Keen Targhee III Hiking Boot Review | Worth it in 2024?

We are going to review the Keen Targhee III Hiking Boot for those wondering if it is worth it in 2024. I have personally tested these boots for the last 6 months. As a seasoned hiker and outdoors expert, I'll share my personal experience and expert review.

Keen Targhee III was released In 2017, the Keen Targhee III made significant advancements over its 2005 predecessor, the Keen Targhee II, a well-liked hiking boot in the community.

In contrast to its previous model, which users complained had too much volume in the shoe, the Targhee III boasts a more contoured fit.

The Targhee III also has an updated outsole, which improves agility and traction on the trail. The Targhee III is approximately 3 ounces lighter than the previous model for those who are looking for a more lightweight hiking boot. 

Keen Targhee III Profile

Price: 170$

Profile: Comfortable, Durable, and Stiff

Our Rating: 9.1/10

Keen Targhee III Review Key Takeaways

The Keen Targhee III is an excellent hiking boot for those looking for a moderately cushioned boot with outstanding traction and agility.

This hiking boot is a fantastic choice for those who are looking for mild to moderate trail difficulty on the weekends. We think this may not be the perfect hiking boot for more serious trekkers.

What We Liked About the Keen Targhee III

We really loved the Nubuck leather combination with the synthetic material of this boot. It provides a subtle yet excellent overall protection factor. We liked that Keene has also dropped the weight since their previous model, making this a more lightweight hiking boot, which aids in its agile profile, giving it a more modern feel as well. 

What We Didn’t Like About the Keen Targhee III

The Targhee III's comfort was not as satisfactory as it was in the previous version. Obviously, it's not known to be a very cushy hiking boot; however, there are some issues with comfort, especially around the sock liner.

We felt the previous model did not have this type of discomfort in this area. Another issue with this hiking boot was its excessively flexible outsole, which failed to provide the necessary traction on uneven terrain.

Our Hand-Tested Analysis

Comfort 7.5/10 

When first slipping on the boot, we felt the decent cushioning of the CMEVA midsole, which is known to have a very cushy feel. However, it is not comparable to the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, which uses the same midsole, because the Kaha 2 is much more cushy.

The toe box has a moderate amount of room. We did not feel any pressure on our toes, and there was more than adequate toe room. The Keen Targhee III impressed us by breaking in right out of the box, eliminating the need for a trial break-in period.

We felt some discomfort around the lateral aspect of the sock liner. I believe this is mainly due to the stiff Nubuck leather pressing on my foot. It is definitely not a deal-breaker, but it can be quite annoying at times. 

Moving up towards the ankle and mid foot, you start to feel the durability of the Nuback leather. I must say that the rough leather of these hiking boots really aids in their durability.

There's more than adequate ankle room, and I did not feel any discomfort around the ankle cuff area. Top-lacing boot eyelets are metal and mesh, which we'd never seen before but didn't have any issues with.

Traction 9/10

These boots have their own brand of outsole. The Keen.all-terrain claims that these lugs dig into mud, dirt, and rock with excellent traction, and we must say we agree with them. The traction is similar to that of the Merrell Moab 3, which we rated as one of the best traction hiking shoes out there. 

The outsole is very grippy and holds well against rough terrain. The only aspect of the new model specification that bothered us was the outsole's flexibility.

As we've explained in previous articles, hiking boots with a flexible outsole struggle to withstand uneven terrain due to their tendency to conform to the shape of the terrain. The previous model had a more stiff outsole, which achieved this purpose. 

Therefore, the Keen Targhee III may not be the best for serious trekkers going on treacherous terrain; however, it still holds up very well against moderate terrain. The lugs are deep and do not hold on to mud or rock like the Columbia Newton Ridge.

We were able to test these hiking boots on mud, wet grass, steep inclines, loose gravel, and wet sandstone. They proved to be a reliable, grippy hiking boot. 

One excellent piece of data we got from these hiking boots was that we were able to test them in the snow on a steep incline. The snowfall on the incline is approximately 6 inches, and it increases by 20 degrees for the next 300 feet. We experienced one episode of slipping, which is pretty impressive given the amount of incline and snow we were up against.

Overall Protection: 9.5/10

The thick rubber sole, known as keen.protect, covers the toe cap of these boots, providing excellent overall protection. By protecting the toe box, we were able to prevent sharp objects from penetrating our boots across various terrains.

Moving over to the lateral aspect of the boots, there is a thin strip of rubber that covers the lower aspect of your foot, which most hiking boots lack. 

Moving towards the heel, there is another band of thick rubber that covers your heel, offering robust protection against the elements. Moving towards the upper, the new black leather is very durable and stiff; therefore, it does not allow any sharp objects to enter the boot, nor does the gusseted tongue that the Keen Targhee III features.

We felt the overall protection of the ankle was excellent with the synthetic and leather combination material provided excellent overall ankle protection. 

Water Resistance: 10/10

The Keen Targhee III utilizes an in-house waterproof membrane known as keen.dry, which shares similarities with the Gore-Tex membrane. This membrane enhances breathability by preventing water from entering, thereby providing water protection. What I like about Keen is that they construct their own waterproof membrane for their hiking boots, similar to Merrell Hiking boots, rather than outsourcing. 

These boots performed excellently in a 10-minute submersion test. The boots did not let in any water during the entire 10-minute duration. I also cross several rivers and creeks without any waterproofing issues.

I must say that these boots are more breathable than those equipped with a Gore-Tex membrane, which is just another benefit of keen.dry technology.

Weight 8.5/10

My boots are a size men's 10.5 and weigh approximately 2 lb 4 oz for me, which fits into the lightweight category. While looking at this boot, first impressions do not suggest it is in the lightweight category.

They are nowhere near as heavy as the Salomon Quest 4, which we had at 2 lb 14 oz, but not as lightweight as the Salomon X 4 Ultra, which weighs in at 1 pd 12 ounces. 

Fit 9/10

I ordered a men’s 10.5, which fit perfectly. My boot size is usually on the wider side; however, I ordered a regular size, and I did not have any discomfort or blisters. I did not have to size up or down.

I would say this hiking boot definitely contoured to the shape of my foot bed, which is excellent, as Keen improved upon the previous model in terms of making it a better-fitting hiking boot. 

Design and Aesthetics 9/10

These are not the most modern-looking boots, however, as I like to say, “They get the job done." Some hikers may not like the rough aesthetic of the Nubuck Leather, but this is all subjective.

This boot's design is well-made, offering great overall protection while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Durability 10/10

These are an extremely durable set of hiking boots. After 6 months of testing, the only damage to these boots is some expected scratches on the Nubuck leather. There's been no breakdown of the synthetic material. The material remains robust and resilient.

The outsole has shown no signs of wear, especially the multidirectional lugs. Overall, the Keen Targhee III is an extremely durable hiking boot. 

My Experience with the Keen Targhee III Hiking Boots

Overall, I had an excellent experience with the Keen Targhee III. I tested these boots on a variety of terrains and climates, including the summer and winter months.

I must say I was very impressed with this model, the Targhee II. It was a fantastic model; however, I believe Keen has outdone themselves again. 

I was very impressed with the subtle lightweight aspect of these boots, as well as the breathable waterproof membrane and excellent durability. The Targhee III is definitely worth it for a beginner-to-advanced hiker.

How does the Keen Targhee III compare to other hiking boots?

Compared to other hiking boots in its class, such as the Salomon Quest 4 GTX and the Merrell Moab 3, the Keen Targhee III stands out for its superior cushioning and ankle support.

The Merrell Moab and Salomon Quest 4 have better grip and traction but do not have the superior overall protection and breathability the Targhee III possesses.

If you are looking for a similar model in terms of performance, we recommend checking out the Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX or the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.

How We Personally Tested Our Methodology

I personally tested the Keen Targhee III for 6 months with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.

Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Keen Targhee III's performance accurately in real-world conditions. 

We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Targhee 2 and 3?

The main differences between the Targhee 2 and 3 are toe box room, breathability, and weight. The Targhee 3 is 4 ounces lighter than the two; it also has increased breathability but less volume and toe box room than version 2.

What is the difference between Targhee and Durand?

The difference between Targhee and Durand is traction and build. The Durand is billed with more robust material and designed for rougher terrain. However, it carries an increased price tag. 

Are Keen boots suitable for wide feet?

Keen boots come in a wide size. I can personally attest that I did not have to purchase a wide version; my feet are usually wide as well.

How many miles do KEEN hiking boots last?

Keen hiking boots They have a reputation for lasting more than 500 miles. Personally, I've walked over 300 miles and am still going strong.

Do keen boots have a lifetime warranty?

Teen boots do not have a lifetime warranty; they have a one-year warranty from the purchase date.

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler