KEEN Hiking Boots for Women: Which Targhee, Zionic or Apex Fits

KEEN Hiking Boots for Women at a Glance

Five women’s KEEN hiking boots and shoes that independent outlets review. Tap a photo or the button to see the boot on Amazon. For other brands, see our best hiking boots guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Reported Scores and Weights for KEEN Boots

These are the scores and weights each outlet published. The scales differ, so compare within an outlet, not across them.

Which KEEN for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each boot

The Targhee Family

KEEN’s Targhee IV is the line the outlets cover most. The Low version and the lighter Apex follow it.

KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: wide feet and mild-weather day hikes

CleverHiker rates it 4.1 out of 5, praising a wide fit, excellent traction and little break-in. Switchback Travel rates it 4.2 and calls the wide toe box and padded collar comfortable out of the box. OutdoorGearLab scores it 62 and measured 2.28 lb per pair, calling it great for wide feet and very durable.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a roomy, protective boot for moderate trails, with weak ankle support and middling waterproofing.

Fit and sizing: Switchback Travel says it runs large and suggests going down half a size, while OutdoorGearLab found it true to size. Wide versions are sold per Switchback Travel.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. Treeline Review lists 2 lb 2.6 oz per pair for the women’s boot and 2 lb 8.6 oz for the men’s. Switchback Travel says the men’s boot is the same apart from fit and color, with a wide option for both. GearJunkie weighed a men’s size 9 at 20.67 oz per boot.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says it lacks ankle support because of a single eyelet and breathes poorly, with a long break-in. CleverHiker says the waterproofing is not the most effective. Switchback Travel says the outsole slips on slick rock and roots and the boot is unreliable in deep creek crossings.

Skip it if: you have narrow feet, hike technical terrain or need strong ankle support.

KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: wide feet who want a low-cut shoe

OutdoorGearLab scores it 63 and measured 2.08 lb per pair in size 8.5, naming it best for wide feet and durable, with a beefy midsole and a water resistance score of 9.0.

What this means for you: the low-cut version of the Targhee IV, with the same wide, durable character. Only OutdoorGearLab among our sources reviews this low-cut women’s version.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab lists regular and wide, and says testers with narrow feet felt the heel was not secure.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s version. OutdoorGearLab lists 2.08 lb per pair for the women’s shoe in size 8.5, the heaviest in its review.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab calls it bulky and stiff with a long break-in, very slippery on wet ground and lacking support for high arches.

Skip it if: you have high arches, narrow feet or hike wet rock.

KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: fast, light day hikes

Bald Hiker reviews the women’s Apex as a lighter, more agile boot for fast day hikes at about 315 g (11.1 oz) per boot, praising the roomy toe box and a bouncy, responsive midsole, with no break-in needed.

What this means for you: a light alternative to the heavier Targhee IV. Only Bald Hiker among our sources covers it.

Men’s and women’s versions: Women’s version. Bald Hiker lists about 315 g (11.1 oz) per boot for the women’s Apex.

Watch for: Bald Hiker says it gives up rigidity for heavy multi-day backpacking, offers less ankle support under heavy loads and loses breathability on warm days.

Skip it if: you carry a large pack or scramble on technical ground.

Lighter and Breathable KEEN Options

The lightest KEEN picks, one waterproof and one breathable.

KEEN Zionic Mid Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: light day hikes with a wide toe box

OutdoorGearLab scores it 69 with comfort 8.0 and water resistance 8.0 at 1.72 lb per pair in size 8.5, and calls it one of the most comfortable KEEN options it tested. CleverHiker also lists 1.72 lb per pair, calling it among the lightest waterproof hiking boots it tested, with good grip and reasonable breathability.

What this means for you: two outlets agree it is light and comfortable, and disagree about the fit.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab describes a roomy toe box that favors wide feet, while CleverHiker found it narrow and snug and suggests it for narrow feet.

Men’s and women’s versions: Women’s boot reviewed. CleverHiker and OutdoorGearLab both list 1.72 lb per pair for the women’s boot in size 8.5.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says the soft outsole is easily damaged and the single lacing hook limits support. CleverHiker saw the mesh scuff and the outsole round off after about 10 miles, and says it lacks the structure for loaded packs.

Skip it if: you carry a heavy pack or hike technical or rugged terrain.

KEEN Voyageur (Women’s)

Best for: hot, dry day hikes

OutdoorGearLab scores it 49 and measured 1 lb 10.5 oz in a women’s size 7, praising a breathable mesh upper, a protective toe box, good traction on moderately technical terrain and a sturdy build.

What this means for you: a breathable low-cut shoe for dry weather, not a wet-weather boot.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab says the length runs true to size but the cut is wide, so narrow feet may find it loose.

Men’s and women’s versions: Women’s shoe reviewed. OutdoorGearLab lists 1 lb 10.5 oz for a women’s size 7 and says KEEN does not make a waterproof version.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says it is not waterproof, with minimal cushioning, little arch support and an exposed EVA sole that wears first. It soaked through about 30 seconds after full submersion.

Skip it if: you hike in wet climates or need arch support.

Our KEEN Evaluation Framework

We score each boot on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets cover it?
2. Support. Reported stability and ankle support.
3. Weight. Reported weight.
4. Weather. Waterproofing and breathability.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that reviewed the boot. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose a KEEN Hiking Boot

• Check your foot shape. The Targhee IV is roomy, while CleverHiker found the Zionic narrow. See best hiking boots for wide feet.
• Size carefully. Switchback Travel suggests half a size down in the Targhee IV.
• Match the weather. The Targhee IV is a cool-weather boot per Treeline Review. See best waterproof hiking boots.
• Weigh the ankle. Several outlets list limited ankle support. See hiking boots with ankle support.
• Compare with other brands. See our best hiking boots for women guide.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Targhee IV sizing. Switchback Travel and GearJunkie say it runs large, while OutdoorGearLab found it true to size.

Targhee IV weight. CleverHiker lists 2 lb 1.2 oz per pair, Treeline Review 2 lb 2.6 oz, OutdoorGearLab 2.28 lb and Switchback Travel 2 lb 4.4 oz.

Targhee IV waterproofing. CleverHiker and GearJunkie call the KEEN.DRY membrane less effective than some alternatives, while Switchback Travel says it performs on par with premium waterproofing for most conditions.

Zionic fit. OutdoorGearLab describes a roomy toe box, while CleverHiker found it narrow and snug.

Questions About KEEN Hiking Boots for Women, Answered

“What is the best KEEN hiking boot for women?”

The Targhee IV Mid has the most outlets behind it, with CleverHiker at 4.1 out of 5 and Switchback Travel at 4.2.

“Are KEEN boots good for wide feet?”

OutdoorGearLab names the Targhee IV Low best for wide feet, and CleverHiker lists wide sizes for the Targhee IV Mid.

“Do KEEN hiking boots run true to size?”

The outlets disagree. Switchback Travel suggests half a size down in the Targhee IV.

“Is the Targhee IV waterproof?”

It uses KEEN.DRY, which kept feet dry in rain and shallow crossings per CleverHiker and Switchback Travel, though not in deep water.

“Which KEEN is lightest?”

Bald Hiker lists about 11.1 oz per boot for the Apex, and CleverHiker and OutdoorGearLab list 1.72 lb per pair for the Zionic.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Ordering your usual size. Switchback Travel found the Targhee IV large.
• Expecting ankle support from the Zionic. Both outlets list a single lacing hook.
• Wearing the Voyageur in the rain. OutdoorGearLab says it is not waterproof.
• Taking the Targhee IV into deep creeks. Switchback Travel says it is unreliable in deep crossings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best KEEN hiking boot for women?

The Targhee IV Mid has the most outlets behind it, with CleverHiker at 4.1 out of 5 and Switchback Travel at 4.2.

Are KEEN boots good for wide feet?

OutdoorGearLab names the Targhee IV Low best for wide feet.

Do they run true to size?

The outlets disagree. Switchback Travel suggests half a size down in the Targhee IV.

Is the Targhee IV waterproof?

It uses KEEN.DRY, which CleverHiker says kept feet dry in rain and shallow river crossings.

Which KEEN is lightest?

Bald Hiker lists about 11.1 oz per boot for the Apex.

Is the Voyageur waterproof?

No. OutdoorGearLab says KEEN does not make a waterproof version.

Do they have a women’s-specific fit?

Treeline Review and Switchback Travel list separate women’s weights, and wide sizes are sold for both.

Where can I compare other brands?

See our best hiking boots for women guide.

The Short Version

Choose the Targhee IV Mid for a roomy, protective boot, the Zionic or Apex for lighter days and the Voyageur only for dry weather. Size down half a size in the Targhee IV and check your arch height.

Keep Reading

Sources

• CleverHiker: KEEN Targhee IV WP women’s
• Switchback Travel: KEEN Targhee IV
• OutdoorGearLab: KEEN Targhee IV Mid women’s
• OutdoorGearLab: KEEN Targhee IV Low women’s
• Treeline Review: KEEN Targhee IV
• GearJunkie: KEEN Targhee IV
• CleverHiker: KEEN Zionic waterproof women’s
• OutdoorGearLab: KEEN Zionic Waterproof Mid women’s
• Bald Hiker: KEEN Targhee Apex women’s
• OutdoorGearLab: KEEN Voyageur women’s