If you have wide feet, the Targhee IV Mid is the first boot to try. It's sturdy and protective, with a bruise plate, a big rubber toe guard and a direct-attach sole that's less likely to separate. It's heavier and bulkier than the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra, and it can feel sloppy on narrow feet.
Check price #ad About $187 on Amazon when checked Oct 22, 2026 (varies by size and color)
Key specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Upper | Leather |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane |
| Construction | Direct-attach |
| Outsole | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber |
| Footbed | Removable Luftcell |
| Protection | Bruise plate, high-abrasion rubber toe guard |
| Weight | About 1.3 lb (Amazon listing) |
| Fit | KEEN Original Fit with a roomy toe box |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Generous toe box suits wide feet
- Direct-attach build resists sole separation
- Bruise plate and toe guard for rocky trails
- Recycled laces and mesh lining
Cons
- Heavier than lighter-weight rivals
- Some owners report a short break-in
- Can feel too roomy for narrow feet
- Bulky look
Overview
The Targhee is KEEN's long-running classic hiker, and the fourth version leans into protection and durability. It's best known for KEEN's roomy fit, which is why it's so often recommended to hikers with wide feet. The mid waterproof version adds ankle coverage and the brand's KEEN.DRY membrane.
This review is research-based. We compared KEEN's specs, expert reviews and owner reviews from Amazon and other retailers. ShadeTrek did not test the boot.
Design and construction
The Targhee IV uses a leather upper with a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane. Its direct-attach construction bonds the midsole to the upper, which KEEN says reduces the chance of the sole peeling away over time. That's a meaningful detail, since sole separation is a common failure point on cheaper boots.
Protection is the theme. A bruise plate under the forefoot shields your foot from sharp rocks, and the large high-abrasion rubber toe guard, a KEEN trademark, protects against stubbed toes and scrapes. The removable Luftcell footbed provides cushioning and can be replaced with your own insole.
Traction
The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN outsole is designed for mixed trail conditions, with lugs aimed at mud and rock. Reviewers generally describe the grip as reliable on typical day-hike terrain. It isn't a specialist rock shoe, but it suits the boot's sturdy, all-weather focus.
Fit and comfort
Fit is the main reason people buy this boot. KEEN's Original Fit has a wide, rounded toe box that lets toes spread, which owners with wide feet, bunions or swelling on long days often appreciate. The flip side is that hikers with narrow feet can feel their foot moving around. Compared with the Moab 3, the Targhee feels sturdier and more planted, but also heavier at about 1.3 lb per boot according to the Amazon listing.
Some owners mention a short break-in period, which is typical for a leather boot. See our guide to breaking in hiking boots.
Waterproofing and warmth
KEEN.DRY keeps out puddles and rain in most owner reports. As with any waterproof boot, it runs warmer than a non-waterproof shoe, which is a plus in fall and spring and a drawback on hot summer trails.
Care tips
Brush off mud after hikes, let the boots air-dry away from direct heat, and treat the leather periodically with a product suited to waterproof leather boots so the upper keeps shedding water. Removing the footbed to dry speeds things up after wet hikes.
Who it's for
Hikers with wide feet or bunions, anyone who wants a protective boot for rocky ground and cool, wet conditions, and people who like a stable, planted feel.
Who should skip it
Hikers with narrow feet, people who want a lightweight boot for fast hiking, and hot-weather hikers who'd be better off in a breathable shoe.
What owners say
On Amazon the boot holds a strong average (4.4 stars from over 1,000 ratings when we checked on Oct 22, 2026). Common themes in owner reviews:
- Wide fit: the most frequent praise, especially from owners who struggle with other brands.
- Sturdiness: owners describe it as solid and protective on rocky trails.
- Waterproofing: generally positive.
- Weight and bulk: the most common trade-off mentioned.
- Break-in: some say it needed a few wears to soften, while others found it comfortable right away.
Alternatives
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP: lighter-feeling and cushioned, also sold in wide. Read our review.
- Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX: much lighter and more agile, though narrower in regular width.
- KEEN Targhee IV Waterproof hiking shoe: the same roomy fit in a low-cut shoe.
- Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II WP: a budget waterproof boot.
Bottom line
If you have wide feet, the Targhee IV Mid is the first boot to try. It's sturdy and protective, with a bruise plate, a big rubber toe guard and a direct-attach sole that's less likely to separate. It's heavier and bulkier than the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra, and it can feel sloppy on narrow feet.
Check price #ad About $187 on Amazon when checked Oct 22, 2026 (varies by size and color)
FAQ
Is the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof worth it?
If you have wide feet, the Targhee IV Mid is the first boot to try.
Who should buy the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof?
Hikers with wide feet or bunions, anyone who wants a protective boot for rocky ground and cool, wet conditions, and people who like a stable, planted feel.
Who should skip the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof?
Hikers with narrow feet, people who want a lightweight boot for fast hiking, and hot-weather hikers who'd be better off in a breathable shoe.
What are the downsides of the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof?
Heavier than lighter-weight rivals; Some owners report a short break-in; Can feel too roomy for narrow feet; Bulky look.
Did ShadeTrek test this product?
No. This review is research-based, using manufacturer specs, expert guidance and owner reviews.
Sources
This review is research-based. ShadeTrek has not tested this product; our score and summary come from manufacturer specs, expert guidance and owner reviews on Amazon and other retailers. Owner themes are summarized, not quoted. Prices and ratings change; the Amazon link is an affiliate link (#ad).