Gear Review - KEEN's Targhee Walking Shoe

A pair of these lighweight boots arrived on my doorstep for testing. A visit to Canada was in the diary for the following week and with the usual problem of keeping luggage under the permitted weight it was decided to take them along to sample some North American Trails.

Normally I wear heavy 3-season boots so lightweight boots were a novelty as I took them straight from the box for a test in the Rockies. My wife had warned that they had better be broken in ... but like all good husbands, advice was ignored and off I strode on the rough trail. Six hours later my feet were fine and I didn't even bother to change my boots for driving. In the following two weeks the boots were used on rough mountain trails, valley walks and sighsteeing around Vancouver. They felt perfect and did the job better than I had imagined.

I have always been very wary of lightweight boots, always feeling that the heavier the boot the better. There are probably times when I feel this is still true but for less demanding hikes these Targhee Walking Shoes will be protecting my feet.

Finally another great discovery - all you need to do to keep them clean is a qucik wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Then just let them dry naturally. Easy!

Technical Details

KEEN state in their excellent brochure that their "Targhee walking shoe is pure 4 wheel drive for feet". Using a KEEN.DRY waterproof and breathable membrane to keep feet dry, the Targhee features "an aggressive carbon rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs to bite into the terrain providing excellent traction whatever the conditions".  KEEN also note that "an ESS shank provides torsional stability for a secure ride whilst KEEN’s distinctive patented toe protection system guards against injuries and provides robust protection whilst out on the hill".

Sizes – women’s 4-8, men’s 8-12 inc. 1/2 sizes all with a removable metatomical footbed

Rating - why not 5 stars? I am too mean!

For further information visit www.keeneurope.eu

Review date – 19th August 2009 - Reviewed by LJ