Keen Targhee Apex Hiking Shoe Review: Lighter, Faster, Better
The low-top Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof ($180) represents a rethink of the long-standing Targhee line. Ditching the traditional heavy leather build for a lighter hybrid hiker/trail runner design, this new model blends flexibility and an energetic feel with enough grip and stability for most hiking days. Importantly, it retains the roomy toe box that longtime Targhee fans—and those with wide feet—appreciate. The tradeoffs are predictable with the weight savings: it’s not as durable or supportive as its more traditional counterpart.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 8 oz.
Waterproof
Yes
Upper
Synthetic
Outsole
Keen.All-Terrain
Pros
Cons
Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes.
The Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof immediately stood out for how naturally it moved with my foot. Its stiffness lands between a traditional hiking shoe and a trail runner, which means it feels stable without sacrificing too much flexibility. On my first outing, a 7-mile hike with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain on Washington’s Whidbey Island, the shoe felt comfortable from the first step. The trail featured a mix of dirt, slick roots, rocks, and muddy sections, and the Targhee Apex strode smoothly through all of it without ever feeling too rigid or clunky.
A big part of that comfort comes from the proprietary foam midsole (Keen claims it provides 50% more energy return than standard EVA), which has a noticeably springy feel compared to the denser midsole material in other hiking shoes I’ve tested, including Salomon's X Ultra 5. The cushion is supportive and slightly soft, but never so overly squishy that it affects stability and balance. As a result, the Keen Targhee Apex absorbs underfoot impacts effectively while still letting you feel connected to the ground.
Additionally, the shoe’s wide toe box contributes significantly to overall comfort. My feet had plenty of room to splay naturally without feeling like I was shifting around too much inside, and its heel lock remained solid even during steep climbs. Combined with the padded collar and breathable mesh upper, the result is a shoe that remained comfortable no matter where I took it. What keeps the Targhee Apex from a higher score in this category, though, is its flat stock insole. It doesn’t provide adequate arch support, but you can, of course, fix that with an aftermarket insole.
Despite being a lightweight, low-cut hiking shoe, the Targhee Apex offers impressive stability. I typically prefer mid- or high-cut boots for their ankle support, so testing a low-cut model on uneven terrain felt more like an experiment than my usual hiking style. And yet, the Targhee Apex passed the test. Its midsole, bolstered by a shank, is firm enough that my foot never shifted side-to-side on uneven ground, even when I was carrying a 30-pound pack during an overnight trip to Steliko Lookout in Washington’s Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The climb involved roughly 1,100 feet of elevation gain on rocky trail, and the shoe felt steady throughout the ascent with minimal movement. Pretty good for weighing 1.5 pounds per pair.
The Targhee Apex also benefits from a wrap, emerging from but stiffer than the midsole foam, that extends higher than normal at the midfoot and the beginning of the heel. This creates a protective bumper that both stabilizes the foot laterally and helps guard against rock strikes. Combined with the secure lacing system and the structured upper, the shoe provides a level of support that punches above what most hikers (including myself) expect from a low-cut design. (If you want more ankle coverage, Keen also makes the Targhee Apex in a mid-cut boot version, retailing for $190. That said, we found in testing that its slightly taller collar does not offer much additional support. For more, read our Targhee Mid review.)
Traction was consistently strong across every surface I tested, which is surprising given the proprietary outsole material the Keen employs. (In our experience, Vibram’s premium rubber compounds and those from brands like La Sportiva and Salomon are usually tops for grip.) The compound is generally firm (slightly softer closer to the underfoot midsole cutout), with medium-depth, multidirectional lugs. The lugs are spaced well and vary in orientation, allowing the shoe to bite into the ground from multiple angles rather than relying solely on forward and backward grip.
I encountered a wide variety of conditions during testing, from wet and muddy trails in Seattle’s Ravenna Park to rooty coastal forest terrain on Whidbey Island and dry, rocky trails near Steliko Lookout. In all of these environments, the Keen Targhee Apex felt confident and predictable. Even on slick roots and damp soil, the shoe maintained traction without slipping. Overall, it doesn’t have the ultra-sticky feel of softer compounds like Megagrip. Instead, it relies on lug design and tread spacing to generate grip, but the result is solid performance across a wide variety of terrain.
As with support, this shoe is unexpectedly durable for its weight. The mesh upper has a basically seamless construction that minimizes exposed stitching and potential failure points. What little stitching there is is confined to the eyelets, while the rest of the shoe relies on bonded reinforcements and overlays.
The Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof’s rubber toe cap is particularly robust and extends up and around the midsole, providing protection from frontside impacts (you’re more likely to stub your toe than anything else, right?). The wrap, along the midsole that I mentioned earlier, adds additional reinforcement along the sides, helping protect against abrasion from rocks and roots.
I only have 20 miles of testing thus far across both mountain and urban terrain, and while the shoe has shown almost no visible wear thus far, I’ll update this review if any issues arise. The outsole lugs have retained their bite, and the upper has shown no signs of tearing or stretching. There was some light creasing in the midsole foam underfoot, which is normal for this type of cushioning material—although I’m going to keep an eye on the midsole foam cutout in the middle of the outsole bottom, which could be an issue down the line. At $180, the Targhee Apex sits near the higher end of the hiking shoe market, but the design and material quality make me content with the price.
This is where the Keen Targhee Apex feels closest to a hiking boot, which is a compliment. The rubber toe bumper provides generous coverage around the front of the shoe, creating a thick shield that protects against direct impacts. I tested this unintentionally when kicking a rock during the Steliko Lookout hike and felt virtually no discomfort.
The midsole and outsole also extend slightly beyond the upper on all sides, forming a perimeter bumper that adds additional protection around the foot (a helpful feature, given the relatively thin upper). This is especially noticeable at the heel, where the outsole stack extends rearward to help absorb impacts. (Plus, if you’re a heel-striker, the Targhee Apex’s 38mm heel stack is pretty thick.)
Underfoot protection is strong as well. The midsole cushioning and the shank absorb most trail feedback, isolating your foot from sharp rocks and roots. Some ground feel does come through on particularly sharp terrain, but it never felt uncomfortable or overly harsh.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
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PFAS-Free DWR
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PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Responsible Leather
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Bluesign Approved
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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At 1.5 pounds per pair, the Targhee Apex is impressively lightweight for a hiking shoe with this level of protection, support, and durability. On trail, it feels nimble and responsive rather than heavy or clunky. There are lighter models, such as the Hoka Speedgoat 7 and the Nnormal Tomir 02, that are more spritely, but they can’t match this shoe’s structure and stability.
That lightweight feel became especially noticeable during long hikes. Even after a full day on trail, I never felt the kind of foot fatigue that heavier hiking shoes can cause. In fact, after my testing hikes, I ended up wearing Targhee Apex all the way home instead of swapping into sandals at the trailhead.
The Targhee Apex uses Keen’s proprietary Keen.Dry waterproof membrane paired with a PFAS-free durable water-repellent treatment on the upper. While I didn’t encounter any real water crossings during testing, the shoes handled wet and muddy trails in Ravenna Park and coastal terrain on Whidbey Island without any moisture leaking inside.
Despite being waterproof, breathability was a highlight—another benefit of such a light shoe with a mesh upper. The build allowed heat to escape during sustained hiking efforts, and my feet never felt overly warm or clammy. It's worth noting that my testing occurred over the winter, and it's fair to assume the shoe will run warmer on challenging summertime adventures.
I do have a small gripe about the Targhee Apex’s laces, though. While they locked in my midfoot and held fast during my outings, they feel underbuilt and of lower quality compared to the rest of the shoe. They’re functional, but only a step above basic shoelaces.
I typically wear a men’s size 13 wide in hiking footwear and tested the Keen Targhee Apex in that size. The fit felt true to size, with a generous toe box that worked well for my wide feet. The heel fit felt secure and locked down well once the laces were tightened, while the midfoot held my foot firmly in place without pressure points. For broad-footed hikers who struggle to find comfortable, high-performing shoes in standard widths, the Targhee Apex is a particularly appealing option. (Plus, if it doesn’t feel roomy enough, Keen sells it in an even wider version.)
La Sportiva Prodigio Max ($185): Softer and More Running-Oriented
Want to add more speed to your itinerary? The Prodigio Max leans more heavily toward the trail running side of things, with a lighter weight (1 lb. 4.8 oz) and a more heavily rockered toe and heel that promote moving fast. Like the Targhee Apex, it also has a 38-millimeter stack at the heel, and its midsole foam is thick and cushy without falling into sloppiness. Traction is also a highlight, with La Sportiva’s FriXion XT 2.0 outsole holding space at the top of our grippiness rankings, a bit ahead of Keen’s compound. However, the Prodigio Max offers less protection and support than the Targhee Apex, especially as your pack gets heavier. Both are great do-it-all trail shoes, but they exist on separate sides of the hike/run versatility divide. For more, read our Prodigio Max review.
Topo Athletic Traverse ($155): Double Down on Durability
The Traverse is even lighter (1 lb. 5.2 oz.) than the Targhee Apex, but this shoe boasts crazy durability for its weight. Its synthetic mesh upper and Vibram Megagrip outsole survived 650 miles on the Continental Divide Trail, and the shoe could’ve kept going after that. The Targhee Apex is no slouch when it comes to toughness, but the Traverse is another breed. It also includes a rock plate underfoot, but otherwise has less foot protection around the rest of the shoe, and it feels more flexible and a tad less supportive than the Targhee Apex. Pick the Traverse if fastpacking and thru-hikes are on the menu, but the Targhee Apex will feel better under heavier loads and on trails that could bump and bruise your feet. For more, check out our review of the Traverse.
The Apex flips everything you know about the long-standing Targhee line on its head, with a low weight, modern look, and springy midsole. Its signature wide toe box will be a welcome sight for Targhee loyalists, though it can’t come close to the original’s toughness and protection.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
The endurance champ of the Prodigio series, the Max is built for all-day (or multi-day) comfort and durability. Designed as a long-distance trail runner, it also makes for an excellent hiking shoe for long days, fast pushes, on- and off-trail terrain.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Designed specifically for thru-hiking, the Topo Athletic Traverse offers an ideal combination of comfort, structure, and low weight. Most hikers will love the roomy toe box. Our tester put 650 miles into this shoe before noticing a performance drop.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the Targhee Apex for You?
The Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof is an excellent all-around trail shoe, one that should be the solution for hikers who can’t decide between the freedom offered by lightweight footwear and the stability, protection, and durability that are hallmarks of heavier shoes. Its spacious toe box should also make it a favorite of the wide-footed among us. Backpackers carrying heavier loads or traveling through very technical terrain may still prefer a mid- or high-cut boot, but for most hikers looking for a comfortable and capable low-cut shoe, the Targhee Apex is a versatile option.
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