Calling all hikers! Keen's first-ever trail running shoe is versatile enough for both activities - and they kept my feet comfortable for miles on end

The Keen Seek might be the very first running shoe from the much-loved hiking footwear brand, but that hasn't stopped it from being an immediate entry onto my list of the best trail running shoes for women.

I've done a lot of hiking in the Keen Newport H2 sandal, one of the best hiking sandals for women, and I really like it for fair-weather walking and coastal romps. It's been a while since I tried a new model from the brand, and I was looking forward to experiencing its trail-running debut. I took these shoes on holiday to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, for a week of gentle family walks, energetic solo hikes and a few leisurely trail runs. I found them to be a comfortable and robust all-rounder.

That's not to say they didn't take a little breaking in, but after a few wears, I was pretty happy with the padding, grip and secure fit of these shoes. They're surprisingly pricey for a non-technical shoe, but they're built to last and have earned top marks as a versatile daily trainer that you can wear for quite a few miles without any grumbling from your feet.

Keen Seek trail running shoes review

Specifications

• Size range: 2.5 - 9.5
• Weight: 238g per shoe
• Stack height: 39 mm - 33 mm
• Heel to toe drop: 6 mm
• Lug depth: 4 mm
• Waterproof version available: No
• Materials: Abrasion-resistant textile with TPU heel counter, QuantumFoamX midsole, KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole

What are the Keen Seek shoes like for trail running?

My first trail run in these shoes was a slow 10k across rolling gravel paths, grassy field sections and a little bit of tarmac. I could tell straight away that the plush midsole makes these perfect for that kind of distance, and my feet didn't feel at all fatigued at the end, so I'm sure they'd be up for longer distances too.

The stretchy sock design really secures these around my feet, which are neither wide nor narrow, and as soon as I hit more unpredictable ground, I could tell it was enough to keep my foot in place with no slipping or sliding inside my shoe. It also does an excellent job of keeping grit out of my shoes, which actually makes up for the difficulty I initially had in getting them on.

Sometimes I find high-stack shoes like these feel a little precarious, but Keen has done an excellent job of delivering quite a stable run, even on bumpy trails that would otherwise have me teetering towards a rolled ankle.

The foam is suitably bouncy, so I don't feel heavy once I hit softer ground, and despite such a plush midsole, I find these shoes to be quite agile and flexible, unlike other maximalist trail running shoes.

The grip of these shoes is really decent, without being the best in class. I found the traction to be ample on grass and gravel, but once I hit a particularly muddy descent through a farmer's field, I really had to slow down to avoid falling.

They're not available in a waterproof version, which I personally don't have an issue with, as I wore these with waterproof socks for soggy days, but they are not an option for winter. For waterproof trail running shoes, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 with GORE-TEX is a great option.

I think the upper is reasonably breathable on the Keen Seek, and with warmer weather here, that was more important to me.

What are the Keen Seek shoes like for walking?

Looks aren't everything, but I can't deny that I was really pleased with the aesthetics of these trainers. I've been testing the dusky Black/Sunset Sand colourway, and it seems to go with most of my running shorts and tops without being too flashy, and it even works as an around-town shoe.

My first impression was how robust they seem, thanks to the abrasion-resistant upper materials. That partially explains the price tag, which is definitely on the high end considering these aren't aimed at elite runners. It also means that they're not the lightest shoe I've ever tried (that's the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx), but they're not the heaviest either.

I have quite high arches, so the integrated sock design isn't ideal for me and makes them a little difficult to get on and off, but this has got easier with use. Before taking them on holiday, I tried them out on a short forest walk with my mum, and I'm glad I did because I had a little rubbing on the backs of my heels. This resolved after a few wears.

These are the widest trail shoes I've tried. I don't have wide feet, but the upside of that socklike design is that once they're on, they provide a really snug wraparound fit around my midfoot, and there's a ton of room for my toes, which is a winning formula for me.

Once I started putting in more distance in them, I was impressed by how comfortable and protective the padding underfoot is. The foam midsole is very thick, has a low drop, and a little bit of a rocker shape. This means I can walk quite comfortably and naturally for quite a long time.

Who are the Keen Seek trail running shoes made for?

I would really recommend these shoes to anyone who is looking for a capable all-rounder that prioritises comfort and longevity over being the most technical or fastest shoe out there.

If you're just getting into trail running or looking for a shoe that prioritises a good ride and stability over speed, I think you'll be happy with this shoe.

It's also ideal if you want a do-it-all shoe that you can happily hike and run in on mostly straightforward trails, such as forest and gravel, and maybe a little tarmac too. It's pretty enough to be at home on city streets too. It's one of the few trail shoes (the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is the other) that can do it all.

The w&h verdict on the Keen Seek trail running shoes

If you only want to run and hike in one shoe, the Keen Seek could be the answer. It's comfortable enough to wear for at least 10km, breathable enough for warmer conditions, and the outsole can handle gravel, grass and dirt paths confidently.

It's no match for very muddy conditions, and it's a little too heavy and stiff to be a speed shoe, but it's a capable and comfortable all-rounder that's built to last.