmer EVA insole at the heel for extra support where it’s needed most

• And adjustments around the forefoot to improve comfort over distance

It’s all designed to feel just as good at mile ten as it does at mile one. And yes, we did a lot of testing right here - because if it works in and around Keld, it’ll probably work just about anywhere.

This shoe isn’t just named after a place - it’s shaped by it. And if you know Keld, you’ll know that’s a pretty solid endorsement.

Shop Keld 2 Now - https://freetbarefoot.com/products/keld-2