Keen Mens Targhee Ii Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Review
Neat Targhee 2 Review
This shoe is a fan favorite among backpackers for its support and comfort over varied terrain
Price: $155 List | Check Price at REI
Compare prices at 2 resellers
Pros: Excellent support, actress toe protection, dainty lacing arrangement, broad toe box
Cons: Heavy, leaked in our waterproof test, a bit wide for narrow feet
Manufacturer: Keen
By Ross Robinson ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ Mar 6, 2022
Our Editors independently research, examination, and rate the best products. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and nosotros never accept costless products from manufacturers. Learn more
Our Verdict
A longtime favorite of distance hikers, the Keen Targhee 2 doesn't demand much introduction. Its low price and extremely capable blueprint take upheld its ranking every bit an extremely popular hiking shoe. Foot support and comfort are top priorities in this shoe's design. There are few trails you should fear when wearing this Bang-up model, even when carrying a medium pack. The toe protection is virtually-legendary, so you tin can forget stubbed toes on unseen rocks and roots when trails go rough. This year, 2 fundamental aspects kept this shoe off the podium — poor water resistance and heavyweight. Overall, though, this shoe remains a great value for many hikers.
Editor's Note: We updated this review with new sections to help in your hiking shoe decision-making process. This update occurred on March half dozen, 2022.
Compare to Like Products
| This Product | Salomon X Ultra iv Gore-Tex | Hoka One One Toa Gore-Tex | The Northward Face Ultra 111 WP | Vasque Juxt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Toll | Bank check Price at REI Compare at ii sellers | Cheque Cost at REI Compare at two sellers | $170 List Check Cost at REI | Check Toll at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $109.94 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score | |||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Excellent support, extra toe protection, nice lacing system, wide toe box | Excellent functioning, lightweight, cracking traction, water resistance, support | Extremely comfortable, lightweight, supportive | Bang-up value, waterproof, versatile | Lightweight, breathable, great dry traction, inexpensive |
| Cons | Heavy, leaked in our waterproof test, a flake broad for narrow feet | Cuff tin can be uncomfortable on ankle for some, Quicklace lacing non everyone's favorite | Not every bit cushioned as previous Hoka models, some traction issues | Boilerplate back up, lacks long-term durability | Durability concerns, non good for wet weather condition |
| Bottom Line | This shoe is a fan favorite among backpackers for its support and comfort over varied terrain | This is a rugged hiking shoe that can exercise everything from day hikes to tackling long multiday backpacking trips | A blend of tiptop-notch comfort with support in a lightweight package that makes them an excellent option for long-distance hikers looking to shave weight and increase mobility | This shoe is a cracking value for the all-around performance besides as waterproofness that it provides | A budget-friendly hiking shoe that is a perfect choice for those hiking in dry climates |
| Rating Categories | Keen Targhee 2 | Salomon X Ultra 4 Chiliad... | Hoka Ane One Toa Become... | The North Face Ultr... | Vasque Juxt |
| Condolement (25%) | |||||
| Weight (25%) | |||||
| Support (xv%) | |||||
| Traction (xv%) | |||||
| Versatility (10%) | |||||
| H2o Resistance (five%) | |||||
| Immovability (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Keen Targhee II | Salomon X Ultra iv G... | Hoka 1 1 Toa Go... | The Due north Face Ultr... | Vasque Juxt |
| Weight of Size 11 Pair | two.40 lbs | 1.76 lbs | 2.03 lbs | 2.04 lbs | 1.ninety lbs |
| Upper | Waterproof nubuck leather and mesh | Synthetic, fabric | Synthetic | Performance mesh | Suede leather |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide |
| Waterproof Lining | KEEN.Dry waterproof breathable membrane | Gore-Tex membrane | Gore-Tex membrane | DryVent membrane | None, merely gusted natural language |
| Flood Level (inches) | four.5 in | 3.25 in | 5 in | 3.25 in | 2.5 in |
| Last Board/Shank | Torsion stability ESS | ADV-C chassis | EVA | ESS | Torsion stability TSS |
| Midsole | Dual density compression molded EVA | EnergyCell | Rubberized | EVA | EVA |
| Outsole | Non-marking safety | Contagrip MA prophylactic | Vibram MegaGrip | UtrATAC | Vasque OTG |
Testify total specification details Hibernate full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Keen Targhee II is a solid pick for calorie-free to medium backpacking trips and rugged day hikes and costs $130 retail. It has a nubuck leather and mesh upper that covers the Slap-up. Dry waterproof breathable membrane. The sole consists of a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole, a torsion stability ESS, and a proprietary rubber outsole.
Performance Comparing
Wherever your feet lead you, we want you lot to have the best shoes for the task. Happy feet, happy hiking, happy souls!
Credit: Rachel Wiggins
Condolement
The Targhee Two provides a comfortable, supportive ride, which is largely what drives their popularity. Many features contribute to the condolement of this model. The tongue is well padded, the footbed feels balanced, and the roomy toe box keeps toes fresh on long descents with plenty of room for socks. Pes protection is superior to every model in this review, with a beefy rubber toe comprehend and stiff soles to quell discomfort on pointy, rocky terrain. Nosotros wish the footbed had a little chip more arch support, but otherwise, it is a comfortable shoe.
Reviewer Ross Robinson laces upwards the Targhees subsequently lunch to crunch more miles.
Credit: Rachel Wiggins
This model'south four-eyelet lacing system is meridian-notch. Three widely-spaced lower webbing eyelets lace the boot over the fore and midfoot. This wide spacing allows folks with narrower feet to snug the upper downwardly. The upper webbing eyelet extends down and effectually the shoe'southward heel, creating the ability to sure-fire your heel downward in the heel cup. Many hikers praise this characteristic. The forefoot can be laced loose for comfort with a footling experimenting, while the heel tin can be cinched into the heel cup for security.
We like the adjustable heel box allowed by the webbing system that links up with the laces for a custom fit.
Credit: Ross Robinson
The Keen.Dry out membrane wasn't the most breathable model. Afterward our treadmill test, our anxiety were quite sweaty warm, and our socks were damp. The mostly leather uppers trap heat inside. Hiking in cool weather with these shoes is more enjoyable than hot summer hikes. For better ventilation inside the shoe, unlined shoes fared better.
Weight
The Targhee II weighs two lb. vi.4 oz. on our scale. Some hikers are willing to put upwards with this extra weight for the added back up, stability, and comfort this model provides under a heavy pack. Notwithstanding, if yous don't demand your hiking shoes to support loads over xxx pounds, there are far lighter models.
These shoes are one of the heaviest models reviewed, but we capeesh the solid support and comfort they provide on long hikes.
Credit: Rachel Wiggins
Back up
Many hiking shoe models are trending toward faster, lighter, slimmer designs, which often leads to deficits in the back up section. This is not the case with the Targhee 2. If you're looking for excellent support in your hiking shoes, this is the pair for you. It outscored almost all other models in this metric.
For increased support and ankle stability, consider a pair of hiking boots.
The Torsion Stability ESS shank combined with the dual-density midsole creates a stiff shoe. The broad footbed creates a solid base for pushing through with each step, likewise. The standard insole in this Keen model is the most supportive in all shoes tested. It has a flexible forefoot only features an added layer of density from the heel to the forward terminate of the arch for a stiffer midfoot. The opportunity cost of this solid back up system is one of the heaviest weight measurements of any model reviewed.
Stiff soles and flexible forefeet atomic number 82 this shoe to the front end of the pack in stability.
Credit: Rachel Wiggins
Traction
The lug blueprint and pattern provide a large amount of surface area contact, but for some reason, the Targhee II didn't stick to all surfaces as well as some of the competition. The proprietary rubber sole handled dry granite slabs with excellence and also moved over wet rock with little slippage.
The unique lug design on the outsole of the Targhee Ii provides above average traction on varied surfaces.
Credit: Ross Robinson
While winning us over on the solid ground, when the earth underfoot got loose, this model began to slide to the back of the pack, quite literally. The wide, textured lugs weren't enough to seize with teeth through loose sediment, mud, or snowy slopes, and gravel seemed to ringlet effectually under the big tread pattern.
Testing dry out rock traction on some steep and slabby granite boulders birthed past the Sierras.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Versatility
The mesomorphic and clunky Targhee II does not win any accolades for its looks, only it handles light and crude terrain with a moderate pack like a charm. We like it for day hiking and backpacking. Models with more narrow toe boxes and lower weights were much better for picking up the footstep on the trail. Running feels wrong in the Targhees. This is not the shoe you want if yous mix in some running on your hikes and the beefy look is a bit much for coincidental article of clothing. For a mix of backpacking and trail running power, in that location are more running shoe-inspired shoes to cull from.
Burly, leather uppers are heavier but tend to last a long time.
Credit: Rachel Wiggins
Water Resistance
The Targhee II barbarous to the back of the pack in this metric. Its flood height is above boilerplate at 4.5 inches, nevertheless the proprietary Cracking. Dry membrane failed our waterproof challenge. Barely reaching ii minutes underwater, both shoes began to leak. The right foot got information technology worse, soaking the forefoot earlier five minutes were through. Both shoes leaked from above the 4th toe, where the synthetic mesh meets the leather of the upper. The Keen's resist water only were non the shoes we wanted for wading in water or when pelting strikes.
Waterproof testing the Great's. Despite having a waterproof lining, this model leaked after but two minutes underwater.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Durability
The Targhee II has a positive reputation throughout the world of hiking, but this does not stem from its durability. At the end of our testing period, the midsole was exposed and had several nicks and bites. A scattering of loose strings sprouted from the leather upper at the end of the testing menstruum, which does not provide an argument for quality stitching. Many user reviews of this production report delamination of the sole equally the number one effect with this model. After our testing period, we did discover the midsole separating from the leather upper in a few places, although tiny at this point. In the future, we imagine the separation standing.
There are redeeming qualities of this model. We love the protection of the toe box on this model, which surpasses all other models in robustness. The upper also consists mostly of leather, which has withstood the exam of time in countless hiking shoe models as quality material.
We accept side-past-side testing seriously. Here we are testing the Juxt against the Targhee Two in some sloppy spring mud.
Credit: Ross Robinson
Should You Buy the Keen Targhee Ii?
The Keen Targhee II has earned its positive reputation. Bang-up institute a design that works and has stuck with information technology over the years, as have their followers. The broad toe box and great foot protection are awesome on flats, ascents, and descents in varied terrain, and the solid support provided allows for more backpacking possibilities. It'due south overkill for twenty-four hours hikes in easy terrain and won't ready whatsoever speed records. For its intended purpose, it'southward a peachy product. A previous Best Buy winner at OutdoorGearLab, this shoe presents a great value for backpackers and long-distance hikers. Although information technology won't last as long equally another pairs, ownership another pair when the fourth dimension comes is an affordable pick.
Keen continues to offer this great production at an affordable price, which has undoubtedly had a positive effect on its popularity among the hiking community.
Credit: Ross Robinson
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
While Corking is a high-quality and rugged shoe, information technology isn't the shoe for everyone. It is heavy compared to some of the contest, and it scores lower overall than some more impressive options. The Salomon X Ultra four Gore-Tex is significantly lighter and score higher overall. It offers ameliorate traction and water resistance than the Bully, with equal comfort and durability. If a lightweight shoe is important to you lot, the Salomon is probably a improve choice. Or, if you plan to hit the wet trails or movement over creeks, the Salmon is significantly more waterproof and should be a better selection.
— Ross Robinson
Source: https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/shoes-and-boots/hiking-shoes/keen-targhee-ii