Some might say the ideal hiking boot is one you don’t think about. Just a piece of gear. A tool used to reach an overlook or summit.
Here at KEEN, we think that boots are more than that. A hiking boot is your connection to the outdoors. A means of getting out there, savoring the trail, enjoying this big beautiful ball we call planet Earth.
Sure, when you’re wearing any of our men's, women's, or kids' Targhee boots, you’re likely not thinking about them (they’re so comfortable, why would you?). But after you get home following a long day on the trail, your thoughts may start to drift to your boots. Why? Because looking at those well-worn, mud-splattered boots by the back door, it's hard not to feel a tug of gratitude. And that’s what Targhee boots are all about.
Back in 2005, when the very first Targhee boot jumped off the drawing board and onto the trail, fans and their feet took notice. Out-of-the-box comfort, paired with some serious durability and trail performance. How could something so comfortable be so rugged? It’s not every day that a boot comes along that’s agile enough to make steep terrain more manageable yet rugged enough to stand up to miles of loose, sharp shale. But for new and experienced hikers alike, Targhee boots encourage people to push their limits, explore like they never imagined, and in some cases create music on mountain tops.
It could be the iconic room-for-your-toes Targhee fit and all-day-on-the-trail comfort. Or it could be the durable outsole built with multi-directional lugs for rugged traction. Our hunch, however, is that it’s more than just one awesome feature alone. Each Targhee boot has its own set of unique ingredients, a recipe designed to create boots and shoes perfectly suited for specific purposes and terrain. This is the Targhee boot secret.
TARGHEE II: THE CLASSIC HIKER
Perfect weather, surprise storm, or washed-out trail. The Targhee II boots for men and women can handle it. Grippy lugs add traction when you need it (which is pretty much always, right?) and the KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps your socks nice and dry without PFAS so that you don’t even need to pack a backup pair.
Fit tip: The Targhee II boot comes in our standard iconic Targhee fit and a wide version for those feet that need a little more room. No matter which pair you go with, the contoured heel lock system lets you adjust the heel so you can find that perfect level of stability and control as you descend the steeps.
TARGHEE III: OUR ICONIC HIKER GOES SLEEKER
Our men’s and women’s Targhee III boots have all the trail-hugging traction and KEEN.DRY waterproof goodness of our Targhee II boot, but with a slightly sleeker outsole and a more casual fit. What does that mean for your feet? It means it fits more like a sneaker, with a KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole that lets you feel the trail. No need to drive to the trailhead in different shoes, you’ll be able to feel the pedals no problem!
Fit tip: If you’re looking for a more traditional fit, you may prefer the Targhee II. Compared to the Targhee III, it has a slightly elevated heel more like a classic hiker.
TARGHEE IV: OUR MOST DURABLE TARGHEE YET
Targhee IV takes everything fans love about Targhee, and makes that love last longer. With a fit that feels more like Targhee II, our newest Targhee style might just be the last hiking boot you buy. Because we built it to last with KEEN.FUSION construction for zero sole separation (backed by our Lifetime Delamination-Free Guarantee), compression-resistant cushioning, and an abrasion-resistant outsole for long-lasting traction. Targhee IV is ready for miles and miles, and more miles, of hiking joy.
TARGHEE VENTED: THE WARM-WEATHER HIKER
Some like it hot and some like it just a bit warmer than we typically see here in the Pacific Northwest. Regardless of if you’re hiking through the Grand Canyon or spending a late summer day exploring the Columbia River Gorge, a little extra ventilation can go a long way. That’s why we made vented versions of the Targhee for men and women. With the same out-of-the-box comfort and reliable traction as waterproof Targhee boots, the vented versions add mesh vents to the upper creating a breathable design that keeps the air flowing.
TARGHEE HIGH LACE: THE WINTER HIKER
Backpacking, trail building, snowshoeing, or even accidental post-holing (you’ve got to get to that connector trail somehow!), the Men’s Targhee High Lace boot can’t get enough. Built on a KEEN.FREEZE rubber outsole designed for cold-weather conditions, this rugged high-top boot keeps your toes toasty and dry with lightweight KEEN.WARM insulation and a waterproof, breathable KEEN.DRY membrane. One of our favorite things about the Targhee High Boot? They are like the chameleon of footwear. They fit right in on the trail or strolling the winter light show.
Whether you’re planning to backpack in the Canadian Rockies or just hoping to get the whole family out into nature this weekend, our Targhee boot collection gives you the support, durability, and comfortable fit you’ll need.
Here are some of our favorite Targhee adventures you've shared with us over the years:
- 22 miles up and down Half Dome
- Cleaning up National Parks in Utah
- 60 hikes to 60 years
- Making music on mountains
- 3 generations in the Grand Canyon
