Two Unlikely Runners: Columbia Konos Featherweight vs. KEEN Seek Trail Runners
The search for the perfect running shoe can be more painful than an ultra-marathon—especially when you jog on a variety of surfaces.
Trail runners need something that can handle everything from muddy forest singletrack to rocky alpine ascents, all while keeping our feet comfortable and protected. Hard-surface joggers need support, comfort and cushioning to help them achieve those PRs—but what about surface transitions, uneven terrain and trail work? Is it possible to buy one shoe to rule them all?
Today, we’re testing two contenders from brands you may not immediately associate with running shoes: the Columbia Konos Featherweight and the KEEN Seek. Both of these Unlikely Runners are marketed to multi-surface joggers, with the KEEN leaning heavier on the trail-running side of things and the Columbia a little more geared towards urban and gravel strides.
Columbia Konos Featherweight: Speed & Agility
(columbiasportswear.ca; $130)
The Konos Featherweight is built for speed. Columbia has prioritized minimizing weight without sacrificing essential trail features. Weighing just 261 grams, they practically disappear on your feet.
Upper: The breathable engineered jacquard upper is ideal for warm-weather runs—plus it dries in a flash after you hit those puddles.
Midsole: The Techlite™ midsole delivers responsive cushioning, absorbing impact without feeling mushy. I noticed this meant a nimbler and more energetic run, allowing me to maintain a quick pace on smooth trails.
Outsole: The Omni Grip™ outsole is designed to perform well in both wet and dry conditions. The lug pattern is aggressive enough to provide traction on dirt and gravel, but not so chunky that it felt burdensome on hard surfaces.
Overall Impression: The Konos Featherweight is a fast and agile multi-purpose shoe. It’s ideal for runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness, and run on well-maintained trails, like local parks or hard surfaces, like sidewalks and roads. While not a highly technical trail shoe, its lightweight design and grippy outsole make it a fantastic option for tempo runs and shorter races on mild to moderate terrain. (Available in men’s and women’s—men’s tested.)
KEEN Seek: Durability & Comfort
(keenfootwear.ca; $230)
Known more for sandals and water shoes, KEEN’s Seek trail running shoe is a departure for this iconic footwear brand. But much like their famous sandals, this shoe is built to provide lasting support and comfort.
Upper: The abrasion-resistant upper keeps your feet blister-free; the reinforced toe cap provides excellent protection from rocks and roots; the breathable mesh lining wicked sweat and kept me comfy in a range of temperatures—from midsummer to early fall.
Midsole: The KEEN.ReGEN midsole provides exceptional shock absorption and energy return, reducing fatigue on long runs. This is particularly noticeable on descents, where the cushioning helps to protect your knees and hips. These shoes are rated for 1,488 kilometres of durability!
Outsole: The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole features four-millimetre multi-directional lugs for superior grip on a variety of surfaces. This outsole inspires confidence on more technical trails, providing reliable traction on most surfaces recreational trail runners will tackle.
Overall Impressions: The KEEN Seek is a supportive trail shoe that’s built to handle variable conditions. It’s an excellent choice for runners who prioritize protection and stability on increasingly technical trails, while still falling shy of needing a dedicated competition-style trail runner. At 306 grams, the Seek is not as lightweight as the Konos, but it provides superior support for longer distances on varied terrain. (Available in men’s and women’s—men’s tested.)
Final Thoughts
Both the Columbia Konos Featherweight and the KEEN Seek are excellent shoes, but they cater to different needs.
Choose the Columbia Konos Featherweight if you prioritize speed and agility, primarily run on well-maintained trails and hard surfaces, and want a lightweight shoe for tempo runs and shorter races.
Choose the KEEN Seek if you prioritize durability and support, frequently run on more technical trails and need a shoe that can handle long distances.
Personally, I lean towards the Columbia for my needs. On trail, I’m a hiker (with high-top boots) so I get more use from a lightweight runner that can transition from local sidewalks to easy trails and back again without a misstep.
Which one would you choose?
