Keen Targhee IV Mid WP.

The Gavler Review.

Keen Targhee IV Mid WP Review: Room for Your Toes, Not Much Bite on Wet Rock

The Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof is a roomy, durable day-hiking boot at about $170 to $180, and it sits at rank 7 on Gavler's Best Hiking Boots list with a score of 8.2/10. It earns that on a wide toe box and tough construction. It loses points on wet-rock grip, heat, and arch support, so it is best for moderate trails and wide feet, not for fast, technical, or hot-weather hiking.

What it is

The Targhee IV is Keen's long-running mid-height hiker: a nubuck upper, the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, and an outsole built for abrasion resistance. Trail and Kale describes the construction as glue-free and fused, which is the durability story, and lists a 12 mm drop and roughly 4 mm lugs. It comes in men's sizes 7 to 15 in regular and wide, per TreeLine. Note that Advnture describes the upper as nubuck combined with recycled mesh, so it is not an all-leather boot.

Price varies by source: TreeLine and BetterTrail's intro give $170, Trail and Kale cites $180 at Keen, and Advnture lists $164.95 with retailers near $190. Expect to pay in that range.

In use

Four independent reviews we could read agree on the fit and split on the grip.

The toe box is the star. Advnture: "the wide toe box on the Targhee IVs feels nothing short of dreamy." BetterTrail noted the "generous toe box allows plenty of room for toes to splay," and Trail and Kale called it "properly wide and roomy." TreeLine and Advnture also report good heel hold, with Advnture noting "little to no heel slippage."

Grip is where opinions diverge. TreeLine found "traction is superb" on ice, snow, and loose leaves. Everyone else was cooler. Advnture: "the soles aren't the stickiest out there though, so I'd be a little cautious bouncing over really slippery rock." Trail and Kale: traction is "more 'adequate' than 'sticky'" and "less convincing is wet rock and slick surfaces." BetterTrail said it "lacks bite in more technical terrain" and gave traction 3 out of 5.

On durability, BetterTrail awarded 5 of 5 and Trail and Kale concluded "you get a seriously durable boot for $180."

Strengths

• Toe room. The most consistent praise across reviews, and the real reason to buy.
• Durability. Fused construction and a hard-wearing outsole, backed by BetterTrail's top durability score.
• Heel lock. Despite the roomy front, three reviewers described good heel hold.
• Day-one comfort. Advnture notes it felt good immediately, and TreeLine wrote that it locked the heel in place.

Trade-offs and who should skip it

Heat is the clearest limit. TreeLine: "not breathable enough for all-day use in warm or hot conditions," adding "I wouldn't recommend them as summer hiking boots." BetterTrail saw overheating past 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you hike in warm climates, look elsewhere.

Support is modest. TreeLine found "arch support was insufficient for especially higher-arched hikers" and "lacked cushioning in the soles." Advnture felt "a little discomfort through the sole as it flexed."

It is also not a fast boot. BetterTrail called it "too heavy and clunky for those trying to move quickly or log high-mileage days" and "not ideal for technical routes or heavy loads over long distances." Advnture said it "won't suit people with narrow feet."

How it compares

The Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof (rank 6) is the better pick for wide feet that also want a stiffer, more supportive leather boot and an excellent insole, at a higher price. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (rank 3) is the standard cross-shop if you want a roomy, easy boot with a more conventional fit. For technical terrain, the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX (rank 5) is lighter and grippier.

Buying notes

Sizing and fit deserve a few minutes. Keen's roomy last is the draw, but Advnture and Trail and Kale both caution that narrow feet may struggle to get a locked-in feel in the front of the boot, and Trail and Kale found the heel counter collar "a bit unforgiving at first." If you are between a regular and wide size, the wide toe box is already generous, so most testers would try regular first. Because grip is the most disputed point across reviews, it is worth checking your usual terrain: dry dirt and leaves suit this outsole far better than wet granite or muddy slopes. Expect to pay between roughly $165 and $190 depending on the retailer and the sale, and treat anything near the top of that range as the moment to compare against the Oboz.

The Gavler verdict

8.2 out of 10. The Keen Targhee IV Mid WP is a comfortable, long-lasting, toe-friendly day hiker with honest limits: warm feet, ordinary wet-rock grip, and basic arch support. It is a smart buy for wide-footed hikers on moderate trails. Compare it against the rest of our Best Hiking Boots list if your terrain is rougher or your pack heavier.

Common Questions

Is the Keen Targhee IV Mid WP worth buying?

Yes, if you have a wide forefoot and hike mostly on moderate trails. Reviewers praise the toe box and durability, and criticize grip on wet rock, heat, and arch support.

Is the Keen Targhee IV waterproof like Gore-Tex?

It uses Keen's own KEEN.DRY membrane, not Gore-Tex. TreeLine Review and Trail and Kale both confirm KEEN.DRY.

Is the Keen Targhee IV good for wide feet?

Generally yes. Advnture called the toe box 'nothing short of dreamy,' and BetterTrail and Trail and Kale also praise the room. Advnture and Trail and Kale warn narrow feet may not get a locked-in fit.

Can you use the Keen Targhee IV in summer?

It runs warm. TreeLine said it was 'not breathable enough for all-day use in warm or hot conditions,' and BetterTrail reported overheating once temperatures climbed past 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

How much does the Keen Targhee IV Mid weigh?

TreeLine lists 2 lb 8 oz for the men's pair and BetterTrail measured 2 lb 8.2 oz.