Males’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Evaluate

Backside Line

The KEEN Targhee IV WPs are a crowd-pleaser with regards to traction, a roomy toe field, a safe lacing system, and total stability. These traditional leather-based kicks are excellent for rugged, technical backcountry situations and supply a number of the finest waterproofing of any of the high males’s mountaineering sneakers we examined, making them excellent 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 sneakers we attain for.

Nonetheless, they’re heavier than some options, have stiff soles, and require an extended break-in interval. Our group 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 building may cause them to run scorching in heat situations. These sneakers are finest suited to hikers in search of sturdy, comfy, and steady footwear for difficult trails.

Consolation

The KEEN Targhee IV WP mountaineering sneakers are comfy it doesn’t matter what your foot form or dimension. 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 cosy match to forestall 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 take in shock on robust trails. And, an outsized, protecting toe cap and burly heel cup maintain your ft safe and protected from potential hazards on path to maintain you feeling comfy in the course of the lengthy haul.

Sadly, the leather-based building requires an extended break-in interval, so that you’ll have to funds round 20-25 miles to melt the sneakers 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 situations, so that you’ll wish to save these for cooler hikes beneath 75°F.

Traction

Should you’re on the lookout for critically sticky traction, the KEEN Targhee IVs are an superior alternative. Their multi-directional lug sample reliably grips on nearly any dry floor you’ll encounter on path, together with gravel, grime, and rocks. The lugs, though shallow and huge, really feel steady and sturdy, and a large outsole will make you are feeling assured and scale back the danger of slips and falls in blended path situations.

On the draw back, the Targhee IV’s traction excels in dry, rocky, and different terrains however falls brief in constantly 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 situations or on slick roots and rocks.

Weight

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

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

Nonetheless, in comparison with lighter sneakers, 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 on the lookout for featherlight footwear for velocity or diminished pressure on joints and muscle tissues, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate lighter sneakers or path runners as a substitute.

Sturdiness

These sneakers are the most effective of the most effective with regards to 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 sturdy as they did at mile 20. With sturdy all-leather uppers that supply 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 sluggish to put on down and the rubber composite performs admirably even after dozens of rocky trails and boulder area crossings. And, for the reason that toe cap is fused to the shoe – not glued – the rubber doesn’t delaminate over time, and can simply endure tons of of miles in brutal backcountry environments kicking rocks, bashing via 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 sneakers have an extended lifespan than most mountaineering sneakers we’ve examined – as much as 500-600 miles – however they could be a bit sluggish 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 situations within the fall, spring, and even gentle winter situations, the KEEN Targhee IVs are a no brainer. Their waterproof building and leather-based uppers successfully maintain water out whether or not it’s rain, puddles, or stream crossings, so your ft will keep bone dry and comfy on the path. The leather-based uppers, mixed with beneficiant padding, additionally imply they are going to maintain your ft feeling heat when the temperatures are cooler. The sneakers’ potential to repel moisture and retain a bit of heat makes them über versatile throughout totally different seasons and terrain.

The trade-off is these sneakers usually are not very breathable, in order that they aren’t our favorites in scorching summer time climate. The waterproof membrane restricts airflow, which may result in sweaty ft and the potential for blisters and scorching 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 need a reliable, roomy, and sturdy shoe for difficult and soggy backcountry situations. With glorious traction, a safe lacing system, and a roomy toe field, these sneakers supply unparalleled consolation and stability for lengthy hikes in rain, snow, and dirt. They excel on gnarly trails, cooler climate, and shorter adventures, making them an important alternative for hikers who prioritize sturdiness and assist over light-weight flexibility. 

Nonetheless, their heavier weight and longer break-in interval could not swimsuit of us in search of ultra-lightweight or extremely breathable footwear. The waterproofing could be very efficient, however can simply result in overheating in hotter situations. Should you want a long-lasting, supportive shoe for rugged terrain and cooler climates, the KEEN Targhee IV is a high choose.

What Different Mountaineering Footwear Ought to You Think about?

Merrell Moab 3 Evaluate: The Merrell Moab is a good different with its equally traditional aesthetic, reliable traction, and roomy match. Nonetheless, 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 Evaluate: The HOKA Anacapa shares the Targhee IV’s glorious assist and waterproofing. Nonetheless, that is the proper shoe to contemplate if you would like a lighter pair with thicker foam within the midsole, with a a lot cushier and responsive experience for long-distance hikes and rocky trails.

La Sportiva Spire GTX Evaluate: The La Sportiva Spire GTX additionally provides very good traction and sturdiness akin to the Targhee IV. Nonetheless, 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.