Our Take on KEEN’s Headout Mid Hiking Boots
When we first laced up the KEEN Men’s Headout Mid Height Waterproof All Terrain Hiking Boots, we weren’t expecting them to feel this familiar, this quickly. The mid-height profile offers a reassuring level of ankle support without making us feel boxed in, and the waterproof membrane held its ground through shallow streams and muddy inclines. Traction on mixed terrain was solid, especially on loose gravel where lesser treads often slip. That said, the boot leans slightly toward the bulkier side, which may not appeal to hikers who favor a minimalist feel. After several outings, we came away viewing the Headout Mid as a dependable workhorse-more about stability and protection than ultralight speed, and best suited to hikers who prioritize durability over a featherweight stride.
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Our Take on the KEEN Targhee 2: Trail-Ready Workhorse
When we laced up the KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoes, we weren’t expecting them to feel quite this familiar, this quickly. There’s a certain “just right” sturdiness here-enough structure to handle rocky switchbacks, but not so much that we felt weighed down on easier fire roads. The waterproofing held up respectably through shallow streams and soggy trail sections, although in warmer weather we did notice the trade-off in breathability. Grip on loose gravel and wet roots inspired confidence, and the roomy toe box will appeal to hikers who hate feeling squeezed in. Are they the lightest or most technical hikers on the market? No. But as an everyday trail workhorse that we can throw on without overthinking, the Targhee 2 earns its place by the door.
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Our Take on KEEN Targhee 2: Trail-Tested Comfort
When we laced up the KEEN Men’s Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots for our first test hike, we weren’t expecting them to feel broken-in right out of the box-but they nearly did. On slick, root-laced trails and muddy fire roads, the aggressive outsole gave us confident footing without feeling overly stiff. The mid-height design offered reassuring ankle support, yet the boots never felt bulky or restrictive. We especially appreciated the waterproofing on slushy spring paths; our socks stayed dry while the uppers shed moisture with ease. That said, these aren’t the lightest boots on the market, and ultra-distance hikers may crave something more streamlined. For most day hikes and weekend excursions, though, the Targhee 2 strikes a practical balance between comfort, durability, and everyday trail reliability.
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