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Keen’s Latest Release Is Perfect for Gravel and Dirt, and It Isn’t a Boot

Although Keen is known for hiking boots, its latest release caters to the trails while bringing the brand into entirely new territory.

Close-up of a shoe sole with brown and red rubber treads on a green background.Keen
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By Hayley Helms

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Those familiar with Keen probably know it thanks to the popular Targhee hiking boot, but the 22-year-old hiking brand has spent 2025 dipping a proverbial toe into a new, increasingly popular category: trail running.

Gray mesh hiking shoe with black laces and thick sole worn with green socks on rocky terrain.
The Roam is an adaptive trail runner for gravel, dirt, and road, aimed at everyday runners.
Keen

Earlier in 2025, Keen released the Seek, its first-ever trail running shoe. Now, the brand is following up that inaugural release with the Roam, a jack-of-all-trades trail runner designed for mixed terrain.

Ready to Roam

While the Seek was positioned as an ultra-durable trail shoe geared toward longer runs, the new Roam is being positioned as of an “everywhere” trail runner, excelling over varied terrain from light trail to road to mixed surfaces. 

Pair of gray and black athletic running shoes with beige midsoles and gum rubber outsoles.
Although it features the same durable outsole and original roomy forefoot, the Roam differs from its predecessor, the Seek, in several notable ways.
Keen

Although both shoes are built with a 6mm drop, wider forefoot, reflective detailing for visibility and an outsole engineered to approach 1,000 miles before smoothing out, there are some notable deviations between the two.

Key differences lie in the cushioning, responsiveness and traction. The Roam uses what Keen calls “adaptive cushioning;” specifically, the brand’s QuantumFoam cushioning, which has a balanced feel and stable responsiveness.

Pair of gray and black KEEN sneakers with white soles and red lace accents viewed from above.
The roomy toe box and stable cushioning combo increases comfort over long miles.
Keen

The traction, provided by a proprietary rubber outsole, is right in the sweet spot between minimal and maximum and utilizes 3mm lugs to grip varied terrain. The abrasion-resistant ripstop mesh upper features overlays for extra durability, and the mesh lining adds breathability to the mix.

At 10.58 ounces per pair, the Roam is ever-so-slightly lighter than the Seek, which weighs in at 10.79 ounces.

Gray and black athletic shoe with thick sole worn with light blue socks on rocky ground.
Designed to transition seamlessly from road to trail, the Roam lives up to its name.
Keen

It’s also worth nothing that the Roam is $20 cheaper than its predecessor, which retails for $185, further cementing its status as a trail runner meant for everyone, everywhere, rather than an advanced shoe built for more intense adventures.

Availability and pricing

The Roam is available now in a variety of colorways on Keen’s official website, retailing for $165.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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