We’ve long been fans of the Keynes Targhee range, especially their Targhee IV Boot who keeps his place with us ‘Best walking shoes’ Round-up for several years now.
However, this Targi Apex is the latest evolution of Keen’s popular model, offering the same dependable performance in a lighter and more agile package.
I’ve been testing it, most recently on parts of the Pennine Bridleway and Teesdale Way in the northern Pennines, as well as further south in the Yorkshire Dales. Here’s how I got on.
Keen Targhee Apex Key Details
Keane Targhee Apex Mid WP
★★★★
price: £150
weight: 315 grams per boot (Women’s UK size 5.5)
professional: Light, agile, comfortable out of the box and on the road, good traction, quite stable feeling, good city option for the road
Shortcoming: The trade-off in durability, the most protective upper, mid cut and gusset is not too low for some marshy and muddy terrain.
Rest: 4/5
Stability: 3.5/5
Durability: 3/5
Traction: 4/5
overall rating: 4/5
The Keane Targhee Apex features Keane’s signature wide-toe box as well as an abrasion-resistant mesh with a contoured arch, a removable foam insole, and TPU overlays. There is also a high-rebound foam midsole (KEEN.ReGENX), a high-traction outsole with a multi-directional lug pattern, as well as Keen’s ‘Terrain Shield’ wrap for lateral stability.
The shoe utilizes Keen’s in-house waterproof-breathable membrane as well as PFAS-free DWR. A pesticide-free anti-odor treatment made from naturally occurring microbes rather than harsh chemicals or biocides has also been used.
comfort and fit
I have yet to try a Keen shoe that isn’t straight up comfortable, and the Targhee Apex follows suit. While the insole offers relatively minimal support, the bouncy midsole, combined with the padded cuffs and spongy tongue makes it far more than comfortable. It looks like a treat right from the start. I also appreciate that the insole is removable so you can replace it if it gets worn out.
While I personally prefer something stiffer and more protective for multi-day backpacking trips, I’ve found the Apex’s cushioning level to be ideal for larger day hikes as well as faster hiking trips. I can also see it working really well as an everyday walking boot, when you still need something grippy and reliable, but don’t have to do too much work as with a trekking boot.
The overall fit is equally comfortable thanks to Keen’s signature wide toe box. I have fairly narrow feet, so, admittedly, I was a little unsure at first whether it would be too wide for me. However, I tried them on in a UK size 5.5 – my usual size – and the fit was perfect.
grip and mark performance
The grip here is impressive. Like the Targhi IV, traction is great for groomed trails as well as lightly rocky sections and moderately muddy sections. For something ultra-rocky, properly boggy or more technical, I’d look elsewhere. However, for things like packed earth, way-marked footpaths, forest paths, bridleways and coastal paths, I have not had any problems so far.
I recently used the Targhee Apex boots on parts of the Teesdale Way, where I traversed a mix of bridleways, moorland, permaculture land paths and river paths. Overall, Keen’s ‘All-Terrain’ outsole handles every type of terrain very well. There were some very muddy sections near the tees where I would have appreciated some deeper lugs, however, performance elsewhere was impressive.
The particular lug pattern is well designed and performs reliably on both top and bottom sections due to the multidirectional construction. There is a diamond-shaped cut-out in the midfoot that sometimes gets clogged with mud, however, I personally have not found it to affect my grip.
The rubber compound feels sticky enough even for some light rocky sections, although, like most non-technical shoes, it has its limits on wet rock..
Stability
Despite being lightweight in design, I was actually pleasantly surprised by the stability of the Targhee Apex boot. Although you won’t get the same levels of performance as a technical traveler, I’d say the Keen has hit the sweet spot between stability and weight here.
The design is mid-cut and, during my tests, the cuff held on very comfortably around my ankle. The lacing system is secure (I didn’t have to fasten or tighten my shoes at all) and locks the cuffs in place well. Elsewhere, the boot uses a wrap over the midsole that adds a layer of protection to the boot and limits lateral movement of your foot on the trail.
The midsole also benefits from a shank that helps limit side-to-side movement on uneven terrain. When hiking in uneven sections, including lots of rooted forest patches in the Northern Pennines, I would say this is true. I felt very safe every step of the way.
hardness
This is not a rugged hiking shoe. It’s a fast and light hiker that feels more aligned with a flexible trail running shoe, but has extra protective elements for hiking days, and a less aggressive stride than a runner.
The upper is soft and flexible from the start which means the boot doesn’t need to be broken in over time. Underfoot, there’s some flex too, although as I mentioned earlier, there’s a built-in nylon shank for moderate protection against lumps and bumps on the trail.
It’s lightweight construction, responsive midsole and flexible upper allow the boot to move very naturally with the foot, making it suitable for fast-paced day hikes and more casual trail conditions as well.
During my tests so far, I’ve found that this balance of flexibility and support is good enough to prevent excessive foot fatigueHowever, hikers who carry heavy luggage may find that it lacks the sturdy platform and stiffness needed for multi-day trips. The priority here is agility and comfort versus the rigid, structured feel of a backpacking boot.
Waterproofing and breathability
Keen uses PFC-free DWR here as well as its own proprietary waterproof-breathability. Upon testing, I didn’t have any issues with the waterproofing.
In terms of breathability, I’m impressed. The upper feels relatively thin and my feet don’t feel overly hot while walking. It feels as if heat and moisture are able to pass through very quickly. The downside is that you’ll get less protection than a thicker upper, however, that’s usually the trade-off with a lighter, faster boot.
Tolerance
I haven’t put enough miles into this boot yet to comment much on its durability, however, the abrasion-resistant upper has handled my tests well so far. The upper is also seamless which is promising in terms of fraying or exposing stitching, something I feel suspiciously good at doing…
The rubber toe-cap and ‘Terrain-Shield’ wrap stretched over the midsole are similarly promising, although there are always limitations when it comes to non-leather shoes. For example, you won’t get the same durability as the Targhee IV, which uses nubuck leather on the upper. However, using synthetic materials is a good option that reduces the overall weight of the shoe.
I will come back and update this review as I test more over the next few months.
How does it compare
In terms of weight, cushioning, and breathability, the Targhee Apex feels quite similar to Merrell’s Moab shoes or. Salomon X Ultra Mid Boots.
If your hikes are mostly three-season hikes and moderate mountain trails, I’d say the Keen Targhee Apex is one of the stronger choices, especially if breathability is a priority for you. However, for more rocky use and accuracy, the Salomon X Ultra Mid may be better. For overall value and if you like a touch of extra stiffness underfoot, I’d go with the Merrell. It’s definitely worth trying out a variety of these types of lightweight hikers in the shop, although it will depend on personal preference.
If you want something a little heavier but more protective and durable – for more uneven or boggy terrain, or something to wear with a heavier pack – then I’d go for something like the Iowa Renegades or Asolo Falcons (both of these you’ll find Here).
However, if you’re more attracted to cushioning, it’s also worth checking out hoka anakapa Or Adidas Terrex Free HikerBoth of these provide an even more foamy feel underfoot. However they are a little less durable.
Should you buy the Keen Targhee Apex?
Overall, I think this is a very capable lightweight hiking boot. For activities like day hiking, faster hiking, and everyday use like the Three Seasons, I think it’s a solid choice. Thanks to the lightweight design and comfort factor, I can see this being an attractive option for many beginner to intermediate hikers in the UK and beyond.
Keane Targhee Apex Mid WP
★★★★
However, if you’re looking for something technical or if you really need something for muddy terrain or heavy loads, I would look for something stiffer, higher and more durable. I’ve listed some options above (see: ‘How it compares’ section), however, if you want something even more robust than this, check out this Altburg Fremington Or aku tracker lightsFor example.
Still, both the stability and grip of the Targhee Apex shoe impressed me. And while light trail running is not without its drawbacks, I think Keen’s latest offering for its range of fast and light hikers is impressive. £150 seems a very reasonable price for what you get here – I’d happily consider it a good value option.
