The KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof is a roomy, comfortable women's hiking boot for day hikes, wet trails and everyday walking. It has KEEN.DRY waterproofing, a 4 mm multidirectional lugged outsole and KEEN's wide-toe fit. BootsGuru's verdict: it's a good, comfortable hiking boot. There are catches, though. It's heavier than many rivals, and some owners report leaks and wear.
This review is built from KEEN's published specs, retailer listings, independent gear tests and owner feedback, each noted where it's used. The photos show the boot itself. Wear and durability notes come from other owners and reviewers. See how we research boots.
Quick verdict
Mid height | KEEN.DRY waterproof | 4 mm lugged outsole | Wide toe box, Wide width available | About 14.5 to 18 oz per boot | Lace-up
Buy it if you want a comfortable, roomy waterproof hiking boot with out-of-the-box comfort and a wide toe box.
Skip it if you want an ultralight boot, have narrow feet, or carry heavy packs and need a stiffer boot.
KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof Specs at a Glance
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| Type | Mid-height waterproof hiking boot, lace-up |
| Upper | Leather and mesh with toe and mud guards; leather from a Leather Working Group gold-rated tannery |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, plus PFAS-free water repellent |
| Outsole | KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber, 4 mm multidirectional lugs |
| Support | Injected TPU heel capture system, external stability shank |
| Footbed | Metatomical dual-density EVA footbed, Eco Anti-Odor treatment |
| Fit | KEEN's original comfort fit: roomy forefoot, secure heel; Wide width sold separately |
| Weight | About 14.5 oz (411 g) per boot as listed by a retailer; 18.2 oz (515 g) per boot as measured by RunRepeat |
| Made in | Imported |
| Warranty | One-year warranty against manufacturing defects (KEEN, per a reply on REI's listing) |
Specs from KEEN's product copy as published by REI, Backcountry, Apple Saddlery and Snowys, plus RunRepeat's lab data (all retrieved 2026-10-20). Retailer copy differs slightly between colors and versions, so check the Amazon listing for the exact pair you're buying.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is why people buy the Targhee. KEEN describes the Targhee III as having out-of-the-box comfort and a feel that's more like a sneaker than a traditional hiker, with plenty of room for toes to spread and a secure heel. OutdoorGearLab ranked it well for comfort, especially for a wide foot, and said it gives neutral support without constraining the foot (OutdoorGearLab, retrieved 2026-10-20). A buyer on Snowys' listing said they have wide feet and these boots were the best fit they'd found.
Sizing is a bit of a mixed bag:
- RunRepeat's testers found it fits true to size, based on 143 votes.
- Some owners say the Targhee III is wider and longer than the Targhee II and feels sloppy on their feet, so a snug-fit person may prefer a half size down (REI reviews).
- One Backcountry reviewer loved the boot but said the mid height drove them nuts.
Here's how to get the fit right:
- Start with your usual size and keep the return window open.
- Try the boots on late in the day with the socks you hike in.
- If your feet are wide, look at KEEN's Wide width. If they're narrow, this boot may feel loose.
- Check that your heel doesn't lift when you walk uphill.
Not sure whether you need a wide boot? Our wide boots sizing guide walks you through it, and the boot width chart explains the letters. For more options, see our women's waterproof hiking boots for wide feet. The roomy toe box also helps with foot problems like bunions. Our best hiking boots for bunions guide covers the options in detail.
Weight
Weight depends on who you ask. One retailer lists 14.5 oz (411 g) per boot, while RunRepeat measured 18.2 oz (515 g) per boot and called it slightly heavier than the average hiking boot. OutdoorGearLab also put it among the heavier boots it tested. The difference is probably down to size and what each source weighed. Either way, it's not an ultralight boot. That's the cost of the toe and mud guards and the stable build, and most day hikers won't mind it.
If weight matters most, look at lighter boots in our best hiking boots guide.
Waterproofing and Breathability
The Targhee III uses KEEN.DRY, a waterproof, breathable membrane, plus a PFAS-free water repellent finish. OutdoorGearLab said it does a great job of keeping feet dry while still allowing some breathability. Backcountry's review summary also praises the boot for keeping feet dry.
Not every owner agrees. Some REI reviewers report that their pair stopped being waterproof, and one wrote that KEEN pointed to faulty materials for boot failures. Others say their pair still seems waterproof after a long time (REI reviews, retrieved 2026-10-20). Membranes also reduce airflow, so expect warm feet in hot weather.
What to do about it:
- Test the boots in a wet yard or shower soon after they arrive, so you can return a pair that leaks.
- Keep the box and receipt, and note KEEN's one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
- Clean off mud after muddy hikes and air-dry the boots away from direct heat.
Wondering how membranes compare to waterproof leather? Our GORE-TEX vs waterproof leather boots guide explains the difference.
Traction and Terrain
The outsole is KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber with 4 mm multidirectional lugs. KEEN says the lugs dig into dirt, mud and rock. OutdoorGearLab's testers said the soles maintain traction on slippery surfaces. RunRepeat, on the other hand, praised the tacky outsole but flagged lackluster outsole durability, so check the soles for wear after a season of heavy use.
It's a good tread for day hikes, forest trails, mud and wet rock. For steep scree or very deep mud, a boot with deeper lugs will grip better. Fall hiking brings wet leaves and slick roots, so see our best boots for fall hiking guide for outsole picks.
Support and Ankle Height
The Targhee III has an injected TPU heel capture system and an external stability shank for midfoot support. OutdoorGearLab called the design stiff and supportive, and noted a relatively low heel shaft, as on earlier Targhees. It's a mid boot rather than a high boot, so you get light ankle support, not a locked-in feel. If you have weak ankles or carry a heavy pack, read our hiking boots for ankle support guide. If you have fallen arches, see our guide to hiking boots for flat feet.
Durability: What to Watch For
Durability gets mixed feedback. OutdoorGearLab found the same features that give the boot its water resistance also make it incredibly durable. Some owners agree. One REI reviewer said they'd had a pair of KEEN hiking boots for years that held up really well. Others report wear and early failures, including one who wrote about durability issues after about a year, and KEEN replied that it would review a claim (REI reviews, retrieved 2026-10-20).
In practice, the Targhee III looks like a boot that lasts a good number of seasons for most day hikers, but not a guaranteed one. Check the seams, the sole bond and the membrane early, while you can still return them.
Who Should Buy the KEEN Targhee III Mid?
A good fit for:
- Day hikers and weekend walkers who want a comfortable waterproof boot.
- Women with wide feet or a wide forefoot who struggle with narrow hiking boots.
- Anyone who wants one boot for trails, wet weather and everyday wear.
Not the best fit for:
- Ultralight hiking or fast-and-light trips where every ounce counts.
- Narrow feet, which may find the boot too roomy.
- Real cold. It isn't marketed as insulated. See our best women's winter boots instead.
KEEN Targhee III Alternatives
These on-site guides can help if the Targhee III isn't quite right for you:
- All-round pick: our best hiking boots guide lists the top 3 for every trail, foot and budget.
- Popular all-rounder: see our Merrell Moab 3 Mid review, our Moab 3 vs Salomon X Ultra 5 comparison and the best Merrell hiking boots.
- Lighter and cheaper: our Columbia Crestwood Mid review covers a light budget waterproof hiker that runs small.
- Another trusted brand: the best Oboz hiking boots.
- Wide feet: women's waterproof hiking boots for wide feet.
FAQ
Is the KEEN Targhee III Mid waterproof?
It uses KEEN's KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane. Most reviewers say it keeps feet dry, but some owners report leaks over time, so test your pair early and keep the return window and the one-year warranty in mind.
Does the KEEN Targhee III run wide?
It has a roomy forefoot and a generous toe box, and a Wide width is sold separately. Some owners say it's wider and longer than the Targhee II, so narrow feet may find it loose.
Does the KEEN Targhee III fit true to size?
RunRepeat's testers say yes, based on 143 votes. Start with your usual size and check the return policy, since a few owners found it sloppy.
How much does the KEEN Targhee III weigh?
About 14.5 oz (411 g) per boot as listed by a retailer, and 18.2 oz (515 g) per boot as measured by RunRepeat. Weight changes with size.
Is the KEEN Targhee III good for hiking?
Yes, especially day hikes on dirt trails, mud and wet rock. It isn't built for heavy packs or ultralight hiking.
Is the KEEN Targhee III insulated?
KEEN doesn't list insulation for it, so it's best for mild weather. Use warm socks in cool conditions or choose a winter boot for real cold.
Can you wear the KEEN Targhee III every day?
Yes. KEEN says it can also be worn as a comfort shoe, and its sneaker-like feel suits walking and travel. Owners wear them for hiking, work and walks.
The Bottom Line
The KEEN Targhee III Mid Waterproof is a comfortable, roomy waterproof hiker that works well for day hikes and wet weather, especially if you have wide feet. It's not the lightest boot, and a few owners report leaks and wear, so test it early. Choose by how you'll use it:
- Day hikes, wet trails and everyday walking with a roomy fit: the Targhee III is a good, comfortable choice. Check the KEEN Targhee III Mid price on Amazon
- Wide feet: see our wide-fit waterproof hiking boots.
- Ultralight or cold weather: start with our best hiking boots and best women's winter boots.
