3 Best KEEN Hiking Shoes in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
3 Best KEEN Hiking Shoes in 2023
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Venturing into the lush backcountry can be as exciting as it is intimidating. Fortunately for you, the finest KEEN hiking shoes are at your disposal to make your hiking moments more of the former and less of the latter.

We have tested exemplary KEEN hikers to funnel in the kicks that deserve your complete attention. We took them on our outdoor trips and evaluated all the possible things that are especially essential to hiking. So, whether you are into well-rounded hiking shoes or you need something powerful in wet conditions, what we have cooked up should more than suffice.

Best overall
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof KEEN Targhee III Waterproof
$135 $90 From Amazon
Best support
KEEN Voyageur KEEN Voyageur
$115 $88 From Amazon
Best for summer
KEEN NXIS Speed KEEN NXIS Speed
$145 $82 From Amazon
See all 16 keen hiking shoes

    Best KEEN hiking shoes overall

    Brown
    KEEN Targhee III Waterproof
    81
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    The Targhee III Waterproof from KEEN's famous Targhee line-up is positively received by the hiking community. Its laudable combination of breathability and waterproofing can handle whatever the outdoors present. Add to that is its non-existent break-in period which also earned compliments. This generous list of pros may be enough to give this shoe a try.

    Pros

    • Versatile
    • Tacky outsole
    • Custom-fit
    • Laudable breathability
    • Amazing stability
    • No break-in time

    Cons

    • Lack of water protection
    • Too long laces
    • Sole peeled off
    Full review of KEEN Targhee III Waterproof

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Steel Grey/Captains Blue (1017785)
    Brown (1017783)
    Black / Grey (1026329)
    Black / Green (1026860)
    Grey (1017784)
    Brown (1018597)
    Black (1028128)
    Black/Olive Drab (1024049)
    $90
    See deal  
    $90
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  

    KEEN hiking shoes with the best support

    Brown
    KEEN Voyageur
    86
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The KEEN Voyageur’s promise of comfort and support is resolute. It does not require any break-in at all. Many admired the shoe for being lightweight and having a spacious interior, especially around the toe box. However, many users were dissatisfied with the quality and durability of the materials. That said, disgruntled consumers were not happy with the price they have spent on the shoe.

    Pros

    • Supportive
    • No break-in
    • Roomy toe box
    • Lightweight
    • Breathable
    • Wide interior

    Cons

    • Lining tore easily
    • Sole separated quickly
    • Flimsy stitching
    • Low-grade eyelets
    Full review of KEEN Voyageur

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Timberwolf/Sky Captain (1027149)
    Steel Grey/Scarlet Ibis (1027148)
    Brown (1002570)
    Grey (1018937)
    Brown (1010130)
    $88
    See deal  
    $91
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $108
    See deal  
    $110
    See deal  
    $145
    See deal  

    Best KEEN hiking shoes for summer

    Military Olive/Ombre
    KEEN NXIS Speed
    84
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    With its feather-like build and ultra-plush confines, it's safe to say that there's no more appropriate name for the NXIS Speed than what it's been given. Described by a reviewer as "a good-looking, if an unusual shoe," this kick from KEEN gives each step extra tenacity and vigor, translating to extended rides with nimbleness in tow. And when it comes to forefoot roominess, trail-goers flock to it like bees around honey.

    Pros

    • Top-level comfort
    • Immensely breathable
    • Sticks to various terrain
    • Quite lightweight
    • Incredible support
    • Relaxed forefoot fit
    • Greatly flexible
    • Locks the heel in place

    Cons

    • Its lengthy laces can drag
    • Unruly shoestrings
    Full review of KEEN NXIS Speed

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Scarlet Ibis/Ombre (1027196)
    Canteen Brindle (1026115)
    Black/Vapor (1026114)
    Military Olive/Ombre (1027195)
    Steel Grey/Evening Primrose (1026113)
    Bright Cobalt/Vapor (1026116)
    $82
    See deal  
    $108
    See deal  
    $124
    See deal  
    $135
    See deal  
    $135
    See deal  
    $145
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 3 best KEEN hiking shoes

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    Best
    CoreScore
    Users rating
    Experts
    Best price
    Ranking
    Popularity
    # of colorways

    How we test hiking shoes

    Our selection process is a straightforward one. The points below make up our professional approach.

    • We buy KEEN hiking shoes with our own money. This way, we can make 100% unbiased reviews.
    • We put every KEEN hiker to the test. We hike in each kick for days, testing every pair on varied terrain and in changing weather conditions.
    • We turn on our technical side and take the shoes back to our lab. We get very critical of the shoe's fit, breathability, platform width, cushioning, and other characteristics by measuring and rating them using our very own calibrated tools and machines. Furthermore, we dissect the shoes to lay everything bare for us to examine.
    Author
    Paul Ronto
    Paul Ronto

    Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.

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