Keen Targhee II Mid Review

8.8
8.8 score
[Editors rating (8.8)] = (WalkJogRun) score (8.8)/10


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Editor rating: 8.8 / 10
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The Keen Targhee II hiking boots are a stellar choice for anyone who frequently spends time adventuring outdoors. The rugged construction and excellent traction make them great for just about any activity. They feature 4mm lugs on the sole that help you dig your feet in when traversing through the softer ground. The sole is thick and reliable enough that walking on gravel or uneven ground isn't going to bother you at all. The boots allow you to go just about anywhere with ease.

Customers can appreciate the comfortable feel. They offer an EVA midsole with a removable footbed that is anatomically designed to the shape of your feet. The footwear provides both support and stability so you can stay protected no matter what you are doing. There is no need to worry about slipping and sliding around inside your shoes.

The waterproof nubuck leather uppers will keep you dry and cozy, even when stomping through puddles. Don't let the waterproof coating fool you, though. They still offer a decent amount of breathability. The sweat from your feet can escape the foot chamber with ease. So, moisture can get out, but none is getting in. They do everything they can to ensure your feet are staying nice and dry.

Yes, there are some downfalls to this shoe, but most customers enjoy them anyway. There are a handful of consumers who experienced premature wear and tear, but that isn't an issue with the majority. Additionally, they tend to run a bit small. You might want to consider purchasing a larger size to make up for this.

All in all, they are a great boot and would make a decent choice for you outdoor adventures.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros

Stellar comfort

44mm lugs

Wide toe box

Waterproof uppers

Stable and supportive

Cons

Lacking in durability

Runs small

Slightly heavy

Versatility

The Keen Targhee II books are great for most of your outdoor adventures. The durable build and lugs on the outsole will ensure you can go just about anywhere without a problem. They give you a secure fit and comfortable fit as well as ESS shank for additional stability and S3 heel support. Everything about this footwear screams rugged comfort.

Most customers prefer to wear these boots when hiking as they can easily transition from one terrain to another. Whether trekking through the grass, gravel, mud, or pavement, this product will be perfect.

Outsole

The Keen Targhee II hiking boots feature a durable rubber outsole that is made for just about any terrain. The sole is made out of non-marking carbon rubber to ensure that you can stay safe on your feet, no matter the ground you are traversing. If you are walking around in a store, or anywhere else, you won't have to worry about your boots scuffing up the surface. This isn't an issue that many people will experience or care about, but it's nice to know that you they are non-marking.

In addition to the rubber sole, they feature 4mm multi-directional lugs that will give you incredible traction. No matter what you are doing or where you are going, these boots are designed to keep you on your feet.

Midsole

These boots feature a dual-density EVA midsole that is compression molded. Since the midsole uses a compression mold, you can get the perfect size when manufacturing the product. Additionally, the foam will take on the shape of the frame, allowing it to take on the little details for a great look. The use of this foam helps give you a comfortable underfoot experience as well as decent longevity.

Not only in the midsole great but the boots offer a removable metatomical footbed. You might be asking yourself what that means, and you wouldn't be alone. The name comes from a combination of the words metatarsal and anatomical. This type of food bed is common among Keen's footwear that can provide you a more comfortable experience. It is anatomically designed for superior support. The insole is built around the shape of your foot, giving particular emphasis on the big toe (first metatarsal joint).

Since the footbed is removable, you can opt to replace it with one that might fit your needs better. Most customers don't have a problem with the existing one, as it's construction and design are divine. However, there are some customers who prefer or require specific insoles, and these boots will allow for that.

Upper

Customers love the uppers of these footwear. Not only do they increase the comfort level, but they offer loads of benefits. The nubuck leather and nylon mesh uppers offer you longevity, flexibility, and breathability. These are all things that are a must for your shoes.

The waterproof leather ensures that your feet are going to stay dry, even when you are stomping around on the wet ground. Even though they are waterproof, they feature a breathable membrane that still allows the sweat from your feet to evaporate and leave the foot chamber, keeping you dry from within as well — no need to deal with a wet sock and soggy boots.

The uppers feature a secure-fit lacing system with nylon webbing eyelets and a heel wrap. These can ensure your feet are staying locked into your shoe for optimal support without causing discomfort.

Comfort

Most customers can agree that the Keen Targhee II boots offer a decent amount of comfort. Of course, you want your footwear to be comfortable, especially when you are heading out for physical activity. Keeping yourself comfortable can prevent unnecessary distractions, keeping you focused on the task at hand.

Customers love the wide toe box, giving them a little wiggle room. However, they do run a bit small, so the comfort level is dependant on you wearing the correct size. The soft EVA midsole combined with the unique footbed gives you a stellar underfoot experience that customers love.

Support

Support is essential in your footwear. It is even more important when you are planning on wearing them on uneven terrains, such as when you are hiking. If you don't have proper support, you run the risk of discomfort and even injury, and nobody wants that.

The Keen Targhee II offers an S3 heel support structure to ensure that you are getting the support you need while you're on the go. They have a larger than standard heel cup. The unique shape of the heel cup, as well as the depth, give you fantastic stability, support, and cushioning to provide you with a phenomenal experience.

Additionally, the lacing system and heel lock make sure your feet are safe and sound inside the foot chamber. They give you a snug and secure fit, so your feet are not wobbling around inside the shoes while you're on the go.

Flexibility

When it comes to your footwear, you want a little bit of flexibility. You need to be able to move your feet around comfortably so you can maneuver adequately. At the same time, you need to ensure that you are going to get enough support so your feet don't move in ways they shouldn't.

These shoes offer a decent amount of flexibility while still give you stellar support. The uppers allow you to move around without restriction so you can enjoy your adventures without being help back.

Protection

Protection is paramount in any of your outdoor gear. You need to make sure that you are staying as safe as possible while you are out and about. This goes for your footwear, as well. Thankfully, the Keen Targhee II can give you a decent amount of protection when you are on the go.

The lugs on the outsole help ensure you are staying safe, no matter the terrain. They will dig into the soft ground and keep you from sliding around and falling. The decent traction can keep you on your feet so you can reduce the risk of injury.

Not only are your boots going to help prevent injury, but they are also going to protect your feet from the cold and wet. The breathable and waterproof uppers ensure that moisture can escape the foot chamber without allowing water to enter. You can be sure that your feet will stay dry while you're out and about.

Durability

Hiking shoes are going to go through a lot of abuse when you are adventuring. You can put your footwear through a lot when walking along varying terrains. You are going to be hard on them, so a certain amount of wear and tear should be expected.

Most customers have stated that the Keen Targhee II has a decent lifespan. They didn't experience too much wear on their boots, even after extended use. The rugged construction helps make sure they are staying intact for quite a while.

On the other hand, there are a handful of customers who had the opposite experience. They stated that after a short time, the shoes started to fall apart, mostly along with the outsole. Some of the overlays would begin to come apart at the seams, and the outsole would begin to wear down. It is super frustrating when you spend money on a product just to have it fall apart so soon after you get it. This isn't something that everyone experiences, but it happens enough that it is worth noting.

The most prominent proponent to the longevity of the product comes from the activities and frequency of use. It is to be expected that if you wear the boots daily for strenuous activities that they are going to wear down quicker than those who are wearing them infrequently for mild adventures.

Style

The Keen Targhee II boots have a low profile. They are considered a high top, but some consumers feel like the collar could be a little taller for some better support. This isn't a common complaint, however. The boot stands about 4.5 inches from the arch.

The footwear is available in a plethora of colors so you can pick something that will work best for your style needs. You can choose from black olive and yellow; black and drizzle; brindle and bronze-green; chestnut and bossa nova; chocolate chip and Picante; dark shadow and bronze-green; dark shadow and orange ochre; gargoyle and burnt henna; gargoyle and natural grey; magnet and true blue; neutral grey and bossa nova; shitake and brindle; tan and brown; walnut; raven and tortoiseshell; slate black and flintstone; or dark earth and neutral grey.

Weight

When heading out for a long trek through the woods, you want to make sure you aren't loaded down with too much weight. It can cause discomfort and be rather tiring if you are lugging along unnecessary burdens. This can include your footwear. You want them to be as lightweight as possible while still giving you the support and protection that you need to enjoy your journey.

The Keen Targhee II isn't the lightest ones out there, but they aren't too heavy when compared to some of the other hiking boots you will find. They weigh in at one pound and two ounces. This measurement is for a single shoe, not the pair. Additionally, this is the weight for a size seven medium. Please keep in mind that the weight will vary depending on the size that you purchase.

Bottom Line

The Keen Targhee II boots make a great choice for most of your outdoor adventures. Whether you are hiking, mountain climbing, or exploring the wilderness, these shoes will be perfect. The incredible traction and 4mm lugs on the outsole make them an ideal all-terrain shoe. You can head out on gravel, mud, grass, pavement, and more with ease.

Another great KEEN product we reviewed is the KEEN Durand II Mid WP, so make sure to check it out as well.

Customers love the comfort and support they receive from these boots. They feature a soft and cushioned midsole with an anatomically designed footbed to bring you a pleasant underfoot experience. Keep in mind that the boots do run a little small and it is recommended that you order them about a half size larger to make up for this.

Overall, customers love these boots. Most of them would recommend the footwear to their fellow outdoor enthusiasts.