Ladies’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Evaluation

Backside Line

The Eager Targhee IV WPs are a burly waterproof shoe. They’re additionally an important worth for these climbing in chilly, moist climate (the place breathability just isn’t as a lot of a priority) and for shorter day hikes slightly than intensive peak scrambles or lengthy backcountry treks.

They’re one of many bulkier and heavier pairs in our lineup of the finest girls’s climbing sneakers with restricted breathability. In addition they run very giant lengthwise – even after sizing down one full dimension, they had been nonetheless roomy all through the physique of the shoe. 

Nonetheless, these with high-volume ft will certainly respect the spaciousness of this mannequin.

How We Examined

We examined the Eager Targhee IVs on miles of off-trail terrain alongside creeks, over boulders, and thru oak woodlands in northern California. We examined them for his or her break-in interval, and breathability in addition to the lacing system. When reviewing traction and sturdiness, we put these climbing sneakers via the wringer – rock hopping throughout creeks on boulders and climbing via bushes and undergrowth. We weighed these sneakers on our kitchen scale and stomped via puddles and creeks whereas on our hikes.

Consolation

As the next quantity shoe, the Eager Targhee IVs are finest suited to somebody with wider ft. Even after sizing down a full shoe dimension, the amount within the shoe nonetheless required that she put on them with two pairs of socks. 

Nonetheless, we actually respect the lacing system which stayed tied and didn’t come free throughout testing, like another fashions in our lineup. In addition they offered first rate ankle assist with none heel slippage.

Our gear analyst, who usually goes for the extra naturally-shaped footwear with a low heel-to-drop discovered the Keens to be clunky and stiff with little floor really feel. Nonetheless, those that search extra assist from their footwear and are searching for hiking-specific sneakers (not crossover sneakers), will respect the Keens to be used on non-technical trails.  

Whereas the Keens are waterproof and maintain water from coming into your sneakers, they don’t excel at breathability. This poses no downside in case you are climbing in colder climate. Nonetheless, as we discovered when climbing in sunny California, they depart a lot to be desired in hotter climate.

Traction

The Eager Targhees shocked us with their traction with their multidirectional lugs. Their tread carried out very effectively on diverse terrain. We examined them on slick rocks, in creeks, and thru stretches of bushwacking. The lugs retained their grip when rock hopping throughout creeks and stayed stable even on moist terrain. In addition they held effectively on each steep ups and downs.

The one atmosphere the place the Eager’s traction was missing, was when our gear analyst took them via mud, which actually caught in lugs and weighed down the underside of the sneakers.

Weight

Of all of the climbing sneakers in our lineup, the Eager Targhees are one of many heavier choices coming in at virtually two kilos. Nonetheless, with that weight comes extra sturdiness and assist options akin to an built-in stability shank, leather-based higher, thicker soles and cushioning, and general extra quantity within the shoe for these with all-around bigger ft.

Whereas the load of those sneakers just isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s noticeable over longer distance hikes as your ft begin to really feel heavier than with a lighter pair. Nonetheless, essentially the most noticeable weight issue is when mud sticks to the underside of the sneakers, including ounces to every step.

Sturdiness

Whereas the Eager Targhees could also be bulkier sneakers made with thicker supplies, they’re undoubtedly extraordinarily sturdy. We didn’t discover any fast put on and tear – no holes, snagging, or bulging of the fabric even after our prolonged testing interval. These Keens are positive to final many seasons of use. 

Whereas they’re marketed as a climbing shoe, they might even be worthy as an outside work shoe attributable to their further sturdiness. In addition they embody some extra options that enhance their robustness, together with a strong toe cap and Eco Anti-Odor safety which retains them rather less funky over time.

Climate Resistance

The Eager Targhees use Eager Dry Waterproofing to offer water resistance and shield your ft from getting moist. Our gear analyst discovered this pair excelled at shedding water when strolling via moist circumstances; additionally they held up when absolutely submerged in a creek as much as their laces – there have been no indicators of leakage or seepage via the material and her ft stayed dry.

Nonetheless, it is best to anticipate some moisture accumulation from the within over the course of a protracted hike since sweat does get trapped.

We do love that these sneakers are manufactured with out PFAS, that are poisonous artificial long-lasting chemical substances discovered in lots of waterproofing supplies, that negatively influence the atmosphere when water runs off the material and onto the bottom.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Targhee IV WP?

The Eager Targhee IV WP is a perfect shoe for these with wider or high-volume ft. They’re additionally an important alternative for these searching for a sturdy, protecting shoe that can be utilized for a mixture of non-technical informal climbing and outside work. If you’re in want of a supportive shoe for moist and chilly climate, then these Keens will certainly maintain your ft dry.

Then again, when you have slender or slim ft, then this pair is not going to be as snug for you. Whereas some could choose the extra supportive options of the Keens, those that like extra floor really feel and a footbed that matches the pure contour of their foot will need to take into account different choices. In case you plan to do vital off-trail, technical, or prolonged treks, we advocate a lighter, much less cumbersome, and extra breathable possibility so as to add to your gear assortment.

What Different Ladies’s Mountain climbing Footwear Ought to You Contemplate?

Whereas the Eager Targhee IV WP sneakers may fit for some individuals, there are a selection of different appropriate selections to check them to in our information to the most effective girls’s climbing sneakers. If you’re nonetheless searching for a roomier toe field and wider shoe however would like extra breathability, a much less cumbersome match, or extra floor really feel, then take a peek at these different strategies beneath.

Altra Lone Peak 8 Evaluation: The Altra Lone Peak is a basic mannequin that may be a favourite of many thru-hikers and long-distance adventures. Just like the Keens, they provide a large toe field in your toes to splay. Nonetheless, not like the Keens, they provide higher floor really feel, a natural-shaped footbed, and a zero heel-to-toe drop.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Evaluation: The Hoka Speedgoat is one in every of our general favorites for a mixed path working and climbing shoe. Just like the Keens, they match wider ft comfortably and gives glorious sturdiness and traction. A pair of those Hokas weigh about half as a lot because the Keens (although they aren’t waterproof).

Topo Ultraventure 3 Evaluation: The Topo is one in every of our prime picks for weight, breathability, and assist and in addition gives some roominess for huge ft, much like the Keens. Nonetheless, the Topos are a bit extra snug and straightforward to interrupt in.