REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Very protective and durable
Waterproof
Great for those with wide feet
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks ankle support due to single eyelet and overly cushioned construction
Design does not breathe well
Long break-in period
Keen Targhee IV Mid - Women's Review
While these boots offer a great fit for those with wider feet along with a highly durable toe box and burly nubuck leather upper, those with narrow feet may struggle with the width
Our lead tester has a narrow foot with high arches and found it helpful to wear thicker socks in designs that cater to a wide foot shape.
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ April 9, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hiking Boots for Women
Our Verdict
The Keen Targhee IV Mid is a decent budget-friendly option for those seeking a more traditional leather hiking boot design that's perfect for a wider foot shape. The durability of the leather upper is tough to beat and the waterproof performance kept us mostly dry during our testing period. This is a heavyweight construction that lacks breathability and makes your feet feel fatigued under load. They lack breathability within their waterproof upper and they lack support through the ankle cuff due to extensive padding and a single metal hook. While not among the top contenders, they may be a great choice for those fair weather or entry level hikers who simply want to pursue well-maintained trails a few times per year.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Keen Targhee IV Mid provides great traction thanks to its Keen Rugged outsole. Credit: Trish Matheny
Likes
The Targhee is one of the most durable hiking boot designs that we tested. The Nubuck leather upper held up during our most rigorous testing on rugged trail systems while the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane kept our feet relatively dry during wet and soggy conditions.
Although the flood height is relatively lower than usual (measuring only 4 inches), the waterproof construction was mostly bomber, only absorbing moisture after extensive exposure on the trail.
Our testers found the fit to run true to size, even favoring those who prefer a roomy toe box to accommodate wider foot shapes. The traction worked well so long as the lugs didn't fill with mud or debris along the trail.
The Keen Rugged outsole performed well so long as the deep lug pattern didn't fill with mud or snow. Credit: Trish Matheny
Dislikes
Our biggest complaint about the Keen Targhee IV Mid is the heavyweight and bulky construction that creates a hot interior due to its overly padded construction. This combined with a single metal hook on the cuff prevents the boot from the supporting the ankle due to the inability to properly fasten the laces.
A little less padding and an extra metal hook would be much appreciated, especially for those seeking more support. We also noted that the leather upper requires several miles on the trail before we'd consider them broken in.
If the Targhee was a more comfortable hiking boot that provided more support within a lighter weight construction, it would be on our short list of boots to consider. Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the Keen Targhee IV Mid?
The Keen Targhee IV Mid is a more budget-friendly hiking boot that isn't a bad option for your average day hike or overnight trip. It provides a highly durable leather construction with sufficient waterproof performance. The boot is true to size and perfect for those who prefer extra space in the toe box.
What Other Women's Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
In our opinion, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP is a much better choice for those on a budget. Although it only has one metal hook at the ankle cuff, the padding that surrounds the ankle doesn't prevent the cuff from supporting your foot. It offers a similar flood height and level of water resistance but within a much more comfortable and supportive construction. The Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid Waterproof is another great option at a similar price and best for those with wide feet. It is the complete opposite when it comes to comfort and break in time, as it favors the design of a running shoe more than a rigid traditional hiker.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Keen Targhee IV Mid - Women's versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $180 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | While these boots offer a great fit for those with wider feet along with a highly durable toe box and burly nubuck leather upper, those with narrow feet may struggle with the width |
| Pros | Affordable, very protective and durable, waterproof, great for those with wide feet |
| Cons | Lacks ankle support due to single eyelet and overly cushioned construction, design does not breathe well, long break-in period |
| Rating Categories | Keen Targhee IV Mid |
| Comfort (30%) | |
| Support (25%) | |
| Traction (20%) | |
| Water Resistance (10%) | |
| Durability (10%) | |
| Weight (5%) | |
| Specifications | Keen Targhee IV Mid |
| Measured Weight (per pair) | 2.28 lbs (size 8.5) |
| Width Options | Regular |
| Waterproof Lining | KEEN.DRY |
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Midsole | Luftcell polyurethane |
| Heel Height | 1.6" |
| Shaft Height | 6.0" |
| Sole | KEEN.RUGGED |
—Trish Matheny
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