Review: Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes

A comfortable and generously sized women’s hiking shoe designed for all terrains.

Keen describe the Targhee IV Waterproof Shoes as ‘the last hiking shoe you’ll buy’ and after the last few months with them, I am starting to see why they might be making that statement.

I don’t think these shoes will ever get many ‘cool’ points from me for their aesthetic design. BUT their slightly boxy shape makes for some of the comfiest hiking shoes I’ve ever owned. It was a bit risky deciding to break a new pair of shoes in with a 20km hike on their first wear but they were genuinely comfy from the moment I put them on to the end of the last kilometre on that first hike. This should really be a testament to how comfortable these shoes are.

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes: The stats

Features of the Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Outsoles

Designed to be abrasion-resistant, durable and to have longer-lasting traction, the material used is twice as strong as rubber. The chunky multi-directional lug pattern is designed to improve traction for all terrains.

Midsoles

Keen use fusion construction that is designed without glue so that it is a longer lasting bond that is also better for the planet. I like that this limits the amount of seams I can feel against my feet and the air-injected luftcell midsole also increases the shoes long-lasting cushioning.

Uppers

The upper fabric of the shoes is made from a premium, soft, sandy brown nubuck leather and breathable mesh lining. The design is classic but also functional as I get a lot of dirt on these shoes, yet they don’t feel overly dirty due to the colour.

Laces and tongue

The laces themselves are made from 100% recycled plastics and are very strong. Extra padding on the tongues of the shoes ensure your feet are comfortable, even when you really tighten the laces.

Toe box

Designed with Keen’s ‘original fit’, there is plenty of generous space across the forefront for toes to naturally splay. The toe box has an external ‘toe bumper’ providing your toes with extra protection against rocks and stones.

Insole

A removable, solvent free, luftcell air-injected insole is provided for extra cushioning and breathability within the shoe. It is anti-odour and can be traded out if you wish to use your own insole.

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes review

My first pair of Keens, but not my first (or second or third) pair of hiking shoes.

What do I use them for?

I do mixture of day hikes in the hills (10-20km), multi-day overnight hike/camp trips and also short dog walks not far from home. Finding a shoe to fit all of the above has been quite a challenge but it’s one that the Keen Targhee IV Waterproof hiking shoes have met head on. Living in Wales, it’s not often we take on a trail that doesn’t involve boggy ground, so having a multi-purpose shoe that is also waterproof is essential.

Comfort and performance

The best thing about these shoes (by a country mile) is absolutely the comfort. Usually I take my time breaking in new shoes – not these Keens. The first time I wore them we went on a 20km hike, climbing hills and crossing lots of wet ground. I don’t think it was an intentional decision to do this but I vividly remember how impressed I was with the comfort of these shoes on that very first hike. Not only did my feet not hurt but they were comfy, for the whole hike. This was an absolute revelation to me.

I’m really impressed with the waterproofness of these shoes. With the exception of when my whole foot is swallowed and water goes over my ankle, my feet remain bone dry.

90% of the time the grip on these shoes is fantastic and I feel really confident walking on uneven and wet ground. I have slipped a couple of times on large flat, wet rocks but I’m not sure I would have been any better off in any of my previous hiking shoes.

Fit and sizing

The boxy toe design may not scream ‘cool’ to me but my toes (I have wide feet) have never been quite so comfy in a shoe whilst also wearing a chunky walking sock. My toes are fully able to splay out and wiggle around easily which is amazing.

I did size up (usually a UK 5 but I ordered a 6) when ordering these shoes, which worked perfectly for me. I appreciate the extra space and they aren’t too big. I would definitely recommend sizing up.

Pros of the Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes

I love the wide fit of these shoes. As a wide-footed person it can be difficult to find a hiking shoe that my feet agree with for long days on the trails. My feet can swell a bit when they get hot and these shoes never feel too tight or like my feet are being restricted.

Although I thought I didn’t initially like the boxy look of these shoes, the toe box is one of the best parts about them when it comes to comfort, as it allows my feet plenty of space to spread out.

Cons of the Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Personally I find these shoes to be a little on the chunky/heavy side. They feel a little heavy to hold in my hand but I don’t notice this too much when wearing them at the start of the hike. Towards the end of a 20km+ hike I can definitely feel my feet starting to drag with the weight of them.

Their weight (472g), is average compared to many women’s hiking shoes on the market but they are a little heavier than some of my previously owned hiking shoes making this a bit of a negative for me personally.

Verdict

The Targhee IV Waterproof Shoes are best for women with wide feet looking for a hiking shoe they can throw on and be comfortable from the first step.

I base a lot of my initial opinions upon the aesthetics of items (rightly or wrongly, I can’t help it!). And although this shoe didn’t start of a high opinion from me I honestly don’t think you will find many wide fit hiking shoes more comfortable than these.

The fit of the shoe is roomy and comfortable. The materials have some good eco credentials and are chosen for their functionality as well as being better for the planet. And they perform well on a variety of terrain, giving you confidence in every stride.

I think this shoe is good value for what you’re getting based on the current price. You’re getting a well made shoe that’s made to last and is ready for any adventure from day one. Could you find a lighter shoe for less? Possibly. But would that shoe be as well designed for a wide foot? Perhaps not. For me, the comfort and durability of this shoe (over the current time period I’ve had it) weights out pretty evenly with the price.

Find the latest price at:Keen

Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.

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