KEEN Targhee II vs. III vs. IV: Differences and Reviews 2024

KEEN Targhee II 

— The Classic Hiker

Price: $155-$165

Review: The Keen Targhee II is Keen's flagship hiking boot that helped establish Keen as a major player in the outdoor gear space.The low price and extremely capable design have upheld their ranking as extremely popular hiking shoes. Keen Targhee II is a great shoe and sits firmly in the hiking shoe category rather than the trail running category. They have built-in ruggedness that would fool you into thinking that you are wearing a boot and there is a mid cut boot version for those who want that extra protection and stability. Having said that this ruggedness comes with increased weight although this shoe is still much lighter than traditional boots.

It has a nubuck leather and mesh upper that covers the KEEN. Dry waterproof breathable membrane. The sole consists of a dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole, a torsion stability ESS, and a proprietary rubber outsole.Foot support and comfort are top priorities in this shoe's design. There are few trails you should fear when wearing this Keen model, even when carrying a medium pack. The toe protection is near-legendary, so you can forget stubbed toes on unseen rocks and roots when trails get rough. To increase the option even further the Targhee II is also available in the waterproof version in a wide fitting which means that even though with the widest feet wont be left out.

Keen Targhee II Pros and Cons

KEEN Targhee III

— Iconic Hiker Goes Sleeker

Price: $112-$170

Review: Targhee III has all the trail-hugging traction and KEEN.DRY waterproof goodness of Targhee II boot, but with a slightly sleeker outsole and a more casual fit. It fits more like a sneaker, with a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole that lets you feel the trail. No need to drive to the trailhead in different shoes, you’ll be able to feel the pedals no problem!

By using softer, higher-quality leather, there is an improvement in style and the shoe's flexibility, though a softer insert decreases its stability. Their average trail performance leads them towards easy and moderate terrain where lots of scrambling is not required, but they have enough support to be a capable day hiker as well as an overnight backpacking shoe.Also, it is waterproof so more reasons to love it!

For the average hiker, who wants a hiking boot that offers a good value, and does not need the top performance in stability, this competitor is a great choice.

KEEN Targhee III Pros and Cons

KEEN Targhee IV

— The Most Durable Targhee Yet

Price: $160-$170

Review: Targhee IV takes everything fans love about Targhee, and makes that love last longer. It is an iconic boot which the KEEN claims is the most durable version ever.First of all, The seemingly inevitable splitting of the midsole and upper, or outsole and midsole, has been the death of countless hiking boots. Targhee IV boots have managed to fuse the sole to the upper without the use of any glues or stitching.

The Brand built it to last with KEEN.FUSION construction for zero sole separation (backed by our Lifetime Delamination-Free Guarantee), compression-resistant cushioning, and an abrasion-resistant outsole for long-lasting traction. A roomy toebox, iconic toe bumper, light leather upper, and aggressive outsole make a do-it-all hiking boot capable in all but the coldest or warmest conditions. The boot carries big durability claims and a lifetime warranty against delamination.Compared to its predecessor, Targhee IV: 

• Withstands more than 1 million flexes (the equivalent of about 500 miles) without failing

• Has a bond between the sole and upper that stands up to 3x our quality standard, even after the 500-mile flex test

• Features an outsole that is 2x more abrasion-resistant so it stays luggy

• Keeps its cushioning and shock absorption over time by resisting compression 

Where to Buy KEEN Targhee?

KEEN Footwear

Amazon

DSW

Dicks Sporting Goods (up to 2% super cash back)

Scheels (up to 5% super cash back)

Saving Tip:

If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux！(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits：As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.

Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as: Walmart (Up to 4% cashback), Sephora（4% -5% cash back)，Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on. You can save on buying daily necessities, fashion, beauty, electronic products, broadband installation, mobile communication, air tickets, hotels and other aspects of life!

KEEN Targhee II vs. III vs. IV: Comparison Table

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

No matter which Targhee boot or shoe you pick, know that every Targhee is crafted to last in premium leather with reinforced protection from toe and mud guards. 

The Targhee II (or III) model is a great choice for any hiker looking for something lightweight, waterproof, affordable, and tough. For the price, you won’t find another boot with the same level of positive performance characteristics.In the meantime, I think the Targhee IV will be a strong offering from KEEN. 

It aims at hikers who want more support than trail running shoes and who sometimes carry modest loads. Given its midweight construction, it should be comfortable in cool to warm weather, which means it’ll be great in high mountains during midsummer, or at lower elevations during shoulder seasons and even in more temperate winter climates.

The cushioned but responsive feeling should give plenty of energy return for long days on rugged trails, even with a decent-sized pack.

FAQs

Is Keen Targhee true to size?

Most hikers agree the Keen Targhee is true to size even though they’re marketed as a slim fit. But the toe box is a little wider than that found on other boots and this is an important consideration you need to factor in when choosing these boots.

Are Targhee III waterproof?

Yes, the Targhee III is waterproof. The material used to create the water-resistant membrane is Keen Dry, a similar material to GORE-TEX albeit less breathable.

What’s the difference between Targhee II and III?

The Targhee II has a wider fit than the III and the sole is stiffer. Hikers with wider feet tend to find the Targhee II the more comfortable of the boots.

What is the difference between Targhee III and IV?

Compared to the Targhee III, it has a slightly elevated heel more like a classic hiker. Targhee IV takes everything fans love about Targhee, and makes that love last longer.

【Read More】

KEEN vs. Merrell vs. Salomon vs. Oboz: Which Brand is Best Suited to You?

Keen vs. Chaco vs. Teva vs. Birkenstock: Which Brand Wins the Sandal Showdown?

Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!

24S, SSENSE, MATCHESFASHION.COM, Shopbop, NET-A-PORTER, FARFETCH, YOOX, Eastbay, End Clothing, Macys, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, Bergdorf Goodman, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Coggles, Harrods, Kohl's, Urban Outfitters, ASOS, Missguided, etc.

Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)