Fix or Flop? Keen huge change to their #1 boot - Targhee IV

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
01:58 What is this boot?
03:18 What is Direct Injection molding?
05:05 Why did they swap to TPU?
07:03 What hasn't changed?
09:24 Are they hiding anything?
12:00 Is the hiking boot the end all?

#keen #bootreview #sponsored #hikingboots #besthikingboots

[novice]

I just want companies to make non water proof versions of their shoes. It makes them far more enjoyable in hot weather environments.

[NDB]

I’ve been wearing Jim Green Razorbacks, they have a wide toe box, and they’re pretty damn comfortable. No stinky liner, and resist water really well. South African made, leather lined, I’m impressed with them, their Baobob boot is awesome too.

[breakfasteatre]

manufacturers can say all the want about breathability, but if the outside air is humid, there is no moisture defusing through the waterproof membrane so it stays in the boot. diffusion gradient

[wastelandranger]

TPU is so slippery in winter. My Blundstones are a nightmare on snow and ice.

[jimbeaux]

Dude that intro was such a sick product plug with the toaster and wallets.

Imma get one strictly due to that sweet ad.

[MinhLa]

I love their hiking shoes. They are very comfortable and I think it's partly the wide toe box. I've also owned three of the moc toe style boots over years and I liked them as well. One of them did have the de lamination issue that you mentioned. Even with that issue, I preferred the old construction method. I have been avoiding these newer construction methods as I've been concern with durability.

[KillSwitchNY]

I discovered keen by accident a couple years ago. Not for hiking but for safety toe work boots. I got a pair of their Philadelphia's and loved them so much i bought 3 more pairs in varying colors 6 and 8". The wide asymetrical carbon fiber toe box is a must for all day comfort. Plus their midsoles are very soft compared to most others. The only thing i can complain about is the outsole grts chewed up pretty easily but that too is a softer rubber than normal as well. I can see why people wouldn't trust them though after having the soles blow apart.

[hvega]

I tried 2 of the older pairs and the toe box/cap always fail. I’ll come back and try these new ones. Strike 3 and I’m out of here ✌🏾

[davidjernigan]

My issue with the Keens is that the wrap around part of the outsole would delaminate in the area where the boot flexes around the ball of the foot.

[Renton]

I just got these, only hiking boot that doesn't give me hot spots or blisters. It does get very clammy inside after few hours of hiking but doesn't seem to leak water.

[evangravitz]

I've owned a pair of these for a couple of months now. I really like them! They are not for heavy hiking, and not for very wet and muddy environments. That said, on a light hike, on a dry day, they are excellent, low-maintenance boots with no break-in!

[johnnyk]

great review! you do such a great job of analyzing these products. I may never buy another pair of shoes or boots without checking for a review here first!

[snowcrash]

I wonder if the new design is anymore resistant to intrusion by pointy rocks. I wore Targhee 3s on the AT is Pennsylvania and I could feel every sharp pointed rock under my forefoot because they are relatively thin and flexible there, no rock plates or anything to protect.

[Spitts]

Best boots I've ever had by a long shot are the Michelin Hydro Edge boots.
My job is walking on pavement for 8 hours a day and every other boot I've tried I get about 4 months ( I've tried a ton of boots over 20 years) but the Michelin last 2 or more years. I was told they use the same rubber as car tires which makes sense for anyone spending the day on pavement or cement. Once you break them in they are the most comfortable boots I've owned. There are some down sides though. The break in period can very long with stiff rubber so I'll wear them around the house a few weekends before I switch out my old boots. The only other downside is the stitching isn't always the best. Sometimes in the first few months (barely broken in by then) the stitching will start to fail but I throw some superglue in and get a few more years out of them.

[PastafarianGod]

I have a pair of keen evanston work boots. They're my first pair of keens and I have to say, they are quite comfortable, and very affordable, being $110 on a good day and $150 on a bad day. I wouldn't mind seeing you cut apart some of their work focused gear. I didn't even know they were such a hiking focused company.

[Lmolina]

I literally just replaced a pair of Keen Hiking shoes because the soles kept peeling off. Maybe I will have to look at them again when my new shoes wear out.

[MusclesMgee]

Does anyone know if the MUGGS are coming back for a 3.0 this winter?

[fidel-]

I bought some Targhee II's in 2016, they were my default hiking boots and weekend ware for a long time. I'd say I'd wear them pretty hard for anything related to farm work or landscaping too. They're on their last leg here in 2024 with the bottom of the shoe being the only piece that's really worn out and just not having traction anymore. I could probably squeeze one or two more heavy hiking seasons out of them.

I got a set of Targhee IV for my birthday from my GF (love this girl). I'll say they FEEL on the foot very different, like there's a substantially more arch support, and it's taken me a little while to get used to and maybe I just need to break them in. I'm still everyday'ing my old Targhee II's cause I'm keeping the new ones cleaner. Though I was disappointed when I first put them on, they just didn't have the same feel as other Keens.

Style wise, the Targhee IV look so much better. I got the Bison/Black and it is a classy looking boot that can mix well in a casual or semi-professional space.

I live in Portland and have been a vendor to Keen. They're definitely a really good company with super smart people. There's some other "shoe manufacturers" around this neck of the woods that are more like fashion companies, they are full of asshole and idiots failing to success and have very toxic cultures.

[wakjob]

Shout out to Keen. I can't wear them anymore, but always thought they made a great quality safety toe work boot and Hiker that was wider than normal.

[acftmxman]

I have to admit I’m mixed when it comes to Keen. Six years ago I bought two pairs of their work boots and they are going strong today. Five years ago I bought another two pairs and those didn’t make it 9 months. The mid soles blew out and the boot was delaminating. I had to toss them. I haven’t bought Keen since. The first pair were Keen Pittsburgh’s and the second pair was Keen Springfield’s.