Trail-running newcomer Seek, an offshoot of hiking brand Keen, makes its debut in the speedy terrain with the release of their first fast-adventure product line. The following details the latest on Keen's foray into the high-speed hiking world.
The outdoor footwear industry is abuzz with excitement as Keen, a 22-year-old brand renowned for its hiking boots, shoes, and sandals, unveils its first trail running shoe - the Keen Seek. This innovative shoe, designed for durability, comfort, and trail performance, promises to cater to fans who want to move faster on their adventures.
The Keen Seek is equipped with a host of features that make it stand out. For starters, the outsole boasts 4mm high-abrasion rubber lugs, providing exceptional durability and traction. According to Heeluxe, these lugs are rated to last up to 925 miles before wearing smooth[1][2][3].
Underfoot, the Keen Seek uses QuantumFoamX, Keen's newest and most energetic foam, delivering high-energy cushioning for longer-lasting comfort and more fluid runs[1][2][3]. The shoe's design also incorporates Keen’s iconic original fit with a roomy toe box, allowing natural toe splay for improved comfort and stability on uneven terrain[1][2][3][4].
Weighing relatively light at 10.9oz (men's) / 8.75oz (women's), the Keen Seek is purpose-built for faster adventures[2][3][4][5]. The upper is made of ultra-abrasion-resistant performance textile, with padded tongues and collars for enhanced comfort. The shoe features a speed-lace webbing system and breathable textile linings, along with thermoplastic urethane heel counters for support[3].
Keen's commitment to sustainability is evident in the Keen Seek. The shoe incorporates harvested materials like webbing made from post-consumer plastic bottles and outsoles made with agricultural waste. It is also PFAS-free, reflecting Keen’s dedication to eco-friendly practices[1][2].
Additional features include an Eco Anti-Odor treatment providing natural, pesticide-free odor control and a non-marking outsole engineered for higher traction. The Keen Seek also boasts a lace garage and reflective laces for safety[3].
With a 6mm drop, the Keen Seek offers a durable QuantumFoam midsole. The men's model has 38.5mm of foam under the heel, while the women's version has 36mm. The shoe features a breathable textile upper, a padded tongue, and a stretchy knit collar for comfort. A pre-molded TPU heel counter and lockdown-knit fit hold the foot snugly in place[1][2][3].
The development of the Keen Seek took approximately two years. Will Schuh, director of product management at Keen, stated that the brand was motivated to create the Keen Seek to cater to fans who want to move faster[6]. Keen worked with a team of testers across the US to fine-tune the geometry and design of the Keen Seek through multiple prototypes[7].
The Keen Seek will be released on July 25 and will be available in the US and the UK (in September). It will come in men's and women's sizing and multiple colorways[8]. With its wide toe box comfort, durable traction, high-energy cushioning, and eco-conscious materials, the Keen Seek is set to redefine the trail running experience for those seeking long-lasting performance and natural foot movement[1][3].
[1] Heeluxe.com [2] Keenfootwear.com [3] Runner's World [4] OutdoorGearLab [5] TrailRunner [6] Footwear News [7] Competitor Running [8] Runner's World UK
The innovative trail running shoe by Keen, the Keen Seek, displays technology in its QuantumFoamX for high-energy cushioning and a durable midsole, enhancing the sports experience for adventurous athletes. The shoe's design features sports-focused elements like a roomy toe box for natural toe splay and a speed-lace webbing system, enabling swift movement on uneven terrain.
