Girls’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Evaluation

Backside Line

The Eager Targhee IV WPs are a burly waterproof shoe. They’re additionally an important worth for these climbing in chilly, moist climate (the place breathability just isn’t as a lot of a priority) and for shorter day hikes quite than intensive peak scrambles or lengthy backcountry treks.

They’re one of many bulkier and heavier pairs in our lineup of the finest ladies’s climbing footwear with restricted breathability. Additionally they run very massive lengthwise – even after sizing down one full measurement, they have been nonetheless roomy all through the physique of the shoe. 

Nonetheless, these with high-volume ft will certainly admire the spaciousness of this mannequin.

How We Examined

We examined the Eager Targhee IVs on miles of off-trail terrain alongside creeks, over boulders, and thru oak woodlands in northern California. We examined them for his or her break-in interval, and breathability in addition to the lacing system. When reviewing traction and sturdiness, we put these climbing footwear by the wringer – rock hopping throughout creeks on boulders and climbing by bushes and undergrowth. We weighed these footwear on our kitchen scale and stomped by puddles and creeks whereas on our hikes.

Consolation

As a better quantity shoe, the Eager Targhee IVs are finest suited to somebody with wider ft. Even after sizing down a full shoe measurement, the quantity within the shoe nonetheless required that she put on them with two pairs of socks. 

Nonetheless, we actually admire the lacing system which stayed tied and didn’t come unfastened throughout testing, like another fashions in our lineup. Additionally they offered respectable ankle assist with none heel slippage.

Our gear analyst, who usually goes for the extra naturally-shaped footwear with a low heel-to-drop discovered the Keens to be clunky and stiff with little floor really feel. Nonetheless, those that search extra assist from their footwear and are in search of hiking-specific footwear (not crossover footwear), will admire the Keens to be used on non-technical trails.  

Whereas the Keens are waterproof and maintain water from coming into your footwear, they don’t excel at breathability. This poses no drawback if you’re climbing in colder climate. Nonetheless, as we came upon when climbing in sunny California, they depart a lot to be desired in hotter climate.

Traction

The Eager Targhees stunned us with their traction with their multidirectional lugs. Their tread carried out very nicely on different terrain. We examined them on slick rocks, in creeks, and thru stretches of bushwacking. The lugs retained their grip when rock hopping throughout creeks and stayed stable even on moist terrain. Additionally they held nicely on each steep ups and downs.

The one setting the place the Eager’s traction was missing, was when our gear analyst took them by mud, which actually caught in lugs and weighed down the underside of the footwear.

Weight

Of all of the climbing footwear in our lineup, the Eager Targhees are one of many heavier choices coming in at virtually two kilos. Nonetheless, with that weight comes extra sturdiness and assist options similar to an built-in stability shank, leather-based higher, thicker soles and cushioning, and general extra quantity within the shoe for these with all-around bigger ft.

Whereas the burden of those footwear just isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s noticeable over longer distance hikes as your ft begin to really feel heavier than with a lighter pair. Nonetheless, probably the most noticeable weight issue is when mud sticks to the underside of the footwear, including ounces to every step.

Sturdiness

Whereas the Eager Targhees could also be bulkier footwear made with thicker supplies, they’re undoubtedly extraordinarily sturdy. We didn’t discover any rapid put on and tear – no holes, snagging, or bulging of the fabric even after our prolonged testing interval. These Keens are certain to final many seasons of use. 

Whereas they’re marketed as a climbing shoe, they might even be worthy as an outside work shoe as a result of their further sturdiness. Additionally they embrace some extra options that enhance their robustness, together with a sturdy toe cap and Eco Anti-Odor safety which retains them rather less funky over time.

Climate Resistance

The Eager Targhees use Eager Dry Waterproofing to offer water resistance and shield your ft from getting moist. Our gear analyst discovered this pair excelled at shedding water when strolling by moist situations; additionally they held up when totally submerged in a creek as much as their laces – there have been no indicators of leakage or seepage by the material and her ft stayed dry.

Nonetheless, it is best to count on some moisture accumulation from the within over the course of a protracted hike since sweat does get trapped.

We do love that these footwear are manufactured with out PFAS, that are poisonous artificial long-lasting chemical substances discovered in lots of waterproofing supplies, that negatively affect the setting when water runs off the material and onto the bottom.

Ought to You Purchase the KEEN Targhee IV WP?

The Eager Targhee IV WP is a perfect shoe for these with wider or high-volume ft. They’re additionally an important alternative for these in search of a sturdy, protecting shoe that can be utilized for a mixture of non-technical informal climbing and outside work. If you’re in want of a supportive shoe for moist and chilly climate, then these Keens will certainly maintain your ft dry.

Alternatively, if in case you have slender or slim ft, then this pair is not going to be as snug for you. Whereas some could choose the extra supportive options of the Keens, those that like extra floor really feel and a footbed that matches the pure contour of their foot will wish to think about different choices. For those who plan to do important off-trail, technical, or prolonged treks, we suggest a lighter, much less cumbersome, and extra breathable possibility so as to add to your gear assortment.

What Different Girls’s Mountaineering Footwear Ought to You Take into account?

Whereas the Eager Targhee IV WP footwear may go for some individuals, there are a selection of different appropriate selections to match them to in our information to one of the best ladies’s climbing footwear. If you’re nonetheless in search of a roomier toe field and wider shoe however would favor extra breathability, a much less cumbersome match, or extra floor really feel, then take a peek at these different ideas under.

Altra Lone Peak 8 Evaluation: The Altra Lone Peak is a basic mannequin that may be a favourite of many thru-hikers and long-distance adventures. Much like the Keens, they provide a large toe field on your toes to splay. Nonetheless, in contrast to the Keens, they provide higher floor really feel, a natural-shaped footbed, and a zero heel-to-toe drop.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Evaluation: The Hoka Speedgoat is one among our general favorites for a mixed path working and climbing shoe. Just like the Keens, they match wider ft comfortably and provides glorious sturdiness and traction. A pair of those Hokas weigh about half as a lot because the Keens (although they aren’t waterproof).

Topo Ultraventure 3 Evaluation: The Topo is one among our high picks for weight, breathability, and assist and in addition provides some roominess for vast ft, just like the Keens. Nonetheless, the Topos are a bit extra snug and straightforward to interrupt in.