I had heard so much about KEEN hiking and outdoor footwear but it has taken a while to get my hands, well feet, on some and give them a good try out.
The KEEN Targhee boots have been around since 2005 and have gained a great reputation, especially in the US, for being a superb all rounder for many terrains and seasons. Waterproof, durable and sustainable. These boots also use a lot of useful technology that others don’t.
They are now onto the 4th generation and this is the Targhee IV. I have been putting a pair of the mid boot version through their paces. They do have a hiking shoe version but I myself like to feel the ankle support over rocky terrains.
In short I have found them to be a wonderful all rounder boot. Once broken in they are really comfortable and the grip comes good. They are a larger fit and the most room I have felt in a boot. They are medium weight and sturdy soled and feel like they will last a long time. Very durable.
Sustainability, Build and Durability
With these boots, KEEN have gone above and beyond to create a really durable yet sustainable boot.
The Targhee IV has a new way of looking at the build. How many times have you got a pair of boots that feel great then the sole starts coming away from the upper? Well KEEN here have done something new with this boot.
They do not use glue or toxic substance at all. They use what they call KEEN.FUSION technology and bond the soles to the uppers at the molecule level. They guarantee that the sole will not come away at all (delamination) for life, with this method. They are so confident in this that in the US they will replace you boots if it ever happens.
Another new advancement they have brought in is what they call KEEN.RUGGED for the soles. In tests it is twice as durable as rubber so that the soles and grip lasts twice as long.
Beyond the non use of glue or rubber there are many sustainable aspects to the KEEN Targhee IV Mid. They use recycled consumer used bottles in the manaufacture. Even down to the recycled laces.
At the front of the boot you can see the Targhee IV has that iconic big toe guard to protect you and the boot.
Comfort
I found these boots do require breaking in well, but once they are they are extremely comfortable.
The first thing I noticed when I put them on is how much wider they are than other boots I have worn. My immediate reaction was my normal size is too big? But no, I soon realised that the boots fit well but that little extra width allowed my toes to have more space on not cramped at all.
How this will affect fittings for those with narrow feet I do not know but that little extra width for the toes felt good. In length and size overall the boots fit true to size.
I highly recommend going through a whole process of breaking them in. Any initial discomfort goes away after a few miles of use and you can sense them comforming to your own feet, getting supple and becoming your trusty and long wearing boots.
Weight
I have used many boots built for many types of use over the years. If you want light, cross country ones they tend to be not as durable for extensive hard usage. There are real heavy ones out there that take everything you throw at them but can tire your feet down lots.
At just over 500g these boots I would say are smack in the middle and average weight. Remember they are a purchase you make for many seasons usage so for that matter they are not heavy at all.
Traction
The KEEN.RUGGED technology on the sole grips allows the sole grips to last a whole lot longer. On my tests in the English countryside and peaks I found them to have a really good grip when walking down rocky surfaces. I do need to try them on wet limestone where I often venture in the dales.
I found the grip better than many of the branded soles out there. The lugs are well pronounced and will update on their wear after many months hard usage.
If you are walking along a stoney path they feel secure. The lugs are 4mm deep and you can feel them working and biting in.
Waterproof
The boots have a good waterproofing in my experience. The uppers use a mix of leather and mesh that I had in as many puddles as I could.
My feet stayed dry, in all river and puddle tests I have done. I even went through a proper bog when I headed off trail. All good.
Types of Hikes
Many fell boots around are perfectly ample for dry day wanders on English hills etc. With the Targhee IV I am finding it to be a wonderful all rounder for all kinds of walks.
I need more durabilty, sorted
I need waterproofing, sorted
I need hard wearing, sorted
I need comfort yet protection, sorted
I want to last a few days on a trek, sorted
You can see why these boots are now on their 4th iteration. In fact with all the technology they have introduced the KEEN Targhee IV boots where noted as one of Time Magazine’s inventions of the year.
Price
At the time of writing the KEEN Targhee IV Mid boots cost £155 which is extremely competitive for a boot of this calibre and durability.
Conclusion
I have now experienced the famous KEEN Targhee boots and can really see what the fuss has been about. They incorporate not just advancements in sustainability but also in all round durability and usability.
For long days in the mountains I would not hesitate to put these on as my trusted boots.
KEEN Targhee IV Boots Review | BaldHiker
They are now onto the 4th generation and this is the Targhee IV. I have been putting a pair of the mid boot version through their paces. They do have a hiking shoe version,
Product Brand: KEEN
Pros
Sustainable
Very durable
Great for wide feet
Waterproof
Cons
Need good breaking in period
