KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe Review: The Ultimate Blend of Trail and Town?

There’s a familiar dilemma that plagues the modern man’s wardrobe: the chasm between work-appropriate footwear and weekend-ready gear. For years, I found myself navigating this divide clumsily. I’ve worn through countless pairs of smart-casual shoes by taking impromptu detours through the park on my way home, only to find them scuffed and soaked. Conversely, I’ve felt ridiculously out of place clomping into a pub or a casual meeting wearing bulky, aggressive-looking hiking boots. The search has always been for that perfect “one shoe”—a versatile, durable, and comfortable piece of footwear that can handle an office environment, a muddy dog walk, and a light trail hike without missing a beat. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about owning less but better, investing in quality that adapts to the spontaneous nature of life. The KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe promises to be the answer to this very problem, billing itself as a rugged yet refined hybrid. We decided to put that promise to the ultimate test.

Before You Buy: What Defines a Truly Great Casual Hiking Shoe?

A casual hiking shoe is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between urban life and outdoor pursuits. It’s engineered to provide the support and traction of a trail shoe while maintaining the aesthetics and comfort of an everyday walker. The main benefit is versatility. Instead of needing two or three different pairs of shoes for a typical week, a high-quality hybrid can handle varied terrain and social settings, from concrete pavements and office carpets to gravel paths and forest floors. This saves space, money, and the mental energy of constantly deciding what footwear is appropriate for the day’s unpredictable agenda.

The ideal customer for this type of product is an active individual who values practicality and comfort. Think of the office worker who walks to work, the weekend explorer who enjoys spontaneous hikes, or the busy parent who needs reliable footwear for chasing kids around the park. It’s for someone who wants the supportive, wide-fit comfort of a KEEN without committing to a full ankle-high boot. However, it might not be suitable for those who need highly specialized gear. If you’re a serious mountaineer tackling technical ascents or someone requiring formal dress shoes for a corporate environment, this hybrid category will likely fall short. For hardcore trekking, a dedicated boot with superior ankle support and guaranteed waterproofing is essential, while a classic leather dress shoe remains the standard for formal occasions.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fit: Fit is paramount in any shoe, but especially in one you’ll wear all day. Look for features like a wide toe box, which allows your toes to splay naturally, reducing fatigue and preventing blisters. Brands like KEEN are famous for their “Original Fit,” but you must also consider heel lock and arch support. Check user feedback for sizing quirks, as some models may run large or small, requiring you to adjust your usual size.
• Performance & Traction: The outsole is the heart of a hiking shoe’s performance. Analyse the lug depth (typically measured in millimetres) and pattern; multi-directional lugs offer superior grip on uneven surfaces. Also, consider the rubber compound—is it a non-marking material suitable for indoor floors? Critically evaluate claims of slip resistance, as real-world performance on wet, slick surfaces can vary dramatically from marketing promises.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates the shoe’s longevity, breathability, and weather resistance. Full-grain or oiled leather offers excellent durability and a classic look, while synthetic mesh provides better breathability for warm climates. Look for certifications like the Leather Working Group (LWG), which indicates environmentally responsible sourcing. Pay close attention to stitching quality and how the sole is bonded to the upper, as these are common failure points.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A great everyday shoe should be low-maintenance. Features like odour-control technology can make a huge difference in daily wear. Consider how easy the material is to clean—oiled leather, for instance, often just needs a quick wipe-down and occasional conditioning to maintain its appearance and waterproof qualities. The lacing system should also be secure yet easy to adjust for a custom fit.

While the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Targhee III Oxford: Rugged Charm Meets Immediate Comfort

Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe in the Dark Earth Mulch colourway was the quality of the material. The premium oiled leather has a rich, substantial feel—not cheap or flimsy, but thick and supple, exactly as one user described it. It looks less like a technical sneaker and more like a classic, rugged work shoe, a design choice that immediately speaks to its versatility. The shoe has a certain heft to it, weighing in at just under 500g per shoe, which feels reassuringly solid without being excessively heavy.

The iconic KEEN rubber toe protector is prominent, promising durability and protection from scuffs and stubs. But the real “wow” moment came when we slipped them on. Many new leather shoes, especially those built for the outdoors, require a significant, often painful, break-in period. We were prepared for stiffness and potential hot spots. To our surprise, the experience was the complete opposite. They felt, as one shop teacher who spends 11 hours a day on his feet noted, “like I had already broken them in.” The interior is plush, the padded collar and tongue cradle the ankle, and the famous KEEN wide toe box provides immediate, glorious space. It’s a shoe that feels ready for a long walk right out of the box, a truly remarkable first impression that sets a high bar for performance.

Putting the KEEN Targhee III Oxford Through Its Paces: A Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

A great first impression is one thing, but a shoe’s true worth is only revealed through sustained use across varied conditions. We wore the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe for several weeks, subjecting it to daily commutes, long walks in the park, and a few weekend trips onto rain-softened trails. Our goal was to push past the initial comfort and scrutinize its core promises: fit, traction, and durability.

The KEEN Original Fit: Comfort Straight From the Box?

KEEN’s reputation is built on comfort, and the Targhee III Oxford is a masterclass in this regard. The cornerstone of this experience is the KEEN Original Fit. Slipping my foot into the shoe, the first sensation is one of relief. Unlike many modern shoes that taper aggressively, the forefoot area here is generous, allowing my toes to spread out naturally. This design drastically reduces pressure and friction, which we found to be a game-changer on longer walks. After a full day of wear, our feet felt noticeably less fatigued and constricted compared to when wearing standard-fit footwear. This sentiment is strongly echoed by users, with one 60-year-old reviewer calling them the “best fitting shoes I’ve had that I can remember.” He, like others with wide feet (4E in other brands), found his perfect fit in this model, highlighting its appeal for those who often struggle with narrow sizing.

The immediate “broken-in” feel is not an exaggeration. The combination of the supple oiled leather, a well-padded tongue and collar, and a supportive, removable footbed creates an environment of instant comfort. The footbed itself provides excellent arch support, cradling the natural contours of the foot. We also confirmed that it’s easily removable, a crucial feature for those who rely on custom orthotics, as one user happily noted. However, the fit isn’t universally perfect. We did notice a little more room in the heel than we’d prefer, and one customer pointed out a similar “little wide in the heel with fit,” specifically on their left shoe. Furthermore, sizing can be tricky. While many find it true to size, some users recommend sizing down by a half-size, especially for those with narrower feet. Despite these minor quirks, the overwhelming consensus, which our testing confirms, is that the Targhee III Oxford delivers an elite level of comfort that few competitors can match.

All-Terrain Traction vs. Real-World Conditions

KEEN equips the Targhee III Oxford with its proprietary ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole, featuring 4mm multi-directional lugs. The brand promises high-traction grip on everything from muddy paths to rocky surfaces. During our testing on dry and moderately challenging terrain, the shoes performed admirably. On gravel paths, packed dirt trails, and urban pavements, the grip was confident and secure. The deep, knobby lugs bite into soft ground effectively, providing stable footing. We also appreciated that the rubber is non-marking, a thoughtful touch that prevents leaving black scuffs on indoor flooring—a must-have for a true indoor/outdoor hybrid.

However, the narrative changes dramatically when water is introduced. The product is described as being built with “waterproof, premium oiled leather.” While the leather itself may repel water initially, the shoe as a whole fails the waterproof test in real-world scenarios. We deliberately walked through dewy morning grass and, just as a user who completed a 24-mile hike reported, we ended up with damp socks. The moisture appears to seep in through the tongue area and the textile parts of the upper. Another user was more blunt after a rainy day, stating they were “unpleasantly surprised that they are not slip resistant and not much waterproof!” We found this to be true on slick, wet surfaces like smooth paving stones or wet rocks, where the grip felt less assured than we’d hoped. For dry, casual hiking and daily wear, the traction is more than sufficient. But for anyone expecting reliable waterproof performance for rainy climates or wet trails, the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe unfortunately falls short of its marketing claims.

The Durability Dilemma: A Premium Build with a Questionable Lifespan

This is where our review becomes complex and, frankly, disappointing. On the surface, the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe appears built to last. The LWG-certified leather is thick and robust, the stitching looks neat, and the sole is aggressively lugged. For the first few weeks of our testing, they held up perfectly, shrugging off scuffs and looking better with a bit of wear. One enthusiastic user update noted they got nearly 3000 km of walking out of their pair before needing a replacement, calling it a fair trade for the comfort provided. Another has bought three pairs, with each lasting about a year of hard, daily wear.

Unfortunately, these positive experiences seem to be increasingly the exception, not the rule. A worrying number of recent user reviews paint a starkly different picture, one of catastrophic structural failure after shockingly short periods. We found numerous, credible reports of the sole completely detaching from the upper. One user stated theirs “start detached the sole” after only six weeks. Another’s bottom came loose “after only a month!” This isn’t isolated to the sole; there are also complaints of the stitching failing along the seams and even the leather itself ripping after “less than 3 weeks of light wear.” These aren’t issues of simple wear and tear; they are fundamental construction failures. This suggests a potential and serious quality control problem. While our test pair didn’t fail during our review period, we cannot ignore the overwhelming volume of feedback pointing to a significant durability gamble. Buying this shoe, it seems, means you might get a reliable companion for a year or more, or you might get a shoe that falls apart in a matter of weeks. For a product at this price point, that’s a risk that is hard to justify, even with its superior comfort. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to weigh this risk for yourself.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from dozens of buyers reveals a clear and consistent pattern of praise and criticism. The positive sentiment is almost entirely focused on the shoe’s incredible comfort and fit. One user’s story stands out: after an 11-hour day on his feet as a shop teacher, he came home to his new Targhee III Oxfords and was “so surprised when they felt like I had already broken them in.” This out-of-the-box comfort, especially for those with wide feet, is the shoe’s universally acclaimed superpower.

On the flip side, the negative feedback is just as consistent and centres on two major flaws: durability and waterproofing. The durability issue is the most alarming, with a significant number of users reporting catastrophic failures. Comments like “after 2 months of use…sole separated already” and “split along the outside seam” are distressingly common. The second major complaint is the failure of its waterproof claims. A user who took them on a long hike noted, “got damp socks walking through wet grass,” which precisely matched our findings. This feedback is critical because it directly contradicts key marketing points, suggesting a disconnect between the product’s design intent and its real-world execution.

How Does the Targhee III Oxford Compare to Other Outdoor Footwear?

While the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe carves out a niche as a town-to-trail hybrid, it’s important to see how it stacks up against more specialized alternatives. Depending on your primary needs, another model might be a better fit.

1. Columbia Fairbanks Mid Men’s Snow Boots

The Columbia Fairbanks Mid is a completely different beast, designed for a different season and purpose. This is a mid-height, insulated snow boot built to handle cold, snow, and slush. Its primary advantages over the KEEN are warmth, superior waterproofing thanks to its boot construction, and better ankle support. If your primary need is a winter-specific boot for cold climates and snowy conditions, the Columbia is unequivocally the better choice. The KEEN Targhee III Oxford, by contrast, is a three-season shoe designed for casual wear and light hiking in mild to cool, but preferably dry, conditions. The choice here is simple: it’s a matter of climate and intended use.

2. NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Boots

The NORTIV 8 Waterproof Hiking Boots represent a more direct, trail-focused competitor. As a mid-height boot, its key advantage is enhanced ankle support, which is crucial for navigating rocky, uneven terrain where a twisted ankle is a real risk. It also features a “DriftShield” waterproof membrane, which is likely to offer more reliable water protection than the KEEN Oxford due to its bootie-style construction. Someone might prefer the NORTIV 8 if their priority is pure trail performance, ankle stability, and dependable waterproofing over the street-style versatility of the KEEN. The Targhee III Oxford’s main appeal over the NORTIV 8 is its lower profile, smarter casual aesthetic, and potentially superior out-of-the-box comfort for everyday walking.

Our Final Verdict: Is the KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe a Worthy Investment?

The KEEN Men’s Targhee Iii Oxford Hiking Shoe is a product of two extremes. On one hand, it delivers what might be best-in-class comfort right out of the box. For individuals with wide feet who have spent years searching for a shoe that doesn’t pinch or constrict, the generous fit and supportive footbed can feel like a revelation. Its rugged, handsome style is genuinely versatile, looking just as appropriate with jeans in the city as it does with hiking trousers on a country path.

However, this phenomenal comfort is tragically undermined by a significant and well-documented durability problem. The sheer volume of reports detailing sole separation and seam failures within a few months of light use is impossible to ignore. Coupled with its unreliable waterproofing, the shoe fails on two of its key promises as a piece of outdoor-ready gear. Therefore, we can only recommend it with a major caveat. If your absolute top priority is immediate, all-day comfort for dry, casual use, and you are willing to take a considerable gamble on its longevity, you might love this shoe. For everyone else, especially those needing guaranteed weather protection and a durable daily driver, the risk of premature failure is simply too high. For those willing to take the chance on its unparalleled comfort, you can check the latest price and availability here.

Last update on 2025-10-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API