Field Journal

Stories Behind the Gear: KEEN Targhee IV
Written by Daniel Neilson

With the new KEEN Targhee IV hiking boots, KEEN has eliminated the need for harmful glues and made a boot they hope will be the ‘last hiking boot you’ll buy’.

KEEN do things differently. They always have done. The rules that guide KEEN are not those of other shoe companies. Since the family-owned and values-led company launched in 2003, they have released walking boots that are not like any others. They have cornered the walking sandal market with, again, sandals that are not like any others. Those in outdoor circles used to whisper: ‘Have you tried a pair?’ And they’d whisper back, ‘Yes! Aren’t they comfortable?’ Today, there’s no need to whisper; KEEN are embedded in the outdoor world thanks to things like durability, toe protection, and genuinely remarkable out-of-the-box comfort. But there’s another reason many choose KEEN: their environmental credentials.

No manufacturer of scale is impervious to sustainability challenges – and KEEN recognise this, while often a step ahead – but under the banner of ‘Consciously Created’ KEEN has a clear mission to ‘make the world’s cleanest shoes’.

A number of key pillars underpin how KEEN follow this mission statement, this admirable quest. First, it’s about the materials they use, from webbing made with plastic bottles to outsoles made with agricultural waste. It’s about reducing petrochemicals and virgin materials, about diverting waste from landfill. It’s about using as many plant-based materials as possible rather than petroleum-based materials.

Second, it’s about ethical sourcing, which involves supporting the communities that make the shoes. The entire supply chain is transparently available on the website. The environmentally preferred premium leather used in their shoe and boot uppers is produced in Leather Working Group-certified tanneries that limit chemical input and employ water-saving techniques.

The third aspect is ‘Detox the Planet’, starting with removing any forever chemicals. No PFAs have been used by KEEN since 2018, and now they’re seeing the start of eliminating harmful glues. KEEN have invested $1.2 million in this initiative, and are already working towards the goal of footwear that is free of all toxic chemicals.

KEEN’s fourth focus is ‘Make for Life’. The idea of buying once is probably the most sustainable concept most consumers can put into practice. KEEN aim to make products that go a long way by creating shoes that are durable, comfortable, and versatile.

Introducing the Targhee IV

The Targhee IV is the manifestation of years of striving towards sustainability. ‘The last hiking boot you’ll buy.’ That’s the admirable hope for the new Targhee IV from designers at KEEN. Imagine if that were true. The clothes and the shoes you wear today might last a lifetime. It’s an era of fast fashion, microplastic-shedding garments, and planned obsolescence. Manufacturers, especially those in the outdoor industry, have to take responsibility – as do we, the buyer – and aim for a time when we reuse, repair, rethink, and re-wear.

Key to the sustainability claims of the Targhee IV is the KEEN.FUSION technology. Despite the shouty caps, KEEN.FUSION is a subtle method of joining using heat and pressure to fuse the sole and upper in one piece using a LUFTCELL midsole that bonds, as well as doing what midsoles do – cushion and protect. This direct injection process means that it won’t deteriorate over time as a glue would; instead, it’s an integral part of the boot. There is no need for toxic glues. Durability is significantly enhanced and, as a result, customers can keep wearing their boots for the long haul, rather than replace them down the line – a huge step forward for sustainability.

Thanks to its legendary, incredible comfort, the KEEN Targhee is a long-standing favourite among hikers. The boots are noted for a wide toe box and a good level of cushioning underfoot. Ideal for all weathers, a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane can be relied upon to keep feet dry in all conditions, while KEEN’s pesticide-free odour control keeps your boots smelling sweet too. Featuring an environmentally preferred premium leather upper and recycled plastic laces for added sustainability, a padded tongue and collar give additional comfort straight from the box. Built for long-lasting performance and comfort, the Targhee IV further boasts a removable air-injected LUFTCELL insole and underfoot shank and heel-capture system for added stability when traversing uneven terrain. The outsole is exceptionally rugged, featuring multi-directional lugs with a composition more durable than rubber and twice as abrasion resistant, according to the manufacturers. Certainly, in our testing, the shoe has proven to be incredibly comfortable, as we have come to expect from KEEN.

The Targhee IV WP comes in six mid-cut colours and four in the low model across men’s and women’s specific fits. For spring and summer 2025 the Targhee IV will also launch in a junior edition.