KEEN Targhee IV Mid Review: The Best Value Hiking Boot You Can Buy Right Now

This is a proper old-school hiking boot, and I mean that in the best possible way. It currently sits at number one for best value in my hiking boots roundup. The Targhee IV Mid Waterproof is a classic mid-height leather hiker that leans hard into stability, protection, and durability rather than trying to feel light and fast. It feels reassuringly solid underfoot, looks genuinely good in that proper hiking boot way, and gives you a ton of free toe space. Traction is more adequate than sticky, and it runs hot. But at $180, the value here is very hard to argue with. Shop the KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof (affiliate link): https://go.trailandkale.com/KEENTargh... CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Key specs 01:33 Sizing and fit 03:10 Performance review 09:08 Final verdict KEY SPECS Price: $180 Weight: 19.4 oz / 550g per boot (US men's 9) Drop: 12mm Stack height: 28mm heel / 16mm forefoot Upper: Premium nubuck leather with protective build, thick collar and tongue padding, full rubber toe bumper Waterproofing: KEEN.DRY membrane plus nubuck leather as a first barrier Midsole: Medium-firm cushioning, protective and stable rather than plush, with supportive shank Outsole: KEEN.RUGGED rubber compound with 4mm lugs Available: Men's and women's WHO IT'S BEST FOR Hikers with medium to high volume or wider feet who want genuine room to splay and swell Backpackers carrying heavy loads who need real ankle support and a stable, firm platform Anyone who prefers a connected, controlled feel underfoot over soft, cushioned float Shoulder season and winter hikers who want reliable waterproofing and a bit of extra warmth Value hunters: this is a boot that will last years with basic maintenance Not for narrow feet. There is too much volume here to lock down securely Not for hot weather hiking. The leather and waterproof membrane mean breathability is poor Traction is fine on most trails but falls short of Vibram Megagrip on wet, slick rock There is a genuine break-in period, mostly around the ankle collars. Wear thick hiking socks and give it a couple of hikes The insole offers little arch support, so swap in orthotics if you need them RELATED Best hiking boots roundup: https://trailandkale.com/best-hiking-... Hoka Kaha 3 GTX review:    • Hoka Kaha 3 GTX Review: The Most Comfortab...   La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX review:    • La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Review:...   Hiked in the Targhee IV? Drop your experience in the comments: terrain, pack weight, how the break-in went for you. It helps everyone else figure out if this is the right boot for their adventures. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don't miss the next gear review. #hiking #hikingboots #hikinggear #backpacking #outdoors #getoutside #hikingadventures #trailandkale #gearreview