Newcomer Keen steps into the trail running conversation with their introduction of the Seek - a comprehensive rundown of the hiking brand's initial foray into swift, adrenaline-pumping escapades
The outdoor footwear brand Keen is venturing into a new territory with the release of its first trail running shoe, the Keen Seek. Scheduled to hit the UK market in September, this innovative shoe promises durability, comfort, and eco-conscious construction for both beginners and seasoned trail runners.
Key Features and Specifications
The Keen Seek boasts a lightweight design, weighing 10.9 oz for men and 8.75 oz for women, making it agile yet tough. Some of its standout features include:
- Midsole: A responsive QuantumFoam (QuantumFoamX for energy and cushioning) provides high-energy cushioning for fluid runs and long-lasting comfort.
- Outsole: 4mm high-abrasion rubber lugs designed for traction and durability, rated to last 925 miles until worn smooth.
- Fit: KEEN’s iconic wider forefoot for natural toe splay, supporting comfort on uneven terrain. The shoe also includes a roomy toe box.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: A 6mm drop, suitable for heel strikers common among recreational runners.
- Other Features: A TPU heel counter for foot lockdown, a breathable upper, a lace garage to keep laces tucked, a padded tongue and collar, reflective laces, and Eco Anti-Odor technology using natural probiotics.
Sustainability Efforts
Keen has incorporated sustainability into the Keen Seek's design. The shoe uses harvested materials like webbing from post-consumer plastic bottles and outsoles made with agricultural waste. The brand has been PFAS-free since 2018 and emphasizes durability to reduce environmental impact.
Two-Year Development Process
The development of the Keen Seek took approximately two years. Keen worked with a team of testers around the US to fine-tune the geometry and design of the Keen Seek through multiple prototypes. One of the lead developers at Keen ran 900 miles while testing various prototypes of the Keen Seek.
Pricing and Availability
The Keen Seek will be available in men's and women's sizing and multiple colorways. It will be priced at a reasonable $185, in line with Keen's announcement that it would not raise prices to cover tariffs. The shoe is set to be released on July 25.
Keen's Expansion into Trail Running
The Keen Seek is a trail running shoe designed for those who want to move faster while maintaining the brand's focus on foot comfort and protection. A breathable textile upper, padded tongue, and stretchy knit collar are designed for comfort over longer days. Will Schuh, director of product management at Keen, stated that the brand wondered why they couldn't make something for faster adventures if they had proven fit, comfort, durability, and protection.
Keen, a 22-year-old brand known for producing hiking boots, shoes, and sandals, including the Targhee IV and Newport H2, is now expanding its horizons with the Keen Seek. This trail running shoe is engineered for a wide range of trail conditions, balancing toughness with comfort and sustainability innovations.
The Keen Seek, set to be released on July 25, is not only engineered for a wide range of trail conditions but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle, as it uses harvested materials and has been PFAS-free since 2018. Additionally, technology plays a significant role in the Keen Seek, with features like QuantumFoam for high-energy cushioning and 4mm high-abrasion rubber lugs for traction and durability. This innovative trail running shoe is designed for sports enthusiasts who seek both comfort and speed in their outdoor adventures.
