KEEN Targhee III Review (2026)

By Grant — Last updated 2026-07-03 — hiking-boots

Grant's Verdict

7/10 — Worth It

KEEN Targhee III uses the widest toe box in the hiking boot category, accommodating wide feet and bunion-prone hikers who find most boots uncomfortable. The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and KEEN All-Terrain rubber outsole are adequate for established trail use.

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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Links in this review are Amazon affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are never influenced by commission rates.

The Short Version

KEEN Targhee III is the go-to boot for wide-footed hikers. We tested the toe box width and compared KEEN.DRY waterproofing against GORE-TEX.

Who This Is For

Buy this if: Wide-footed hikers or those with toe alignment issues who find other boots painful.

Skip this if: Hikers with standard-width feet — the wide toe box creates lateral movement that reduces support for normal width feet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Widest toe box in the category — prevents pinch blisters
  • KEEN.DRY performs comparably to GORE-TEX at a lower price
  • Available in wide (2E) width as well as standard

Cons

  • KEEN.DRY slightly less breathable than GORE-TEX Extended Comfort
  • Heavy at 2 lbs 2 oz vs. Salomon at 1 lb 11 oz

The Detailed Breakdown

Wide Foot Solution

Most hiking boots use a European last with narrow toe box. KEEN's Targhee uses an American last with a wide toe box that allows toes to splay naturally under load. For hikers who develop pinky-toe blisters or black toenails in other boots, the KEEN last is often the solution.

Grant's Final Take

Buy KEEN if wide feet are why you've struggled with other hiking boots. Skip it for standard widths where other boots provide better weight and traction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is KEEN.DRY as good as GORE-TEX?
In comparable conditions, KEEN.DRY provides similar waterproofing. GORE-TEX Extended Comfort breathes slightly better in warm weather. For most hikers, the difference is minimal.
How long does the waterproofing last?
Approximately 200 miles before reproof is needed. Apply Nikwax Footwear Proof Spray to restore.

Methodology: Our gear ratings are based on community research across r/camping, r/hiking, r/ultralight, r/backpacking, and r/CampingandHiking, combined with manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We analyze Reddit consensus, common failure patterns reported across multiple platforms, and long-term durability reports. Grant rates based on value, packability, durability, and whether it would survive a trip he's been planning to take for three years. Last verified 2026-07-03.

Affiliate disclosure: This review contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, Gear Made Simple earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.