How to Choose Hiking Boots

The men's KEEN Targhee II waterproof hiking shoes deliver tenacious traction, stability and comfort on a wide variety of trails.
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Imported.
View the KEEN Targhee Product LineView all KEEN Men's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | Waterproof breathable membrane |
Upper | Nubuck leather/nylon/webbing |
Lining | Nylon |
Midsole | EVA |
Support | Nylon shank |
Outsole | Carbon rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 pounds |
Gender | Men's |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
EU | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 | 48.5 | 49 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.5 | 10.6 | 10.7 | 11 | 11.1 | 11.25 | 11.6 | 11.9 | 12.2 | 12.5 | 12.8 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I've been in Keen hiking boots and shoes for 8 years. My only complaint is the sole does not stay attached to the shoe. The multi-layered rubber (the black part) breaks free from the base layer. Also, 1/2 sizes all the way up would be nice. 12 is too small, 13 is too big. The shoe runs wide. These shoes are 2 years old; soles started separating soon after the one-year mark. I have reglued and separated again.
I am ordering my second pair of these shoes after this review. I've been very happy with my Keens for more than two years. Until recently they have been very comfortable. The soles have worn nicely and have kept their grip. I've used these shoes in all kinds of conditions from city walking to trails and have always been confident that they will perform. I've often spent hours walking in wet and muddy conditions and my feet have remained dry. My only complaint is that the shoes can be a little warm in the summer, but that's a sacrifice you make for waterproof shoes. If you need ventilated shoes, Keen makes a shoe for that too.
This is my third pair of Targhee II's and when I saw them on sale this past summer I brought a pair without hesitation. Just recently I took them out the box and wore them for the first time and by the time I got back home my feet were killing me. Although they are the same size as the old Targhee II's they have a lot less cushioning on the inside. My feet sliding slightly inside the boots as I walked and got a blister on the back of my heel. This was a major let down for me because I'm used to this boot starting out good and over time becoming great. Unfortunately this will be my last pair of Keen's for the foreseeable future.
Now on my second pair after returning the first after both soles separated from the uppers after average use. The second pair have held up slightly better for 2 seasons now, but still suffer from poor quality and durability. While I like Keen and own a pair of Boston oxfords now into their sixth year and still going strong, the Targhee suffers from too much emphasis on good looks and not enough on durability for a [$] hiking shoe. Good shoe if you're doing light walking/hiking, but can't hold up to heavier use (i.e., backpacking, hiking in rugged terrain, etc.). Also, not appropriate for snow and ice.
My shoes are coming apart. The sole of this shoe has three materials - black, gray and tan. The black and gray materials are wearing well, but the tan material is very soft, and it wears away rapidly. That wear destroys the integrity of the shoe, because the other components of the sole are attached to the tan material.
Sadly, my newest pair of Keens did not outlast my oldest pair. Seems like the quality is now lacking in Keen shoes as they are falling apart at the soles.
I LOVED my Targhees I got in '09. They made my job where I'm on my feet all day bearable. Loved the slide clip lacing. The footbed was the BEST. When they started to look rough they became my competition shoes to ride 50+ mile endurance rides in. Didn't hesitate when ordering my replacement pair for work. This pair came and it's like a totally different shoe. They are VERY stiff. I feel like I have wooden blocks strapped to my feet. They don't flex at all when I take a step. The laces are regular tie laces and if I try to tie them tight enough for my heel not to come out when the shoe doesn't flex they dig into the top of my foot. They seem larger than the last pair. I could definitely use a smaller size.
I'm writing this review 14 months into owning them. I like the style and comfortability of these shoes. The upper is made very well and I have not had an issue with it on either shoe. The insole is starting to deteriorate which I can expect from this point in time and is easily replaceable. However, the outer soles on the bottom of each shoe have started to separate from the sides and heel. One of the heels' outer sole is completely detached and is not wearable anymore. I would expect a better lifespan, at least 3 years, for this price point. I wear this shoe 4 days a week for at least 13 hours 70% on tile floor 30% on pavement just walking and sitting in. I think this is a manufacturing defect, (possibly with the type of glue or lack of glue), as others have stated in their reviews. Fix the soles and this would be 5-star shoe easily!
I've been wearing Keen Targhee Waterproof Hiking Shoes for years. I've loved them, from the original Targhee, to several pair of Targhee II, and at least one pair of Targhee III. To be honest, I am probably hard on my hiking shoes. I spend several hours every day in the woods, hiking with my Brittany Scout, cutting firewood, working in my lawn, and hunting. I appreciate the sturdiness of these Keens. I wear a custom orthotic and rely on the strength of the foot bed. And, I am very lucky to have hiked the Targhee National Forest, and hike the Grand Targhee mountain in these shoes. FWIW, I've tried several other brands, and not found any that lived up to the comfort, durability, and support of the Keen Targhee line.
This is by far the worst pair of Keen I've owned. The main issue is with the foam like material between the rubber sole and the leather upper. As you can see in the provided photos the rubber sole started to separate from the foam like material after only a couple months of use. Additionally this material is also on parts of the bottom of the shoe allowing sharp objects to easily puncture the shoe. This can be seen in the recent photo I took of a stick that could've easily punctured my foot. I wouldn't recommend these shoes out of concern for the safety of the wearer.