Customer Reviews

Keen Men's Targhee II Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

When I first found these boots I was so pleased with the comfort and wider toe box. I had never tried on Keens before. I bought these boots, and I hike daily in the mountains near my home, and the cushioning and comfort were great. Unfortunately, within two months the darker rubber part of the soles began separating from the main sole, so I took them back. I do have two other pairs of Keens that I love, though it would be nice to have hiking boots with the comfort of Keens that would last.

From the same company that makes the terrific "Newport H2" sandal with the super natural "metaomical design" fit. The Keen Targhee is like wearing a Humvee for your feet. It with waterproof construction for dry feet and an agressive outsole with 4 millimeter lugs that bite deep into the terrain for excellent traction. And they have the famous Keen toe bumper.

It is very waterproof as I can attest to. The waterproof leather upper helps keep feet dry on rainy days and muddy trails. It has an interior waterproof liner bootie too. The special carbon rubber outsoles are similar to the ones on the Keen Sandals, very grippy and non-marking, and they never seem to show any wear. They are multi-directional and dig in, but are not slippery on wet surfaces like rocks or cement in rain or surf. They come in few colors, but the colors have weird names. "Shadow" is an olive for example.

It has a good secure fit laceup capture system that do not come untied like my other tennies did. THe straps have a little reflective feature to them. Htey have a nice pull-on strap at the heel. They are light in weight at only 14 ounces for the pair. On sizing, I reccommend buying one full size larger than usual.

Well, three for three... Same separation problem, which happened 8 mos. after I bought the original Targhee Mids. Keen has a fantastic warranty, and the dealer took them back without reservation. My size wasn't available, so they replaced them with the II's. Of course, my primary concern is the the II's stay in one piece. The other two reviews aren't very encouraging. I'm glad the new style has Event waterproofing (whatever that is). However, I'm really disappointed they lightened up the tongue section. It's now the pinkish kind of color you get when you mix the colored's with the whites! Alas, I no longer have the coolest looking pair of shoes on the block.

I have had two pairs of Keen sandals over the years and loved them so I thought I would try a pair of their boots. I don't wear them a ton, just doing yard work and at the RC track. In short order I found out they are NOT waterproof. Both my feet get wet in the same place on both boots....right in the corners where the last eyelets are. One of the boots also has a lug that came unglued and flops around now. Since Keen has gone big it appears their quality has gone in the wrong direction. I won't buy another pair of Keen anything.

Reading the above review, my experience is exact. The black rubber on the upper toe area separated from the rest of the shoe in less than a dozen hiking miles. The shoe is very lightweight and has proven to be very comfortable and surprisingly sturdy for its weight. I even found it durable enough to take on a desert backpack trip. But the quality issue is making me hesitate to buy these Mids. What to do...

I saw the shoe and liked the look so I asked for my size. When the sales assistant brought it out I quickly laced them up and put them on. I was blown away. When the sales rep returned and asked how they were I said "These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn" and that was no exaggeration. He went on to mention that they build their shoes not based on shoe size but on arch length. I don't know what that means in terms of the science of how the foot operates but they seem to be onto something. This is a comfy well made shoe it's functionality will be put to the test out on the trail.

I bought these shoes at a national outdoor store chain 9 days ago. I've worn them everyday since and I must say they are extremely comfortable. Nice wide toebox, secure lacing system, very waterproof and breathable, aggressive lugs on the sole...

It's just too bad the sole won't stay on. NINE DAYS. That's it. That's all I got to wear them before the outsole started separating from the midsole like many of the other reviewers reported.

Luckily, the store is nearby, and I was able to walk in and return them. They had one more pair in my size, and I was going to wear the new ones home...

Except I couldn't lace them up. The top left shoelace hook on one of these Targhee mids was manufactured BACKWARDS. The hook was facing the front of the shoe, making them impossible to tie.

The store offered a refund or exchange for another half size up which was too big. Since I was already 0 for 2 on these Chinese-made Keens, I went with a German-made boot at a $75 premium. Here's hoping for a boot that'll last more than a week, eh?

I have owned 3 pairs of the Keen Targhee II shoes. I have back and knee problems but walk 3-5 miles a day. These are great shoes and Keen backs them up. At some point I will buy pair number 4.

Positive:
Great fit
Comfortable
Solid feel
High performance- hiking , long walks etc
Toe cap

Negatives
Soft rubber sole makes the feel great but wears out quicker than other shoes.
Not exactly waterproof- maybe rain but no snow

I used these shoes recently on a week long trip into the high Sierras (9000' plus elevation). I brought them along as a secondary pair to use around camp because of their comfort. I bought them last Spring and there was no break-in period for these boots. They fit nicely and felt great from day one. I typically deal with foot cramps but had minimal with these boots. Ironically, I never took them off for the whole week. I climbed steep mountains, talus slopes, rock hopped, slid down steep gravel and dirt slopes, trekked through wet meadows and streams and these boots kept my feet dry and comfortable while barely weighing anything. I was surprised...even shocked that they did so well. I am not sure how long they would hold up under those conditions compared to my heavier leather hiking boots, but they proved themselves to me last week and showed little wear after that major test. I highly recommend them. The only thing I do not like entirely is that the laces can slip above the tong. To counter this, I tied my laces through the top tab. Seemed to work fine although this could lead to that tab breaking off. If you are looking for an "all around town - head to the mountains" boot, I think you will be pleased with this one. I have used Danner, Red Wing, Cabelas, Durham and many other brands before so I feel qualified to judge these boots.

I always wanted Keen boots, but all seem to be too short from back to front. Larger sizes of this boot were way too wide, but still too short. It is better to try on at the store.