I have people ask me all the time what shoes do I usually hike in? For the past two years I have been using the
Keen Targhee II low hikers and really like them.
They have a durable leather upper with Keens customary toe cap and a lugged sole that provides good traction. The Targhee II is a waterproof shoe, using Keens waterproofing system. This waterproofing has held up well, keeping my feet dry in all types of conditions. I like the low hikers over the mid because they give my ankles free range of movement and I find I don't need the support of the mid. The Targhee II hold my heel securely and my feet don't move around in the shoe. I have had no blister issues while wearing them as well. The lows have a slight weight advantage over the mid hikers as one would expect. They have good traction in many different conditions and terrain, including wet rocks, mud, roots, leaves, and slopes. These shoes felt great out of the box and after a few trips mold well to my feet. My personal experience has been that they tend to run on the small side so I have been buying them 1/2 size bigger than other shoes. Best to try them on before purchase. For day hikes to longer backpacking trips I have found they can handle the various weights I am carrying.
I like the Keens and will be hiking more miles in them. I will also be trying some other manufacturers trail runners/hikers in the future but for now I will be sticking with the Keen Targhee II low.
Disclaimer: Andy Fenn purchased the Keen Targhee II low hikers with his own money.
