My dad walked 100 miles in the Keen Targhee IV hiking shoes — here’s his verdict

My dad is an avid hiker, so I could think of no better person to send Keen’s Targhee IV hiking shoes as he set out on a 70-mile trip to Europe to follow the Camino De Santiago this summer. 100 miles of testing later, he’s returned his verdict — and the Keen Targhee IV walking shoes have come out on top.

The main difference between these and the Keen Targhee IV boots, reviewed by my Tom’s Guide colleague Ashley, is the amount of ankle support offered. If you’re heading out for a serious trek, you might appreciate the extra support; however, if you’re looking for a lighter option, that’s comfortable from the get-go, walking shoes might be the better option.

Read my Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review below to find out more.

Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review: Cheat sheet

Who are they for? Serious hikers and weekend walkers looking for a lightweight, comfortable walking shoe.

What do they do well? Offer a comfortable fit from the get-go, with no break-in period needed. The shoes prevented feet from getting too hot and were protective on uneven terrain.

What do they cost? $170/£145

What are the weaknesses? As these are shoes, not boots, there’s not a huge amount of ankle support if you’re heading out for a more technical walk.

Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review: Specs

Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review: Price and availability

The Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe is available in both men's and women's sizes, from Keen directly as well as third-party retailers. The shoe costs $170/£145, but is built to last you years of walks — this newest model is made from a fused construction between the sole and upper, which Keen gives a lifetime guarantee.

There are more color options in the men’s version of the shoe, with five different options to choose from. The women’s shoe only has three different colorways. The men’s shoe also comes in two different widths — regular and wide, to accommodate different foot shapes. The shoe comes in sizes US 7-15 in the men’s shoe, including half sizes, and US 5-12 in the women’s.

Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review: Design and fit

The Targhee IV hiking shoes are designed to keep your feet dry and comfortable as you walk. They have a classic Keen design, with a wide toebox and a high toe bumper to protect your toes from rocks and tree stumps as you walk. My dad has a toe injury from years of marathon running that often flares up on hiking trips, and he was impressed with the toe bumper, which prevented any knocks, swelling, or bruised toes.

He was testing a pair of the bison/black colorway and liked the look of the shoe immediately. He ordered a half size up from his regular sneakers to allow for thicker walking socks and feet swelling in the summer months, and found the fit was perfect. There was no break-in period required, and he didn’t experience any blisters or hot spots at all.

Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review: Performance

My dad was impressed with the performance of the Keen Targhee IV hiking shoes as he took on the hills and warm weather conditions on his 70-mile walk. He found the fit around the ankle was comfortable, with no rubbing or soreness, even after a long day of walking.

The shoes also offered a good amount of grip on all the terrains he encountered — from wet mud and slippery rocks, to very steep gravel trails. The hiking shoes are completely waterproof, so he could take on puddles and shallow streams with ease.

Compared to his hiking boots, he appreciated how lightweight the hiking shoes were on his long days of walking. While you are, of course, sacrificing some of the ankle support from a walking boot, he found the lightness and comfort, especially when walking in the heat, made up for it.

His only minor complaint with the hiking shoes was the lacing system — he wished the shoes had a hook/clasp on the final lace hole, like many walking boots do. Of course, this isn’t a deal breaker, but it does make getting the shoes off at the end of a long day of walking that little bit easier.

Keen Targhee IV hiking shoe review: Verdict

These shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and cushioned from the get-go. If you’re looking for the technical grip of a hiking boot, without the heft, these tick all of the right boxes, especially if you’re hiking in the spring and summer.

Of course, if you are looking for ankle support or heading out in the winter and want the extra protection, the Keen Targhee IV boots are also a great pick. However, the hiking shoe has the versatility you need in a year-round boot, whether you’re trekking around the park with the dog or heading out on a more adventurous trail.