REASONS TO BUY
Leather upper
Solid stability and support
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Runs large
Keen Targhee III Open-Toe Review
An aesthetic every dad will appreciate with the traction, support, and comfort capable of handling any adventure
Credit: Jacob Clark
RELATED: Best Sandals for Men of 2024
Our Verdict
The Keen Targhee III Sandal is built with high levels of comfort, support, stability, and traction. This sandal has the classic leather upper every dad will appreciate paired with top-tier performance. This sandal is ideal for those who want a solid and stable footwear choice they can take anywhere. This sandal is an adaptation of Keen's Targhee boot line, featuring aggressive tread and a contoured footbed. If you are looking for the freedom of a sandal but the support on par with hiking shoes, these are some of our favorite sandals offering that combination.
Editor's Note: This Keen gear review new includes two new sections to help you find the right sandals for your goals and budget. It was updated on March 25, 2022.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Keen Targhee III Open-Toe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Sandals |  Most Comfortable Sandals |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Barefoot-Inspired Option | |
| Price | $109.95 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $115 List $115.00 at REI | $140 List $69.02 at Amazon | $45.00 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $89 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A supportive and stable sandal that brings confidence to every footstep | A well designed minimalist sandal that is ultra-resilient and ready for the long haul | Consistent performance and high-end comfort combine to make these classic sport sandals one of our favorites | This affordable sandal packs high-end comfort and performance into a lightweight package | A lightweight and minimal sandal with wonderful traction, flexibility, and small enough to carry as a second set of footwear on any adventure |
| Rating Categories | Keen Targhee III Op... | Bedrock Cairn Adven... | ECCO Yucatan | Teva Katavi 2 | Earth Runners Alpha |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Traction (25%) | |||||
| Stability (20%) | |||||
| Adjustability (15%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Keen Targhee III Op... | Bedrock Cairn Adven... | ECCO Yucatan | Teva Katavi 2 | Earth Runners Alpha |
| Weight (per pair) | 1.29 lbs (size 10) | 1.10 lbs (size 10) | 1.51 lbs (size 43 EU) | 1.36 lbs (size 9) | 0.57 lbs (size 10) |
| Sole Material | ALL.TERRAIN Rubber | Vibram XS Trek Regolith | Rubber | Durabrasion Rubber | Vibram Morflex |
| Upper Material | Leather | Premium webbing | Nubuck leather | Suede | Two-ply webbing |
| Footbed Material | EVA | Granite Grip Rubber | Dual-Density EVA | Contoured EVA | Moisture Wicking Canvas |
| Midsole Material | EVA | Rubber | Polyurethane | EVA | Moisture-wicking canvas |
| Width Options | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Keen Targhee III is perhaps the most stable shoe-like sandal in the lineup. Based on the design of popular Keen boots, this sandal's tread and footbed remind us of a boot without the upper material. Keen brought the best of both worlds together in this sandal, including the freedom of open-toed footwear and the support and traction of boots.
Performance Comparison
With a leather upper and shoe-like feel, the Targhee III makes for one stable sandal.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Comfort
The Targhee III would suit those in need of the support and comfort of a boot with the versatility of a sandal. This sandal is rigid with a heavily contoured footbed made of an eco-friendly insert, providing the comfort of a boot in a sandal. The straps are wide with neoprene padding that hugs the foot nicely without noticeable hotspots throughout testing.
The sandal's sole consists of a rubber tread and a thick, medium-density foam with a thin multi-texture footbed. The foam is relatively firm and not as plush as other models. However, the shape and structure of the sandal make it quite comfortable. Those with flatter feet may find these sandals less comfortable and require a more extended break-in period.
The thick mid layer allows for the heavy contours that make this a stable and comfortable choice.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Traction
Keen utilizes multi-directional tread on the sole of the Targhee III. Specifically designed to handle a variety of terrains and built with hiking in mind, Keen uses their AllTerain rubber composite for the sole.
The result is a sandal just as capable on dry land as wet terrain. The performance across stream crossings and on wet logs was superb, only slipping on slimy rocks, where the tread and rubber can only do so much. The traction provided with the Targhee III can be relied upon with confidence over anything you may throw at them.
The multi-directional tread on these sandals packs quite the punch in terms of performance on various terrains.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Stability
When it comes to stability, sandals are often not the most stable footwear choice, or so we thought before this one. Keen designed the Targhee III utilizing components from their most popular hiking boots. The sandal's footbed is stiff like a boot but heavily contoured and textured for a barefoot. This is one of the stiffest footbeds in our sandal lineup and requires a break-in period, similar to a boot. Once broken in, though, these sandals form fit and provide some of the best stability offered in our lineup.
Even on a wet rotting tree, the Targhee III give the traction and stability needs to cross with confidence.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Adjustability
The ease of adjustments for Targhee III is about as convenient and straightforward as it gets. All three straps create a comfortable fit secured by Velcro. While the straps are adjustable at the heel, ankle, and forefoot, the footbed takes time to break in, and the contouring may be too aggressive for some.
The three velcro straps, help to lock in the fit and provide adequate adjustability for nearly any user.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Versatility
The Keen Targhee III can handle almost anything you may throw at it. The traction, stability, and comfort provide one cohesive, versatile package. Waterproof leather uppers and the aesthetic of leather sandals keep this sandal casual around town and technical on the trails. Keen brought it all together, providing workhorse sandals that can do just about anything, just about anywhere.
These sandals submerged in water can tackle slippery rocks and foliage with confidence.
Credit: Jacob Clark
Should You Buy the Keen Targhee III?
Whether you want a technical sandal for trails, something casual for around town, or stability and support often lacking from leisure footwear, the Keen Targhee III is ready for whatever you throw its way. Even though the sandal comes at a hefty price, it does live up to its cost, offering boot-like performance in a sandal package. If you are focused on a performance sandal with high levels of stability and support, this one is worth trying out. While the list price of the Targhee III is one of the most expensive in our lineup, it is also one of the most stable options out there. For the right user, these sandals will provide the support and traction they need and makes the higher price tag these sandals carry one worth paying.
The Targhee III sandals are worth taking along on any urban or rural adventure.
Credit: Jacob Clark
What Other Sandals Should You Consider?
The Teva Katavi 2 has the same overall score as the Targhee with a similar design and similar metric results. It is also about half the price, making it the better buy unless you are married to the Keen brand. With the same style of straps, the Teva is more comfortable and versatile. While it has a slightly lower traction test result, we think the saving make the performance worth it.
—Jacob Clark
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