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

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

Originally released in 2005, the KEEN Targhee is an iconic boot which is made to cater for everything from long-distance walks through to countryside rambles and simply for just day-to-day wear too.And it’s now in the fourth iteration.Each version has seen significant improvements over the previous model.So which one should you choose?What is the difference between Targhee III and II?Is KEEN Targhee IV better than Targhee III?In this guide,I will compare the differences among KEEN Targhee II, III and IV,to help you choose the best version for you.Let’s explore them in a bit more detail.

Cover Photo:keenfootwear.com

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.

Source:keenfootwear.com

Keen Targhee II Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Value for many.
Available in the waterproof version.
Wide toe box.
Extra toe protection.
Nice lacing system.
Wide fit that will suit people with broad feet providing greater options for fit.
Rigid sole providing excellent stability when picking your way through rocks providing confidence in your footing.
Good traction in dry or wet conditions that means you wont loose your footing and potentially injure yourself.
Excellent durability for the type of shoe, which gives you the confidence to keep on going.

Heavier than trail runners but much lighter than boots.
The colour choice is limited on these shoes to grays and tans and very often stores will limit what they carry.
A bit wide for narrow feet.
Limited arch support so not as comfortable as other shoes.

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.

Source:keenfootwear.com

KEEN Targhee III Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Budget-friendly price. No break-in time to boot. Great option for those with wide feet. Great ankle support. Generously padded and comfortable. Laudable warmth. Performs very well in the cold. Excellent grip on various terrain. Roomy toebox.	Not most breathable. Lackluster outsole durability. Average traction. Not ideal for narrow feet. Firm midsole. Decreased stability.

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 the 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

Source:keenfootwear.com

KEEN Targhee IV Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
A roomy toebox. Environment friendly. Fused non-delaminating construction. short break-in period. It is very adept at riding the weather swings of the shoulder season. It is is very at home on wet or dry trails. Out-of-the-box comfort. Tried-and-true performance on the trail (over 3 billion miles and counting!). Supportive and stable without feeling clunky.	Not suitable for narrow feet. Not ideal for rugged off-trail use. Bit warm for summer use.

Where to Buy KEEN Targhee?

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

	Targhee II	Targhee III	Targhee IV
Width	Regular/Wide	Regular/Wide	Regular/Wide
Weight(Low Version)	16.23oz / 460g(M) 13.37oz / 379g(W)	16.58oz / 470g(M) 13.19oz / 374g(W)	18.7oz / 530g(M) 16.58oz / 470g(W)
Shaft Height	2.41in / 61mm(M) 2.04in / 51mm(W)	2.6in / 66mm(M) 2.44in / 62mm(W)	2.56in / 65mm(M) 4.88in / 124mm(W)
Heel Height	1.1in / 28mm(M) 2.44in / 62mm(W)	1.1in / 28mm(M) 1.89in / 48mm(W)	0.88in / 22mm(M) 0.94in / 24mm(W)
Heel-to-Toe Drop	0.59in / 15mm(M) 0.66in / 16mm(W)	0.47in / 12mm(M) 0.47in / 12mm(W)	0.55in / 14mm(M) 0.47in / 12mm(W)
Upper	Leather and performance mesh upper	Leather and performance mesh upper	Premium nubuck leather upper
Midsole	Foam midsole	Foam midsole	Direct-attach, air-injected Luftcell midsole
Outsole	KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole	KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole	Abrasion-resistant KEEN.RUGGED outsole
Insole	Removable, resilient foam insole	Removable, resilient foam insole	Removable Luftcell air-injected insole
Lining	Quick-dry lining	Quick-dry lining	Breathable mesh lining
Lugs	Non-marking multi-directional lugs	Non-marking multi-directional lugs	Non-marking multi-directional lugs
Other Features	Speed-lace webbing system KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane Molded heel-capture system External stability shank	Speed-lace webbing system KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane Molded heel-capture system External stability shank	Padded tongue and collar KEEN.FUSION construction fuses the upper to the sole without glue 100% recycled plastic laces Heel-capture system Stability shank

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.

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