KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid
Pros
- Extremely stable
- Great ankle support
- Generously padded and comfortable
- Secure heel hold
- Flexible
- Budget-friendly price
- Laudable warmth
- Performs very well in the cold
- Excellent grip on various terrain
- Short to zero break-in period
- Commendable toe cap
- Roomy toebox
Cons
- Stuffy in the summer
- Lackluster outsole durability
- Firm midsole
- Not ideal for narrow feet
Key Features
- WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long by allowing vapor out without letting water in.
- TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces; non-marking rubber outsoles leave no trace when walking indoors.
- SUPPORT: External support shank and mid cut height add ankle support and balance on uneven surfaces; contoured heel provides next level stability.
- FIT: Mid profile upper ensures a secure fit with a padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
- COMFORT: Removable metatomical footbed design offers excellent arch support and cradles to the natural contours of your foot.
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Fabric
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle
The KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Mid is an ideal choice for hikers seeking a wide fit without sacrificing protection. This boot offers a notable balance of soft and tough characteristics, ensuring comfort across various terrains.
Featuring a 106.4 mm wide toebox, the Targhee III ranks among the widest hiking boots available. Its adaptive midsole allows for natural movement, demonstrating a flexibility that is 31.8% above average during our bend test.
The protective leather upper effectively keeps feet shielded from water and debris, allowing us to traverse puddles and rivers while remaining warm and dry. Additionally, a toe bumper provides extra defense against painful stubs, achieving a score of 5/5 in our Dremel test.
A firm midsole contributes to stability on rugged trails, with our durometer measurements indicating it is 22.4% firmer than the average. This support is beneficial, especially when carrying heavy backpacks.
However, the significant protective features result in a weight of 18.2 oz (515g), which may not be suitable for those prioritizing lightweight footwear. Considering this, potential buyers should weigh this drawback against their needs.
KEEN Voyageur Mid
Pros
- Accommodating fit
- No need to break in
- Excellent traction
- Lightweight
- Sufficient ankle support
- Laudable breathability
- Quick drying
- Versatile
Cons
- Sole started peeling off
- Questionable construction quality
- Too wide for narrow feet
Key Features
- UPPER: Water-resistant leather material keeps your feet dry; performance mesh increases airflow.
- TRACTION & PROTECTION: Equipped with 4mm multi-directional lugs for enhanced traction on various surfaces; KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides superior grip.
- SUPPORT: Stability support shank aids in navigating uneven terrain; injected heel capture system secures the heel for added stability.
- FIT: Mid-profile upper design ensures comfort and secure fit with a padded tongue and collar.
- COMFORT: Features a removable metatomical footbed that offers excellent arch support and conforms to the natural contours of your foot.
Specifications
- Fabric Type: 100% Textile and Synthetic
- Origin: Made in the USA
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Shaft Height: Ankle
The KEEN Voyageur Mid is a top choice for those seeking wide hiking boots suitable for summer conditions. Designed specifically for desert hiking, these boots offer exceptional breathability and ample space for wide feet, including those that may swell in heat, all while providing reliable traction.
With summer hiking in mind, the KEEN Voyageur Mid proves to be an effective option. The upper features moisture-wicking materials that facilitate quick drying after exposure to water, preventing excessive sweating and odors. In our lab tests, it received a score of 4/5 for breathability based on our smoke test, indicating its suitability for warm-weather hiking.
In terms of width, our caliper indicated a measurement of 6.5 mm greater than average at the widest point of the toebox, confirming that the Voyageur Mid meets expectations for spaciousness. This design allows for comfortable toe movement, significantly reducing the risk of hotspots or blisters. Furthermore, the durable rubber toe cap enhances the protective qualities of the boot.
The multidirectional lugs provide excellent grip on dirt and gravel, contributing to a secure footing during test hikes. Measuring at 4.6 mm, these lugs are 0.5 mm deeper than average, which aids in traction on sandy terrains, making them well-suited for the KEEN Voyageur Mid's intended use.
Lab measurements indicate that the cushioning of the KEEN Voyageur Mid is notable, but potentially excessive for some users. The heel-to-toe drop measures 20.9 mm, which is 7.3 mm higher than average. While this drop benefits hikers navigating deep sand, it may be too pronounced for those tackling standard trails, particularly forefoot strikers who might consider alternative footwear options.
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2
Pros
- Extremely well-cushioned
- Exceptionally lively and bouncy underfoot
- Luxuriously padded interior
- Grippy and durable lugs
- Tackles wet surfaces confidently
- Very flexible and forgiving
- Excellent airflow
- Feels incredibly stable underfoot
- Supportive heel collar
- Rockered midsole
- Relatively lightweight
- High-quality construction
- Eye-catching design
Cons
- Needs breaking in
- Tricky to put on
- Expensive
Key Features
- BOOST midsole for long-lasting cushioning and energy return
- Mesh upper with seamless overlays for a sock-like fit
- Stretchy adaptive knit collar to keep out dirt and debris
- Continental Rubber outsole for confident traction on wet and dry terrains
- Upper made with at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 is a highly rated hiking boot, ideal for those seeking energy return and comfort during their outdoor activities.
Following rigorous lab tests and field evaluations, this lightweight boot demonstrates notable rebound without compromising flexibility or comfort. The midsole provides exceptional cushioning throughout the hike, featuring a generous stack height of 38.4/24.0 mm, along with an impressive 121 SA shock absorption score in the heel.
The rockered geometry and bouncy foam contribute to a smooth ride, propelling users forward with ease. In our energy return test, it achieved a remarkable 66.0%, surpassing competitors by a significant margin of 30.7%.
With a weight of only 15.0 oz (425g), this boot offers a light and natural feel that enables agile movement. Its adaptable midsole allows for unrestricted motion, evidenced by a flexibility measure that is 49.7% greater than average.
Equipped with 3.7 mm multi-directional lugs, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 excels on both wet and dry surfaces while efficiently shedding mud and debris. However, its price of $200 may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers seeking alternatives.
KEEN Pyrenees
Pros
- Premium nubuck leather quality
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Tons of impact protection
- Surprisingly soft cushioning
- Excellent stability and support
- Very wide, accommodating toebox
- Convenient lacing system
Cons
- Too bulky and heavy
- Tongue edges dig into shins
- Lacks traction for mud, ice, and snow
Key Features
- MATERIAL & CONSCIOUSLY CREATED: Constructed from durable premium leather sourced from Leather Working Group certified tanneries. The environmentally preferred DWR helps prevent the leather from drying out.
- WATERPROOF & TRACTION: The KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane keeps your feet dry even in wet terrains. The boots feature 4mm multi-directional lugs for optimal grip on rugged surfaces.
- SUPPORT & COMFORT: An external stability shank provides lightweight support, while S3 heel technology dissipates shock to enhance your mobility on uneven ground. A cushioned collar reduces irritation around the ankle.
- FIT & INSOLE: Equipped with a removable footbed that offers arch support, the KEEN Original Fit ensures generous space for your toes to spread comfortably.
- CARE TIPS: To maintain the boots, KEEN recommends gently brushing them with a soft bristle brush or hand towel to remove dirt, followed by using a leather cleaner and conditioner. Stains can be treated with a gum eraser.
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Leather
- Origin: Made in the USA and Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: 13 inches
The Keen Pyrenees is an ideal choice for backpackers seeking durability and comfort on long treks, especially in cold conditions. Constructed from premium nubuck leather, it features a robust outsole and plush midsole that provide significant protection and cushioning.
Users benefit from secure foot shielding against elements such as cold winds, water, sharp rocks, and protruding roots. The durable leather ensures a snug fit, confirmed by our rigorous Dremel test, which awarded it a perfect score of 5/5 for toughness. Additionally, the Pyrenees' outsole achieved a remarkable 92.0 HC rating, effectively numbing out any debris underfoot.
Despite its rugged construction, the Pyrenees includes a plush midsole that offers ample impact protection, measuring 37.4% softer than the average boot. The combination of a generous heel stack and an average forefoot results in a substantial 16.7 mm drop, providing ergonomic relief for hikers by alleviating pressure on the legs.
The boot's volume contributes to its stability; it measures 6.5 mm wider than an average hiking boot at the toebox, serving as a reliable indicator of overall width. This design allows toes to splay comfortably, enhancing stability through the midfoot shank.
However, the Pyrenees weighs 21.7 oz (615g), making it 3.8 oz (107g) heavier than the average boot. For those prioritizing weight, exploring alternative models may be advisable.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Top-notch waterproofing
- Excellent underfoot protection
- Highly secure ankle support
- Fantastic stability
- Comfortable in-boot feel
- Effective grip on various terrain
- Fits as expected
Cons
- A bit heavy
- Gets very stiff in cold
Key Features
- Stable & Supportive Design: Offers exceptional support for backpacking.
- Smooth Ride: Engineered for comfort over extended hikes.
- Enhanced Support: Provides extra stability during tough terrains.
- GORE-TEX Feature: Keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is an exceptional hiking boot designed for backpackers seeking significant support, durability, and protective cushioning during multi-day hikes on challenging terrain.
Upon lacing up the boot, we immediately experienced the support provided by Salomon’s integrated ADV-C 4D chassis stabilizer. In lab testing, the boot received a score of 5/5 for rigidity, indicating it is the most rigid option available. This rigidity ensures that even when navigating rocky alpine trails with a heavy pack, ankle twists are virtually impossible.
For durability, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX performed impressively in our tests. We utilized a Dremel on the toe box, heel, and outsole, and all areas exceeded our expectations. After 12 seconds at 5K RPM and a force of 3.2N, the solid rubber toe cap showed minimal wear, providing reassurance for protection against bumps and scrapes while hiking on rugged trails or during light scrambling.
The midsole boasts an average firmness rating of 27 HA, as measured by our durometer. With a stack height at the heel being 2 mm above average, ample firm material is available to protect the heels from sharp rocks, which is particularly beneficial for heel strikers.
With a weight of 23.4 oz (663g), the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is typical for a supportive backpacking boot but may be excessive for casual day hikers. For this reason, we do not recommend this boot for light hikers or those primarily engaging in day hikes.