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This is my Keen Targhee 4 Waterproof review. These boots have a rugged, yet flexible design and have an internal waterproof liner. The outsole features multi-directional lugs and is a Keen rugged outsole, which is designed to last longer than normal rubber outsoles. Very comfortable to wear, I ordered my normal sizing and they fit true to size.
These are Keen’s most popular hiking boots:
- Keen Voyageur Hiking Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Targhee 3 Hiking Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Targhee 4 Hiking Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Pyrenees Hiking Boots (click here to view)
- Keen Circadia Hiking Boots (click here to view)
Below you can watch my review video of me wearing these Keen Targhee 4 Waterproof boots and explaining why I like them.
If you like the video, please subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking the button just below this paragraph. Thanks!
Keen Targhee 4 Waterproof Review
Support and Flexibility
These are the Keen Targhee 4 men’s hiking boots. These boots are very supportive back near the heel of the shoe but offer a lot of flexibility near the front of the shoe. This makes them easy to move around in while still providing that heel-side stability and support.
At the top of the page you can watch my review video where I demonstrate how flexible these are.
Waterproof Design
Yes, these are waterproof boots, meaning they do have an internal waterproof membrane.
If you are unfamiliar with how these waterproof membranes work, they are sewn onto the inside of the boot and act as a barrier. They have tiny microscopic holes that are so small they hold out water, but vapor can still escape, which allows your foot to breathe.
Gusseted Tongue
The tongue is gusseted—I tried to show that in my review video at the top of the page. This is done so the waterproof membrane can be wrapped along the tongue.
This gusseted tongue not only helps hold out water, it also holds out small debris like rocks from slipping down inside your work boot. It also helps keep the tongue from slipping to the right or to the left.
KEEN.FUSION Construction
One thing that is really cool about these boots is they use what they call Keen Fusion to attach the upper part of the boot to the lower. Other companies will use glues that often delaminate and separate over time, and this Keen Fusion process creates a longer-lasting bond without using glues or solvents.
Toe and Outsole
These are soft-toe boots, but they do have the rubber toe bumper, which helps protect the front of the shoe. This is helpful if you are hiking rugged terrain.
They also use the Keen rugged outsole. This outsole technology is pretty cool because it is designed to be twice as abrasion-resistant as normal rubber. What this basically means is it helps the outsole retain its proper lug depth for longer compared to a normal rubber outsole.
They also feature non-marking, multi-directional lugs for increased traction.
My Sizing Advice
At the top of the page in my review video I tried to show how these boots react on my foot. There is air-injected cushioning under the heel, and it creates a soft, cushioned feel as I move in these boots.
I ordered my normal sizing, and I do not have any heel slippage, and my toes do not feel crowded, so normal sizing worked best for me. They use what Keen calls an original fit design, which has extra space across the forefoot for a slightly roomier fit.
There is thick, comfortable padding around the collar and tongue area, and I can feel that cushioning against my ankle when I lace these tight. They do have an upper speed hooking, which creates a wide opening and makes it easy to slip these on and off.
Features Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 20.11oz / 570g |
| Shaft Height | 5.12in / 130mm |
| Heel Height | 1.1in / 28mm |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0.47in / 12mm |
| Original Fit | Generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay |
| Padding | Thick padding on the tongue and collar |
| Midsole | Direct-attach, air-injected Luftcell midsole for long-lasting cushioning |
| Insole | Removable Luftcell air-injected insole |
| Outsole | Abrasion-resistant KEEN.RUGGED outsole with multi-directional lugs |
| Waterproof Membrane | Blocks water while allowing feet to breathe |
| Upper Material | Premium nubuck leather |
| Laces | 100% recycled plastic |
| Eco-Friendly Construction | KEEN.FUSION process eliminates glue for durability and sustainability |