The Eval: Keen Targhee Apex
I recently had the chance to test out the new Keen Targhee Apex hiking boots before their official launch, and to say I was pleasantly surprised would be an understatement. Keen isn’t typically known for producing “lightweight” footwear, but this updated take on the classic Targhee changes that narrative. Grippy, light, and comfortably soft underfoot, the low-cut Apex has become one of the better boots I’ve worn. And coming from someone who spent years working almost exclusively in the footwear department at REI Co-op, you can trust me. As a disclosure, I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review.
I’m not usually one to care about how a pair of boots looks, but when I opened the box for the first time, I couldn’t help noticing how slick these looked. I decided to take them for a spin on a local trail in Letchworth State Park. I had originally planned to really put them to the test on a summit in the North Country, but they arrived a little too late for that trip. On this 6.5-mile hike, I climbed the north end of the Letchworth canyon, crossing muddy washes, rocks, roots, and a few steep sections of loose dirt and leaves. Aside from the typical aches and pains that come with breaking in a new pair of boots, they performed well in nearly every area a hiking boot should.
The Targhee Apex features Keen’s signature Keen.Dry membrane which, paired with a durable water-repellent coating and a thinner overall construction, kept my feet dry and cool. At first glance, the midsole looks more like something you’d find on a trail-running shoe, but it’s actually a bit firmer than you’d expect—striking what I think is the perfect balance between comfort and stability. Its softness absorbs the bumps from rocks and roots, but it’s not so soft that your foot shifts from side to side while hiking.
Finally, there’s the outsole grip. Few boots can handle my weight on steep trails covered in loose dirt and leaves, but the Targhee Apex surprised me yet again. I felt confident descending, knowing my feet wouldn’t suddenly slide out from under me.
Overall, the Targhee Apex is a solid, dependable boot from the brief time I have had with it, but I look forward to many more hikes and hopefully summits to come with the boots.
The Evaluation
Pros:
Excellent grip on wet and dry surfaces
Comfortable and stable, blending traditional boots and trail runners
Solid waterproofing and DWR finish, but not too heavy to make your feet sweat
Cons:
Laces tend to loosen up after a mile or two, needing occasional tightening
