You’re probably like me. Somewhere along your running journey, you found a shoe that you loved and you stuck with it.
Call it brand loyalty or a creature of habit but I tend to stick to what works for me. But sometimes you should shake things up and go outside your comfort zone.
Keen though? Iβve never associated them with trail running. I think high quality outdoorsy hiking sandals and boots. Not to mention their signature orange pull tabs always comes to mind.
However, they recently came out with a line of trail running shoes. I was intrigued by Keen’s Seek Trail Runner. They looked sweet and if the quality matched the rest of their line up, it was worth giving them a shot.
Fit and first impressions
I went with the subtle lily pad green colour. The understated look and feel is just my vibe.
I’ve always struggled with shoes with built in gators. Maybe itβs my personality (I like to lace up and go), but anything that slows me down tests my patience. The Seek was no exception at first, but the more I wore them, the easier they were to pull on. They broke in quickly in that sense.
Very roomy in the toe box and comfy out of the box. The “high-energy cushioning” really lived up to its name.
Traction and terrain
Keen markets the Seek as an allβterrain traction shoe, so I tested it everywhere: gravel, dirt road, muddy mountain trails, even a few snowy patches. I noticed how effortlessly it handled that gross loose dirt, the stuff that normally loves to trip your feet out from under you.
The tread on my shoes handled the rocks and roots very well. Absolutely no tripping, not even close. I’m definitely impressed.
Final verdict
KEENβs innovation team spent nearly two years developing the Seek trail runner. Here are a few standouts specs:
- QuantumFoamX midsole blends a soft feel with explosive energy return for springy cushioning that makes runs more fluid.
- 4mm high-abrasion rubber lugs provide incredible durability and traction, rated by Heeluxe to last 1488 km until worn smooth.
- A lower 6mm heel-to-toe drop and a wider forefoot, which allows for a more natural foot strike, positioning the feet for proper splay on the trail.
- Lightweight, engineered upper with durable overlays and enhanced breathability zones.
While it’s still early days, I’m definitely becoming a fan. It takes a lot to impress me, and the Seek managed to do it without trying too hard. Itβs a legit trail runner from a brand I never expected to enter the space, and honestly, that makes it even more fun to root for.
Check out Keen’s trail running line up here to see for yourself.