Friday, July 7, 2017

Review of Women's Keen Targhee II Mid Hiking Boots

woman modeling keen targhee II mid hiking boots
The author with her best hiking buddy, Toby.
When it comes to high adventure in the mountains I call home, there is nothing more important than gearing up my feet for action.  Having just purchased my fifth pair of women's Keen Targhee II Mid boots, I think it's pretty safe to say I am very keen on these hiking boots.

Four-Wheel Drive for Your Feet

When climbing Colorado's 14ers (peaks over 14,000 feet in elevation), it is easy to spot the rookies.  These are the hikers in flip-flops (no-wheel drive) who are heading back down the trail with painful blisters and major regrets.

The difference between an exhilarating day on the mountain and a day that will go down in infamy is, for me, the difference that is made in wearing what Keen refers to as "four-wheel drive for your feet."




Let's Get Real

First, let me confess that I have the world's most sensitive feet.  Before discovering Keen hiking boots, I experienced the most epic blisters and endured heel pain that can make a grown woman cry.  When you add weak ankles to the mix, I wasn't exactly extreme hiker material.

keen targhee II mid hiking boots
Why I Need Keen Boots in the Rocky Mountains


The Nitty-Gritty Details  

These Keen boots work for me in several critical ways:

  • They are comfortable from day one.  Unlike other hiking boots, there is no extended break-in period.
  • The mid height of the boots provides my ankles with much-needed support.
  • Waterproof leather uppers and breathable mesh lining make blisters a thing of the past.  Dry feet are happy feet.
  • Lug soles offer up confidence-inspiring traction in even the most challenging terrain.
  • Given that every ounce matters while hiking and backpacking, I find the weight of these boots to be just perfect (significant enough to protect my feet, while light enough to keep my legs fresh all day).
  • Have I mentioned that the price is right?  Many hiking boots will set you back a few hundred dollars.  With the Keen Targhee II Mid hikers, you are getting a quality boot for far less.

Not a Mountain Mama?

wearing keen targhee II mid hiking boots
Crossing a slippery log bridge over rapids in my Keen boots.


Let me conclude this product review by saying you don't have to be a mountain mama or an extreme hiker to enjoy these boots.  I wear mine every day just because I find them to be my most comfortable footwear.  

And besides, it's pretty awesome to have four-wheel drive boots for extreme grocery shopping.  I have been known to summit the fresh produce aisle in record time.  There's no stopping me now!







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


25 comments:

  1. Wow - people actually try to hike up a mountain in flip-flops? Amateurs! LOL. Excellent review of the Keen Targhee hiking boots. Besides comfort and support, I would imagine these boots would be excellent protection from snakes! In addition to keeping your feet dry when crossing water or if it rains on your hike.

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  2. Good point about the snakes (and I've seen plenty lately). The boots are also perfect for my volunteer work at the dog shelter. Thanks for stopping by and supporting me as I get back into publishing mode. You are appreciated!

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    1. You're welcome. We're delighted to have you back on the team!

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  3. Those Keen Targhee boots sound like just what I need to slosh around in the countryside of Ireland!

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    1. Those boots would be so happy sloshing around your stomping ground there in Ireland. Now my boots want to go there. Maybe I'll deliver you a pair. :-)

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  4. Through no fault of my own (my boots burned up in our fire), my last hike was in tennis shoes, cheap tennis shoes, and I came out with soles flapping in the breeze. So I can believe that people will try anything in flip flops! This is an excellent review and, when I anticipate the need for boots again, I'll absolutely choose these. The price is amazingly affordable, I certainly trust your testimonials, and the boots are actually quite attractive. Thanks so much for sharing the review!

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    1. Let me know if you give these a try. I've never purchased five pairs of the same shoes before I fell in love with these Keen Targhee II Mid boots. Our feet deserve this comfort. Because of my tender heels and high arches, I do use a half gel insert (orthotic). That takes the comfort to a whole extra level. I'm sure you can appreciate that given one of your earlier reviews.

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  5. Excellent review...sounds like a great hiking boot.

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    1. Thank you. Also good for regular everyday walking around the neighborhood.

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  6. Okay, so there might be a little hiking in my near future. I think I need to get myself started on the right foot, so to speak. Thanks for a great review, I think I will start with a pair of these hiking boots/shoes. Lord knows I need all the help I can get. Great review and love seeing Toby hiking right there with you! Now to get Boo in the picture, well that would just be over the top!

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    1. Toby has done some extreme hiking with me up Mount Bierstadt and Blanca Peak (two 14ers). He is such a trouper. As for Boo, she is up for any and all action. I'll have to get her in an upcoming review. That will be fun.

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  7. Oh these Keen Targhee boots sound great! I too have sensitive feet and weak ankles so I need a boot that will support both. I'm not extreme hiker and won't be doing any 14ers but I do like to hike in the lower climbs (rolling hills and very small mountains). I want comfort and protection from snakes so these sound like a nice option...I've tried hiking in work boots and they are just too darned heavy for hiking.

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    1. You sound like the perfect candidate for these boots. I wear mine even when I'm doing regular walking and hiking because my feet love the support. The soles are also thick enough to protect my heels from rock bruising on my gravel roads. The weight of these boots is much lighter than most other options, which was important to me. I don't want to feel weighted down when I'm out and about (that drains too much energy). Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Appreciated!

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  8. It is really hard to find a great pair of hiking boots and I am grateful for the recommendation based on experience. I have owned several "name brand" boots that leave me hurting and thinking I will never hike a trail again. For the last few years, I have worn my best leather boots because they give the needed support and are lightweight enough to wear all day. But, I really hate the damage to those boots. They are not meant for woods and hiking, but they are all I have had that didn't do more harm than good. I desperately need a good pair of hiking boots and I am truly grateful for this review and recommendation.

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    1. I totally understand your frustration. So many of the expensive hiking boots that are heavily marketed cause great pain. I've never been able to wear them because they tear up my feet so badly. The women's Keen Targhee II Mid boots are the first boots I can wear right out of the box without discomfort or blisters. I plan to do a review on the second key element: These boots paired with two layers of SmartWool socks (the light and medium weight hiking socks). That is the best way to avoid discomfort, while wicking away moisture (and avoiding the typical hot spots that can cause blisters).

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    2. Excellent! I look forward to that review too because I really do need the right combination of boots and socks for all day hiking.

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    3. I'll get right to work on it. Then, of course, that leads me to think of the final "leg" of hiking essentials (my trekking poles). :-)

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  9. First of all... welcome back!! It is so good to have you writing with us again. Thank you for this review. I have a HORRIBLE time finding boots that fit. Terrible. I've never tried Keen but I will go try some on. I have put myself at some risk with some of my past hiking adventures without boots but I just couldn't stand the pain of the boots. I am glad to have your recommendation.

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    1. Thank you for the welcome! I hope you find that Keen is a good fit for you. I will feel better knowing that you have greater safety out there on the trails.

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  10. Sounds and look like a great boot. They look very comfortable.I hope they make boots for men because I do need a better boot for the winter months. What I can't believe is that people would really go hiking in flipflops Wow!! Thanks for a the review.

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    1. Great to see you here. Keen does make this same boot for men (along with many other styles). I hope you find just what you need. I do wear my Keen Targhee II boots all winter long. They provide excellent traction in the snow and keep my feet dry.

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  11. These look a fantastic choice. I wouldn't mind a pair of these for the winter months here - I'm not keen on a traditional winter boots and these look like a good choice for that reason.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. These have been good winter boots for me. I wear them all four seasons.

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  12. I haven't worn hiking boots for some time now -- not since I had my foot surgery. I even forgot I had boots. Do these boots protect feet against foxtails and other prickly weeds? Are they flexible for those of us who have hard-to-fit-feet?

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    1. Excellent questions. I have found these boots to protect my feet from everything except really long cactus thorns. As for flexibility, I find that the boots flex well, especially the more you wear them. They are not as stiff as traditional hiking boots made entirely of leather. I think the mesh lining really helps with the flex. From the customer comments I have seen, this model of boot seems to fit a wide range of feet. My feet are pretty hard to fit, but do well with this particular boot.

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