Keen Women's Targhee II

I bought these to replace a many years and many trails (mostly in the rugged Adirondack High Peaks) worn pair of LLBean mid-cut leather Gore-tex hiking boots. I wear orthotics for collapsed arches, heel spurs, and intermittent bouts of plantar fascia. My priorities are fit,good support,Gore-tex for muddy trails, roomy toebox,and sticky soles for wet rock. Of course, durability is important. I decided to try a low-cut hiking shoe because I have wide ankles and a higher cut always caused rub and rash issues. First the pros: These have a nice roomy toebox with the same kind of toe bumper that my Bean boots have...great for rocky trails. The soles have good grab on rock face and seem pretty stable. They accomodate orthotics. So far, the Keen-Dry system (Keen's version of Gore-tex) is holding up. I intentionally stepped in a stream and stayed dry. But, of course, because they have low tops they will not be as reliably dry as a mid-cut or higher. The low top is very comfortable. The color choices are great. I really like my choice of slate black/seneca rock, a nice medium brown with a muted plum trim.The cons: My lasat shoes were 9.5; these are size 10. I'm not sure how durable the lacing system will be because there are no eyelets through the leather or any metal at all. Instead, the laces run through a series of woven straps. The lace system does not allow for adequate adjustment for heel snugness, which I need because the heel cup is rather wide. I find myself stopping to adjust laces frequently to snug in the heel without creating too much tightness over the instep. I have a narrower heel and wider forefoot. I thought they were the best choice of several boots I tried on, but after actually hiking in them I am worried about the heel slippage as I hike uphill. I'm hoping that as they break in some more they will become more flexible and the heel will work with me better. A heavier sock is not an option unless I can find a sock with a thicker heel and normal weight toe.I like the shoes except for this heel issue. If I had felt he heel slip, I might not have kept them. but it's very hard to test a hiking boot in the house. Only a hike will tell, but then they can't be returned.I guess the bottom line is if you have a narrow heel, try a different model.

I buy Keen shoes for the fit (wide feet) and durability. These hiking shoes live up to the reputation. Ordered a whole size up from my normal size (my other Keens are a half-size larger than normal). Glad I got the larger size. They fit great, with plenty of width and room to wiggle toes. So far, they have remained waterproof in rain, deep puddles, and wet grass. Short break-in period, wore them 'around town' for about a week, with no hot spots. Will replace the keen insoles with Superfeet because the insoles that came with the shoes are not supportive enough for high arches. Tested them out on some easy trails and had no problems with slipping or rocks/roots.

I took these 'boots' with me to Central Asia where they got put through the ringer hiking through Krygz. and Uzbek. Never had an problems with them, the soles held up through miles of hiking/backpacking, laces and eyes never gave out, the heal loop was great for getting them on or clipping them to the backpack. I took out the factory insole though, it wasn't very comfortable, and replaced it with some superfeet. Life was much better after that. Also, the toe box runs wide, so duck feet people rejoice.p.s. they're also a great casual shoe for walking around slippery colorado winter sidewalks.

I love this Keen hiking shoe. I hiked 700 miles in it on the Appalachian Trail and it still feels amazing. I NEVER had a blister from these shoes. (I did take the time to break them in first, of course!) There is one little place where the tread is starting to be loose, but otherwise the shoe still looks and feels great. My feet are wide, and the boxy toe area is perfect for me. They are also relatively water-proof, which is a nice addition. And because the laces are bumpy they stay tied pretty well unless they are wet.

I bought my first pair because I wanted waterproof shoes to wear in remote villages in the Dominican Republic. I wore them every day for the 2 months I was down there. Since then, I've used these shoes as my go-to hiking boots. They are light, sturdy, and waterproof. I've also used them for trail-running, mountaineering (not recommended), rock climbing, and wading into the frigid waters of Puget sound. And I wear them to work. And church. The webbing that holds the laces broke on my first pair, but loved the shoes so much I got another pair to replace them.

One word of warning...this shoe does run a little small. I typically wear a 9.5 but had to get it in a 10. Not an issue though. This shoe is great for light hiking. Even in the mornings when I take my dog for a walk and the dew is still on the grass, never get my socks wet!! Can't beat that. Another bonus is they make you a little bit taller. The sole is thick and comfortable. These are great for spring, fall and maybe winter days. But way too warm for summer!!!! Highly recommend them!

Might be great if they made a size they fit me! These definitely run at least a whole size small. Very sad I had to return their highest size, an 11, due to being too small. I am really a size 10.5, but because these run so small, the 11's didn't even fit me. 11.5 would have probably worked, but alas, no such size exists. I will never understand why sizes cannot be the same across all shoe brands, OR why shoe designers do not accommodate for tall women.

I tried a 7.5 and an 8. I have other Keens size 7.5 that are the best fitting shoes I own. In this style the 7.5 was too short for my toes, but the 8 slipped everywhere on my heels. Also, Keens run wide and I have a wide foot, but these could have used more width, unless, of course, your foot is normal! Loved the shoe, but was of no use to me. I hated paying all that return postage!

These shoes are super comfortable, very stable light hikers. I use them during every season for short hikes or just walking around town. They do run very wide, though (like all keens), so if you have a narrow foot these are not the shoes for you! They are a little more difficult to lace up tight if you're foot is on the narrow side. They hold up very nicely though and barely require any break-in time!

Bought this shoe to work in SE Alaska. Held up well in all kinds of weather and was still comfy after wearing for 12 hours. Looked nice with my work khakis but still heavy duty enough for some light trail hikes. The material cleans up really nicely, big fan of these shoes. All the keens I've owned are really comfortable and light.