Keen Targhee Mid II
The Keen Targhee mid hiking boot offers a lot of support and traction for those long, enjoyable days when you are able to get lost on the trails and explore the natural world. This is a popular boot with hundreds of consumer reviews floating around the internet, which means you get lots of insight into whether it is a good pick for your outdoor adventures or if you may be better going elsewhere…
Professional Opinions:
The benefits that are most often pointed out by professionals in the industry are the grip ability on the sole and the support of the ankles. Many hikers do not appreciate a mid-height boot because they seem to offer less ankle support, the design feature son the Keen Targhee boot make it rather supportive which is a great thing.
The bottom soles feature 4mm lugs and ample grooves to give adequate traction in most terrains.
Other features that professionals praise include the stylish appearance and the ability of the liner to block out rain and other water sources. They recommend the Keen Targhee boot for hikers as well as backpackers, as long as the load does not exceed about 35 pounds.
There aren’t many professional comments on the durability of this boot, which seems to be the major point of contention for many consumer reviewers, as noted below.
Consumer Compliments:
The biggest compliment for the Keen Targhee Mid-height boot is its comfort, but that simply isn’t enough in the current hiking boot market. There are many boots from the top brands that are praised for their extreme comfort, so the Targhee needs much more on its side to rise to the top.
The other compliments that are typically found listed in consumer reviews include superior ankle support (which is something many mid boots fail to deliver) as well as great grip on the ground through a wide variety of terrains. Many hikers also note that these boots fit more like a shoe than a boot since they are quite flexible, which is a great thing for fast hikers who don’t like to be slowed down by oversized, clunky feeling boots.
Consumer Complaints:
Keen has claimed that the material used to line this boot should not trap in heat the way the popular Gore-Tex linings of boots like Asolo, but this has not been supported with many consumer reviewers. Many claim that their feet still overheat in the Keen Targhee boot because of this lining.
This tends to be a common problem with hiking boots that are designed to keep out moisture, since the materials that naturally block water will also naturally hold in more heat.
Another common complaint against the Keen Targhee boot is that they tend to come apart easier than some users expect.
Final Conclusions:
Due to the numerous consumer complaints about the durability of this boot, it may be a better option for more casual hikers. They should hold up to shorter hikes or those that do not go through overly demanding terrain. For those who put in serious miles through a wide variety of terrains or who want one good boot that can be taken on long hiking tours in various areas of the world, this boot may not be up to the journey.
That said, hikers looking for something for the occasional Saturday afternoon stroll through a local national park may find this an affordable option that stands up perfectly well to their demands.
To see reviews of other hiking boot options click here.
