Should you buy it??
Check closely
based on 3 of 5 signals
Quick take
In short: what each side says
AI · critics · buyers · brand claims — each opened up in full further down ↓
A genuinely waterproof hiking shoe with strong traction and comfort that suffers from premature durability failures in critical structural components.
Owners love the comfort, support, and trail performance, but a significant durability issue with premature sole separation divides them sharply.
The juries are split — worth a closer look before you commit.
The verdict
What the panel makes of it.
KEEN makes the Targhee III Waterproof hiking boot. The company released it years ago in America. The boot seals water out with a membrane lining throughout. Beginners buy it to hike without wet feet or blisters. AI systems rank it third among best hiking shoes for novices.
Act one
What the machines think.
Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.
Act two · ★ new
What the people say.
The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.
Video reviews?
What reviewers actually say.
AI summary of 2 reviews · as of May 2026
A genuinely waterproof hiking shoe with strong traction and comfort that suffers from premature durability failures in critical structural components.
Where reviewers disagree: One reviewer found durability catastrophic and switched brands; the other rated construction as durable and solid; Weight bothered one reviewer not at all, while the other noted it as a drawback after hours on trail
Mixed reviewsWhat they praise
- Waterproofing keeps feet dry in mud and rain without overheating
- Strong traction on varied terrain from multidirectional lugs
- Comfortable cushioning and arch support for long-distance wear
- Reinforced rubber toe guard protects against trail impacts
What they knock
- Soles separate from the upper prematurely
- Plastic heel counter breaks and becomes unwearable
- Heavier and bulkier than competing trail shoes
- Requires a break-in period before molding to feet
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
Synthesised from: Jacob B Peterson · Footwear Flix
Keen Targhee III Waterproof long term review
Jacob B Peterson
KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Review: The ONLY Hiking Shoe You Need?
Footwear Flix
What buyers say?
What Google knows about it.
Beyond the video critics, Google pools 2,146 buyer ratings of the Targhee III Waterproof from across retailers — a far wider, if blunter, jury. Here’s the shape of that opinion.
2,146 ratings · 7 written
across 5 retailers
What owners single out
Buyers' weakest aspect—sole adhesion failure—directly matches video reviewers' knock that soles separate from the upper prematurely.
In their words
“I've now had about 1.5years of experience on these on everything from roadside walking, day hikes on rocky terrian, coastal hikes, multi day hikes into the alpine of Strathcona Park on Vancouver Island and just got off the West Coast Trail. They performed very well, gave me just the right amount of support and despite the beating these trails dish out they show some dirt and small tread wear but o”
FrankP · verified purchase · mec.ca
“They are a very comfortable shoe and a great looking but they do not last. There is very little signs of wear yet the souls fall off them I have returned these shoes several times and the same thing happens to every shoe that I've returned. He needs to check there quality control. Or change their glue I have never had a pair of shoes separate this soon. I would almost give them a one star but they”
Robbypell · verified purchase · cabelas.com
as of June 5 · 2146 buyer ratings?
Frequently asked
What buyers want to know.
Are Keen Targhee III waterproof?
Yes. A membrane lining throughout the shoe seals water out. Reviewers confirm the waterproofing keeps feet dry in mud and rain without causing your feet to overheat.
Is the Targhee III any good?
It's a solid choice for casual day hiking if you want waterproofing and comfort. Reviewers praise the traction, cushioning, and arch support. The main catch is durability — some report soles separating from the upper and heel counters breaking prematurely.
What should I know about durability?
Reviewers are split on this shoe's construction. One found durability catastrophic; the other rated it solid. Problems reported include soles separating and plastic heel counters breaking, though this doesn't happen to every pair.
Who is this shoe best for?
Casual explorers and day hikers who prioritize waterproofing and comfort. It's not a good fit if you need shoes for heavy regular use or if you want lightweight gear.
How does it perform on different terrain?
Strong traction comes from multidirectional lugs that work on varied terrain. A reinforced rubber toe guard protects against trail impacts, and arch support helps on longer walks.
Is there a break-in period?
Yes. Reviewers note the shoe requires a break-in period before it molds to your feet. The shoe is also heavier and bulkier than some competing trail shoes.
The recap
Where it stands today.
- Reviewer verdict★Reconsider — 2.5 / 5 across 2 videos, mixed sentiment. Reviewers push back on the AI placement.
- MakerBy KEEN — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.