The Keen Targhee II men's waterproof mid hikers are surprisingly light and extraordinarily comfortable, right out of the box. The lengthy lace pattern starts right where the toe box meets the boot body and extends well up the ankle, allowing for a fairly custom fit (or for thick/thin sock versatility). Personally, I would prefer one more set of lugs for the laces to make the fit even more adjustable, but that is subjective and the lace configuration works fine. The rubber soles are a bit slick when new, but once roughed up, are grippy and confidence-instilling. I don't know if they will hold up as well as the Vibram compounds I have on other boots, but so far, so good. The 4mm lug pattern is aggressive, but not to the point that you're digging walnuts and rodents out of them at the end of the day. The EVA midsole is solid but has some springy give to it. My feet felt stable, yet flexible. The compound does feel soft so durability may be sacrificed for comfort. Rock-hoppers might see some early damage. The ESS shank is also rigid but has enough give for us high-arched folks to feel okay. Because of my tall feet, I had intended to replace the dual-density footbeds or swap for my super-comfy Salewa beds, but the factory pads actually feel pretty good so I will give them a solid run.
The fabric, leather, and "other" materials are all well-conceived and well-used. I am hard on boots and prefer few metal and plastic parts that can bend or break. The Targhee II's deliver with only two plastic lugs at the ankle and reinforced nylon loop/webbing elsewhere. The seam and gusset construction is all smart and highly-functional. Linings are soft and, so far, durable. Even the laces are really nice- typical Keen with an almost abrasive quality to them that helps them lock into lugs and stay tied.
If aesthetics are part of your hiking musts, the s***ake/brindle combo is about as benign as it gets- brown and light brown with dark brown accents and a splash of black. Color, aside from the reflective stitching, comes from the yellow lettering on KEEN and WATERPROOF labels- not exactly flashy (save that for your speed hikers!). Touching on the waterproof claim- so far so yep. I haven't spent significant time standing in water up to the collars, but showers and serious puddle stomping- bone dry piggies! I do not engage in significant water-crossing so I do not have a need for more rigorous wet-testing. If, however, anything develops from testing by field happenstance, I will update my review.
In summary: If you want a light, versatile, all-day hiker that will get you up the rocks, through the brush, and over the squishy stuff (rain or shine), I cannot imagine finding a better boot for under $200. Pictures are from one of 6 full days (virtually sun up to sun down) hiking/trekking through Ireland in my Targhees with confidence instilling footing, no wet socks, and exceptional comfort. Keep in mind- these are a general-purpose hiking option. They are not designed to be task-specific. If you spend 90% of your time in mud, in sand, on rocks, in snow, etc, get specific gear. If you want an excellent all-purpose option that will handle a reasonable amount of terrain/weather, get 'em.
A couple of notes:
- These boots are warm on warm days. They do not breathe tremendously well, but you only get so much breathability out of breathable waterproof linings/boots; especially those that employ lots of leather.
- Although some other Keens I own run maybe a 1/4 size small, and notes on Amazon's storefront advise ordering 1/2 size larger, the Targhee II's I got are accurate in length. I ordered my regular size expecting them to start out snug, and break in for a better "my feet" fit, but they are a perfect, true 10.5 for me. In fact, since in most boots, I wish they made a 10.75, the Targhee II slightly wider than D girth (my opinion) allows my foot to fill the boot comfortably, with substantial side-to-side adjustability. I can slack the laces for a less constricting experience, or snug them down for more serious terrain and the fit responds perfectly.
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Manufacturing practices
The leather in this product was produced by a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery, supporting more-responsible leather production. LWG brand members may make on-product claims if they have submitted a sourcing declaration and if the product contains >50% leather, and 100% of the leather is produced by a LWG certified tannery.
As certified by
Leather Working Group Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to driving excellence in the production of more-sustainable leather. LWG aims to have a positive impact on the environment through driving resource efficiency in leather production, reduced waste generation and emissions, better chemical management and increased traceability. LWG brand members may make claims on meeting a number of criteria, including submitting a sourcing declaration stating the percentage of leather purchased from LWG certified facilities. A claim can only be made when a product contains leather as the prominent material and 100% of the leather was produced by a LWG-certified tannery.
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Leather Working Group certification promotes more-responsible leather production and is committed to driving positive environmental change.
Climate Pledge FriendlyProducts with trusted sustainability certification(s). Learn morePRODUCT CERTIFICATION (1)
Leather Working Group certification promotes more-responsible leather production and is committed to driving positive environmental change.
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Manufacturing practices
The leather in this product was produced by a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery, supporting more-responsible leather production. LWG brand members may make on-product claims if they have submitted a sourcing declaration and if the product contains >50% leather, and 100% of the leather is produced by a LWG certified tannery.
As certified by
Leather Working Group Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to driving excellence in the production of more-sustainable leather. LWG aims to have a positive impact on the environment through driving resource efficiency in leather production, reduced waste generation and emissions, better chemical management and increased traceability. LWG brand members may make claims on meeting a number of criteria, including submitting a sourcing declaration stating the percentage of leather purchased from LWG certified facilities. A claim can only be made when a product contains leather as the prominent material and 100% of the leather was produced by a LWG-certified tannery.
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Quality boots? Honest review of Keen Dry Boots
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KEEN Mens Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots
Shoe Carnival
Reviews with images
Love-Hate relationship
This is my 5th pair. For my feet and a Morton’s toe condition this model Keen has been unequaled in comfort and support although I recommend immediately replacing the insoles with a high quality set for better arch support and thicker material. My Merrills and Hi-TECs had some value to recommend them and much better long lasting construction/durability, but not the equal in comfort level. I wore out several pairs of Targhees hiking the rough central Rockies; enjoyed dry feet in wet conditions hiking Ireland, then Hadrian’s Wall; and definitely challenged the Keens on sharp edged lava rocks in the Oregon Cascades. The uppers did very well. I only had one pair which stitching was a (minor) issue.I hate the durability of the sole construction. Ask any Targhee wearer what they loved ….and what they hated and my guess is it would be comfort ….and tread separation. The sole is a 2 piece arrangement. The glue or bonding of the black tread on the gray foundation fails. When it fails depends on how often and where you wear them, as well as your weight and gait probably, but I had one pair for everyday use on sidewalks or pavement and separation began with 6 months.I am headed for the Camino this summer and my current set of Targhees treads are starting to fail long before they wear down. So here I am, writing my 3rd review of yet another new pair I just bought! Some people never learn maybe. In my case though, I am willing to overlook the flaws.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2016
The fabric, leather, and "other" materials are all well-conceived and well-used. I am hard on boots and prefer few metal and plastic parts that can bend or break. The Targhee II's deliver with only two plastic lugs at the ankle and reinforced nylon loop/webbing elsewhere. The seam and gusset construction is all smart and highly-functional. Linings are soft and, so far, durable. Even the laces are really nice- typical Keen with an almost abrasive quality to them that helps them lock into lugs and stay tied.
If aesthetics are part of your hiking musts, the s***ake/brindle combo is about as benign as it gets- brown and light brown with dark brown accents and a splash of black. Color, aside from the reflective stitching, comes from the yellow lettering on KEEN and WATERPROOF labels- not exactly flashy (save that for your speed hikers!). Touching on the waterproof claim- so far so yep. I haven't spent significant time standing in water up to the collars, but showers and serious puddle stomping- bone dry piggies! I do not engage in significant water-crossing so I do not have a need for more rigorous wet-testing. If, however, anything develops from testing by field happenstance, I will update my review.
In summary: If you want a light, versatile, all-day hiker that will get you up the rocks, through the brush, and over the squishy stuff (rain or shine), I cannot imagine finding a better boot for under $200. Pictures are from one of 6 full days (virtually sun up to sun down) hiking/trekking through Ireland in my Targhees with confidence instilling footing, no wet socks, and exceptional comfort. Keep in mind- these are a general-purpose hiking option. They are not designed to be task-specific. If you spend 90% of your time in mud, in sand, on rocks, in snow, etc, get specific gear. If you want an excellent all-purpose option that will handle a reasonable amount of terrain/weather, get 'em.
A couple of notes:
- These boots are warm on warm days. They do not breathe tremendously well, but you only get so much breathability out of breathable waterproof linings/boots; especially those that employ lots of leather.
- Although some other Keens I own run maybe a 1/4 size small, and notes on Amazon's storefront advise ordering 1/2 size larger, the Targhee II's I got are accurate in length. I ordered my regular size expecting them to start out snug, and break in for a better "my feet" fit, but they are a perfect, true 10.5 for me. In fact, since in most boots, I wish they made a 10.75, the Targhee II slightly wider than D girth (my opinion) allows my foot to fill the boot comfortably, with substantial side-to-side adjustability. I can slack the laces for a less constricting experience, or snug them down for more serious terrain and the fit responds perfectly.
Size: 10.5Color: Shitake/BrindleVerified Purchase
Light, versatile, incredibly comfortable GENERAL PURPOSE hiker- personal preference and a summary
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2016
The Keen Targhee II men's waterproof mid hikers are surprisingly light and extraordinarily comfortable, right out of the box. The lengthy lace pattern starts right where the toe box meets the boot body and extends well up the ankle, allowing for a fairly custom fit (or for thick/thin sock versatility). Personally, I would prefer one more set of lugs for the laces to make the fit even more adjustable, but that is subjective and the lace configuration works fine. The rubber soles are a bit slick when new, but once roughed up, are grippy and confidence-instilling. I don't know if they will hold up as well as the Vibram compounds I have on other boots, but so far, so good. The 4mm lug pattern is aggressive, but not to the point that you're digging walnuts and rodents out of them at the end of the day. The EVA midsole is solid but has some springy give to it. My feet felt stable, yet flexible. The compound does feel soft so durability may be sacrificed for comfort. Rock-hoppers might see some early damage. The ESS shank is also rigid but has enough give for us high-arched folks to feel okay. Because of my tall feet, I had intended to replace the dual-density footbeds or swap for my super-comfy Salewa beds, but the factory pads actually feel pretty good so I will give them a solid run.Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2016
The fabric, leather, and "other" materials are all well-conceived and well-used. I am hard on boots and prefer few metal and plastic parts that can bend or break. The Targhee II's deliver with only two plastic lugs at the ankle and reinforced nylon loop/webbing elsewhere. The seam and gusset construction is all smart and highly-functional. Linings are soft and, so far, durable. Even the laces are really nice- typical Keen with an almost abrasive quality to them that helps them lock into lugs and stay tied.
If aesthetics are part of your hiking musts, the s***ake/brindle combo is about as benign as it gets- brown and light brown with dark brown accents and a splash of black. Color, aside from the reflective stitching, comes from the yellow lettering on KEEN and WATERPROOF labels- not exactly flashy (save that for your speed hikers!). Touching on the waterproof claim- so far so yep. I haven't spent significant time standing in water up to the collars, but showers and serious puddle stomping- bone dry piggies! I do not engage in significant water-crossing so I do not have a need for more rigorous wet-testing. If, however, anything develops from testing by field happenstance, I will update my review.
In summary: If you want a light, versatile, all-day hiker that will get you up the rocks, through the brush, and over the squishy stuff (rain or shine), I cannot imagine finding a better boot for under $200. Pictures are from one of 6 full days (virtually sun up to sun down) hiking/trekking through Ireland in my Targhees with confidence instilling footing, no wet socks, and exceptional comfort. Keep in mind- these are a general-purpose hiking option. They are not designed to be task-specific. If you spend 90% of your time in mud, in sand, on rocks, in snow, etc, get specific gear. If you want an excellent all-purpose option that will handle a reasonable amount of terrain/weather, get 'em.
A couple of notes:
- These boots are warm on warm days. They do not breathe tremendously well, but you only get so much breathability out of breathable waterproof linings/boots; especially those that employ lots of leather.
- Although some other Keens I own run maybe a 1/4 size small, and notes on Amazon's storefront advise ordering 1/2 size larger, the Targhee II's I got are accurate in length. I ordered my regular size expecting them to start out snug, and break in for a better "my feet" fit, but they are a perfect, true 10.5 for me. In fact, since in most boots, I wish they made a 10.75, the Targhee II slightly wider than D girth (my opinion) allows my foot to fill the boot comfortably, with substantial side-to-side adjustability. I can slack the laces for a less constricting experience, or snug them down for more serious terrain and the fit responds perfectly.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2023
Size: 11 WideColor: Shitake/BrindleVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Sergio O.
Melhor da categoria
Reviewed in Brazil on November 23, 2023Size: 10Color: Black Olive/YellowVerified Purchase
Wayne M.
Excellent light-weight light-duty hiking boots
Reviewed in Canada on November 12, 2023Size: 11.5Color: Shitake/BrindleVerified Purchase
ANNA EDWARDS
Highly recommend
Reviewed in Canada on September 23, 2023Size: 13Color: Steel Grey/MagnetVerified Purchase
The Newcombe's
Lasted Just Outside of the Warranty
Reviewed in Canada on September 12, 2023Size: 15Color: Black Olive/YellowVerified Purchase
Roberto Alanis
Trabaja por el pie
Reviewed in Mexico on April 18, 2023Size: 10.5 WideColor: Shitake/BrindleVerified Purchase
