Girls’s KEEN Targhee IV WP Evaluate

Backside Line

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

They’re one of many bulkier and heavier pairs in our lineup of the greatest girls’s climbing sneakers with restricted breathability. Additionally they run very massive lengthwise – even after sizing down one full dimension, 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 sneakers by means of the wringer – rock hopping throughout creeks on boulders and climbing by means of bushes and undergrowth. We weighed these sneakers on our kitchen scale and stomped by means of puddles and creeks whereas on our hikes.

Consolation

As a better quantity shoe, the Eager Targhee IVs are greatest suited to somebody with wider ft. Even after sizing down a full shoe dimension, the amount 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 supplied respectable ankle help with none heel slippage.

Our gear analyst, who sometimes 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 help from their footwear and are searching for hiking-specific sneakers (not crossover sneakers), will admire the Keens to be used on non-technical trails.  

Whereas the Keens are waterproof and preserve water from coming into your sneakers, 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 assorted 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 surroundings the place the Eager’s traction was missing, was when our gear analyst took them by means of mud, which actually caught in lugs and weighed down the underside of the sneakers.

Weight

Of all of the climbing sneakers in our lineup, the Eager Targhees are one of many heavier choices coming in at virtually two kilos. Nonetheless, with that weight comes further sturdiness and help options equivalent 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 load of those sneakers 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 sneakers, including ounces to every step.

Sturdiness

Whereas the Eager Targhees could also be bulkier sneakers 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 positive to final many seasons of use. 

Whereas they’re marketed as a climbing shoe, they’d even be worthy as an out of doors work shoe as a consequence of their additional sturdiness. Additionally they embody some further options that enhance their robustness, together with a strong 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 supply water resistance and shield your ft from getting moist. Our gear analyst discovered this pair excelled at shedding water when strolling by means of moist circumstances; 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 means of the material and her ft stayed dry.

Nonetheless, you need to anticipate some moisture accumulation from the within over the course of an extended hike since sweat does get trapped.

We do love that these sneakers are manufactured with out PFAS, that are poisonous artificial long-lasting chemical compounds discovered in lots of waterproofing supplies, that negatively influence the surroundings 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 incredible alternative for these searching for a sturdy, protecting shoe that can be utilized for a mix 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 preserve your ft dry.

Alternatively, in case you have slender or slim ft, then this pair is not going to be as snug for you. Whereas some might want 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 contemplate different choices. In case you plan to do vital 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 Sneakers Ought to You Take into account?

Whereas the Eager Targhee IV WP sneakers may fit for some folks, there are a number of different appropriate decisions to match them to in our information to the very best girls’s climbing sneakers. If you’re nonetheless searching for a roomier toe field and wider shoe however would like extra breathability, a much less cumbersome match, or extra floor really feel, then take a peek at these different recommendations beneath.

Altra Lone Peak 8 Evaluate: The Altra Lone Peak is a traditional mannequin that could be a favourite of many thru-hikers and long-distance adventures. Just like the Keens, they provide a large toe field to 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 Evaluate: 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 affords 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 Evaluate: The Topo is one among our high picks for weight, breathability, and help and likewise affords some roominess for extensive ft, much like the Keens. Nonetheless, the Topos are a bit extra snug and straightforward to interrupt in.