A dad just walked 100 miles in new hiking shoes. He wore the Keen Targhee IV. These shoes are very popular. The dad writes for Tom’s Guide. He shared what he thought about the shoes. Did they pass his big test? Keep reading to find out.
The dad’s name is Mat Gallagher. He walks a lot every day. Mat often takes over 10,000 steps. He walks his dogs and goes on hikes. He also uses his hiking shoes for daily wear. So, he really knows about good shoes.
Mat used to wear Keen Targhee II boots. He had two pairs of these old boots. He wore them out completely. He liked them a lot. Now, he wanted to try the new version. He wanted to see if they were even better.
He put on the Keen Targhee IV shoes. He started walking in them right away. Mat tested them on many paths. He walked on footpaths and hills. He also walked on gravel paths. He wore them in wet grass and mud. He even walked on wet rocks. This was a true test for any hiking shoe.
Testing the Keen Targhee IV Shoes
Mat wanted to see how the shoes worked. He checked their grip on trails. He also saw if his feet stayed dry. He wore them for many weeks. He walked over 100 miles in total. His longest walk was about 7 miles in one day.
The new shoes felt good from the start. Mat did not need to “break them in.” This means they were comfortable right away. Some shoes need time to feel right. Not these ones, he said.
The Keen Targhee IV shoes have special parts. They have a waterproof leather upper. This helps keep water out. They also have a special lining. It is called the KeenDry membrane. This membrane makes the shoes waterproof. It also lets some air out. This helps your feet breathe a little.
The bottom of the shoes is also special. It has a Keen.All-Terrain+ rubber sole. This sole helps you grip the ground. It has deep bumps called lugs. These lugs are 5mm deep. They are deeper than on his old shoes. This means better grip.
Mat found the shoes fit well. He usually needs wide shoes. But these shoes fit his feet perfectly. They have a roomy toe box. This gives your toes space to move. He said they felt “true to size.”
Here are some things Mat noticed about the shoes:
- They felt comfortable right away.
- His feet stayed dry in rain.
- He walked through muddy puddles. His feet were still dry.
- The grip was very good. He felt safe on wet surfaces.
- The shoes felt light enough for long walks.
- They did not look too heavy like some big boots.
What Mat Liked Most About His New Shoes
Mat was very happy with the grip. He walked on wet rocks. He walked on slippery mud. The shoes held on tight. He did not slip. This was a big improvement from his older Keen shoes.
The waterproofing also worked great. It rained often during his walks. He stepped in many puddles. His feet never got wet. The KeenDry membrane did its job perfectly. You can learn more about how waterproofing works.
He also liked how comfortable they were. The shoes have a soft collar around the ankle. They also have a soft tongue. These parts add extra cushion. They make long walks feel easier on your feet.
After 100 miles, the shoes still looked new. The leather was in good shape. The laces were strong. The soles showed very little wear. This means they are built to last. Mat felt they were very durable.
Mat often takes his dogs for walks. He needs shoes that can handle many types of ground. The Keen Targhee IV shoes did just that. They were good for daily walks and tough hikes.
| Feature | Mat’s Verdict (After 100 Miles) |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Excellent, no break-in needed |
| Grip | Great on wet and muddy paths |
| Waterproofing | Feet stayed completely dry |
| Durability | Looked new, very little wear |
| Fit | True to size, good for wide feet |
What Could Be Better with Keen Targhee IV?
Even great shoes can have small things. Mat found one thing he would change. The shoes are very waterproof. This is a good thing most times. But it also means they are not super breathable.
On warmer days, his feet felt hot. When the temperature went over 70°F (21°C), his feet felt warm. This is common for waterproof shoes. The waterproof layer keeps water out. But it also keeps some heat in. It is a trade-off. Many hikers face this choice. Do you want dry feet or cool feet?
For Mat, this was a small issue. Most of his walks were in cooler weather. So, the waterproof feature was more important. It kept his feet dry in many rainy walks.
Overall, Mat thinks these shoes are great. He thinks they are a perfect all-around boot. They are good for many types of walking. If you like hiking, you might like them too. You can also learn more about how to choose hiking shoes.
He really recommends the Keen Targhee IV. He says they are a big step up. They are better than his old Targhee II shoes. If you want new hiking shoes, these could be a good choice. They work for both new walkers and experienced hikers.
