KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes Review
The KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes in Steel Grey/Captains Blue have gained popularity among outdoor enthusiasts for their mix of comfort, durability, and performance. Designed to withstand various terrains while keeping your feet dry, these shoes are built for both the casual hiker and the serious adventurer.
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Features
- Waterproof & Protection: Equipped with KEEN.DRY breathable membrane to keep moisture at bay and let vapor escape.
- Material & Consciously Created: Crafted from durable premium leather and breathable performance mesh, along with an environmentally friendly DWR finish.
- Traction: Features KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber for superior grip on muddy and rocky surfaces, supported by 4mm multi-directional lugs.
- Support & Comfort: A mid-cut height plus heel cradle provides excellent stability; removable footbed ensures proper arch support.
- Fit & Care: KEEN Original Fit allows ample space for toes, with easy maintenance tips for keeping the shoes clean.
Pros
- Highly waterproof, keeping feet dry even in wet conditions.
- Excellent traction on diverse terrains.
- Comfortable cushioning for extended wear.
- Durable materials ensure longevity.
- Generous toe box for added comfort.
Cons
- May take some time to break in.
- Not as lightweight as some competitors.
- Price point may be higher compared to basic hiking shoes.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | KEEN Men's Targhee 3 | Merrell Moab 2 | Salomon X Ultra 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction | High | Moderate | High |
| Cushioning | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Weight | Moderate | Lightweight | Lightweight |
| Price Range | Mid-High | Mid | Mid-High |
Detailed Review
The KEEN Men's Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes truly stand out in terms of waterproofing and protection. The KEEN.DRY technology effectively keeps your feet dry during rainy hikes or when traversing through puddles. This is a crucial feature that many hikers look for, and the Targhee 3 excels in this area.
When it comes to material quality, the blend of premium leather and breathable mesh proves to be both durable and comfortable. You can expect to wear these shoes on various trails without worrying about wear and tear. Moreover, the environmentally friendly DWR treatment further adds to the shoe’s lifespan by preventing leather drying.
Traction is another strong point of this model. With the KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole featuring 4mm multi-directional lugs, you’ll notice enhanced grip on slippery rocks and muddy paths alike. If you often hike in unpredictable weather, this robust traction system will serve you well.
In terms of support and comfort, the mid-cut design offers good ankle support, which is particularly beneficial on uneven trails. The removable footbed is a nice touch, allowing customization based on your comfort needs. Although some users report a break-in period, the resilient cushioning quickly adapts to your feet for lasting comfort.
Care is relatively simple; just brush off dirt and use a leather cleaner for stubborn stains. Overall, the KEEN Men's Targhee 3 is a solid choice for anyone looking for reliable hiking shoes that do not compromise on comfort or durability.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | 5/5 | Exceptional waterproof capabilities. |
| Comfort | 4/5 | Great cushioning but may require a break-in period. |
| Traction | 5/5 | Outstanding grip on various terrains. |
| Durability | 4/5 | Built to last with high-quality materials. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Good investment for avid hikers. |
User Reviews
Love these Keen shoes. I've had several pairs, they all wear well and last a long time.
Honestly, I did not know the name "Keen" for hiking boots/shoes until I got these. I was a bit nervous buying shoes I have not known from the 45+ years I have been hiking, and just walking around the village where I live. But in my opinion, these are excellent hiking shoes for all occasions. Just to wear around in a casual way they are very comfortable and look like extremely well-made shoes. For actual hiking of 5+ mile day-hikes, they are great too. Great soles for traction and stability, and I really have nothing bad to say about them. They look great, they feel great, and they perform great on the city streets and in the woods. What more do you want, you know? So even though I had never heard the name "Keen" before, I am very happy I decided to give them a try. If you get a pair, I think you will love them too. A slight "break-in-period", as with every pair of hiking shoes/boots I have ever had. That, for me, was about three, hour-and-a-half walks. Then they felt perfect, and hopefully will for years to come. I think you will be equally happy with them. I've had all different makes and models of boots over my decades of hiking, and these are as good as any of them. In my opinion they are well worth giving a try. Jim W.
Fit true to size. Excellent quality that Keen always delivers. Probably the second best footbed in shoes, (Chaco is the absolute best - I only wish they still made a more wide variety of casual and hiking shoes).
Comfortable & supportive
This is my second pair of these shoes. My first pair was so comfortable, very durable and completely waterproof. I didn’t hesitate to buy the exact same shoe for a replacement.
Very comfortable. Wear daily
This is my second pair. The first pair lasted two years having been worn almost daily.
Great look, great arch support. These are really well built shoe. I work on a concrete floor 40 hrs a week, and these shoes are the best thing I’ve found.