Here at WR, we’re often trying the latest versions of some of the proven best running shoes out there. And that’s still exciting, of course – making the best better will always be something that awes us. But we’re a little bit extra interested when something brand new arrives on the doorstep.

Enter KEEN’s new trail running shoe: Seek. It’s one of two brand new shoes from the company, who are known for their hiking boots. Now, they’re making their move into the trail running shoe category. Can they compete with the best from our favourite brands? Spoiler: yes. Read on for all the reasons why…

KEEN Seek technical details

RRP: £160
Weight: 244g
Drop: 6mm
Stack: 39mm/33mm
Lugs: 4mm
Foam: QuantumFoamX

Who and what are the KEEN Seek for?

These are one of two new trail running releases from the brand and each has a different purpose. These ones, Seek, are designed for the more adventurous trail runner. The cushioning is protective yet responsive, while the 4mm lugs can handle almost any terrain. The outsole has been rated to last up to 925 miles, so would suit anyone looking to cover a lot of distance.

How do they fit?

These offered a Cinderella shoe-esque fit. They really felt like they had been designed with my feet in mind. A huge part of that is the wide toebox. I’ve only ever seen this feature on more barefoot-style shoes, which are often a little bit too hardcore for me. I need some foam! But these hit the perfect balance. The width and shape of the forefoot gave my feet space to splay as I ran, which definitely made me feel more stable and suited my foot down to the ground.

Is the KEEN Seek comfortable?

KEEN are experts in hiking footwear and this is their first foray into trail running shoes. You can really tell that they know their stuff when it comes to all-day comfort with these shoes. I could run, hike or even dance in these shoes for hours. I really appreciated the padded integrated knit collar and tongue that hugged my ankle and avoided any rubbing or blisters. The foam is soft enough to feel comfy underfoot, without being too bouncy or spongy.

KEEN Seek run test

Even after just one run in these shoes, I couldn’t wait to put them on and head out again. KEEN promised me that these shoes would help me achieve HKTs – that’s Happiest Known Times – and they truly have. I’m not sure if it’s the wide toebox, the carefully constructed comfort or a combination of all the little thoughtful design details but I felt like I could run forever in these shoes.

They’ve expertly handled every terrain that I’ve thrown at them, from forest floor to wet grass slick with mud. They’re also surprisingly speedy. They’re not designed with super fast times in mind, but they’re lovely and lightweight with a decent amount of energy return from the foam.

Should you buy them?

I would buy them again in a heartbeat. They are the perfect shoe for a summer of trail running. If you’re after something for all-seasons, you might want something with a little more weather-proofing. Other that I’d recommend them to everyone from new trail runners to technical pros.