Inside the Keen Targhee Mid Waterproof: Build, Fit and the Kenyan Trails It Suits

Nubuck leather, a KEEN.DRY waterproof lining and a thick rubber cap over the toes make the Keen Targhee Mid a dependable choice for Kenyan day hikes and short treks. The Keen Targhee Mid suits muddy Aberdares paths, Mt Longonot ash and lower Mt Kenya trails, especially if your feet are wide across the toes.

The catch is that “Targhee” covers several generations of boot, and a thrifted pair on a Nairobi shelf could be a Targhee II, III or IV. Each one fits and grips a little differently. Below we go through what the boot is made of, how the versions differ, which trails it handles, how the sizing runs, what to check on a second-hand pair, how to look after it and where to find one in Nairobi.

What Is the Keen Targhee Mid Waterproof Boot?

The Keen Targhee Mid Waterproof is KEEN’s best-known hiking boot: an ankle-high leather boot with a waterproof membrane, a cushioned midsole and a protective rubber toe cap. It is built for day hikes and light backpacking rather than technical mountaineering.

KEEN started in 2003 with a sandal that wrapped a rubber bumper over the toes, and that bumper now sits on the front of almost every boot the company makes. The Targhee line took the idea into hiking boots and has been updated several times since. The boot comes in low (shoe) and mid (ankle) heights; the mid version is the one most hikers in Kenya want, because the higher collar keeps grit and water out when you cross a stream or slog through wet grass on the Kinangop plateau.

If you want the bigger picture on the brand first, read our overview of Keen hiking boots on Kenyan trails, which compares the Targhee with the Ridge Flex and Circadia. This post stays with one boot and looks at it closely.

Targhee III or Targhee IV: which version are you looking at?

Most Keen Targhee Mid boots you will find in Kenya are either the Targhee III or the newer Targhee IV. Both are waterproof leather mid boots with the same fit idea, but the midsole and outsole materials changed between them.

Feature	Targhee III Mid WP	Targhee IV Mid WP
Upper	Leather and mesh (some colourways leather only)	Nubuck leather from an LWG-certified tannery, with leather mud shields
Membrane	KEEN.DRY	KEEN.DRY
Midsole	Dual-density EVA foam	Luftcell air-injected polyurethane
Support	ESS shank	Stability shank plus heel-capture lacing
Outsole	All-terrain rubber, 4 mm lugs	KEEN.RUGGED rubber, multi-directional lugs
Weight (per boot)	About 515 g (lab-measured)	About 577 g (retailer listing)
Heel-to-toe drop	About 13 mm	About 12 mm

To tell them apart, look at the label inside the tongue or on the box if it came with one, where the model name is usually printed. If the label has worn away, compare the sole pattern and the shape of the toe cap with product photos on the official KEEN website. Older Targhee II pairs also turn up second-hand; they share the same basic recipe of leather, KEEN.DRY and a wide toe box.

How Is the Keen Targhee Mid Built?

The Keen Targhee Mid is built in four layers that each do one job: a leather upper with a rubber toe cap, a KEEN.DRY membrane, a cushioned midsole with a support shank, and a lugged rubber outsole. Knowing what each layer does helps you judge a pair on the shelf.

Upper and toe protection

The upper is mostly leather, nubuck on the Targhee IV, with mesh panels on many Targhee III colourways for airflow. Leather resists the scrapes you get from volcanic rock on Longonot and from thorny scrub on the lower slopes of Ol Donyo Sabuk. The rubber toe cap matters more than people expect: stub your toe on a root in the Kereita bamboo and you will be glad of it. A rubber heel guard and, on the IV, leather “mud shields” along the sides add more protection where boots wear fastest.

The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane

KEEN.DRY is a thin waterproof, breathable membrane sewn inside the boot. It lets sweat vapour out while stopping liquid water coming in, the same principle as Gore-Tex but made by KEEN itself. In practice the Keen Targhee Mid keeps feet dry through puddles, wet grass and short stream crossings, as long as water does not pour in over the collar.

The trade-off is heat and drying time. In independent lab testing, the Targhee III scored above average for breathability but well below average for how fast it dried once soaked. On a hot, dry Ngong Hills morning in February you may find your feet warmer than in a mesh shoe, and after a full soaking the boot can need a day or more to dry.

Midsole, shank and footbed

The Targhee III uses dual-density EVA foam with an ESS shank, a stiffening plate under the arch that spreads the load of a pack and stops sharp stones pressing through. The Targhee IV moved to Luftcell, an air-injected polyurethane with a firmer, air-filled core. Both use a removable insole, so you can fit your own orthotic. Lab tests found the Targhee III more flexible than the average hiking boot, which is why many people find it comfortable straight out of the box.

Outsole and lugs

The outsole has multi-directional lugs about 4 mm deep (lab-measured at 4.2 mm on the Targhee III). That depth is average for a hiking boot: enough for packed earth, gravel and dry rock, but it can clog in the sticky red clay you meet on Aberdares forest tracks in April. One honest weakness: the Targhee III’s rubber wore faster than average in abrasion testing, so a heavily used pair will show smoothing at the forefoot and heel. KEEN describes the KEEN.RUGGED compound on the Targhee IV as abrasion-resistant, which was the point of the change.

Which Kenyan Trails Suit the Keen Targhee Mid?

The Keen Targhee Mid suits most Kenyan day hikes and two- to five-day treks below the snow line. It is at its best on wet, muddy or stony trails where ankle cover and waterproofing matter, and less suited to very hot, dry lowland walks or technical scrambling.

Trail	Typical conditions	How the Targhee copes
Elephant Hill, Aberdares (about 3,658 m)	Bamboo mud, wet moorland, cold mornings	Good: waterproofing and ankle height help; add gaiters in the rains
Mt Longonot (2,776 m)	Loose ash, gravel, steep descents	Good: the mid collar keeps ash out; firm lacing stops toes jamming on the descent
Ngong Hills (about 2,460 m)	Grassy ridges, wind, dry heat in January-February	Fine: warm on hot days, so pair with thin merino socks
Ol Donyo Sabuk (2,145 m)	Forest track, red earth, slippery when wet	Fine: lugs grip dry track; can clog in deep clay
Mt Kenya trekking routes to Point Lenana (4,985 m)	Moorland bog, scree, freezing summit nights	Workable for a light trek with warm socks; heavier boots support big packs better

Is the Keen Targhee Mid good for the Aberdares in the rains?

Yes, the Aberdares in the long rains (roughly March to May) and the short rains (roughly October to December) are where the Keen Targhee Mid makes most sense. Waterproof leather and an above-the-ankle collar keep feet dry through the bamboo zone on the way to Elephant Hill. Pair them with waterproof leg gaiters so mud and water cannot run in over the top, and read our Elephant Hill hike guide for the route itself.

Can you climb Mt Kenya in Keen Targhee boots?

Many trekkers walk the Sirimon, Naro Moru and Chogoria routes to Point Lenana in Targhee-type boots, and the boot’s padding and warmth help on a cold summit night. The limits are support and stiffness. If you carry your own 15 kg pack, or have weak ankles, a stiffer boot with a deeper heel cup gives more stability on scree. With porters carrying the bulk of the load, the Keen Targhee Mid is a reasonable choice for the trekking routes. It is not designed for crampons or technical climbing on Batian or Nelion.

Does the Keen Targhee Mid Run Big or Small?

The Keen Targhee Mid uses US sizing and is broadly true to length, with a roomy forefoot. Retailers note the Targhee IV fits slightly large, while some people with long toes size up half a size in waterproof models because the lining takes up a little space.

Lab measurements back up the wide reputation. The Targhee III’s toe box measured about 106 mm at its widest point against an average of about 102 mm for hiking boots, and noticeably wider at the big toe. That is good news for anyone whose feet ache in narrow Italian or German boots, and less good if your feet are slim: a narrow foot can slide inside a Keen Targhee Mid on steep descents, which leads to bruised toenails.

How to get the size right

1. Try boots on in the afternoon, when your feet have swollen a little, as they will on the trail.
2. Wear the socks you will hike in, ideally a mid-weight merino pair.
3. Before lacing, push your foot forward until your toes touch the front. You should fit one finger (about 12 mm) behind your heel.
4. Lace up firmly and walk down a slope or a few stairs. Your toes should not hit the front of the boot.
5. Check the heel. A little lift is normal in a new leather boot, but your heel should not slide up and down by more than a few millimetres.

US to UK conversion is roughly one size down for men (a US 10 is about a UK 9), but brands vary, so go by the fit rather than the number on the label. KEEN also makes wide-width versions of the Targhee in some markets, so check the label for a wide marking if you need more room.

Can women wear the men’s Keen Targhee Mid?

Yes, if the length and heel fit. Men’s boots are cut wider at the heel and higher in volume, so women with broad feet often find the men’s Targhee comfortable. A women’s foot is usually about 1.5 sizes smaller in US men’s sizing, so a women’s US 8 is roughly a men’s US 6.5. If the heel lifts, look at our guide to hiking shoes for women in Nairobi for boots on a women’s last.

How Does the Keen Targhee Mid Compare With Other Boots We Stock?

The Keen Targhee Mid sits in the middle of our boot range: roomier and softer than the Lowa Renegade, sturdier and more waterproof than a budget synthetic boot. The right choice depends on your foot shape, your pack weight and how much of your hiking is wet.

Boot	Waterproofing	Fit	Best for
Keen Targhee Mid WP	KEEN.DRY membrane	Wide forefoot, generous volume	Wide feet, wet day hikes, light treks
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid	Gore-Tex membrane	Medium width, snug heel	Heavier packs, Mt Kenya treks, rocky ground
Quechua waterproof hiking boot	Waterproof membrane	Medium width	Budget day hikes near Nairobi
Quechua MH100	Varies by version	Medium width, light	Dry-season day hikes, first boots

If you are torn between the Keen Targhee Mid and the Lowa, put both on. Feet decide this better than spec sheets. For a wider comparison of every pair on our shelves, see our round-up of hiking boots for men in Nairobi and the brand-by-brand view in hiking boot brands matched to Kenyan trails.

What Should You Check on a Second-Hand Keen Targhee Mid?

A thrifted Keen Targhee Mid can have years of hiking left in it, because leather and rubber age slowly when the boot has been cared for. Check five things before you pay: the sole, the toe cap, the collar lining, the membrane and the insole.

1. Lugs: look at the forefoot and heel. If the lugs are worn to less than about half their depth, grip on wet rock will suffer.
2. Toe cap and sole edge: the rubber cap should be firmly glued all round. A lifting edge lets water in and tends to spread.
3. Collar and heel lining: worn-through fabric inside the heel causes blisters. Run your fingers round the inside.
4. Membrane: bend the boot at the flex point and look for cracks in the leather. Deep creases right through the upper can mean the membrane behind them is damaged.
5. Midsole: press your thumb into the side of the midsole. Foam that feels hard, or has deep compression wrinkles, has lost much of its cushioning.

Our stock is quality thrifted gear plus some new items, which is how good boots like the Keen Targhee Mid become affordable for Kenyan hikers. Our post on thrifted outdoor gear in Nairobi explains more about buying pre-owned kit. Whatever you buy, try it on with your hiking socks and walk around before you decide.

How Do You Care for a Keen Targhee Mid After the Rains?

Clean the Keen Targhee Mid after every muddy hike, dry it slowly away from direct heat, and re-treat the leather when water stops beading on the surface. Good care keeps the membrane breathing and the leather from cracking.

Knock off the worst of the mud on the trail, then at home pull out the insoles and scrub the uppers with a soft brush and plain water. Red Kenyan clay stains nubuck, so do not leave it to dry on. Stuff the boots with newspaper and leave them somewhere airy and shaded; a sunny windowsill in Nairobi is fine, but never put boots next to a jiko, heater or fire. High heat shrinks leather and can weaken the glue holding the sole.

When the leather looks dry or water soaks in rather than beading, apply a waterproofing product made for nubuck or suede (wax-based treatments darken nubuck). Treat the boots while they are clean and slightly damp so the product soaks in. Replace worn laces before a big trek, and keep the boots in a dry place with the insoles out between hikes so the inside does not go musty.

Where to Get the Keen Targhee Mid in Nairobi

You can find the Keen men’s Targhee Mid waterproof hiking boots on our website, and see every Keen item we currently list on our Keen brand page. Sizes in thrifted stock change quickly, so check the product page or message us for what is in.

To try a pair on, visit Hiking Outdoor Gear Hub’s Mountain Mall store, Shop D39 on the 3rd floor of Mountain Mall along Thika Road, Nairobi, near Kasarani, Garden Estate and Thome. We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm, Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm, and on Sunday by appointment. If you cannot come in, order online and pay by M-Pesa or cash on delivery.

While you are getting ready, our hiking gear checklist for Kenya lists the rest of the kit for a day hike or trek, and the waterproof hiking boots guide goes deeper into membranes and the rainy season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Keen Targhee boots actually waterproof?

Yes. The waterproof versions of the Keen Targhee Mid use KEEN.DRY, a waterproof, breathable membrane inside the leather upper, and the label says “WP” or “Waterproof”. They keep feet dry through puddles, wet grass and short stream crossings. Water can still get in over the collar in deep streams or heavy rain, so wear gaiters on very wet trails such as the Aberdares in April.

Do Keen Targhee run true to size or should I go up?

The Keen Targhee Mid is broadly true to length in US sizing, with a wide toe box. Some retailers say the Targhee IV fits slightly large, while people with long toes sometimes go up half a size. Try them on in the afternoon with your hiking socks, and make sure your toes do not touch the front when you walk downhill.

How long do Keen Targhee Mid boots last?

A Keen Targhee Mid that is cleaned and dried properly commonly lasts a few years for a weekend hiker, depending on terrain and how often it is worn. The outsole is the part that wears first: lab tests found the Targhee III rubber wore faster than average. The leather upper and membrane tend to outlast the sole if you keep them clean and treated.

Is the Keen Targhee good for wide feet?

Yes, wide feet are the main reason people choose the Keen Targhee Mid. KEEN’s “Original Fit” gives a forefoot noticeably wider than most European hiking boots, and lab measurements put the Targhee III toe box at about 106 mm against an average of about 102 mm. KEEN also sells wide-width versions in some markets for even more room.

Can I wear Keen Targhee boots for everyday use in Nairobi?

You can, and many people do, especially in the rains when Nairobi pavements flood. The Keen Targhee Mid is comfortable for walking, but at around 515-577 g per boot it is heavier and warmer than a trainer. Daily city wear also speeds up sole wear, so keep a pair you rely on for hikes mainly for the trail.

Final Thoughts

Roomy toes, dry feet and a rubber cap that shrugs off rocks: those are the reasons hikers keep coming back to this boot. The Keen Targhee Mid is a sound pick for wet Aberdares days, Longonot’s ash and lighter Mt Kenya treks, as long as the fit suits a wider foot.

Your next step is simple: bring your hiking socks to Mountain Mall, try a pair on, and walk a slope before you decide. If you prefer to buy online, check the current sizes on the Targhee product page first.

For more about the brand, the official KEEN website lists current colours and widths, and Kenya Wildlife Service has park information for Mt Kenya and the Aberdares, including current fees.