My keen hiking boots review: durable, comfy, and grippy—great for wet, rocky trails.
You lace up for a weekend hike. The sky threatens rain. The trail is a mix of mud, roots, and slick rocks. You want boots that will keep your feet dry, cushion every step, and still bite the ground on steep climbs. That’s what I look for, too. In this keen hiking boots review, I share how these boots handled real miles, bad weather, and mixed terrain. If you value comfort, stability, and traction more than ultralight weight, keep reading.
Is KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots Good?
Yes—especially if you want all-day comfort, real ankle support, and waterproof peace of mind. The wide toe box and stable mid-height cut make them friendly for beginners and weekend warriors. They shine on wet trails and rocky scrambles. If you crave a fast, featherweight boot, these may feel a bit stout.
On my first outing, I hiked a 9-mile muddy loop after an overnight storm. My feet stayed bone dry. The KEEN toe bumper saved me from two hard root strikes. On a later fall hike, leaves hid slick rocks. The traction felt sure, and I never once slid out. This keen hiking boots review reflects those miles—steady, dry, and confident.
My First Impression for KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots
The boots arrived in a simple, sturdy box with minimal filler. They looked trail-ready out of the gate—clean stitching, firm heel counter, and that classic KEEN toe bumper. The leather felt tough yet flexible. The mesh panels gave a hint of breathability. Lacing was smooth with metal speed hooks up top, which I like for quick on-and-off.
Fit was true to size for me, with a roomy toe box. No hot spots on my first 4-mile break-in walk. The first muddy test came fast, and the waterproof lining kept puddle splashes out. I felt a little surprised by how stable they felt on side slopes. My initial reaction? Solid build, ready grip, and confidence right away—exactly what I hoped for in this keen hiking boots review.
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Waterproof, breathable membrane helps keep feet dry in rain and puddles.
- All-terrain rubber outsole with deep lugs for bite on mud, rock, and roots.
- Roomy toe box and toe bumper for comfort and protection.
- Mid-height ankle support with a stable shank for sidehill confidence.
- Removable EVA footbed for cushioned support and easy replacement with orthotics.
- Durable leather and mesh upper for long wear and airflow balance.
- Speed hooks for quick lacing and a snug, secure lock at the top.
What I Like
- Comfort right out of the box with little break-in needed.
- Dry feet in steady drizzle and splashy trail sections.
- Grip that inspires trust on slick stone and wet leaves.
- Supportive mid cut that keeps ankles feeling secure on uneven ground.
- Roomy toe box reduces toe bang on descents.
- Easy lacing system saves time at the trailhead.
What Could Be Better
- Heavier than some nimble, fast-and-light boots.
- Warm on hot summer days; breathability is good, not great.
- If you are between sizes, you may prefer a half-size up for thick socks.
My Recommendation
If you want a waterproof, stable, and comfortable hiking boot, this model is a smart pick. It suits casual hikers, weekend backpackers, and anyone who values a wide toe box and strong traction. If your trails are wet or rocky, it shines. In my keen hiking boots review testing, it handled mud, roots, and rain without drama. The overall value is strong, and it’s easy to find sizes and colors online.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Wet or muddy trails | Waterproof lining and deep lugs keep feet dry and planted |
| Rocky, uneven terrain | Stable shank, mid-cut support, and protective toe bumper |
| Hikers needing toe room | Roomy toe box reduces pressure and improves downhill comfort |
Alternative Products You Can Consider
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof — Great for day hikers who want instant comfort and a softer ride. It is lighter on foot and very breathable. Traction is solid but a touch less aggressive than the boots in this keen hiking boots review. Best if you hike mostly groomed trails and want a plush feel.
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX — Ideal for hikers who prefer a fast, nimble boot. It has excellent grip and a lower weight. The fit is a bit narrower than the KEEN option. Compared to this keen hiking boots review pick, it leans toward speed and agility over toe room.
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped — A budget-friendly choice for casual hikers. It is durable for the price and handles light rain. Cushion and traction lag behind the KEEN in this keen hiking boots review. Best for occasional hikes and lighter loads.
| Product | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| KEEN Women’s Targhee 3 Mid | Wet, rocky trails; comfort with toe room | Roomy fit, strong protection, confidence-inspiring grip |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Casual day hikes; plush comfort | Softer feel, lighter support, very breathable |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | Fast hiking on mixed terrain | Lighter, sportier, narrower fit |
| Columbia Newton Ridge Plus | Budget hikers; easy trails | Lower price, less traction and cushion |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a trustworthy, waterproof boot with a roomy toe box and real support, the KEEN in this keen hiking boots review is a standout. It is dependable on wet, rocky, and rooty terrain. Comfort is strong from day one. Protection is excellent.
Pick Merrell if you value plush comfort and breathable miles on easier paths. Choose Salomon if you need a lighter, sportier feel with a snugger fit. On a tight budget? Columbia will cover weekend trails at a friendly price. For most hikers who face mud, rain, and rocks, the KEEN remains my top pick.
FAQs Of keen hiking boots review
Are these boots true to size?
Most people find them true to size with a roomy toe box. If you are between sizes or wear thick socks, consider a half-size up.
How waterproof are they?
They handle rain, puddles, and wet grass well. In my keen hiking boots review testing, my feet stayed dry on muddy, rainy hikes.
Do they need break-in?
Very little. I did a short 4-mile walk, then a longer hike with no hot spots. Comfort improved after the first outing.
Are they good for wide feet?
Yes. The toe box is generous. Many hikers with wider forefeet appreciate the extra room.
Can I replace the insoles?
Yes. The footbed is removable. You can swap in custom insoles or orthotics for a dialed fit.
Rubel Miah is the Senior Editor at MyStyleGrid.com, where he brings a sharp editorial eye and an unshakable love for fashion to everything he does. A true style addict, Rubel lives and breathes trends, from streetwear to high fashion, and has a knack for turning inspiration into impactful stories. With years of experience in fashion journalism and digital media, he curates content that empowers readers to express themselves through style. When he’s not editing features or forecasting the next big thing, you’ll find him hunting down vintage pieces or capturing street style moments around the city.
