KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof — Kids’ Hiking Shoe Review

The KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof is a kids’ hiking shoe with a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, a leather upper, a big rubber toe cap, and a bungee-and-strap closure kids can handle themselves. Our five-year-old, Cy, wore them for months as his play, bike, school, and road trip shoe, including a lakeshore campsite outside Fruita, Colorado, where he walked directly into the water after we asked him not to. His feet stayed dry. The one thing to know before you order: the sole is stiff and doesn’t bend much.

4.4/5.0

Best for rocky trails

KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof

The most protective low shoe we tested, and Cy can get it on himself. A little clunky, but nothing gets through that toe.

Shop at Amazon$74.95 Shop at REI$80

Sizes: 8 to 13 Kids | Waterproof: Yes (KEEN.DRY membrane) | Weight (pair): 15 oz | Closure: Bungee and strap | Height: Ankle

Is the KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof actually waterproof?

Yes. Cy walked into the water at our campsite outside Fruita, and his feet stayed dry. The water never came up over the collar, which is the only way it would get in.

Where we tested the KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof

These did a little of everything over a few months. Play shoes around the house. Bike shoes. School shoes. Then a road trip around the West, where they got beat up on trails and at camp.

The water test happened at a lakeshore campsite outside Fruita, on Colorado’s Western Slope.

KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof features: what actually stood out

The closure is clever. Stretchy bungee laces let Cy slip his foot in, then a hook-and-loop strap snugs the shoe around his ankle. The bungees don’t adjust, they just stretch, so the strap does the real work. He can get them on and off by himself.

Protection is where these shine. The front is a big wrap of rubber, classic KEEN, so toes are safe from rocks. The upper is leather, which holds up to a lot of abrasion. The tread has solid lugs, and the sole is non-marking, so if your school asks for that, these qualify. There’s reflective trim on the sides that catches a headlamp at camp.

They’re waterproof, which means they’re less breathable than some. Honestly, Cy didn’t seem to care.

What doesn’t work on the KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof

They’re a little clunky. The sole doesn’t have much bend, so it’s hard to get a natural foot movement. That’s the trade-off for all that protection. The other weak point we can see is the plastic clip on the strap. It could wear out over time, but after a few months of testing it’s totally fine.

How to care for the KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof

KEEN recommends removing dirt with a soft brush or cloth, and using cold water with mild soap or detergent for a deeper clean. Let them dry at room temperature, away from direct heat. After some wear, KEEN suggests treating them with a PFAS-free, silicone-based waterproofing spray like Nikwax.

KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof sizing guide

We tested a size 12 on Cy at age 5, and they fit true to size. Some buyer reviews say they run slightly large. Even if they do, the hook-and-loop strap keeps the foot seated, so there’s not a lot of sliding around. That makes the Targhee a little more forgiving of growth room than a laced shoe.

Before you order, here’s how we measure kids’ feet.

Who is the KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof best for?

Kids on rocky hikes, and families who want one waterproof shoe that works at school, on the bike, and on the trail. If protection matters more than flexibility, this is the pick. If your kid wants to move like they’re barefoot, look at something bendier.

Pro tip: Snug the strap after your kid slips the shoe on. The bungees get the foot in, but the strap is what keeps it from sliding.

How the KEEN Targhee IV Low Waterproof compares to other kids’ hiking shoes