Keen Women's Targhee II Waterproof Mid

It's a pretty comfortable boot, right out of the box. While durability is a question mark, given that one eyelet tore out on my first hike, it is the most affordable boot with a roomy toe box that I have found. It's probably best for light to moderate hiking for those on a fairly tight budget.

I recently needed a wide toe box hiker due to a freshly healed toe injury. I had been wearing Vasque Breeze II boots for the last few years. The Vasque boots have been quite durable, and up until the last few months had been the most comfortable shoe I owned, period. Previous to that, I had worn Danner boots,, which were good, but a step below the Vasque. 

Regardless, requiring extra width and depth in the box presented quite a challenge. There aren't many affordable hiking boots for a high-volume or wide foot. There are "boots" available for diabetics, but they are more like high-top casual shoes, in my opinion.

So the Keens ended up being the right boot at the right time. If I end up with only the one broken eyelet, I'll feel better about them. Unfortunately, with the one tearing out the first hike, and plastic lace hooks, I'm not overly optimistic. 

Another thing that is not an issue for me, but could be for some, is that these really are mid-top. So if you need a lot of ankle support, they might not work for you. After having them for just a few weeks, only time will tell how durable they will be overall.

Background

I've been an avid birder for over 30 years, and have walked many miles in state and national parks, and local hotspots. My boot purchases started with budget type boots, but as I've gotten older and have had a multitude of orthopedic issues, I have learned the value of a quality boot when pursuing my hobbies of birding and wildlife photography. I'm not a hard-core hiker anymore, if ever, as you don't see many birds that way. Also, I'm too old and arthritic, but when I do hike a trail, I want to prevent further damage to my body. That starts with a good base.

Great for light to moderate hiking. Virtually no break-in time, breathable, and keep your foot well supported. On more rugged terrain (like jagged rocks) however, these boots will wear down quickly. Waterproofing is great at first, but deteriorates quickly.

For light-moderate hiking, these boots are great. Require virtually no break-in time, are wonderfully comfortable and supportive, not to mention breathable. Some more jagged rocks in desert areas take a toll on the sole though.  Additionally, they don't maintain their waterproof quality well, even with additional treatments. Have loved these boots for a while, but with rigorous hiking, I've had to replace them at least yearly, if they make it that long. 

Fit: relatively good arch support, conforms well to the foot. I have wider feet and these fit like a very comfortable glove. 

Comfort: Top notch on comfort. No break-in needed, minimal hot spots, if any. Would suggest gaiters if you'll be trampling through deep snow. Debris tends to stay out of the boots fine. 

Water Resistance: even with reapplication of waterproofing (i.e. nikwax/other similar products), the waterproof quality advertised with the boots deteriorates quickly.  In the first few months of owning, these boots were great for crossing shallow streams, feet were always dry on the other side.  However, now (less than a year of wear), my feet will get wet even if I'm just wearing these in moderate rain. 

Traction: Stellar... until the soles wore down after walking on some jagged rocks (inevitable as a geologist).  Now the grip is still decent when wet, but on steep dry slopes, traction going down hill is somewhat debatable. 

Temp: Breathe great, always have. 

Construction and Durability: See water resistance/traction.  Parts of my soles are falling off after less than a year.

Keen Targhee II Mid's are an awesome multi purpose boot. Hiking or everyday. Comfortable right out of the box with no break in period needed. Dependable on the trail keeping your feet dry and comfortable while giving you all the support you need. I highly recommend these boots.

These are great hikers. Bought for a trip to Vancouver Island's North Coast Trail in 2011. They did not need any break-in period and felt like they were custom made for me. Box to trail. 

The North Coast Trail had very wet and muddy conditions. The boots held their ground with the slippery rocks and logs and my feet were dry until we reached our beach destination. My husband's boots did not fare very well. (He bought the Targhees as soon as we got back to civilization). The only thing bad was they were slippery on the rain soaked cedar boardwalks.

I love that the laces clip in so if they come untied, you still have a tied shoe support. Large toe box and great support. I also wore them every day, five days a week on concrete floors at work. I had an injury and these were the best pair of shoes to support me during the healing process. They lasted up until this month where I replaced them with a new pair!

I highly recommend these very versatile boots.  You will not be disappointed!

I just returned from a 130-mile hike from Albany to Lake Placid, New York, consisting mostly of highway/road trekking, with about 30 miles of trails thrown in. I purchased 10 pair of hiking shoes from Zappos, and this baby won out over others at more than twice the price.

I'm glad I went for lightness and agility over the Asolo shoe I was deciding between -- which was twice as expensive, twice as heavy, and half as flexible (but had a lot more ankle support). Breaking in REALLY isn't necessary -- I wore the shoe a few times around the house before I left, and throughout the whole 8 day hike, I never once had an issue I could attribute to the shoe.

Of course, I got blisters -- but my 5 didn't compare to my friends' 15-20 each. I never even noticed I had blisters at all until I took my shoes off at the end of the day -- the Keens didn't rub at all. The only thing I added to the shoe was an insole for my mile-high arches.

The first day of trails, we got stuck in a torrential downpour 1/2 mile into our 2-mile hike to shelter -- we booked it, uphill, and I had no slips or losses of traction. My feet stayed absolutely dry until I was forced to walk through 12" water when the trail became a fast-moving stream of rainwater. Even then, the shoes dried out much better than my friends' did overnight.

I'd buy this shoe a hundred times over, especially at such a reasonable price. I wear a 8.5 in running shoes, and a 9 fit well with thick hiking socks and liner socks.

Solid, comfortable hiking boot.

I've had these boots for about four years now, and they've been everywhere with me—from hiking through the jungles of Borneo to walking around my hometown in snowy Minnesota.

I bought these because I was having knee problems after doing a lot of steep hiking in trail-running shoes. They were comfortable right out of the box and definitely provided a lot more support from my toes to my ankle. The boot is surprisingly water resistant, at a certain saturation point they do let water through; although I don't think it's the boots' fault when I step in puddles up to my ankle.

The only complaints I have is that they don't breathe well and can get super warm (great in the winter, notsomuch in the jungle), and also that after maybe a few months (of heavy use) the tread started to come loose, especially along the sides.

My friend who worked at REI said that was because Keen started using a more earth-friendly glue that isn't as strong; I question whether it's more ecologically sound to use harsher glue if the product lasts longer. That said, I haven't returned them or bought new boots yet because I just like these too much.

My wife will never wear any other hiking boot. After painful ordeals with other brands and a trip to the foot doctor, she was ready to give up. I stumbled across an article about hiking boots that mentioned Keen. I called them, spoke to a very knowledgeable lady, and she recommended the Targhee II Mid.

Overall, the most comfortable shoe or boot she have ever worn. She was talking to a friend about them and compared them to a pair of Saucony running shoes she had once. "Never wore socks with them. I wouldn't bat an eye about wearing these Keen without socks. I won't,  but could!"

They have fit like second skin since she took them out of the box.  They are light, have amazing grip on any surface, and best of all, are affordable.

Great summer boot for those with a wide foot.

I haven't been wearing these boots too long but my initial usage has left me very impressed. I have a very wide foot and need ankle support. I ordered these boots online for a trip I was taking. They took longer than expected to get to me. I was worried about blisters as I hadn't adequately broken them in, but it was smooth sailing with a pair of lightweight wool socks.  

The boots are light and appear very well put together inside and out. I haven't really put them through the ringer yet, but so far I'm very pleased with the durability. I have treated the leather with snow guard to protect from cracking.  

The fit feels snug around ankle with room for my toes to wiggle, but my foot does not move around inside the boot. Any swelling from a long hike doesn't leave me in pain. My ankle feels well supported but the top of the boot doesn't come up too high, I can wear and regular ankle sock comfortably. 

I use these primarily for day hikes and moderate backpacking trips, weekend warrior style. I am happy with my purchase!  

These are the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. I wore them around running errands for one day and after that they felt like I had owned them for years. Very quick break-in. They are light, which makes them so easy to walk in.

On one trip I put about 10 miles on them. I went through wet grass, mud, sand, sharp rocks, snow pack, and crossed about 6 creeks. My feet stayed completely dry (warm in the snow as well) and I always had excellent traction, even in the mud. Good ankle support, laces stay tied and tight, and I didn't have any rubbing anywhere. No blisters or hot spots, yet.

One thing I did notice was after about five miles through sharp rock there is some wear on the rubber outsole, but not much. Doesn't affect performance and isn't very noticeable. The lugs didn't have any damage from the rock.

I hope these last for a long time. Very pleased with Keen.

These boots are like an old friend, so comfortable and easy to be around. They were absolutely the most comfortable boots I have ever owned right out of the box, with just a short break in period I headed out for an two day hike with my son.

Never had a blister, sore spot or wet feet, that's heaven. Plenty of toe room with a really nice fit and just high enough on the ankle to support but allow lots of ease of movement.

I have spent more on others but would recommend these over the more expensive.