#4 on this list
Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
Keen
The Keen Targhee IV Mid Waterproof is engineered for hikers who value durable leather construction, exceptional underfoot protection, and Keen’s trademark wide, anatomical toe box. If your feet feel constricted in standard European-cut boots, the Targhee provides the lateral room needed for natural toe splay, preventing blisters on long downhill descents. Keen addressed previous durability concerns in this fourth iteration by introducing a direct-attach construction method. The upper and polyurethane midsole are fused together without toxic glues, virtually eliminating the sole delamination issues that plagued earlier models. The nubuck leather upper is tough and treated for water repellency, backed by the Keen.Dry waterproof membrane. Underneath, the proprietary Keen.Rugged outsole features deep, multi-directional lugs that grip reliably in thick mud, forest loam, and loose gravel. However, the Targhee IV is not an agile boot. Its chunky silhouette feels somewhat wide and clumsy when navigating narrow rock cracks or scrambling technical ridgelines. The Keen.Dry membrane keeps outside water at bay, but it runs notoriously warm; on hikes above seventy degrees, foot perspiration builds up quickly inside the boot. The heel pocket is also quite generous, which can lead to minor heel lift for hikers with narrow rear feet. **Highlights** - Direct-attach construction eliminates common sole delamination points - Generous, anatomical toe box allows natural foot splay - Resilient polyurethane midsole resists compression over high mileage - Proven Keen.Dry waterproof membrane - Heavy-duty rubber toe bumper shields against rock strikes **Watch-outs** - Bulky profile lacks precision on technical rocky scrambles - Runs noticeably warm during warm-weather hikes - Loose fit around narrow heels can cause slip
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#5 on this list
Bridger Mid B-DRY
Oboz
The Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY is a workhorse built for rough, rocky trails and backpackers who need uncompromising arch support. While many footwear brands include paper-thin, throwaway insoles, Oboz equips the Bridger with their sculpted O Fit insole, delivering structured arch support and a deep heel cup straight out of the box. Durability is the Bridger's greatest asset. The upper is constructed from thick, oiled nubuck leather fortified by molded rubber toe and heel caps that brush off sharp scree and jagged granite. Beneath the foot, a TPU chassis and dual-density EVA midsole create a rigid, protective barrier that completely eliminates stone bruising under full pack weight. The Granite Peak outsole features aggressive, deep perimeter lugs that act like mini-cleats, digging firmly into sloppy mud, snowmelt slush, and steep dirt paths. That level of armor results in distinct trade-offs. The Bridger Mid is heavy, stiff, and demands a genuine break-in period before your feet stop fighting the thick leather. The proprietary B-DRY membrane is impervious to outside water, but it is one of the warmest liners on the market. In midsummer heat, internal sweat buildup is virtually unavoidable, making this boot best suited for shoulder seasons, high latitudes, or cool alpine environments. **Highlights** - Exceptional, class-leading stock O Fit supportive insole - Robust oiled nubuck upper with heavy-duty rubber toe cap - Deeply lugged Granite Peak outsole excels in mud and slush - High torsional rigidity protects feet under heavy multi-day packs - TPU chassis eliminates underfoot stone bruising **Watch-outs** - Stiff construction requires a mandatory break-in period - B-DRY membrane breathes poorly in hot, humid weather - Heavy underfoot weight induces fatigue on fast day hikes
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Targhee IV Mid Waterproof | Bridger Mid B-DRY |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Waterproof nubuck leather and breathable mesh | Waterproof oiled nubuck leather |
| Waterproofing | Keen.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane | — |
| Midsole | Direct-attach LuftCell air-injected polyurethane | Dual-density EVA with TPU chassis |
| Outsole | Keen.Rugged non-marking rubber with multi-directional lugs | Granite Peak rubber with 4mm lugs |
| Weight Per Pair | Approximately 41.4 oz (1,174 g) for men's size 9 | — |
| Ankle Height | Mid-cut with padded collar and heel lock strap | — |
| Weight per Pair | — | 37.6 oz / 1066 g (Men's 9) |
| Waterproof Tech | — | Oboz B-DRY membrane |
| Footbed | — | O Fit high-density sculpted insole |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Targhee IV Mid Waterproof
- Direct-attach sole construction eliminates common glue delamination
- Generous anatomical toe box lets toes splay naturally on descents
- Durable polyurethane midsole maintains cushion over high mileage
- Heavy-duty rubber toe bumper provides exceptional impact protection
- Interior runs hot and traps sweat during warm-weather hikes
- Wide heel pocket can cause slip for hikers with narrow feet
- Firm outsole rubber has reduced grip on wet, polished rock
Bridger Mid B-DRY
- Class-leading out-of-the-box arch support from the sculpted insole
- Heavy oiled nubuck and rubber rands provide exceptional rock protection
- Stiff TPU chassis eliminates underfoot stone bruising on rough trails
- Outsole lugs dig reliably into mud, soft dirt, and slush
- B-DRY membrane runs hot and traps sweat in summer temperatures
- Heavier and stiffer than modern synthetic boots, requiring break-in
- Harder outsole rubber can feel slick on wet, smooth river rock
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