The Keen Targhee Iii Waterproof Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The KEEN Targhee III Waterproof is a versatile hiking shoe, ideal for casual and experienced hikers. With its significant breathability and waterproofing features, this shoe performs well in various conditions, as verified by our lab tests. The impressive results from our freeze tests indicate that it remains functional year-round.

Moreover, the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof offers a budget-friendly option with no required break-in period, enhancing accessibility for all hikers. Its practicality and efficiency make it a compelling choice for those seeking reliable footwear on diverse trails.


Pros

  • Excellent for winter hikes
  • Firm but protective cushioning
  • Well-constructed and durable upper
  • Lots of protective overlays
  • Amazing stability
  • No break-in time

Cons

  • Outsole durability could be better
  • Not ideal for narrow feet
  • Lacks traction on wet rocks

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

Keen Targhee Iii Waterproof Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Merrell Moab 3 GTX Teva Grandview GTX Low Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX
Price $160 $160 $165 $160
Trail terrain Technical Technical Moderate Technical
Weight lab Weight brand 17.1 oz / 486g 15.9 oz / 452g 15.6 oz / 441g 13.3 oz / 378g
Lightweight
Breathability Moderate Warm Moderate Warm
Use Backpacking Day Hiking Day Hiking Backpacking
Orthotic friendly
Drop lab 12.5 mm 10.9 mm 10.0 mm 10.9 mm
Size True to size Half size small True to size True to size
Midsole softness Firm Firm Soft Firm
Difference in midsole softness in cold Small Big Small Big
Torsional rigidity Moderate Moderate Stiff Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Stiff
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Stiff Moderate
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Hard
Waterproofing Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof Waterproof
Material Leather Leather - -
Season Winter Winter Winter Winter
Toebox durability Very good - Very good -
Heel padding durability Bad - Bad -
Outsole durability Decent - Decent -
Width / fit Medium Medium Wide Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Wide Medium
Lug depth 4.5 mm 4.8 mm 4.0 mm 4.5 mm
Heel stack lab 29.5 mm 33.2 mm 33.0 mm 30.9 mm
Forefoot 17.0 mm 22.3 mm 23.0 mm 20.0 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Normal
Technology - Gore-Tex Gore-Tex Gore-Tex
Heel tab Finger loop Finger loop Finger loop Finger loop
Removable insole
Ranking Top 43% Top 40% Bottom 8% Bottom 22%
Popularity Bottom 45% Top 20% Bottom 14% Top 15%