Keen Targhee IV Review | Are They Worth It In 2024?

In this article, I'm going to share my HONEST Keen Targhee IV review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2024. These were originally released in April 2024, they are a best seller and are getting raving reviews online.

For this review, I have put hundreds of hours into testing my own personal pair of Keen Targhee IV throughout the summer and fall of 2024, so I'm very familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails. I'll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, sustainability, and durability.

I'll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a trail guide and experienced hiker.

Should you buy the Keen Targhee IV?

Buy if

• You want one of the best overall values for mid hiking boots under $180 today.

• You prioritize comfort ,traction, and overall protection over breathability, and flexibility.

• You loved the Targhee III or II but want a much better upgrade.

DON'T Buy if

• Extreme comfort #1 priority over excellent performance and traction.

• You'd prefer lighter boots and do the majority of your hiking in the very warm summer months

Keen Targhee IV Pros and Cons

Pros

• Best traction and overall support

• Very comfortable

• Very good waterproofness 

• Extreme durability that will last years

• Great value for a brand new model

Cons

• Luft cell sole issues with comfort

• Needs another eyelet at top of laces

• Lacks the breathability of other hiking boots in class

• No option for wide fit, narrow boot

Keen Targhee IV Price

At the time of this writing, the Keen Targhee IV are priced at $170 retail, but available on Amazon below for as low as $148 brand new.

Compare to the older Keen Targhee III model at $127-$170 which the IV has significant upgrades over. 

Order the Keen Targhee IV for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):

Keen Targhee IV (Amazon)

Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂

Keen Targhee IV Comfort: 9/10

The Keen Targhee IV is a good comfortable hiking boot. The previous models had the same amount of comfort, but do not possess the Luftcell technology which is to improve the comfort of the boot.

The Luftcell technology is unique in which the sole of the boot has air injected instead of polyurethane reducing discomfort on the sole.

Upon putting them on my foot, my first impression was that the midsole has great comfort and plushiness that I was not expecting. My foot was easily molded into the insole without issue.

Moving towards the toe box I didn’t feel any sort of discomfort or unnecessary rubbing against my toes. Unfortunately these boots do not come in a wide fit. 

The upper is decently comfortable. One issue I did have was the cushioning around the ankle. I wish there was a little more plushness around the ankle, but I feel that is a personal preference. 

Aside from the plush materials, I think the lightweight of the supposed “lightweight” boots is one of the biggest surprises.

Weighing just 1.25 pds on my scale, the Keen Targhee IV is the lightest “midweight” hiking boots I have tested to date.

As a frame of reference, the Merrell Moab 3 (A comparable midweight model) weighed in at 2.1 pds or 59% heavier than the Keen Targhee IV!

The only reason this boot does not get a perfect score is because there are other models to date that have superior comfort such as the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX or Hoka Anacapa 2. If you would like a guide to most comfortable hiking boots check here. 

Traction: 9/10

The Keen Targhee IV are equipped with the KEEN.RUGGED outsole. The traction on these boots are excellent, I tested them in different sorts of terrain such as mud, gravel, slate, and much more. The outsole grips extremely well against a variety of surfaces, I did not notice any sort of slipping. 

The lugs are well spaced apart and do not hold onto any dirt or debris that would block your lugs from gripping. I was quite skeptical of the Targhee III traction in previous years, however I was very impressed with the outsole and traction of these keen boots.

Overall Protection 4.0/5

The Keen Targhee IV is rated as one of the most “rugged” boots you can purchase out there. With an overwhelming amount of protection around the sole these boots provide the ultimate protection of the average hiker. 

The transition from the sole to the rugged synthetic material boasts that rugged protection you need from any sharp objects or materials piercing your boots.

The upper consists of rugged leather that will keep your warm in the winter and also protect your ankle by reducing your ankle range of motion as an injury preventative measure. 

Lastly, the Keen Targhee IV features the KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper which protects your toe cap with a thick set of rubber. 

Water Resistance 5/5

The Targhee IV has it’s very own in house waterproof membrane. The membrane is PFAS-free and allows water to not enter the boots. In addition, the KEEN.DRY membrane is perfected by allowing sweat vapor to leave the boot making them breathable.

The one issue with Gore-Tex membrane materials is the breathability. Nobody questions the waterproofness of a Gore-Tex membrane, however there are issues with breathability.

With the in-house manufactured KEEN.DRY you get the best of both worlds, a boot that is breathable AND waterproof. I must say the KEEN.DRY outperforms the Gore-Tex industry standard membrane. 

Does The Keen Targhee IV Fit Well?

The Keen Targhee IV fit well. I am a size men’s 10.5, and did not have to size up or down with them. They do not come in a wide size. I must say, they are not narrow fitting at all either. These boots are a great medium between narrow and wide fit. I Would say that most people should not have to size up or down with this boot.

Keen Targhee IV Fit  5/5

Keen Targhee IV Sustainability 5/5

One aspect of the Keen Targhee IV that separates itself from the competition is the use of sustainable materials. These boots offer materials made from post-consumer plastic reducing the amount of strain on the environment. 

Most hiking boots offer the industry standard “Nubuck” leather not the Targhee IV, they offer environmentally friendly leather from an LWG-certified tannery. We should tip our hat to Keen as they have really made a push to make their products with sustainable materials. 

Durability 9/10

The Keen Targhee IV have shown no signs of breakdown during my lengthy testing process. The upper leather has shown it’s robust nature against harsh weather without falling apart.

What I love most about the Targhee IV is the synthetic material around the heel. Many of these are made with “mesh” that break down and fray easily. Not with these boots, the ankle mesh hold tough and true. If you are looking for a boot that will LAST the Targhee IV is one to consider.

Is the Keen Targhee IV worth it?

The Keen Targhee IV is now considered “newer and upgraded” model with the predecessor being the Targhee III. Being able to get these boots for under $200 is a steal in my opinion.

Being able to get these boots at $170 with all these newer features and performance is really great value.

Want a hiking boot that’ll last you years and perform the same as it did on day 1 of your first hike? Look no further than the Keen Targhee IV. 

As an overall package, this is a seriously strong contender. I'd also recommend taking a look at the older model the Targhee III which can be found for around $170 and sometimes even as low as $115. 

The strengths would be great traction/grip, perfect waterproofness, great breathability, lightweight, and quality comfort.

The drawbacks to consider would be that there are more comfortable models out there such as the Hoka Anacapa 2 and Kaha 2. Also, you can purchase the Merrell Moab for slightly cheaper around $130 today.

Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with picking up a pair of the Keen Targhee IV today, and I'd personally recommend the Canteen/Khaki color which complement really well. 

Value: 4.5 / 5

Scoring Breakdown

Comfort: 9.0 / 10 

Traction: 9.0/ 10

Overall Protection: 4.0 / 5

Waterproofness: 5/ 5

Sustainability: 5/5

Fit: 5/5

Durability: 9/10

Value: 4.5/5

Total: 50.5 / 55

Our Rating: 9.0 / 10

At the time of this writing, the Keen Targhee IV are priced at $170 retail, but available on Amazon below for as low as $160 brand new.

Order the Keen Targhee IV for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):

Keen Targhee IV (Amazon)

Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Keen Targhee IV Model Waterproof?

Yes, the new Keen Targhee IV is waterproof. They do not contain GTX, however Keen uses their own in house waterproof membrane KEEN.DRY. We rated the Targhee IV waterproofness a 5/5, perfect score. 

Do Keen Hiking Boots Run True To Size?

Yes, the Keen hiking boots all run true to size. I am size 10.5 men’s and did not have to size up or down.

Do The Keen Targhee IV come in a “low” version?

Yes, the Keen Targhee do come in a “low” version as well as a “mid”. We always recommend the “mid” for extra ankle protection. 

How We Tested and Our Methodology

I personally tested the Keen Targhee IV for 4 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 IV’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.

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler