Keen Targhee III Mid - Women's Review

With a stiff and supportive design, a solid outsole, and an upper that protects and provides comfort for a wide foot, the Targhee Mid III has it all. This version is a bit sleeker in design than previous models, though they weigh nearly the same. Their profile makes them much bulkier than other boots that we tested, but they still feel light on the feet, even though the wide and stable base is supportive enough for an all-day hike or a multi-day backpacking trip.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Targhee III ranked rather well for comfort, especially if you have a wide foot. After a full day of hiking, our feet still felt great in these boots. Additionally, they require minimal time to break in the leather upper and feel comfortable even in their first few hours on the trail. The Targhee has a wide toe box, so if you have wider feet, these boots will not constrict in the broadest part of the foot.

In addition to their shape, the Targhee provides stiffness in the ankle cuff, which helps to support the ankle bones while remaining somewhat flexible underfoot. The insoles are sufficient, though not supportive enough for those with high arches, offering neutral support for long distances. The leather construction also adds to this boot's ability to last on long days and mold to the foot over time.

Support

Much like the older version of the Targhee, the Targhee III has a relatively low heel shaft. This wasn't a problem for us, as the low heel allows for more movement while still providing enough support. The sole and heel-capture system is wide and offers a firm base underfoot. Unlike the Targhee II, the III has the same stability in the sole, but the profile combination of the rubber, toe cap, and rand is quite bulky, which made our testers feel less agile on the trail. The sole is stiff enough for the boots to be worn with a heavy pack but still flexes with the foot when stepping forward. The Targhee III provides just enough neutral support to endure hard days on the trail without constraining the foot as a more traditional hiking boot does. However, the bulky design is a bit difficult to get used to (especially for those with narrow feet and high arches) when compared to other models that we tested, which offer better support within a sleek and high-performing design.

Traction

The soles of the Targhee III do a great job of maintaining traction on the slipperiest of surfaces. This boot kept us upright on loose gravel and wet moss and lichen on boulders. The 4mm lug depths, intricate tread pattern, and the surface area of the larger outsole add to this boot's ability to stick to these tricky surfaces. Though the Targhee III still has the beefy rubber toe cap that is a signature of this line of boots, the toe is not as bulky as that of the Targhee II.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is another metric where the Targhee III shines. The Keen.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane does a great job of keeping the feet dry while still allowing for some breathability and ventilation. That said, the uppers are mostly leather, which doesn't breathe as well as synthetic materials; however, these boots also feature a mesh tongue for some airflow in key spots, in addition to water protection in the main portion of the boot. The seams are burly in their construction, which likely means the boots will remain water-resistant for a long time.

Weight

The Targhee III didn't score as well in this metric as it is one of the heavier boots that we tested, weighing 2 pounds for a women's size 8.5 US. The additional weight is due to the leather upper, the substantial toe cap, and the wider base of support, though all those features provide more stability and durability than a lighter model constructed from a polyester mesh.

Durability

The same features that give the Targhee III stand-out water resistance also make the boot incredibly durable. The leather uppers are substantial and burly in their design, and the boots showed very little signs of wear and tear during our testing period.

This boot also has a durable lacing system, with its laces going right through the leather on the upper and metal hooks on the ankle cuff. This seamless design allows for lots of tension to be placed on the lacing system without risking blowing out an eyelet or, even worse, ripping a hole in the waterproof upper.

Should You Buy the Keen Targhee III Mid?

As one of the better options for a more traditional hiking boot with a reasonable price tag, the Targhee III Mid is a great option. They scored well across most of our test metrics, are easy to break in, waterproof, and durable. While not as comfortable, lightweight, or sleek as some of the other high-performing hiking boots that we tested, these boots feature a stiff and supportive design, as well as a protective leather upper that successfully defends against the elements. If you're not entirely focused on lightweight performance, it's hard to go wrong here, especially if you have a wider foot.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

For a more traditional hiking boot at a reasonable price, we don't hesitate to recommend the Targhee III, but there are other boots in our lineup worthy of consideration. For example, for a little more investment, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is available and bests the Targhee in all metrics. Another alternative that our wider-footed testers love is the lightweight Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2.