I test walking shoes all year — and this is the pair that came out on top in 2025

I spent my entire childhood outdoors and have cycled through more pairs of hiking shoes than I care to admit. I’ve even managed to lose a few pairs somehow. But until the soles fall off them (which I don’t think they will), I won’t be replacing or misplacing my Keen Targhee IV hiking boots, which I reviewed for Tom's Guide back in May 2025.

They're the best hiking boots I've ever used, and after years of battling blisters and achy arches, they have been a welcome addition to my weekend walks. And after a year of testing some great walking shoes, including the Keen Leiki and the Icebug Rover RB9X GTX, I can say with certainty that the Targhee IVs are my firm favorite.

Keen Targhee IV: $180 at REI

For me, the Keen Targhee IV are the ideal gorp-core hiking boots. I demand arch support, but love a pretty design, so the fact that these boots provide both is a real win. The cushioned sole is bouncy and offers excellent support on long walks, while the extra room at the front of the boot ensures your toes never get cramped. They're available in half sizes and wide fit options, so you can get the perfect fit from the get-go.

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Ankle support

It goes without saying that when you head out on a hike with tough terrain, you need something that’s going to provide support to your ankles as well as your feet, and the Targhee IVs do just that.

I’m very clumsy and find myself falling over more than I’d care to admit, but these boots have a lace-up system that includes straps around the heel on the outside of the shoe. The straps tighten up as you lace the boots, hugging your foot from the back as well as the front.

This meant that I wasn’t experiencing any rubbing to cause blisters, and my foot wasn’t moving around in the boot as much as in my old boots. Having this sort of security around my ankles also means that when I inevitably eat dirt on my way up a mountain, I won’t have to limp my way back down.

Toe comfort

An issue I've experienced in the past when trying out walking shoes is in the toe box. And this is a pretty common complaint when it comes to walking boots, as when you’re walking downhill, your toes can take the brunt of the pressure.

A wide toe box is a brilliant way to solve this issue as it gives you more space, rather than feeling totally crushed at the front. Keen’s classic fit (which is generous compared to other boot manufacturers) is the perfect answer to this, as it allows the toes to splay naturally and reduces the risk of foot fatigue. I’ve taken on some of my longest hikes in the Keens simply because my feet didn’t feel sore.

All in the sole

These soles are tough. Like, super tough. They've tackled everything I’ve thrown at them without a single scuff, and look good as new with just a little water every time.

The soles are fusion-bonded to the upper of the shoe instead of glued, which is typically used. Keen is so confident that this heat-and-pressure bond won’t deteriorate over time that they even offer a lifetime delamination-free guarantee.

And the arch support from the shoes is also awesome. Usually, on long walks, my arches start to ache, but this wasn’t an issue at all when walking with the Targhee IVs.

I don’t think I’ll ever ditch these boots. They’re perfect for trail walking and longer, more challenging hikes, and the ankle support really seals the deal for me.

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