This is Seki, the manager of the outdoor shop FITTWO located in Ueno!
Today, I’d like to introduce the “TARGHEE IV WP” from the American outdoor brand KEEN!
When you think of KEEN, you probably picture their iconic sandals like the “NEWPORT”, which protect your toes, or the popular woven sandals “UNEEK”. While KEEN is often associated with summer footwear, they also offer a wide range of outdoor shoes!
Among KEEN’s trekking shoes, the “TARGHEE” series stands out as one of their legendary models, and that’s what I’m introducing today!
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【KEEN】TARGHEE IV WP – Waterproof Trekking Shoes
The “TARGHEE” series has been a best-seller for over 20 years! After the release of the TARGHEE II in 2006 and the TARGHEE III in 2017, the latest TARGHEE IV was launched in 2024!
Currently, KEEN offers only two models in their trekking lineup: the iconic TARGHEE II and the latest TARGHEE IV. In this article, I’ll not only introduce the TARGHEE IV but also compare it with the TARGHEE II!
Excellent Hold and Stability
The TARGHEE series is available in two styles: low-cut and mid-cut, which provides extra ankle support.
Even the low-cut models offer great ankle support thanks to KEEN’s unique lace system!
This system, called the KEEN Heel Capture System, tightens around your heel when you pull the laces, providing a secure fit. This means that even in the low-cut version, you get outstanding support! Of course, it’s also featured in the mid-cut models!
While the heel and ankle areas are securely held, the toe box is designed to be spacious, making the shoes a great option for those with wider feet!
Personally, I have a wider outer foot and usually feel discomfort with narrow shoes, but I have no issues at all with the TARGHEE IV!
In addition to superior hold, the TARGHEE IV also features a built-in shank plate in the sole that prevents the shoe from twisting, providing excellent stability even on rough terrain!
The Most Durable and Grippy TARGHEE Yet
The standout feature of the TARGHEE IV is its brand-new outsole — the KEEN RUGGED OUTSOLE — introduced for the first time with this model!
While the TARGHEE IV shares the same outsole structure as the TARGHEE III, it uses a completely new material that significantly improves durability!
Traditional rubber soles often peeled or cracked over time, causing a loss of grip. However, with the KEEN Rugged Outsole, you don’t have to worry about that! It’s designed to be highly slip-resistant and wear-resistant, even on rough terrain.
Having worn both the TARGHEE II and other KEEN trekking shoes myself, I did experience the rubber peeling off before. So far, with the TARGHEE IV, there’s no sign of that happening!
Additionally, instead of using adhesive, KEEN bonds the outsole to the upper using heat fusion, making the connection stronger and more durable!
Versatile Enough for Everyday Use
Beyond its trekking-specific features, the comfortable fit, waterproofing, and high performance of the TARGHEE IV make it a great option for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear!
Fully Waterproof
The leather upper is treated with a waterproof coating!
The grey area you see inside the shoe is the KEEN.DRY membrane. However, be aware that the waterproofing does not extend all the way up to the top of the ankle.
I personally tested them by getting them wet, and no water seeped inside. Even during use, my feet have stayed completely dry!
Soft, Comfortable Fit
The collar and tongue are padded, providing a soft and comfortable fit around the foot.
The leather used is also soft right out of the box, requiring virtually no break-in period — I never experienced any discomfort while wearing them!
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, KEEN uses its own air-injected material for the midsole — the crucial part of the sole that absorbs impact directly from the ground! The insole is also air-injected to further enhance cushioning.
Personally, I found the TARGHEE IV’s sole to feel a little thinner and slightly firmer compared to previous models. The TARGHEE II seemed to offer a bit more cushioning.
If you’re used to the TARGHEE II, you might find the cushioning of the TARGHEE IV a little lacking.
The insoles are removable, so you can easily wash them!
Summary
What did you think?
The TARGHEE, KEEN’s iconic trekking shoe, has now been updated to its latest version — the TARGHEE IV.
With enhanced ankle support, it’s perfect for active adventures like hiking and mountaineering. Plus, thanks to its waterproof features, it’s also great for rainy days!
As the durability has been greatly improved, we look forward to sharing more updates as we continue to use them!
The TARGHEE IV is available both in-store and online — be sure to check it out!
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