I switched to Keen clipless sandals last year and love them. Like others, I wear merino socks for comfort. I also have some neoprene socks, which came in handy while biking the Canadian portion of the GDMBR last September when it was very rainy and only just above freezing. My feet stayed warmer than regular cycling shoes would have been.

I had a lot of concern that gravel would get in the sandals, but with the protected toe design on thee Keens, it was not an issue, even though I walked the bike up a lot of steep gravel slopes on a few trips in the mountains.

I really like how much you feet can breathe in the sandals, and they are superb when you have frequent stream crossings (more of a bikepacking issue). They are also my favourite commuting footwear in the summer months.