Review KEEN Targhee III – Practical Hiking Performance Price $130

Between juggling work deadlines and weekend hiking plans, I was researching reliable waterproof shoes when the KEEN Targhee III kept appearing in women’s hiking forums. Sarah here, and after my old hiking shoes failed spectacularly during a muddy trail adventure, I was curious about whether this popular model could actually deliver the durability and comfort that busy, active women need. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting these through every real-world scenario I could think of. Here’s the honest truth about whether they’re worth your investment.

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, the Targhee III feels substantial without being clunky. The waterproof leather upper has that classic KEEN look – not the most fashionable, but definitely built for business. I appreciate that they’ve maintained their signature wide toe box, which immediately felt comfortable for my moderately wide feet. The construction quality initially impressed me, with solid stitching and that reassuring KEEN rubber toe bumper that’s saved my toes countless times.

The lacing system works well, though I noticed the tongue can be quite stiff initially – it takes a few wears to break in properly. I love that the padded collar provides good ankle comfort without being too high, perfect for those days when I transition from trail hiking to running errands around town.

Trail Performance & Comfort Experience

My first serious test was a 6-mile hike through the Pacific Northwest’s notoriously muddy trails. The KEEN ALL-TERRAIN outsole delivered excellent traction on both wet rocks and slippery roots – I felt confident and planted throughout the entire hike. The waterproofing initially performed beautifully; even after stepping through several puddles and dealing with morning dew, my feet stayed completely dry.

The comfort level was impressive for the first few months. With the removable metatomical footbed, I got decent arch support, though women with high arches might want to consider adding their own orthotics. During longer hiking days (8+ hours), I noticed the EVA midsole provided adequate cushioning, though it’s definitely firmer than some of the newer hiking shoe technologies on the market.

Real-World Durability Testing

Here’s where I need to be completely honest with you all – and this is the most important part of this review. After about 6 weeks of regular use (not even intensive hiking, just daily wear for dog walks, errands, and weekend trails), I started noticing the issue that many other women have reported: cracking where the sole meets the upper leather.

This is absolutely the biggest concern with these shoes. Based on customer feedback and my own experience, this cracking issue affects a significant number of pairs, usually appearing within 2-8 weeks of purchase. It’s particularly frustrating because when these shoes work properly, they’re genuinely comfortable and functional.

Performance in Various Hiking Conditions

Before the durability issues emerged, I tested these shoes across multiple scenarios that matter for active women:

Wet Weather Performance: The KEEN.DRY membrane initially works well. During early morning hikes with heavy dew and light rain, my feet stayed dry for the first several weeks. However, once any cracking appears, waterproofing is compromised.

Rocky Terrain: The toe protection is genuinely excellent – I accidentally kicked several rocks and barely felt the impact. The stability features work well on uneven surfaces, giving confidence during technical sections.

Muddy Conditions: Traction is solid in mud and loose dirt. The tread pattern clears well and provides good grip, though they’re not as aggressive as some dedicated hiking boots.

Daily Versatility: These transition reasonably well from trail to town, though they’re definitely more functional than fashionable. Perfect for those days when you’re hiking in the morning and running errands in the afternoon.

Does KEEN Deliver on Their Promises?

Let’s examine KEEN’s key marketing claims against real-world performance:

“KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry all day long” – Initially true, but only until construction defects appear. The membrane itself seems effective when the shoe integrity is maintained.

“Durable waterproof leather” – This is where reality diverges from marketing. While the leather quality appears good initially, the bonding between materials seems problematic in recent production runs.

“Award-winning Targhee waterproof boot performance” – The classic Targhee design elements are present, but quality control issues significantly impact the legendary durability KEEN built its reputation on.

“KEEN Original Fit gives generous space for toes” – This claim holds up completely. The toe box remains one of the best features, accommodating various foot shapes comfortably.

My Overall Assessment

Detailed Scoring

What Other Active Women Are Saying

The customer feedback tells a consistent story: women love the comfort and fit when these shoes work properly, but are frustrated by quality control issues. Common themes include:

Positive feedback: “Most comfortable hiking shoes ever,” “Perfect toe box for wide feet,” “No break-in needed,” “Great for PNW weather”

Concerning patterns: “Cracking after 8 weeks,” “Not like the old KEEN quality,” “Disappointing durability for the price,” “Had to return multiple pairs”

Many longtime KEEN customers express disappointment that the brand seems to have moved away from the legendary durability that built their reputation.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the KEEN Targhee III?

Consider these if you:

• Have wide feet and struggle to find comfortable hiking shoes
• Need immediate comfort without break-in period
• Plan to use primarily for light hiking and daily activities
• Can purchase from retailers with good return policies
• Are willing to gamble on getting a good pair

Look elsewhere if you:

• Want reliable long-term durability
• Need shoes for intensive hiking or work use
• Expect premium quality for premium pricing
• Can’t afford to replace shoes within a few months
• Want consistent quality control

Better Options for Specific Needs

For better durability: Consider Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 3 – both offer more consistent quality control.

For wide feet: Altra Lone Peak or New Balance Fresh Foam hiking shoes provide excellent toe box space with better durability records.

For waterproofing reliability: Danner Trail 2650 or Vasque Breeze offer more dependable weather protection.

Final Recommendation

The KEEN Targhee III represents a frustrating case of good design undermined by quality control issues. While the comfort, fit, and initial performance are genuinely impressive, the widespread durability problems make these difficult to recommend at the current price point.

If you do decide to try these, I strongly recommend purchasing from a retailer with an excellent return policy and being prepared to potentially exchange them. The shoes work well when they work, but the risk of getting a defective pair is currently too high for the premium price.

For most active women, I’d suggest looking at alternatives until KEEN addresses these quality control issues. The hiking shoe market has many excellent options that offer better reliability for your hard-earned money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do KEEN Targhee III run true to size?

Generally yes, but many women recommend going down 1/2 size for a more secure fit. The toe box runs generous, so you may have extra room if you stick with your normal size.

How long do these shoes typically last?

This varies significantly due to quality control issues. Some users report excellent durability over 2+ years, while others experience cracking within 2-8 weeks. Unfortunately, longevity is inconsistent in recent production runs.

Are they suitable for wide feet?

Absolutely! The wide toe box is one of the standout features. Women with wide feet consistently praise the comfortable fit and generous space.

How waterproof are they really?

When construction is sound, the KEEN.DRY membrane works well for puddles, light rain, and dewy conditions. However, any cracking compromises waterproofing immediately.

Can I use them for daily activities or just hiking?

They’re versatile enough for daily wear, outdoor work, dog walking, and light hiking. The styling is more functional than fashionable, but they work well for active lifestyles.

What about arch support?

The removable footbed provides moderate arch support. Women with high arches or specific foot issues may want to add custom orthotics for optimal comfort.

Should I buy them despite the cracking issues?

Only if you can purchase from a retailer with an excellent return policy and you’re prepared to potentially exchange them. The risk-to-reward ratio is currently unfavorable at full price.

How do they compare to older KEEN models?

Many longtime KEEN customers report that quality has declined compared to earlier Targhee models. The classic design elements remain, but construction consistency has become problematic.

Comprehensive Scoring Summary