KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots Review: The Comfort Conundrum – Brilliant Fit, Troubling Durability

There’s a specific kind of damp misery that only a failed hiking boot can deliver. I remember a trek in the Peak District years ago, one that started under deceptively blue skies. My supposedly waterproof boots, which had felt fine on dry days, revealed their weakness halfway through a squelching bog. Every step became a cold, squishy reminder of a poor purchase. That experience taught me a crucial lesson: the right hiking boot isn’t just a piece of gear; it’s your primary contract with the trail. It’s the difference between a memorable adventure and a miserable slog back to the car. Finding a boot that offers instant comfort without a painful break-in period, robust support on tricky terrain, and reliable waterproofing is the holy grail for any outdoor enthusiast, from the daily dog walker to the weekend warrior. This is precisely the promise made by the KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots, a boot with a legendary reputation for comfort. But does it live up to the hype where it matters most—out in the wild?

What to Consider Before Investing in High-Performance Hiking Boots

A pair of hiking boots is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for protecting your feet, providing stability on uneven ground, and keeping you comfortable and dry over many miles. The main benefits are injury prevention through ankle support, enhanced grip to avoid slips and falls, and protection from the elements, allowing you to focus on the journey, not your aching feet. Choosing the wrong boot can lead to blisters, twisted ankles, and a general reluctance to get back outside, turning a healthy hobby into a painful chore.

The ideal customer for a mid-height, waterproof hiker like this is someone who tackles varied terrain on day hikes, enjoys weekend camping trips, or walks their dog daily across fields and trails in unpredictable weather. It’s for the person who values out-of-the-box comfort and has wider feet that feel cramped in traditional European boot designs. However, it might not be suitable for those undertaking serious multi-day mountaineering expeditions with heavy packs, who would require a stiffer, more technical boot. Likewise, if your activities are exclusively in hot, dry climates, a non-waterproof, more breathable trail shoe might be a better option.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: This is the single most important factor. Look for a boot that matches the shape of your foot. The KEEN Original Fit, for example, is renowned for its generous toe box, allowing your toes to spread naturally, which significantly enhances comfort and stability over long distances. Ensure there’s a thumb’s width of space in front of your longest toe and that your heel is locked securely in place to prevent rubbing and blisters.
• Waterproofing & Breathability: A waterproof membrane is essential for hiking in most climates, especially the UK. Technologies like KEEN.DRY or Gore-Tex use a bootie construction to keep water out while allowing sweat vapor to escape. The effectiveness of this balance is critical; a boot that doesn’t breathe will leave your feet soaked from the inside, which is just as bad as letting water in.
• Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates the boot’s longevity, support, and breathability. The KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots use a combination of LWG-certified premium leather and performance mesh. This hybrid approach aims to offer the durability of leather with the breathability and reduced weight of mesh. However, the points where these materials meet can sometimes become weak spots over time.
• Traction & Support: The outsole and midsole are the engine of the boot. Look for deep, multi-directional lugs (like the 4mm ones on the Targhee 3) for reliable grip on mud, rock, and loose surfaces. Internally, features like an External Support Shank (ESS) and a heel cradle provide torsional rigidity, preventing your foot from twisting on uneven ground and reducing fatigue.

Getting your footwear right is the foundation of any good outdoor kit. While the right hiking boot is essential for the trail, your needs change when you’re back in town.

First Impressions: Familiar Comfort, Robust Build

Unboxing the KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots in the Black Olive/Golden Brown colourway felt like reconnecting with an old friend. KEEN has a design language that is instantly recognisable: the famously robust toe bumper, the wide stance, and the functional, no-nonsense aesthetic. The combination of durable premium leather and breathable mesh felt well-balanced, and at just under 500g per boot, they felt surprisingly light in hand for their sturdy appearance. The lacing system, with its mix of fabric loops and metal speed hooks at the top, appeared secure and easy to adjust. There was no chemical smell, just the faint, pleasant scent of new leather. Slipping them on for the first time, the legendary KEEN comfort was immediately apparent. There was none of the stiffness or unforgiving rigidity you often get with new boots. The heel felt snug and secure, while my toes had ample room to wiggle and splay—a hallmark of their Original Fit. The removable footbed offered noticeable arch support right away. My initial thought was that these could genuinely be worn for a long walk straight out of the box, a rare and welcome quality you can see in its full feature set and user reviews.

Deep Dive: Deconstructing the Targhee 3’s Performance

A boot’s true character is only revealed on the trail. We took the KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots through their paces across a variety of conditions—muddy forest paths, rocky coastal scrambles, and long walks through dewy morning fields—to see how their features translate into real-world performance. Here’s our in-depth breakdown.

The KEEN Signature Fit: An Oasis of Comfort for Wider Feet

The single greatest strength of the KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots, and the reason so many people become loyal fans, is the fit. This cannot be overstated. From the moment I first put them on, the difference was palpable. Where many hiking boots, especially those from traditional European brands, have a narrow, tapered toe box that can pinch and cramp, the KEEN Original Fit feels like a liberation for your feet. The spaciousness in the forefoot allows your toes to spread out naturally as you walk, which dramatically improves balance and reduces fatigue over a long day. This was confirmed by countless users who state these are the “most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned” and “they fit like a glove.” This immediate comfort means the dreaded break-in period is virtually non-existent. We experienced no hotspots, no rubbing, no painful pressure points, even on an initial 7-mile hike. The heel-capture system works brilliantly, locking the rear of the foot in place to prevent slippage during ascents and descents, which is the primary cause of blisters. The removable footbed provides decent arch support, though it could easily be swapped for a custom orthotic if needed. For hikers with wide feet who have long struggled to find footwear that doesn’t feel like a vice, the comfort of the Targhee 3 is nothing short of revolutionary. It’s a feature that truly sets it apart in a crowded market.

All-Terrain Traction and Reassuring Support

Comfort is useless without stability, and this is where the Targhee 3’s chassis shines. The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole is impressively capable. We tested it on slick, wet limestone, greasy mud, and loose gravel, and the 4mm multi-directional lugs bit into the ground with confidence. There were very few moments of uncertainty. The rubber is sticky enough for rock, but the lug pattern is aggressive enough to shed mud effectively. A key feature is the integrated ESS (External Support Shank). This internal plate provides torsional stability, resisting twisting forces as you navigate uneven terrain. You can feel it working on rocky paths, where it prevents the boot from flexing unnaturally, saving your arches and ankles from strain. The mid-cut height provides excellent ankle support without feeling restrictive. It strikes a perfect balance, offering protection against twists and impacts while still allowing for a natural range of motion. The addition of a “bruise plate” under the forefoot and the iconic rubber toe guard provides ample protection from sharp rocks and unexpected stumbles, adding to the overall feeling of security on the trail.

The Durability Dilemma: A Tale of Two Boots

Here we arrive at the great paradox of the KEEN Targhee 3. For all its immediate comfort and on-trail prowess, there is an overwhelming chorus of user feedback pointing to a significant, and frankly alarming, lack of long-term durability. While our testing period of several weeks revealed no issues, we cannot in good conscience ignore the sheer volume of reports from users who experienced catastrophic failures within a few months of moderate use. This isn’t just one or two disgruntled customers; it’s a consistent pattern. Users who have been loyal to the Targhee line for over a decade note a stark decline in quality. One long-time user said their first pair lasted three years of hard use, while their new pair was “falling apart” after only four months of light winter walking. Common failure points include the sole delaminating and pulling away from the upper, the leather cracking and splitting where the foot flexes, and the synthetic mesh panels completely disintegrating. Multiple users shared photos of their boots looking “absolutely shredded” after less than 300 miles. This suggests a potential change in manufacturing processes, materials, or quality control. The boots feel robust out of the box, but the evidence strongly suggests this is a facade that quickly crumbles. It’s a devastating flaw in an otherwise excellent design, and it forces us to question whether the initial comfort is worth the high risk of premature failure. We strongly advise potential buyers to check the latest price and user feedback to see if this trend continues.

Waterproofing: A Fair-Weather Friend?

The final pillar of any good hiking boot is its ability to keep your feet dry. The KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots feature the proprietary KEEN.DRY membrane, a waterproof and breathable liner designed to let vapor out without letting water in. In our tests, this worked perfectly well when splashing through puddles, crossing shallow streams, and during moderate rain showers. Water beaded up on the DWR-treated leather and rolled off. However, the boot’s performance took a nosedive in one very common UK hiking scenario: walking through long, wet grass. Several users reported that this specific condition defeats the waterproofing, with one noting the “material absorbs moisture like a sponge and before long the inside of the boots will be wet.” We were able to replicate this finding. After about 20 minutes of walking through a dew-soaked field, a damp, cold feeling began to creep into the toe box area. Wet grass is notoriously challenging for any waterproof boot, as the constant swiping action forces moisture against the uppers under pressure. It seems the Targhee 3, particularly around the seams between the leather and mesh, is vulnerable here. For fair-weather hikers or those who stick to well-trodden paths, this may not be an issue. But for anyone who frequently ventures off-piste into saturated vegetation, the “waterproof” label on these boots should be taken with a grain of salt.

What Other Users Are Saying

The user feedback for the KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots paints a deeply divided picture, which aligns perfectly with our findings. On one hand, the praise for comfort is almost universal. Reviewers consistently call them “the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned” and celebrate the wide toe box and lack of a break-in period. One user, a daily dog walker, initially loved them, stating they “fit like a glove” and were waterproof in wet grass for the first two weeks.

However, this initial delight often gives way to profound disappointment. The negative reviews are not just critical; they are a litany of identical structural failures. A staggering number of users report the boots “started falling apart in less than 6 months.” Photos consistently show the soles separating from the uppers and deep splits appearing in the leather and synthetic panels near the toe flex point. One user noted their boots were “absolutely shredded” after “under 300 miles walked.” The waterproofing is another major point of contention, with many, like one walker, finding their feet “soaked” after a simple walk in a park with “short wet grass.” This consistent pattern of early failure stands in stark contrast to the boot’s premium price and reputation, leaving many former fans feeling let down.

How Does the KEEN Targhee 3 Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Targhee 3 has its unique appeal, particularly regarding comfort, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other popular choices in the market. Each alternative offers a different blend of features, durability, and value for specific types of users.

1. Jack Walker JW6255 Waterproof Walking Boots

The Jack Walker boots represent a strong budget-friendly alternative. They are positioned for the casual walker or hiker who needs reliable waterproofing and comfort without the premium price tag of brands like KEEN. Where the Targhee 3 uses premium leather and a proprietary fit system, the Jack Walker boots typically employ synthetic materials to keep costs down. While they may not offer the same refined, roomy fit as the KEEN’s “Original Fit,” they provide a lightweight and functional option for less demanding trails. If your primary concerns are staying dry on occasional walks and you’re hesitant to invest heavily due to the durability concerns surrounding the Targhee 3, the Jack Walker JW6255 is a very sensible and economical choice.

2. Columbia Peakfreak 2 Outdry Hiking Shoes

The Columbia Peakfreak 2 offers a more modern, athletic take on the hiking shoe, standing in contrast to the Targhee 3’s more traditional boot construction. The key differentiator is Columbia’s Outdry waterproof technology, which bonds the membrane directly to the outer fabric, leaving no gap for water to collect. This can result in a lighter feel and superior waterproofing compared to the Targhee 3’s struggles in wet grass. As a low-rise shoe, it sacrifices the ankle support of the mid-height Targhee 3, making it better suited for hikers who prioritize agility and speed on well-maintained trails over protection in rugged terrain. If you want a waterproof hiker that feels more like a trainer and are concerned about the Targhee 3’s waterproofing, the Peakfreak 2 is an excellent alternative.

3. adidas Terrex Snowpitch Cold.rdy Walking Shoe

The adidas Terrex Snowpitch targets a different environment entirely. While the Targhee 3 is a three-season all-rounder, the Terrex Snowpitch is a specialized tool for cold and wintry conditions. Its defining feature is the COLD.RDY insulation, designed to keep feet warm in low temperatures, a feature the Targhee 3 lacks. The outsole is also optimized for grip on cold, potentially icy surfaces. This makes it a far better choice for winter hiking, snowshoeing, or even just cold urban commuting. Someone might choose this over the KEEN if their hiking season extends into the winter months or if they live in a colder climate. It’s less of a direct competitor and more of a specialist alternative for those whose needs go beyond what a standard hiking boot can offer.

Final Verdict: A Comfortable Boot with a Critical Flaw

The KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots are a frustrating product to review. On one foot, you have a boot that delivers a truly exceptional level of out-of-the-box comfort, especially for those with wider feet. The fit is superb, the support is reassuring, and the traction is confident on a variety of surfaces. For these reasons, we understand why it has such a devoted following. However, on the other foot, you have a boot with a deeply troubling and widely reported track record of premature failure. The sheer number of users experiencing sole separation, split uppers, and failed waterproofing after just a few months of use is impossible to ignore and points to a significant quality control problem.

Therefore, our recommendation is a conditional one. If you are a casual hiker or dog walker who primarily sticks to drier conditions, and your absolute number one priority is immediate comfort in a wide-fitting boot, the Targhee 3 might be a risk you’re willing to take. But for anyone who needs reliable, long-lasting, and truly waterproof performance for regular hiking, we cannot recommend it. The gamble is simply too great. The comfort is brilliant, but it’s a brilliance that, for too many, seems destined to fade far too quickly. If you value comfort above all else and want to make your own judgment, you can explore the KEEN Targhee 3 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots further and see the latest user experiences here.