Customer Reviews KEEN 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.

Targhee II vs. Targhee Mid II - There were only 3 reviews when I bought these shoes 2 months ago, and it was a tough decision between Targhee II and their high top cousin (Targhee Mid). I only wanted to buy one pair, and I chose the Targhee IIs, because I thought I would get more use out of them after my big 4-day backcountry hiking trip. My biggest concern with these, however, was that they wouldn't give enough support. They held up, and my feet felt great. More importantly, they have such a thick base/sole, that while I knew it was a risk backpacking without ankle support, I felt safe in them for the most part. These hikers can take rugged wear, but they are probably best for any kind of day hike and short sleepovers in the backcountry. To be honest, I doubt I will carry a 40-60 pound pack using these shoes again, simply because while they felt good, I still had to concentrate not to make a mis-step more than usual. Overall, they did a great job, and I've gotten a lot more use out of them since. (I did order 1/2 size up and it was fine. I like wearing thick socks to hike, so no complaints).

Ordered two sizes to compare. Wondering if size 8 is a Knock off as the color is brown, tabs on front toe do not show a full ‘K’ and no ‘Keen’ ID on the tongue. Also- big mark kinda like a small dog bit the toe area on the left shoe. Size 8 made in China. size 8.5 made in Thailand. It’s color was as described online... missing lace strap at top of tongue on 8.5 Returning both ASAP

Love these! I needed a midrange walking/easy hiking shoe; more than a sneaker, less than my hike boots. I took some time to break them in, but probably didn't need to. Never felt pain or rubbing. My feet pronate and these help correct that; especially when my feet are tired. Good arch support, nice wide toe box, and cute, too.

Awesome shoes that were super comfortable from the first wearing. Trekked around Norway in them and couldn't be happier.

My Podiatrist had recommended these shoes for bunions. I found these shoes to be very uncomfortable and the heel area was too wide. The heel was so wide my feet slid out of the shoes. I highly recommend the Oboz Sawtooth Low BDry shoe! Oboz has a wide toe area and narrow heel which makes for an extremely comfortable fit.

Hammer Toe Heaven - I was advised by my podiatrist to get walking/hiking shoes with a firm sole. And one that would accommodate my hammer toes and bunions. These are a dream come true and I highly recommend them to anyone with aging feet who is very active, as I am. Bought a half size larger as recommended and they worked out beautifully.

This is my third pair of the Keen Targhee II — they've served me well as general walking shoes and also for light hiking, and the previous pairs each lasted me at least three years, if not more, with almost daily use. Great for wet days, very hardy shoe. My only very small complaint is that I have to double-knot the laces to keep them tied. I order a full size up from my regular street shoes, same as I do for any hiking boot or running shoe, and it's a good fit with either medium thickness socks or thick socks.

I love my Keen shoes! I'm a RN on my feet 12 hours a day for 2-3 days in a row, and not a light weight. Keen shoes are awesome for anyone on their feet for long periods of time. Little break in time.

I have a hard time finding shoes that I like and that fit since I have big feet. Luckily for me, many younger people have bigger feet than my generation did. More shoes are now available. Keen gives me shoes I like that fit me.

Great shoe, but weird sizing - This is the 10th pair of Keens that I’ve purchased, so it's clear I love the comfort and styling. The only complaint I have is the discrepancy in sizes - sometime I wear a 10 1/2, sometimes an 11. Go figure.

Hmm not sure how I feel about these.. I ordered a size 7.5 and then had to exchange for a size 8. Not a big deal but when the size 8 arrived, I noticed the Keen symbols were at a completely different location! I’ve checked the official Keen website, so the symbols are wrong on the size 7.5. Also the size 8 looks likes it’s got damaged on the side or something.. slightly disappointed because I do like these.. but returning both!

I love these shoes. I may just abandon all shame and wear my hiking shoes everywhere I go. Seriously if you are on the fence about hiking shoes, go for these. They are insanely comfortable right out of the box, feel very sturdy, and are of excellent quality. I've only worn them in the rain so far and my feet have stayed dry and warm, but not too warm. Totally worth the money, especially if you are even semi-serious about hiking. Personally I feel they are very true to size. I usually wear a 7 or 7.5 depending on the shoe. I ordered a 7.5 and they feel plenty roomy.

Love these shoes, arch support is excellent. I have plantar fasciitis and high arches. These shoes address both needs. Ordered a half size larger as other reviews stated...shoes fit great in the toe box but a little large for narrow heels. Wearing two pairs of socks or hiking socks takes care of the problem.

Love 'em - I work in a research lab and with bodies of water and these shoes have never failed me. They really are waterproof and breathe very well. When I have gotten them soaked I packed them with newspaper until they dried and didn't even end up with the wet-shoe-funk. They feel like firm, well padded slippers and are super comfy to wear for hours. They also have great tred that helps you get through those slippery spots. They're very supportive but don't have high arch support, which I like. The toe is very big and rounded and I had problems wearing them with bike toe clips, but easily resolved by making the clip bigger.

You won't be disappointed. Just came back from Yellowstone hiking in my Keen's purchased from Zappos. Where do I begin? Great support, super grippy, kept my foot dry but it could still breathe. Comfort A++. Only thing, I wish I didn't order a 1/2 size up. Now I am stuck with always having to wear thick socks. If you like to hike, this is your shoe.

The fit is great and no breaking in period. I wear these to work in a hospital and they have excellent support in the arch. I wear a 7.5 and they fit like a 7.5.

Great shoes. Wore them on a 10 mile hike right out of the box with no blisters or rubbing. Walked through several shallow creeks with no wetness. Overall, I'm a big fan.

I normally take an 8 1/2 in New Balance, which always runs short. The 8 1/2 were too short.

Love my Keens but found this style too narrow especially in the toes. My width size is a B. Too bad - loved the color and style!

Highly Recommended - These are the most comfortable hiking shoes I've ever worn. They are also very lightweight for hiking shoes which is very nice. I ordered a half size bigger than my normal size. They are a little big, but are okay if I wear super thick socks. I think if I'd ordered my regular size though they would have been too small.

Great shoes! I was looking for a pair of waterproof hiking shoes to wear to all of my boys' football games. They are great! They are very comfortable, from the first time I wore them. Fun, sporty, and very useful. Had to order a half size up.

These shoes have been very comfortable for daily wear and urban hikes; I have yet to try them on the trail. I've had trouble getting the laces just right, since they cinch over the highest part of my foot, but that is a minor issue and will just take time for the shoe to conform to my foot. As with all Keen's (this is my third pair) I highly recommend them.

Great Shoe!! I do a lot of walking, but have found that a "walking shoe" does not have as much support under the ball of my foot as I would like, so decided to try a light hiking type shoe. I love them; they give me the support I wanted. I normally wear an 8-8 1/2, but needed to go to a size 9, run a little small. I love shopping at Zappos because it is never a problem to return a shoe for another size, and I don't have to pay the postage.