Chris Townsend rated the Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof Hiking Shoe his Best in Test. Find out why.
TheKeen Targhee Apex is a lightweight version of Keen’s long-established Targhee Hiking Shoe.
Chris Townsend’s Best in Test
They grip well on wet grass and rocks too. I’ve walked on rough forest floors covered with wet sticks and on steep heather moorland and the shoes have been stable and supportive.- low weight
- wide toe box
- cost
- low volume
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £140 (available from KEEN) Weight: 716g (size 9) Material: PFAS-free mesh upper with overlays, Keen.Dry waterproof/breathable membrane, compression-resistant foam midsole, Keen.All Terrain rubber outsole Features: wide toe box, stability shank Heel to Toe Drop: n/a Lug Depth: 4mm Waterproof?: yes Sizes: UK6-14 Women’s version: yes keenfootwear.co.uk |
The Apex has a mesh rather than leather upper, a lighter midsole and a lighter less aggressive outsole. It keeps the wide forefoot fit but has a less chunky look with a smaller, less prominent toe bumper. There’s a stiffener in the sole that prevents sideways twist but it flexes easily at the forefoot. Inside there’s Keen’s standard waterproof/breathable membrane. I wish this wasn’t there! It makes the shoes a little hot in warm weather. Without it they’d be ideal for summer walking. They do breathe quite well in cooler weather but my feet (which admittedly run hot) soon feel uncomfortable when the temperature rises.
The Apex is lower volume than the heavier Targhee (which fit me perfectly) and I could do with a little more room. As it is they’re more comfortable with thin socks, unless I remove the footbeds. I don’t find doing the latter makes any difference to the comfort underfoot anyway so I’ve been wearing them like that. The Apex has flat laces which I prefer to the round laces of the Targhee as they are easier to fasten tightly and they stay fastened.
The cushioning and grip are both good and the shoes have been fine on hard dry ground. They grip well on wet grass and rocks too. I’ve walked on rough forest floors covered with wet sticks and on steep heather moorland and the shoes have been stable and supportive. I love the lightweight and the nimble feel they give. Without the waterproof membrane they’d be excellent. There is only one width, and while this is perfect for me, those with narrower feet might find them too loose. As always, the best shoes are the ones that fit your feet.
How we tested
Chris wore the shoes on lowland and moorland walks in the Cairngorms over the autumn, winter, and into spring over varying terrain and in all weather conditions. Chris is a UK9 and has a wide forefoot and narrow heel. This review was first published in the August 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. Compare it with others in our guide to the best hiking shoes.
