Not too long ago, KEEN got in touch with us about doing something trail running–related. Naturally, we were in. Fantasising about being shipped off to some far-flung trailhead – with dreams of chalky gravel underfoot, and a blazing orange sun melting slowly into the horizon.
Then we read the next line of the email: Manchester. As in Manchester, UK. Trail running. In Manchester? Surely not. Well, as it turns out, that’s exactly what we did.
About a week ago, alongside 114 Index, we took KEEN’s new Roam & Seek running models to the predictably muddy back garden of South Manchester for some truly authentic British springtime trail testing.
While we originally had visions of sprinting through the foothills of Catalonia, we ultimately ended up settling for Chorlton. Our route was a 7km loop tracing the River Mersey through the neighbouring area of Sale, and finishing at a nearby coffee shop back in Chorlton, which came with a promise of nice coffee and even nicer Pain au Chocolats.
On a surprisingly sunny morning, we gathered in the car park where the team from 114 Index wasted no time in ceremoniously launching KEEN shoes in our direction. Once laced up, loosely stretched, and having listened to a few words about what we were wearing and why they felt the way they did, we set off into the green – if slightly muddy – sprawl.
There was a definite spring in our step. Partly spurred on by the thought of the promised Pain au Chocolats. But mostly, we’d argue, down to the KEENs strapped to our feet.
We traversed a lightly wooded trail before the trees gave way to a billowing blue sky above us, we were now running alongside the River Mersey, as its snaking trajectory led us deeper into the South Manchester landscapes – that, on their day, are surprisingly picturesque. On foot, we were split between models from KEEN’s Roam & Seek trail line-up, and as the miles ticked by, conversation naturally drifted towards footwear.
We’d been told the Seek is KEEN’s out-and-out trail runner – built to chew through everything from gritty towpaths to muddy forest floors, delivering dependable comfort and support in the process. The Roam, meanwhile, is suited more towards loose gravel and mixed terrain, which just so happened to be exactly what lay underfoot as we continued tracing the bends of the Mersey.
Whichever model you had on – Trail or Seek – there was one shared talking point: the wide-shaped toe box, which has become KEEN’s trademarked calling card. This seemingly simple design feature actually allows runners’ toes room to breathe, which, on long runs or challenging terrain, can make a world of difference in the comfort department.
By the time we’d traced the Mersey back to Chorlton, ticking off a tidy 7km in the process, it was time to settle into the café and reward ourselves with a carefully assembled mix of caffeine and baked goods. Over coffee, we swapped thoughts on the route and the footwear – the verdict overwhelmingly positive on both counts.
Fed, watered and suitably rested, we said our goodbyes – though not for long. We reconvened later that evening at Permanent Orbit to celebrate the Seek & Roam in slightly more refined, decidedly less muddy surroundings.
Drinks were supplied by Ghost Labs, sounds came courtesy of a range of local Manchester DJs, and the highlight of the whole event – a lasagne-filled pie – was provided by Valerie Goode’s Pies. Whether we invited more people than originally intended or word about the lasagne pies spread like wildfire, we’re not quite sure, but people turned up in droves, and the party carried on long after the once-blazing sun had faded.
The whole event – from the morning trail run to the evening shindig – was a resounding success. We learned even more than we already knew about KEEN and were given the perfect opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces while meeting plenty of new ones. Throughout the day and into the night, we handed out disposable cameras to everyone in attendance to capture the wholesome scenes around us – so if you’re feeling nosy, take a look at the gallery below to see more.
Find out more about KEEN’s Seek & Roam Trail Running Models at KEEN
