REASONS TO BUY
Best for those with wide feet
Durable
More affordable
Beefy midsole
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Stiff design requires a long break-in period
Very slippery outsole when wet
Lacks support for those with high arches
Keen Targhee IV Low - Women's Review
This incredibly durable, beefy, and waterproof hiking shoe caters to those with wide feet
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 6, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hiking Shoes for Women
Our Verdict
The Keen Targhee IV Low is the perfect choice for those seeking a durable and water-resistant trail shoe. The stiff, rigid leather upper takes some time to break in, and those with wider feet will appreciate the fit more. The Keen.Dry lining helped keep water out of the upper, while the higher flood level helped with clearance when crossing melting snowfields and streams. The multiple rands on the upper add to the overall weight (the heaviest in our review) but it provides a lot more protection and longevity to the design. While narrow feet might find these too bulky, they offer more support and protection for those seeking adventure on day hikes and in demanding terrain with a heavier pack.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Keen Targhee IV Low - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Women's Hiking Shoe |  Best For Day Hikes |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Under $100 | |
| Price | $170 List Check REI (on sale!) | $219 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $200 List Check REI (on sale!) | $140 List Check REI (on sale!) | $80 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This incredibly durable, beefy, and waterproof hiking shoe caters to those with wide feet | A stand-out hiking shoe that features ample comfort, great traction, a stable base of support, and a high quality, durable, and waterproof mesh upper | This shoe has ample cushioning and support within a stylish and waterproof design that provides excellent traction even on the most slippery terrain | This hiking shoe features a breathable and non-waterproof design offers a wide and stable base along with a beefy Vibram outsole, available at an affordable price | These highly affordable hiking shoes are perfect for day hikes and weekend adventures on well-maintained trails |
| Rating Categories | Keen Targhee IV Low | La Sportiva Spire GTX | On Cloudrock Low Wat... | Merrell Moab 3 | Columbia Crestwood |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Durability (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (5%) | |||||
| Weight (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Keen Targhee IV Low | La Sportiva Spire GTX | On Cloudrock Low Wat... | Merrell Moab 3 | Columbia Crestwood |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 8.5) | 2.08 lbs | 1.66 lbs (size EU 39.5) | 1.54 lbs | 1.70 lbs | 1.50 lbs |
| Upper | Nubuck leather | Abrasion-resistant mesh | Recylced polyester, TPU | Pigskin leather, mesh | Leather, mesh, and webbing |
| Lining | KEEN.DRY | Gore-Tex Surround | DWR | Recycled mesh | Omni-Tech |
| Midsole | Direct-attach, air-injected Luftcell polyurethane | EVA | Plush Helion | Air cushion | Techlite |
| Outsole | KEEN.RUGGED | Vibram XS Trek | Missiongrip rubber | Vibram TC5 | Omni-Grip |
| Width Options | Regular, wide | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
Our Analysis and Test Results
If you need a durable, water resistant design and don't mind a little extra weight, the Targhee is an affordable option that's best for wide feet. Credit: Trish Matheny
Likes
The Targhee is burly and durable. It features a stiff and rigid Nubuck leather upper along with Keen.Dry lining as well as laces that are reinforced with metal eyelets for more longevity. There are multiple protective rands on the upper as well as a substantial toe cap for trail protection.
The Keen.Dry lining did an excellent job keeping water out of the leather upper, while the high flood level provided more clearance above streams and river crossings. Although not very breathable, the Targhee is highly water resistance.
Although the leather upper is stiff and rigid at first, it is also super water resistant and durable, featuring multiple rands for protection on the trail. Credit: Trish Matheny
Dislikes
The Targhee requires a longer break-in period due to its stiff and rigid leather upper, but it does soften over time. Our testers with narrow feet didn't love the fit and felt like their heel wasn't secure in the design; however, our testers with wide feet loved the fit and found enough space for the toes to spread out.
The Targhee is heavy at 2.08 pounds for a pair of US size 8.5. That said, it is also the most durable. If you need a more durable construction for demanding terrain, this is an excellent choice.
The Keen Targhee is a heavyweight design that's best for those seeking more protection on the trail, in addition to a water resistant upper that's built to withstand more demanding terrain. Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the Keen Targhee IV Low?
If you're looking for a more affordable, heavy-duty hiking shoe, you should definitely consider the Targhee IV. Although it lacks breathability and immediate comfort, it is certainly built to last and worth breaking in if you have wide feet and need a shoe for more demanding terrain.
What Other Women's Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
The Targhee is the epitome of a burly and durable leather trail shoe, but it's quite heavy and bulky. For those seeking a more streamlined design, check out the On Cloudrock Low Waterproof, it's perfect for day hikes. We also love the Altra Lone Peak 9 Waterproof if you're looking for something lighter that features a wider fit.
—Trish Matheny
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