Keen A86–($90)
“I liked how flexible it felt while toeing off. The lacing system helps to wrap the foot just right by tightening in all the right places.”
Keen knew enough about minimalism and espionage to decide that, were Maxwell Smart a trail-running secret agent, the A86 would have called his name—minus not only the shoe phone but just about everything else, given the close fit and close-to-the-ground feel. Reminiscent of the Waffle Racer of the ‘80s—after dieting and with asymmetric lacing updates—the super-fly, super-flex A86 and its lightweight race feel is good for efficient runners who don’t need a lot of underfoot protection and who enjoy close-to-the-ground agility and stability.
Tester’s Take: “I liked how flexible it felt while toeing off. The lacing system helps to wrap the foot just right by tightening in all the right places.”