Our verdict
Pros
- Lightweight
- Excellent ankle support
- Offers comfortable feel
- Flexible
- Budget-friendly price
- Laudable warmth
- Excellent grip on various terrain
- Short to zero break-in period
- Commendable toe cap
Cons
- Unsatisfactory waterproofing
- Lack of breathability
- Restrictive fit
- Poor quality
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Who should buy the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Those who are looking for light and flexible KEEN hiking gear may consider checking out this product. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a hiking boot that offers abrasion protection and durability.
- Prefer a hiking boot that keeps the feet odour-free.
- Prefer a hiking boot that prevents slippage.
Updates to :name
- KEEN’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid has a more streamlined overall look than its predecessor. Its mid-cut collar has a snappier design compared with the previous one’s rounded profile.
- New in this version are leather mud shields. Unlike other KEEN Targhee hikers, these have leather overlays that run across the upper, giving the boot improved durability and abrasion protection.
- Keeping the wearer’s feet odour-free is the Cleansport NXT. This technology was not part of the Targhee II Waterproof Mid.
- It inherits the ESS shank that the previous iteration had. That said, the Targhee III Waterproof Mid comes equipped with an additional internal shank which its older brother lacked.
Size and fit
The KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid is an over-the-ankle, fairly true-to-size hiking boot for men and women. Its sizing options include a number of full and half sizes. Widths include regular and wide for men and regular for women.
The boot’s closure system enabled us to customise the fit. It works with an injected TPU heel-capture system which includes ankle-hugging lace loops. When we tighten the fit, it securely holds our heels in place, preventing slippage. A fit tip from the brand: KEEN products have a wide fit. However, women who like a more spacious interior, they suggest getting two sizes down from their usual on men’s shoes.
Adequate surface traction
We are impressed by how KEEN’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid supplied us with adequate surface traction through its All-Terrain rubber outsole. Its 4-millimetre lugs are formed into a geometry that allows for a multi-directional grip.
Rigid heel and forefoot tip
Its ridged heel and forefoot tip granted us more control while tackling challenging inclines and slippery slopes.
Supportive and stable cushioning
The Targhee III Waterproof Mid has a compression-moulded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole, providing both support and balance. Its dual-density construction offers a more persistent kind of stability, especially useful during transitions. We found that the midsole was embedded with two types of shanks, an internal shank, and a lightweight ESS shank, granting extra medial support.
Excellent arch support
Contributing to the amount of comfort that the midsole provides is the boot’s metatomical footbed. This removable dual-density insole offered us additional arch support besides extra cushioning underfoot.
Breathable and waterproof
The Targhee III Waterproof Mid owes its brawny looks to its part waterproof leather, part breathable mesh upper. Its equally breathable mesh liner is imbued with KEEN’s very own waterproofing technology, the KEEN.Dry. We discovered that this membrane expels moisture out and allows the foot to breathe.
Provides protection from bumpy and abrasive hazards
A sturdy toe cap called KEEN Protect (also found in other products like the Newport H2 and the breathable KEEN Voyageur shoe) is at the forefront of the boot’s upper. This yet another company-exclusive tech shields the forefoot from bumpy and abrasive hazards. Both of the upper sides have leather overlays (mud shields) which we realised further reinforce the boot and give it extra scuff protection.
Easy to wear
We found its lacing system fairly standard with its synthetic laces and combination eyelets. It, however, allowed us to quickly configure the top laces as the closure system’s top eyelets are easy-access open hooks. We loved that it has a generous heel strap which gave us convenience on and off.
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid care and maintenance
Generally, it is recommended to use a soft-bristled brush or a hand towel to remove loose dirt. For stain removal, we learned that a gum eraser can help. Gently rub it in a circular motion on the affected area. Brush lightly afterward. To eliminate stubborn stains, mix water, and a little vinegar on a slightly wet cloth. This process may cause discoloration.
In taking care of the boot’s leather, KEEN recommends applying a leather cleaner and conditioner. Footbeds are advised to be washed manually using a soft cloth and light detergent. Let it air dry and never expose it to extreme heat to facilitate drying. Also, machine washing is not recommended.
In case of persistent odour, we suggest rubbing some tea tree essential oil on the lining of the upper. Apply on the footbed too. There are also powders available that can be applied directly to the shoe after use. If the insole of the shoe is not removable, hand wash its interior using a gentle cleaning agent.
When the boot is not used regularly, it may cause the adhesive used in the outsole to dry and crack. This results in delamination (separation of the sole). If this happens, KEEN recommends using “barge cement.” It is a flexible and waterproof type of marine adhesive.
