KEENKids' Targhee 4 Mid Height Durable Comfortable Waterproof Hiking Boot

Anyone who has ever shopped around for a good high quality hiking boot knows KEEN is up there with the best of them. This Kid's Version of their popular Targhee model is no exception just because it happens to be a junior's boot.The first thing that has to be mentioned on this even before the quality is that these are not typical laces. They have a pull tight design with a cinch buckle that essentially locks in the fit. It makes it incredibly easy for kids to get them on tight and off easily without the need for double knots or running into the boot that unties every 1/4 mile. It uses a paracord type drawstring and should it ever break, or if you just prefer, it could easily be replaced by standard laces.The construction of the boot is really high quality. All the materials are soft and easy to move around in. Every piece is double stitched except for one accent piece that surround the top loophole. I also appreciate the finger loop on top of the heel for easy pull on, too often this is overlooked on active footwear.The sole of the boot is a tough non slip rubber made of 2 colors that I assume to be the same material. If they are diferent I don't see why. The tread on them is not overly aggressive, but would do great on a trail wet or dry. The rubber sole is tough as well. I feel like it will do a very good job of protecting from rocks that jut out.There is a strap that runs from the second from top lace loophole that continues to the ankle and secures itself to the achilles area of the back of the boot. It runs on both sides. I can only assume it is there to try and lock in the heel. TBH is feels gimmicky. MAYBE it helps, but I don't see much tug when I really tighten this boot down on her feet. In any case it still looks cool and as long as it doesn't snag as she hikes I'm good with it.We haven't tested the waterproofness other than hiking a field with dew on the grass. They stayed dry over the mile we walked and I think they would probably hold up pretty well in an inch or two of water.Overall, if you are looking for a great pair of waterproof hiking boots for your junior, these are a solid choice. Tough, easy to get on and off, and backed by a high quality reputation like KEEN.

After a recent camping trip, my kids are anxious to try more hiking so I obtained these boots to help protect their feet and ankles. As is to be expected from Keens, these look like a quality product. The sole is thick, grippy-feeling rubber and when I flex it, it bends at the ball of the foot like it should. They are pretty lightweight considering the build and materials, which will be nice when on long hikes. I love the neutral color scheme and thumbs-up to Keen for calling these unisex rather than trying to gender something that doesn't need to be gendered. One note on fit - I have found Keens in the past to be a tad narrow and the same appears to be true of these so I sized up when ordering.I do have a few comments about the utility of these as hiking boots -Since they have elastic laces, they are easier for kids to put on and tighten, but there is a limit to how tight the laces can be. These are not going to provide the same sort of ankle support as lace-up hiking boots. Also, I have no reason to believe these are not waterproof as Keen has indicated, but in order for a shoe with a tongue to be waterproof, the tongue has to be attached to the shoe by a sort of "skirt" between the two pieces. These boots *are* attached in this way, but only up to about the top of the foot so expect them to be waterproof in small puddles, but not necessarily large ones. These limitations on usefulness specifically as hiking boots are fine with us as we're not planning any very strenuous hikes, but I point it out in case someone shopping might be.

This is an exceptionally high quality pair of sneakers. We’ve had other KEEN pairs before, and they hold up really well, lasting a long time.This pair is no different. The quality is impressive. The materials are strong and durable, and the craftsmanship impeccable.The sole is thick and strong, rugged enough for tough use.While I really like this pair of sneakers, I found it to run on the bigger side. So unfortunately it’s not working for us. I might put it away for next year.

These are surprisingly light, sturdy, and flexible. I have other hiking boots that were heavy and stiff, but these were so different. These are super comfortable but the bottom still feels like it's thick enough and has enough traction for hiking. The toes are well protected, and it's waterproof up to a certain height of the boot. Don't expect it to be like rain boots because you do still have laces like any other boot or shoe (so water can get in there). I love the brown color for these. The laces are the kind that you pull to tighten, like a cord. They're not the standard laces. I think they'll wear out eventually (snap or lose elasticity), but that's ok with me because you can still slip in traditional laces in the shoe loops. That being said, the laces that comes with the boot work nicely. It's very easy to pull to tighten. I tuck the excess length under the laces or in toward the boot. We've taken these on 3-4 mile hikes and they're comfortable so I would buy this again.

My son is in his final year of Cub Scouts, and is getting ready to move on to Scouts BSA - as such, he's doing a lot more "serious" hiking and camping (his den recently started doing ~5 mike hikes on actual trails, and he did his first week of overnight camp this year). So his usual rubber clogs or worn-out tennis shoes aren't going to cut it any more, and I got these so he'd have a quality pair of boots.This was actually the second pair of Keen boots I've bought him, but due to growth spurt his first pair only got worn for a few months. These are the same quality I'd come to expect, he was happy with how they felt on his feet and I'm sure they'll hold up well. Construction seems excellent, I'm sure he'll outgrow them before he's able to wear them out.