Men’s KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP Review

Bottom Line

The Targhees have been a crowd pleaser for years thanks to their solid performance in most categories. Don’t let the classic look fool you – these boots offer a comfy, supportive fit, solid traction, and reliable weather resistance for 3-season hiking. Of all the footwear on our Best Hiking Boots For Men guide, these are one of our top picks for comfort with their spacious toe box, flexible uppers, and snug but flexible fit. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used the Targhee IV for 7 days and 80+ miles in snowy, warm, and mild spring conditions in the Colorado Rockies. He found their soft leather uppers, cushy ankle cuffs, and flexible midsoles made easy work of the rough trails and moderate slopes. These boots have a unique nylon strap that acts as an eyelet hole for the shoelaces but also wraps around the heel, locking it into place for ultimate stability without the added bulk. These boots are an excellent choice for day hikes and lighter backpacking trips with all the comfort and support casual hikers and weekend warriors could need – and for a good price, too.

However, the Targhee IV isn’t as durable as other comparable hiking boots, with a sole that tends to wear down faster on rugged terrain. The leather uppers offer decent ankle support and protection, but they’re less rigid than other boots. That means they may not be the best choice for demanding hikes or extended trips where you need more support for a heavy load. Their weight is average compared to other hiking boots but may not work well for folks who prefer lighter boots. Although we appreciate their effective lacing design, folks with narrow feet or high arches might not appreciate the looser fit of these boots. Still, for the typical hiker who wants accommodating and comfy boots for the backcountry, the Targhee IV is as easy on your wallet as it is on your feet and will  hold up for years of use.

Comfort

The KEEN Targhee IV WP offers a modern take on classic hiking boots – and they’re seriously comfy, thanks to their roomy design, wide toe box, and effective lacing system. The Targhee IVs require a bit of work to break-in – Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found that the leather uppers and heel lock system began to feel comfortable at the 15 mile mark. Hikers who have wide feet or  who want wiggle room for their toes will find the Targhee IVs pliable and forgiving due to their wider design through the midfoot and heel. The arch support and cushy insole also make for a soft, easy ride. But don’t let this roominess turn you away – the lacing system is highly effective for tightening the boots from toe to heel, cinching the uppers down tightly for a highly customizable fit that works for most foot shapes and sizes. The Targhee IVs use a unique band that links the laces to the heel, giving you a strong, locked-in fit that’s easy to adjust and helps reduce foot fatigue on rocky trails and uneven ground. 

KEEN pairs a soft nubuck leather for the uppers, creating a snug yet gentle fit, with a cushy, padded tongue and wide, flexible sole for an extra stable ride. Protective features like a burly rubber toe bumper blocks rocks and roots on trail, and a padded tongue relieves pressure from the laces. Breathability is average, so we find they’re most comfortable in mild to cool conditions. Targhees also come in wide sizes to keep your feet happy on moderate trails and day hikes.

But no boot is perfect, and the Targhee IVs have some downsides. They offer excellent comfort on most trails, but they’re not ideal for highly technical terrain. Compared to other hiking boots, they don’t have rigid ankle support, so they may feel insufficient for those needing extra stability on trail. The flexible uppers and soles are great for natural, unrestricted movement and foot flexion, but for hikes where precise foot placement is very important, these boots aren’t our top pick. Also, while the lacing system tightens down nicely, the fit may be too wide for narrow feet. The generous toe box could lead to unwanted foot slippage on tough descents, which can lead to hot spots or blisters – although, we’ve never had this issue. That said, these complaints are not dealbreakers – we still highly recommend trying on a pair to see just how comfy they are for yourself.

Ankle Support

The KEEN Targhee IVs prioritize comfort over a rigid upper. They offer fairly minimal ankle support, but that makes them a comfortable choice for long hikes on established trails. KEEN utilizes a soft nubuck leather that’s naturally waterproof and flexible, so this boot will move with your foot and ankle as you step. The boot height is tall enough to offer reliable protection from roots, sharp rocks, and wet underbrush, but it doesn’t feel restrictive even after hours of hiking. With the added nylon strap wrapping from each side to the back, the boot achieves a snug heel hold for stability on ascents and descents, feeling secure without sacrificing flexibility. The lacing system is easy and fast to tie and untie and to adjust the fit as needed. If you like a bit more agility on trails with mixed terrain, these boots are a good option.

That said, the Targhee IV doesn’t provide enough ankle support for more technical, rugged terrain. Because the upper material is on the softer side, it lacks the rigid support needed to fully protect ankles on unpredictable surfaces. Additionally, the flexible sole, while comfortable, means that these boots don’t brace the ankle as well as stiffer models, which might affect their reliability on rough trails. The wider fit, while comfortable, also allows for slight shifts within the boot, which could add strain to the ankles on demanding hikes. These are supportive boots, but they’re best suited for folks who prefer a more nimble-feeling boot.

Weight

At 2 pounds, 9 ounces for the pair, the KEEN Targhee IV WP are in the middle of the pack for weight out of the ten men’s hiking boots we tested – and we think this is the sweet spot for steady ascents, descents, and mixed trails. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer hiked in the Rockies through streams, packed snowy trails, and patches of mud. On long hikes in these testing conditions this relatively light mid-cut felt comfortable, reducing fatigue without sacrificing stability. The nubuck leather upper is burly but not overly thick, walking a fine line between lightweight but durable. Their mid-height design contributes to weight savings since they aren’t as tall or bulky as more supportive, high-cut boots. 

But the Targhee IVs aren’t the lightest option out there. The nubuck leather is lighter than full-grain leather, but it’s still heavier than synthetic alternatives used in other hiking boots. The thicker outsoles provide reliable grip but add weight, which becomes noticeable on steep, extended climbs where every ounce matters. If you’re trying to minimize every ounce for more demanding trails, this boot’s weight is a downside. But for most people and most trails, they’re the Goldilocks pick – not too heavy,  not too light.

Traction

The KEEN Targhee IVs offer stellar traction on most trails. Their lug pattern is busy and aggressive through the midfoot, which makes them feel especially stable on rough surfaces. The proprietary KEEN RUGGED rubber blend offers flexibility that improves surface contact, ensuring a dependable grip on jagged and rocky paths – it’s especially tacky  on rock and dirt. The tread pattern on the Targhee IV is narrowly spaced and triangular through the midfoot, creating excellent footing on packed trails while thin, horizontal tread at the heel and toe offers a bit of extra grip on mild ascents and descents.

The major flaw of the Targhee IVs, though, is in the toe and heel design. Because there aren’t individual lugs at the heel to help brake when going downhill – nor a grippy tread pattern to bite the ground during an ascent – the boots feel less secure on steep terrain. The ribbed edges simply aren’t as effective as boots with lugs when heading up intense uphills and downhills, and they fall short on gravelly, wet, and slick surfaces. Also, the shallow,  narrowly-spaced lugs don’t shed debris as well. We found during testing that these boots are prone to catching stones between the lugs. They’re slow to shed mud and water, which reduces their traction. Finally, this rubber blend isn’t as durable as some higher-end materials, meaning traction will decline after lots of use. That said, the tread is solid for most conditions, so unless you’re hiking in very rugged environments, the Targhee IV’s traction should keep you upright and sure-footed.

Weather Resistance

The KEEN Targhee IV WP is a reliable boot in wet weather thanks to leather uppers and a waterproof-breathable membrane that keeps moisture out. KEEN uses its own brand of water-resistant liner, and it works well – this booty is not only highly water resistant, but adds warmth in cool weather to 30°F and releases heat in warm weather up to 70°F. Paired with an all-nubuck leather upper, you’ll cruise through wet underbrush, heavy rain, and hours of mist with dry feet, making them a great choice for shoulder season adventures. The burly rubber toe cap helps protect against moisture, making the Targhee IVs a good pick for damp and muddy trails. Their sealed seams and double-stitched uppers prevent water seepage, and the mid-height ankles are tall enough to stay above the splashback from puddles and mud.

The Targhee IVs’ waterproofing has its limits, though. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found that in prolonged wet and snowy conditions, the leather and liner will eventually soak through. Although the nubuck leather is water-resistant and the liner is highly effective, these materials will eventually leech water after dozens of water crossings, hours of rain, or walking through continuous snow and mud. The flexible leather upper also sacrifices some weather protection and  takes longer to dry compared to lighter, synthetic materials. Plus, these are not cold-weather boots – Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found them most comfortable between 30°F and 70°F.Below these temperatures, the lack of insulation left his feet feeling chilled in frigid and snowy places. Above this range, they felt too hot, which could lead to sweaty feet and blisters. You might want to save these waterproof hiking boots for spring and fall.

Durability

Due to their strong build, the KEEN Targhee IVs offer durability on rough, varied terrain, so they’re a good choice on rocks and roots. These boots use quality nubuck leather paneling across the uppers, as well as a strong, flexible rubber composite on the outsoles that gives them decent longevity. KEEN boasts a new fusion technology to bind the soles and uppers without glue or solvents and prevents delamination – they guarantee it – and at 250 miles, our boots show no issue in this area.

The toe cap is among our favorite on any boot, featuring a beefy rubber composite midsole that wraps over the top of the toes that take the brunt on trail. The nylon strap connecting the laces to the heel enhances durability by keeping the fit secure and reducing unwanted friction that can lead to faster material breakdown. And KEEN’s eye toward durability doesn’t skimp on details: double-stitched paneling, quality polyester laces, and a burly heel tab round out a strong design that can last for hundreds of miles and multiple seasons of use in wet, muddy conditions.

The Targhee IVs don’t last forever, though. Durability issues stem from the rubber outsoles and the leather uppers. We love the tacky rubber composite for its reliable traction and  flexibility, but the tread doesn’t last as long as higher- end materials, so traction declines after lots of use. Our testing shows that after the 250 mile mark, the lugs – which are only moderately deep to start – lose their edge. The ridges at the heel and toe also wear nearly flat, sacrificing traction in a major way. For those in need of a boot with maximum longevity on rugged trails, a more rigid design with burlier rubber may be a better choice. 

Compared to synthetic hiking boots and models made with lighter materials, the Targhee IVs uppers’ are strong and long lasting – but they aren’t as durable as heavier hiking boots that utilize thicker textiles with more rigid designs. The Targhee IVs’ leather uppers eventually soak through, begin to break down, and look more worn earlier than we’d like. The tread will wear down before the uppers, but the soft leather doesn’t last after long days tackling boulder fields and technical routes.

And keep in mind, quality leather like this takes maintenance to extend its life, so you’ll want to pick up a quality leather care kit. That said – these are not dealbreakers. All boots break down eventually, and for most hikers, durability won’t be a concern until after years of heavy use.

Should You Buy the KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP?

The KEEN Targhee IV WP is a great choice for hikers who want comfy, roomy boots with dependable traction for day hikes and short backpacking trips. The toe box offers tons of space for your feet to stretch out naturally, and the wide sizes are a hole-in-one for folks of all foot sizes and shapes. These boots require a very short break-in period of only a few miles, so you can roll into your next hike right after purchase, and the lacing system is highly adjustable to dial in the fit. Elements like a giant, beefy toe cap and nubuck leather paneling hold up well on most terrain, and their waterproof liner and flexible soles with reliable traction makes these  versatile boots. We highly recommend the Targhee IVs for day hikes and shorter backcountry routes where weather resistance and traction matter.

But, if you’re a hardcore hiker taking on technical routes and need maximum ankle support, extreme durability, or insulation for colder environments, the Targhee IVs won’t meet your needs. Their softer leather uppers are prone to damage after 300 miles, and the ankle design is a bit too flexible to add much support. Their simple lug pattern works well on most terrain but feels slippery on steep angles and doesn’t perform as well on rocky and icy conditions. That said, these boots are incredibly popular year after year, and we understand why – with their roomy fit, accessible price point, and timeless design, these are a fan favorite for a reason.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to men’s hiking boots.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: The Merrell Moab 3 WP offers similar traction and durability to the Targhee IVs, making them a great alternative for moderate trails. We like the Moabs a bit better in general thanks to their superior comfort and cushioning. Although they weigh a bit more and offer less ankle support, these boots are also less expensive for a similar traditional hiking boot profile as the Targhee IV.

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Review: With a comparable mid-height design, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is lighter than the Targhee IV but offers more rigid ankle support and overall durability for hiking in rough terrain. This model has less cushioning than the Targhee, but its rigid uppers and enhanced waterproofing make it an excellent choice for tackling wet, technical hikes  or rugged backcountry trips.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Review: If you’re looking to go lighter and comfier, these are essentially trail runners masquerading as hiking boots: they’re very flexible, breathable, and cushioned, and a better choice for extra protection on long-distance hikes in mild conditions. The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mids share the Targhee IV’s reliable traction, but they’re less durable and weather resistant, and you’ll pay more for these.