The Keen Seek trail runners are worth every penny, says Gemma Palmer, who awards them Best in Test.
The Keen Seek is the first trainer made by the brand, and I’m a big fan. Transitioning from tarmac to meadow to trail and forestry mud was all seamless in my testing.
Gemma Palmer’s Best in Test
Underfoot, these runners felt ‘eager’, offering a pillow-enough-soft strike that doesn’t sacrifice the energy needed to push off.- debris protection
- midsole
- versatile
- not waterproof
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price | $185 | £160 (available from KEEN Footwear) |
| Weight | 636g (UK 8.5, pair) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Lug depth | 4mm |
| Materials | Ultra-abrasion-resistant polyester knit, Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlay, Breathable textile lining in 80-90% polyester, QuantumFoamX, EVA foam, Eco Anti-Odour, PFAS-Free: All materials are treated without “forever chemicals” for water repellency, high-abrasion non-marking rubber compound |
| Features | Integrated ‘sock-like’ collar, Wide toe box, lace garage, butterfly heel pads , gaiter-attachment points, Neutral support, directional lugs |
| Waterproof | No |
| Sizes | 2.5 – 9.5 UK / 35 – 44 EU |
| Men’s version | Yes |
| keenfootwear.co.uk |
I particularly liked the stretchy collar, which acts as an integrated ankle sock to keep debris out. This should really come into its own during long grass season! The Seek is gaiter-ready with hook eyelets, though the sock knit means you’re less likely to need them. The internal soles have a frictionless finish, and the shoe has been “consciously created” using water-based adhesives and a PFAS-free materials.
The rear Velcro loop is also perfect for hanging the trainers from a backpack or suspending them from a hanger for a post-run hose down. Underfoot, the QuantumFoamX midsole provides a responsive, stable ride. It felt ‘eager’, offering a pillow-enough-soft strike that doesn’t sacrifice the energy needed to push off. The foam is split from the middle toes to the outer rear heel, allowing the foot to react naturally through the footbed on more technical ground. With my heels held in place by the TPU counter, I stayed stable even through flood waters and critically, no grit got in.
While KEEN are famously generous in the toe box, the lockdown-knit fit ensures they don’t feel like “clown shoes” and remain quite nimble on uneven terrain. The tread is a high-abrasion formulation which is rated to last 925 miles (1,500 km) before wearing smooth.
They wash up nicely for the supermarket or gym and feature Eco Anti-Odour tech to keep things fresh. I can’t wait to run the summer beach Cani-X in these. They are worth every penny.
How we tested
Gemma tested these trainers across East Anglian lowlands and hilly forests, tackling everything from frozen, waterlogged tracks to more technical woodland climbs through winter into spring. She has a wide forefoot and narrower heel. Shoe weights are from her scales. This review was first published in the June 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. You can compare it to other in our guide to the best trail running shoes.
