Keen Targhee III Mid Review

The Keen Targhee III Mid is a clean-looking hiking boot that delivers good support while boasting the comfort of a running shoe. Thanks to an update in outer materials, the Targhee III feels much more supple and pliable, though retains its proven traction.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Right out of the box, this boot delivers trail-ready comfort normally reserved for well-worn boots that have seen months of use to break them in. Its soft and flexible oiled nubuck leather material is less rigid those boots with a stiffer leather upper, and the boot flex is noticeably softer. This gives the boot a shoe-like feel.

Keen uses an ESS shank insert to allow the boot to travel comfortably over rough and rocky trails on a more stable platform, where others caused foot pain from feeling the jagged rocks through the sole. As with most other Keen hiking boot we've hit the trails in, this boot has a large rubber toe bumper that provides foot protection from tripping over roots and rocks on the trail.

The mid-top boot has ample cushioning around the ankle, so there is no noticeable pressure on the ankle bones like we felt on some of the hiking boots tested in our review, but this boot did not have the high-end comfort found in the Editors' Choice Award-winning boot.

The Targhee III employs the same well-thought-out lacing system that we have seen in previous models. Using a strap of webbing that wraps around the heel and into the laces, we were able to attain a custom fit thanks to the variety of cinching options available.

This contender is waterproof, but we found it to breathe reasonably well even in warm and arid, high desert environments. This is thanks to the proprietary Keen.Dry membrane, which is similar to the better known Gore-Tex linings. The fit is on the wider side, however, so we often resorted to wearing thick socks to take up some of that volume that the lacing system was unable to account for. Consider trying these on with thinner socks to get the proper fit, especially if you will spend more time in warm climates.

Support

The material used in the Targhee III results in the upper boot having a soft, flexible feel. The soft nubuck upper does not provide as much rigidity as full-grain leather models, so side to side stability suffers a bit instead of comfort here. One can gain extra stability by using the lacing system to get a tighter fit around the ankle, but those needing support for carrying backpacking backpacks or with ankle issues may do better to look at a higher boot. The wide sole gives added stability, but with a pronounced rocker and sole flex, this boot did not do as well in edging tests.

Traction

The Targhee III is a good performer in this important metric. The compound used by Keen, a proprietary, non-marking rubber, gave testers ample traction on a variety of surfaces. From dew-covered grassy slopes to wet granite boulders, we felt secure on our feet in these boots. The moderately sized lugs of the Keen boot gripped loose terrain like scree and mud, but are low profile enough to still give lots of surface area contact for travel over slabby granite outcrops.

The Targhee III is an inexpensive, accessible hiking boot that performed better than similarly priced boots but could not compete with the Top Pick for Scrambling.

Water Resistance

The Keen Targhee III has a flood height of 3.75 inches, making this model one of the shortest hikers. It can withstand sloshing through the infrequent stream or a mud puddle, but those who spend prolonged time in wet climates where higher levels of protection are indicated should look to a boot with a taller flood level. The flexibility gained by having many pieces of nubuck sewn together also results in many seams, especially along the sides and around the toe box, and wear here will result in water finding its way in easier. The Targhee's can handle some wetness, but in a previous test of these boots, we experienced leaking in the front seams.

Weight

The Keen Targhee III weighs 2.38 pounds per pair in size 11 US. Similar to its predecessor, this contender offers a good blend of comfort and traction in such a light package, impressing reviewers again with features like a toe bumper. Of the mid-weight boots we reviewed, it lagged behind top scorers in this category like our Top Pick for Lightweight Hiking.

Durability

The Keen Targhee III has an upper comprised of many seams that hold the nubuck and textile fabrics together. These seams allow the boot to flex and move with the foot more comfortably than a single rigid piece of leather, but the seams are a weakness and should be treated with an aftermarket care product such as Seam Grip for longevity. The oil treatment on the nubuck leather gives added protection from water, but once the oil dries out, additional treatments should be applied so that the outer material sheds water effectively and allows the inner membrane to function as it should.

Should You Buy the Keen Targhee III?

The Targhee III has received a nice makeover, and now with its clean-looking oiled nubuck leather outer, it is more visually appealing and comfortable from the first step you take in them. They're a great option if you don't want to shell out the big bucks for the premium boots we tested.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

This boot's predecessor, the Keen Targhee II Mid, still holds its own if you get your hands on a pair — they are a good deal and very comfy. If you want the cream of the crop, we recommend the comfortable, durable, and stable Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex. For the ultimate in plush comfort, check out the Hoka One One Kaha GORE-TEX.