Males’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Assessment

Backside Line

The KEEN Targhee IV WPs are a crowd-pleaser on the subject of traction, a roomy toe field, a safe lacing system, and general stability. These basic leather-based kicks are excellent for rugged, technical backcountry circumstances and supply among the greatest waterproofing of any mountaineering footwear we examined, making them ultimate for moist trails and cooler climate. When snow is lingering, the climate forecast seems iffy, or we’re mountaineering within the shoulder seasons, the Targhee IVs are one of many first mountaineering footwear we attain for.

Nevertheless, they’re heavier than some options, have stiff soles, and require an extended break-in interval. Our staff at CleverHiker has hiked within the Targhee IVs from the Colorado backcountry in February to the Arizona desert in November, they usually’ve proved to be sturdy and supportive, although their bulk and leather-based development may cause them to run sizzling in heat circumstances. These footwear are greatest fitted to hikers searching for sturdy, snug, and steady footwear for difficult trails.

Consolation

The KEEN Targhee IV WP mountaineering footwear are snug it doesn’t matter what your foot form or measurement. We love their sturdy, pliable leather-based uppers, which mildew to your ft over time to offer a match like a glove, and the safe lacing system helps obtain a comfortable match to stop any pointless sliding or motion contained in the shoe. The Targhees additionally function a large toe field so your toes can transfer naturally and unrestricted, and also you’ll be capable to bend your forefoot simply on steep ascents and technical terrain to scale back fatigue on lengthy hikes.

Their generously cushioned insoles and midsoles supply loads of assist and soak up shock on robust trails. And, an outsized, protecting toe cap and burly heel cup preserve your ft safe and secure from potential hazards on path to maintain you feeling snug throughout the lengthy haul.

Sadly, the leather-based development requires an extended break-in interval, so that you’ll must price range round 20-25 miles to melt the footwear and attain most consolation. The Targhees are additionally on the bulkier and heavier facet, which makes them exceptionally sturdy, however the added weight can really feel cumbersome on longer treks. Though they’re waterproof, meaning the leather-based uppers are much less breathable, resulting in potential overheating in heat climate and humid circumstances, so that you’ll wish to save these for cooler hikes beneath 75°F.

Traction

Should you’re in search of severely sticky traction, the KEEN Targhee IVs are an superior selection. Their multi-directional lug sample reliably grips on virtually any dry floor you’ll encounter on path, together with gravel, filth, and rocks. The lugs, though shallow and large, really feel steady and sturdy, and a large outsole will make you are feeling assured and cut back the chance of slips and falls in combined path circumstances.

On the draw back, the Targhee IV’s traction excels in dry, rocky, and diversified terrains however falls quick in persistently moist environments. We discover the chunky lug sample is much less efficient on moist or slippery surfaces, making them really feel much less dependable in wet circumstances or on slick roots and rocks.

Weight

Regardless of their barely cumbersome aesthetic, the KEEN Targhee IV WP mountaineering footwear are impressively gentle. They strike an excellent stability in comparison with the mountaineering footwear we’ve examined, coming in at one pound, eight ounces for a pair. This weight makes them a mid-range shoe in our lineup, so that they’re an excellent possibility for shorter hikes for individuals who prioritize sturdiness and assist over ultralight development.

The explanation they’re a bit heavier is their construct: the Targhees function bombproof leather-based uppers and sturdy outsoles constituted of a sturdy rubber composite, which provides wonderful safety and stability on rugged trails. Should you prioritize longevity and luxury in your footwear, this weight is a strong compromise.

Nevertheless, in comparison with lighter footwear, the Targhee IVs can really feel heavy throughout prolonged hikes, and the extra weight will contribute to quicker fatigue over lengthy distances in addition to steep ascents and descents. Should you’re in search of featherlight footwear for velocity or diminished pressure on joints and muscular tissues, it’s possible you’ll wish to think about lighter footwear or path runners as an alternative.

Sturdiness

These footwear are the most effective of the most effective on the subject of sturdiness. Gear analyst Ian Krammer has put over 250 miles on his Targhees in distant backcountry routes excessive within the Colorado Rockies, they usually look as sharp and carry out as robust as they did at mile 20. With sturdy all-leather uppers that provide sturdy safety towards abrasions, rocks, and different path hazards, complemented by double-stitched panels alongside the outsoles, the Targhees are among the many most sturdy and longest-lasting footwear we’ve examined.

We’ve additionally discovered the stiff outsole and lugs are gradual to put on down and the rubber composite performs admirably even after dozens of rocky trails and boulder subject crossings. And, because the toe cap is fused to the shoe – not glued – the rubber doesn’t delaminate over time, and can simply endure lots of of miles in brutal backcountry environments kicking rocks, bashing by way of the forest, and navigating talus.

The draw back of burly leather-based uppers is that they require a bit extra care, together with waterproof therapy and cleansing, versus artificial textiles or all-mesh choices. And, the leather-based higher mixed with a barely stiffer sole means these footwear have an extended lifespan than most mountaineering footwear we’ve examined – as much as 500-600 miles – however they could be a bit gradual to interrupt in, and aren’t as breathable or quick-drying as artificial choices.

Climate Resistance

For folk mountaineering in cool, moist, and sudden climate circumstances within the fall, spring, and even gentle winter circumstances, the KEEN Targhee IVs are a no brainer. Their waterproof development and leather-based uppers successfully preserve water out whether or not it’s rain, puddles, or stream crossings, so your ft will keep bone dry and cozy on the path. The leather-based uppers, mixed with beneficiant padding, additionally imply they may preserve your ft feeling heat when the temperatures are cooler. The footwear’ capacity to repel moisture and retain a bit of heat makes them über versatile throughout completely different seasons and terrain.

The trade-off is these footwear should not very breathable, so that they aren’t our favorites in sizzling summer time climate. The waterproof membrane restricts airflow, which might result in sweaty ft and the potential for blisters and sizzling spots when temperatures are above 75°F, you’re mountaineering in humid climates, or heating up throughout an intense hike.

Ought to You Purchase the Eager Targhee IV WP?

The KEEN Targhee IV is ideal for hikers who desire a reliable, roomy, and sturdy shoe for difficult and soggy backcountry circumstances. With wonderful traction, a safe lacing system, and a roomy toe field, these footwear supply unparalleled consolation and stability for lengthy hikes in rain, snow, and dust. They excel on gnarly trails, cooler climate, and shorter adventures, making them an excellent selection for hikers who prioritize sturdiness and assist over light-weight flexibility. 

Nevertheless, their heavier weight and longer break-in interval might not go well with of us searching for ultra-lightweight or extremely breathable footwear. The waterproofing may be very efficient, however can simply result in overheating in hotter circumstances. Should you want a long-lasting, supportive shoe for rugged terrain and cooler climates, the KEEN Targhee IV is a prime decide.

What Different Mountain climbing Sneakers Ought to You Contemplate?

Merrell Moab 3: The Merrell Moab is a superb different with its equally basic aesthetic, reliable traction, and roomy match. Nevertheless, the Moabs supply higher breathability in each the waterproof and non-waterproof variations, making them appropriate for hotter climates, they usually supply a extra versatile midsole.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX: The HOKA Anacapa shares the Targhee IV’s wonderful assist and waterproofing. Nevertheless, that is the proper shoe to think about if you would like a lighter pair with thicker foam within the midsole, with a a lot cushier and responsive journey for long-distance hikes and rocky trails.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX additionally provides excellent traction and sturdiness akin to the Targhee IV. Nevertheless, it stands out with a Gore-Tex liner, decrease stack peak, and extra trendy aesthetic that performs like a mountaineering boot however seems like a mountaineering shoe.