Keen Seek run shoe review: “Strikes a nice balance between comfort and structure”

The Seek run shoe from Keen is a strong debut entry into the trail running shoe market. Widely known for its production of comfortable walking and hiking shoes it is good to see Keen bringing that expertise to a wider audience.

Design and fit

The standout feature for me was the wide toe box, which allows your feet to splay naturally without feeling cramped. Nature has done a great job designing feet, so shoes that allow our feet space are a must and this seems to be a trend which run shoes are (thankfully) wising up to lately.

Despite the room up front, the shoe still feels secure with a good lockdown through the midfoot. The laces stayed done up despite some serious bramble bashing so another tick there for this new launch. The shoe fits true to size and strikes a nice balance between comfort and structure.

• We reviewed the best running hats, caps, and visors for sunny runs in 2026
• We review the best men’s running shorts for run comfort and speed in 2026
• What are the best sunglasses for running? We test the top 10 for crisp and clear vision

Features and performance

The toe box protection is solid, offering confidence on stony terrain, and I appreciated the added details like the heel hook tab for easy pull-on and the Velcro attachment on the heel for gaiters. Likewise, the gaitered ankle collar helps keep out mud and dirt which is a real plus point considering the succession of wet weather we have had.

These are shoes that can be used for everyday runs yet contain additional features that make me think the designers understand trail runners’ needs. The cushioning around the ankle adds to the comfort and overall secure feel with a soft and pliable heel collar which sits high to prevent dirt ingress, but isn’t rigid, which could cause achilles problems.

This is a high-cushion shoe (39mm heel stack, 6mm drop) and will definitely appeal to runners who prefer more underfoot protection. Some runners will appreciate the firmer response, but those seeking a softer, more energetic ride feel may find it a bit dense. The Seek felt very stable to run in up and downhill.

The bottom line

Grip-wise, the 4mm lugs perform well across a variety of surfaces. I was happy using them on mud, harder-packed trails, and even short road sections but I probably would choose a different shoe for the mudfest of deepest winter. That’s fine though, with (hopefully!) better weather starting to creep through towards of the test period this issue. At 244g, the weight feels competitive for a max-cushion trail option and the Seek felt nimble to run in.

One small personal drawback for me was cost in comparison to other trail shoes similarly placed in the market. Keen have also launched a second shoe, the Roam though at £130, which offers slightly less responsiveness and cushioning but at a slightly lower price point. Multiple colourways are available in both styles for men and women.

Keen Seek specs