Males’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Evaluation

Backside Line

The KEEN Targhee IV WPs are a crowd-pleaser relating to traction, a roomy toe field, a safe lacing system, and total stability. These traditional leather-based kicks are good for rugged, technical backcountry situations and supply a number of the greatest waterproofing of any mountaineering sneakers we examined, making them ultimate for moist trails and cooler climate. When snow is lingering, the climate forecast seems to be iffy, or we’re mountaineering within the shoulder seasons, the Targhee IVs are one of many first mountaineering sneakers we attain for.

Nonetheless, they’re heavier than some options, have stiff soles, and require an extended break-in interval. Our group at CleverHiker has hiked within the Targhee IVs from the Colorado backcountry in February to the Arizona desert in November, they usually’ve proved to be sturdy and supportive, although their bulk and leather-based development may cause them to run scorching in heat situations. These sneakers are greatest suited to hikers in search of sturdy, comfy, and secure footwear for difficult trails.

Consolation

The KEEN Targhee IV WP mountaineering sneakers are comfy it doesn’t matter what your foot form or measurement. We love their sturdy, pliable leather-based uppers, which mould to your toes over time to supply a match like a glove, and the safe lacing system helps obtain a cosy match to stop any pointless sliding or motion contained in the shoe. The Targhees additionally function a large toe field so your toes can transfer naturally and unrestricted, and also you’ll be capable of bend your forefoot simply on steep ascents and technical terrain to cut back fatigue on lengthy hikes.

Their generously cushioned insoles and midsoles provide loads of assist and take up shock on powerful trails. And, an outsized, protecting toe cap and burly heel cup hold your toes safe and secure from potential hazards on path to maintain you feeling comfy through the lengthy haul.

Sadly, the leather-based development requires an extended break-in interval, so that you’ll have to price range round 20-25 miles to melt the sneakers and attain most consolation. The Targhees are additionally on the bulkier and heavier facet, which makes them exceptionally sturdy, however the added weight can really feel cumbersome on longer treks. Though they’re waterproof, meaning the leather-based uppers are much less breathable, resulting in potential overheating in heat climate and humid situations, so that you’ll need to save these for cooler hikes beneath 75°F.

Traction

When you’re searching for severely sticky traction, the KEEN Targhee IVs are an superior alternative. Their multi-directional lug sample reliably grips on nearly any dry floor you’ll encounter on path, together with gravel, dust, and rocks. The lugs, though shallow and broad, really feel secure and sturdy, and a large outsole will make you are feeling assured and cut back the chance of slips and falls in blended path situations.

On the draw back, the Targhee IV’s traction excels in dry, rocky, and diverse terrains however falls brief in persistently moist environments. We discover the chunky lug sample is much less efficient on moist or slippery surfaces, making them really feel much less dependable in wet situations or on slick roots and rocks.

Weight

Regardless of their barely cumbersome aesthetic, the KEEN Targhee IV WP mountaineering sneakers are impressively mild. They strike a fantastic stability in comparison with the mountaineering sneakers we’ve examined, coming in at one pound, eight ounces for a pair. This weight makes them a mid-range shoe in our lineup, in order that they’re a fantastic choice for shorter hikes for individuals who prioritize sturdiness and assist over ultralight development.

The explanation they’re a bit heavier is their construct: the Targhees function bombproof leather-based uppers and strong outsoles made out of a sturdy rubber composite, which provides wonderful safety and stability on rugged trails. When you prioritize longevity and luxury in your footwear, this weight is a strong compromise.

Nonetheless, in comparison with lighter sneakers, the Targhee IVs can really feel heavy throughout prolonged hikes, and the extra weight will contribute to quicker fatigue over lengthy distances in addition to steep ascents and descents. When you’re searching for featherlight footwear for pace or lowered pressure on joints and muscle tissue, it’s possible you’ll need to think about lighter sneakers or path runners as an alternative.

Sturdiness

These sneakers are the very best of the very best relating to sturdiness. Gear analyst Ian Krammer has put over 250 miles on his Targhees in distant backcountry routes excessive within the Colorado Rockies, they usually look as sharp and carry out as robust as they did at mile 20. With sturdy all-leather uppers that supply strong safety towards abrasions, rocks, and different path hazards, complemented by double-stitched panels alongside the outsoles, the Targhees are among the many most sturdy and longest-lasting footwear we’ve examined.

We’ve additionally discovered the stiff outsole and lugs are sluggish to put on down and the rubber composite performs admirably even after dozens of rocky trails and boulder subject crossings. And, for the reason that toe cap is fused to the shoe – not glued – the rubber doesn’t delaminate over time, and can simply endure tons of of miles in brutal backcountry environments kicking rocks, bashing by way of the forest, and navigating talus.

The draw back of burly leather-based uppers is that they require a bit extra care, together with waterproof remedy and cleansing, versus artificial textiles or all-mesh choices. And, the leather-based higher mixed with a barely stiffer sole means these sneakers have an extended lifespan than most mountaineering sneakers we’ve examined – as much as 500-600 miles – however they could be a bit sluggish to interrupt in, and aren’t as breathable or quick-drying as artificial choices.

Climate Resistance

For people mountaineering in cool, moist, and sudden climate situations within the fall, spring, and even gentle winter situations, the KEEN Targhee IVs are a no brainer. Their waterproof development and leather-based uppers successfully hold water out whether or not it’s rain, puddles, or stream crossings, so your toes will keep bone dry and cozy on the path. The leather-based uppers, mixed with beneficiant padding, additionally imply they’ll hold your toes feeling heat when the temperatures are cooler. The sneakers’ capacity to repel moisture and retain a bit of heat makes them über versatile throughout completely different seasons and terrain.

The trade-off is these sneakers should not very breathable, in order that they aren’t our favorites in scorching summer season climate. The waterproof membrane restricts airflow, which might result in sweaty toes and the potential for blisters and scorching spots when temperatures are above 75°F, you’re mountaineering in humid climates, or heating up throughout an intense hike.

Ought to You Purchase the Eager Targhee IV WP?

The KEEN Targhee IV is ideal for hikers who desire a reliable, roomy, and sturdy shoe for difficult and soggy backcountry situations. With wonderful traction, a safe lacing system, and a roomy toe field, these sneakers provide unparalleled consolation and stability for lengthy hikes in rain, snow, and dirt. They excel on gnarly trails, cooler climate, and shorter adventures, making them a fantastic alternative for hikers who prioritize sturdiness and assist over light-weight flexibility. 

Nonetheless, their heavier weight and longer break-in interval could not swimsuit of us in search of ultra-lightweight or extremely breathable footwear. The waterproofing may be very efficient, however can simply result in overheating in hotter situations. When you want a long-lasting, supportive shoe for rugged terrain and cooler climates, the KEEN Targhee IV is a prime decide.

What Different Climbing Sneakers Ought to You Think about?

Merrell Moab 3: The Merrell Moab is a superb various with its equally traditional aesthetic, reliable traction, and roomy match. Nonetheless, the Moabs provide higher breathability in each the waterproof and non-waterproof variations, making them appropriate for hotter climates, they usually provide a extra versatile midsole.

HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX: The HOKA Anacapa shares the Targhee IV’s wonderful assist and waterproofing. Nonetheless, that is the right shoe to contemplate if you’d like a lighter pair with thicker foam within the midsole, with a a lot cushier and responsive trip for long-distance hikes and rocky trails.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX additionally provides very good traction and sturdiness akin to the Targhee IV. Nonetheless, it stands out with a Gore-Tex liner, decrease stack peak, and extra fashionable aesthetic that performs like a mountaineering boot however seems to be like a mountaineering shoe.