The Portland, Ore.-based outdoor brand Keen has been making high-quality footwear for hiking, walking and casual wear for more than 20 years, and the company’s stated mission is not just to “shoe” outdoorsy folks, but to spread the values those people typically espouse (originality, quality, ethical sourcing, sustainability, generosity, philanthropy, and the list goes on). The company now brings those values and expertise to bear on its debut entry into the rapidly growing trail-running space, the Seek.
Launching July 25, the Keen Seek is an all-around trail cruiser appropriate for moderate trails and will appeal equally to recreational runners just getting into trail running, as well as more experienced trail runners looking for a multi-purpose shoe. The brand has more trail models planned for the coming seasons.
Shoe specs
Category: TrailMen’s: 309 g (10.9 oz.)Women’s: 248 g (8.75 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 38.5 mm/32.5 mmLug depth: 4 mmC$230
The shoe is everything you want in a daily trainer or long-run shoe for the trails: comfortable, stable, grippy and highly protective.
The upper
It has a snug-fitting collar that’s of a piece with the stretchy, well-padded, integrated tongue, which creates a snug, secure and accurate fit, as well as helping to keep small bits of gravel and other debris out of the shoe. The heel loop is helpful in getting the shoe on, especially with a fixed tongue of this type.
The upper is very durable, while incorporating areas of looser weave above the toes and along the sides for breathability in warm weather. While the brand’s description alludes to a wider toe box, and our tester found the width quite adequate. Otherwise, the fit is just slightly long, but probably not long enough for most runners to go down a half-size. There are substantial reinforcements at the toe (the toe bumper is considerably wider than on most shoes we’ve tested recently), and protective overlays stretching from the medial midfoot around the heel to the lateral midfoot, which should also help enhance durability over the long term. The eyestays are also well reinforced for added durability, and there is an extra eyelet at the front for a gaiter attachment.
If you’re looking for very light, very fast shoe for trail racing, there are other shoes out there built specifically for that purpose–which is not to say you couldn’t comfortably race in this shoe. You absolutely could, especially if you’re new to racing on trails and still getting your feet wet (so to speak).
The midsole
We really enjoyed the comfort of the Seek’s midsole cushioning, which felt cruisy without being overly soft, and reasonably responsive for daily training. Its thickness felt protective against sharp rocks in the absence of a rock plate. The 6 mm drop is moderate and should suit most runners just fine, whether you’re out for a Sunday jog or logging more purposeful miles.
The outsole
We found grip and traction to be above average, and the 4 mm, butterfly-shaped lugs are deep enough to handle all but the most extreme types of terrain and conditions with ease. There are two different outsole compounds: a softer (green) rubber at the back to cushion your landings, and the firmer, more responsive gum material under the midfoot and forefoot. There’s a single longitudinal groove in the outsole that gives the shoe a nice flexibility.
Overall, we really enjoyed the Seek’s comfort and quality and look forward to seeing more trail-running models from the brand in future.
To order, click here.
