KEEN Men's Targhee II Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boot

I've been a fan of Keen for the last decade. I like the bigger toe box. I've bought Targhee 2, Targhee 3, and Targhee 4. I like the Targhee 2 better than the Targhee 3, and I returned the Targhee 4 and replaced it with another Targhee 3. It seemed like they found ways to make the shoe cheaper, at least to me.You should also know is that the Targhee boots are not the same as the Targhee shoes. With what I now know, I wish I had sent the shoes back. I thought they would look better with shorts. However, the shoes have a thinner midsole and you can feel the lugs on the bottoms of the shoes through the soles. Evidently, all brands do that, including Merrell's. The soles are lighter than the boots because of difference in the soles.

I have hiked in these boots starting February of 2016. Mountain trails here and overseas. Asphalt and dirt trails over East Tennessee.Some wear but not extensive. Still look and most importantly feel good.I am size 10 medium. Best fitting shoe I have ever worn including fancy tennis shoes. Fits and hikes comfortably with single pair of medium to heavy merino wool socks.Slip loop lace loops make tightening quick, easy and uniform over top of foot. Plastic lace grips have performed perfectly. Laces stay tight even without being tied.Expect to have continued good performance for another 10 years.

The Keen Targhee II men's waterproof mid hikers are surprisingly light and extraordinarily comfortable, right out of the box. The lengthy lace pattern starts right where the toe box meets the boot body and extends well up the ankle, allowing for a fairly custom fit (or for thick/thin sock versatility). Personally, I would prefer one more set of lugs for the laces to make the fit even more adjustable, but that is subjective and the lace configuration works fine. The rubber soles are a bit slick when new, but once roughed up, are grippy and confidence-instilling. I don't know if they will hold up as well as the Vibram compounds I have on other boots, but so far, so good. The 4mm lug pattern is aggressive, but not to the point that you're digging walnuts and rodents out of them at the end of the day. The EVA midsole is solid but has some springy give to it. My feet felt stable, yet flexible. The compound does feel soft so durability may be sacrificed for comfort. Rock-hoppers might see some early damage. The ESS shank is also rigid but has enough give for us high-arched folks to feel okay. Because of my tall feet, I had intended to replace the dual-density footbeds or swap for my super-comfy Salewa beds, but the factory pads actually feel pretty good so I will give them a solid run.The fabric, leather, and "other" materials are all well-conceived and well-used. I am hard on boots and prefer few metal and plastic parts that can bend or break. The Targhee II's deliver with only two plastic lugs at the ankle and reinforced nylon loop/webbing elsewhere. The seam and gusset construction is all smart and highly-functional. Linings are soft and, so far, durable. Even the laces are really nice- typical Keen with an almost abrasive quality to them that helps them lock into lugs and stay tied.If aesthetics are part of your hiking musts, the s***ake/brindle combo is about as benign as it gets- brown and light brown with dark brown accents and a splash of black. Color, aside from the reflective stitching, comes from the yellow lettering on KEEN and WATERPROOF labels- not exactly flashy (save that for your speed hikers!). Touching on the waterproof claim- so far so yep. I haven't spent significant time standing in water up to the collars, but showers and serious puddle stomping- bone dry piggies! I do not engage in significant water-crossing so I do not have a need for more rigorous wet-testing. If, however, anything develops from testing by field happenstance, I will update my review.In summary: If you want a light, versatile, all-day hiker that will get you up the rocks, through the brush, and over the squishy stuff (rain or shine), I cannot imagine finding a better boot for under $200. Pictures are from one of 6 full days (virtually sun up to sun down) hiking/trekking through Ireland in my Targhees with confidence instilling footing, no wet socks, and exceptional comfort. Keep in mind- these are a general-purpose hiking option. They are not designed to be task-specific. If you spend 90% of your time in mud, in sand, on rocks, in snow, etc, get specific gear. If you want an excellent all-purpose option that will handle a reasonable amount of terrain/weather, get 'em.A couple of notes:- These boots are warm on warm days. They do not breathe tremendously well, but you only get so much breathability out of breathable waterproof linings/boots; especially those that employ lots of leather.- Although some other Keens I own run maybe a 1/4 size small, and notes on Amazon's storefront advise ordering 1/2 size larger, the Targhee II's I got are accurate in length. I ordered my regular size expecting them to start out snug, and break in for a better "my feet" fit, but they are a perfect, true 10.5 for me. In fact, since in most boots, I wish they made a 10.75, the Targhee II slightly wider than D girth (my opinion) allows my foot to fill the boot comfortably, with substantial side-to-side adjustability. I can slack the laces for a less constricting experience, or snug them down for more serious terrain and the fit responds perfectly.

Retired Army Soldier who loves Hiking and Boots. I have a lot of Keens, Columbia and Merrills etc. Love the Targhee 2 Mid boot. Looks real nice. Nice big toe box and tight heel. It is not as pretty as the narrower Targhee 3 Mid BUT it makes up for that in quality, durability and down right great in dirt and rocks. Think 4x4. Would buy again. Recommended if you are patient. Cannot wear for serious hiking right out of the box as it will rub your ankles and is stiff. Pain. Not comfortable as the low quarters when new. I almost gave up until I read online how to properly break them in and that really worked. Took over 4 weeks. Long time! Deviate and you will regret it. They do get better over time. No serious Hiking at first. They are warm and even a little hot. Remember waterproof and stiff and Fall-Winter. Here is the process: 1) wear them for 5 days indoors w/o socks. Unlaced and then fully laced. Not tight. Let your feet sweat and mold them to your foot. Trains both the boot and your foot to the Mid level feel. Call them indoor slippers. 2) wear them another 5 days indoors but with light-medium hiking socks on and lightly but fully laced. Increases the training and you get used to them. You want them tighter BUT do not cut off circulation. I used non-binding diabetic socks with the wide tops. No sock top indentations. No cotton! 3) wear them another 5 days mostly indoor with heavier socks on (nonslip merino blend or better synthetic mix to avoid blisters - NO cotton at all), then fully, normally laced (pinky finger under each lace or less - not too tight or loose), but walk them outside to the mailbox many times, stairs or up & down the hard sidewalk for 30 mins. Short excursions then sit with boots on and sweat. 4) wear them again for another 5 days mixed indoor and longer outdoors (errands and stores) with med-heavy socks on, remember to sit and sweat afterwards. 5) Proof your successful breakin by walking 2 miles and maybe a few feet slow jogging. Remember to sit and sweat afterwards. Should be comfortable by now or you skipped in the process or your feet are really unique. And last 6) Go for several 5-10 mile hikes over varying terrain. You should start to love them like I did. If all okay, you are now ready for some serious Hiking 25-50 mile or more. Learn to lace up different ways and get Laces that don't slip and untie or use plastic stops. Be sure to take extra dry socks and enjoy the scenery! Yeah I know this is not Fast Food but for nearly $200 bucks, your feet deserve it. Now, I still prefer low quarter Targhees 2 & 3 and Merrill Moab 2s for short stuff. I like 6-8" high top boots for long backpack trips, ice/snow, deep water and for more overall support, esp in rocks and hills. Avoid sprains. But the Targhee 2 Mid fits the bill for in between Low and High. I found the Targhee 3 Mid too light, narrow, toe box smaller, soft and more suited for casual daily stuff, like the Mall and no backpacks. Felt too many rocks with them so no trail running. Wear them daily with jeans and on Sundays for the great look. Now, the Targhee 2 Mids can handle a backpack and a lot more difficult terrain. Love them Mid 2s after that long tedious breakin. BUT REMEMBER NOTHING IS PERFECT !!! AND THEY DON'T LAST FOREVER !!! Your feet will tell you what they like! Listen to your unique body. Don't injure your feet out in the wild. So carry tent, rain gear, water, food, protection and a good first aide kit. And a BUDDY. Hike on !!!