What Kind of Trail Running Shoe Is KEEN's "Seek"?

KEEN is an outdoor footwear brand that defines "every place without a ceiling" as the outdoors and suggests groundbreaking hybrid footwear using manufacturing methods that reduce environmental impact. Since its founding in 2003, KEEN has designed hiking shoes, boots, and sandals that offer durability, comfort, and protection with the goal of enabling people to connect more deeply with nature.

Utilizing the technology honed through their hiking shoe development, "Seek" was developed over two years. This new trail running shoe was created through close communication with their fans. We spoke to Atsushi Nakagomi, Merchandiser at KEEN Japan G.K., to find out what makes KEEN's trail running shoe unique.

KEEN's New Frontier Unveiled by KOMPASS INNOVATION Lab.

"The team behind Seek's development is KEEN's innovation team, named KOMPASS INNOVATION Lab. Led by Rory Fuerst Jr., the son of KEEN's founder, this team operates independently from the regular product line, working freely and focusing solely on innovation."

Rory Fuerst Jr. is the mastermind behind the iconic "Uneek" model and also developed the 2023 walking shoe "WK400." Just like "Uneek" and "WK400," "Seek" represents a new challenge for KEEN, deeply infused with the brand's spirit.

"KEEN has spent more than 20 years crafting shoes for enjoying the great outdoors. In terms of hitting the trails, our Targhee trekking shoes have been a mainstay, but with Seek, we've added the element of speed into the mix. Think of it as broadening the enjoyment from walking to running."

"Seek"—Shoes for Enjoying Trail Running

Developed over two years under the concept of "leveraging KEEN's strengths to create shoes for fans who want to enjoy running," Seek was crafted by engaging in detailed interviews with trail runners to understand their desired features and philosophies. Working alongside gear testers across the U.S., the team trialed and refined multiple prototypes. The developers themselves ran 900 miles (approximately 1,450 km) in the prototype shoes over a year to achieve the final design.

Seek is a trail running shoe designed for anyone who values the joy of running, regardless of skill level or style.

"When people hear 'running' or 'trail running,' they might imagine races or competitions. But Seek was designed not for competition, but for enjoying the experience of running trails."

Designed for Universal Comfort

A key focus was a comfortable fit. KEEN footwear features an ergonomic last, and this new model carries on that DNA. The wide forefoot design leaves room in the toe area, allowing your toes to spread naturally, which boosts comfort and stability as you move along the trail.

"You could go with a sharper last if all you care about is speed, but we emphasized comfort for everyone. Seek stays true to the KEEN fit by offering more space in the forefoot."

The upper is crafted from polyester and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) knit, balancing breathability and durability at a high level. A padded tongue and stretch-knit cuff gently wrap around your foot for a supremely comfortable feel.

A new material called QuantumFoam X is used in the midsole.

"QuantumFoam X rebounds and energizes better than previous QuantumFoam, delivering a smooth forward transition and a pleasant ride."

The 4mm lugs and wear-resistant, high-durability rubber outsole provide outstanding traction. Trail running tests showed Seek withstood about 925 miles (approximately 1,500 km) of use. This impressive durability means the shoes last longer, which benefits any runner—and, of course, reduces environmental impact.

The tongue section is equipped with a lace garage where you can store the shoelaces. By tucking the laces into the garage after tying them, you can reduce the risk of flapping or snagging laces while trail running.

I actually tried running on a cross-country course in a park using "Seek," and the first thing I noticed was the excellent fit. The TPU heel counter provides firm support to the heel. The midfoot hold is also soft and comfortable.

The forefoot has plenty of room, so you don’t feel cramped while running. Neither the midsole nor the outsole feels too soft or too hard. The ride is very natural and smooth, with no quirks—overall, it leaves a pleasant impression. This is a shoe that would likely feel comfortable for many runners.