KEEN Women’s Targhee II Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review – Trail-Tested Comfort at $130

Last Tuesday morning, watching the weather forecast predict another week of Pacific Northwest drizzle, I found myself staring at my soggy sneakers from the previous day’s school pickup. Sarah here, and between work deadlines, family obligations, and my weekend hiking group, I needed shoes that could handle everything from muddy trails to wet grocery store parking lots. That’s when my hiking buddy mentioned the KEEN Women’s Targhee II Waterproof – claiming they’d been her go-to for three years. 8 weeks of real-world testing later, here’s whether these $130 hiking shoes live up to their reputation.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $130 ()
• ⚖️ Weight: 12.6 oz (women’s size 8)
• 🔧 Waterproof Technology: KEEN.DRY breathable membrane
• 👟 Upper Material: Durable waterproof leather and textile
• 🥾 Outsole: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber with 4mm lugs
• 🦶 Category: Low-height waterproof hiking shoe
• 🎯 Best for: Day hikes, wet weather walking, outdoor activities
• 📏 Fit: KEEN Original Fit with roomy toe box
• ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 35+ miles of trails, daily wear

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, the Targhee II struck me as a shoe that means business. The Magnet/Coral colorway is more sophisticated than I expected – the dark gray base with coral accents feels modern without being flashy. The leather upper has that substantial feel that tells you it’s built to last, though I did notice some minor glue residue around the sole edges on my pair.

Upper Construction & First Impressions

The first thing that hit me was how instantly comfortable these felt. Unlike my previous hiking shoes that needed weeks of break-in, I could tell immediately that my feet were going to be happy. The padded tongue and collar cradle your foot without creating pressure points, and that famous KEEN toe box? It’s everything women with wider feet have been hoping for.

The lacing system uses traditional round laces through metal eyelets – nothing fancy, but functional. I did find that the laces have a tendency to loosen during longer walks, which several other women in my hiking group mentioned as well. The solution seems to be double-knotting or using the tongue loop to create additional tension.

Waterproof Performance & Breathability

This is where the Targhee II really shines. I’ve tested these through Seattle winter rain, creek crossings during weekend hikes, and that inevitable puddle jump when you’re running late for school pickup. The KEEN.DRY membrane has kept my feet completely dry in every scenario except when water came over the collar during a particularly ambitious stream crossing.

What impressed me most was the breathability. My feet don’t get that swampy feeling that plagued my previous waterproof shoes, even during our group’s more challenging 8-mile hikes. The membrane truly seems to let moisture vapor escape while keeping water out.

Comfort & Support Experience

Here’s where I need to be completely honest about both the strengths and the significant weakness of these shoes. The comfort level is exceptional – I can wear these for 12+ hour days without foot fatigue. The removable metatomical footbed provides solid arch support, and the wider toe box means my toes never feel cramped even with thicker hiking socks.

However, there’s one major issue that I can’t ignore: heel slippage. Despite trying multiple lacing techniques, adding heel grips, and even sizing down a half size, my heel lifts slightly with each step. It’s not enough to cause blisters during most activities, but it’s noticeable and somewhat annoying on longer hikes. This seems to be a common experience based on what other women have shared – it’s like KEEN nailed the front of the shoe but didn’t quite get the heel geometry right for many women’s feet.

Performance in Various Trail Conditions

Traction & Stability Testing

I’ve put these shoes through their paces on Pacific Northwest trails, from muddy switchbacks to rocky scrambles. The KEEN ALL-TERRAIN outsole provides confident grip on most surfaces. The 4mm lugs bite well into soft dirt and provide good purchase on wet rocks, though I did find them slightly less confidence-inspiring on very slippery surfaces compared to some Vibram-soled competitors.

The external support shank does its job well on uneven terrain. I feel stable and planted when navigating rocky sections or crossing logs. The low-height design gives you freedom of movement while still providing enough ankle stability for most day hiking scenarios.

Weather Performance

Living in the Pacific Northwest means these shoes have been thoroughly tested in wet conditions. Through morning dew-soaked grass, afternoon rain showers, and muddy trail conditions, my feet stayed dry and comfortable. The shoes also performed well during a weekend camping trip where temperatures dropped to 35°F – no issues with the waterproof membrane even in cold, wet conditions.

Does KEEN Deliver on Their Promises?

KEEN makes some bold claims about the Targhee II, so let’s see how they hold up to real-world testing:

“Waterproof breathable membrane keeps feet dry and comfortable all day” – This one is absolutely true. The waterproofing is excellent, and breathability is better than expected for a fully waterproof shoe.

“High traction grip in muddy environments and rocky surfaces” – Mostly accurate. Good performance in mud and on dry rock, though I’d want more aggressive lugs for very wet, slippery rock.

“External Support Shank delivers balance on uneven surfaces” – Confirmed. The stability on rocky terrain is confidence-inspiring.

“Generous space for toes to spread out” – Absolutely delivers. This might be the best toe box I’ve experienced in a hiking shoe.

My Overall Assessment

Detailed Scoring by Category

Comfort (8.5/10): Exceptional out-of-the-box comfort with excellent cushioning and toe room. Points lost for heel slippage issues that affect the overall fit.

Waterproofing (9.5/10): Outstanding performance in all tested conditions. The KEEN.DRY membrane works exactly as advertised.

Traction (8/10): Good performance on most surfaces with solid grip in mud and on dry rock. Could be more aggressive for very slippery conditions.

Durability (7/10): Generally solid construction, but concerning reports of sole separation after 1-2 years of regular use. This seems to be a known issue with this model.

Value (8/10): At $130, these offer good performance for day hiking and wet weather activities, though durability concerns affect long-term value.

Style (8.5/10): The Magnet/Coral colorway is attractive and versatile. Looks good enough for casual wear around town.

What Other Women Are Saying

The feedback from other women who’ve worn these shoes is remarkably consistent. The vast majority praise the immediate comfort and waterproof performance. Many are repeat buyers who’ve owned multiple pairs over the years. However, the heel slippage issue appears in probably 60% of reviews, and sole separation problems are mentioned frequently by long-term users.

Spanish-speaking customers particularly noted “muy cómodos” (very comfortable) and “buena calidad” (good quality), though several mentioned “se despegan” (they come apart) referring to sole separation issues.

Long-Term Value Assessment

At $130, these shoes sit in the mid-range of the hiking shoe market. The comfort and waterproof performance justify the price for many users, but the durability concerns – particularly sole separation after 1-2 years – do affect the overall value proposition. If you get 2+ years of regular use, they’re a solid investment. If the sole separates after 18 months, you might feel like you didn’t get your money’s worth.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the KEEN Women’s Targhee II?

Perfect for:

• Women with wider feet who struggle to find comfortable hiking shoes
• Day hikers who prioritize comfort and waterproof protection
• Anyone living in wet climates who needs versatile outdoor footwear
• Casual hikers who want immediate comfort without break-in period
• Women who need shoes for both trails and daily activities

Consider alternatives if:

• You have narrow heels and are prone to heel slippage issues
• You’re looking for ultralight hiking shoes for long-distance trekking
• You need maximum durability for daily, intensive use
• You prefer more aggressive traction for technical terrain

Better Options for Specific Needs

If heel slippage is a deal-breaker, consider the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof which has a more secure heel cup. For lighter weight, the Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX offers similar waterproofing with better weight distribution. If you need maximum durability, Vasque Breeze LT boots have better sole attachment methods.

Final Recommendation

Despite the heel slippage and durability concerns, I’m keeping these shoes. The comfort level for daily wear and hiking is simply too good to pass up, and the waterproof performance has been outstanding. If you have wider feet or have struggled to find comfortable hiking shoes, the Targhee II might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Just be aware of the potential issues and consider sizing down a half size to minimize heel slippage.

For women who prioritize immediate comfort and don’t mind working around some fit quirks, these shoes deliver where it matters most. At $130, they’re a reasonable investment for casual to moderate hiking, especially if you live in a wet climate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do the KEEN Targhee II run true to size?

Sizing varies by individual, but many women find they need to size down a half size to minimize heel slippage. If you have wide feet, stick with your normal size. Always try them on if possible, as KEEN’s fit can vary between models.

How long do these shoes typically last?

With regular hiking use, expect 12-24 months before sole separation issues may appear. For casual wear, they can last 2-3 years. The upper materials hold up well; it’s primarily the sole attachment that fails over time.

Are these good for all-day walking?

Absolutely. Many women report wearing these for 12+ hour days without discomfort. The cushioning and arch support make them excellent for extended walking, whether on trails or around town.

How do they perform in snow?

Good for light snow and slush due to waterproofing, but the traction pattern isn’t designed for icy conditions. Consider microspikes or crampons for winter hiking.

Can I use these for backpacking?

They’re best suited for day hikes and light overnight trips. For extended backpacking, you might want something with more ankle support and a stiffer sole for carrying heavier loads.

Is the waterproofing permanent?

The KEEN.DRY membrane should remain waterproof throughout the shoe’s lifespan. However, you may need to reapply DWR (durable water repellent) treatment to the upper leather periodically to maintain water beading.

What’s the best way to address heel slippage?

Try heel grips, thicker socks, or the “heel lock” lacing technique. Some women have success threading the laces through the tongue’s loop for additional security.

Are these suitable for wide feet?

Yes! This is one of the best features of KEEN shoes. The roomy toe box and wider last make them excellent for women with wide feet who typically struggle with hiking shoe fit.

Review Scoring Summary