#3 on this list
Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
Keen
Keen has long been synonymous with wide forefoot geometry, and the Targhee IV Waterproof takes that proven formula and addresses the brand's historically vulnerable failure point: outsole delamination. Built with KEEN.FUSION construction, the sole is fused directly to the upper using heat and pressure rather than conventional glue. This creates an exceptionally durable bond that holds up to abrasive rocks, mud, and endless flex cycles without peeling at the toe or midfoot. On the trail, the Targhee IV is a dream for women who suffer from compressed toes or bunions. The toe box allows for natural splay during long descents, while the external heel-capture system pulls the rear of the foot firmly back into the pocket when laced. The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane handles mud and wet grass reliably. Traction from the multi-directional lugs is predictable across wet roots and loose soil, supported by a semi-rigid shank that absorbs trail chatter under moderate pack weights. The wide, high-volume shape that makes this boot so comfortable for broad feet can feel sloppy on narrower profiles. Even with tight lacing, hikers with slender heels may experience lateral slippage inside the heel cup on steep traverses. The boot also has a relatively wide profile, which makes precise foot placement in narrow rock crevices somewhat clumsy. **Highlights** - Glue-free direct-attach construction eliminates outsole delamination - Generous, anatomically shaped toe box allows full toe splay - KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane keeps feet dry - Multi-directional rugged lugs provide dependable mud and dirt grip - External heel-capture system improves lock-in **Watch-outs** - Excess volume for hikers with narrow feet or slender heels - Wide exterior profile feels clunky on technical, narrow rock paths
- Price
- Check current price
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
#4 on this list
Nucleo High II GTX
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX bridges the gap between agile day hiking and technical mountain travel. Constructed around a sleek, supportive women's last, this boot utilizes premium Nubuck leather paired with GORE-TEX Surround technology. Unlike traditional waterproof booties that only vent through the upper, Surround allows moisture vapor to escape downward through an open-spacer mesh layer beneath the footbed, venting out through side ports. The result is noticeably cooler, drier feet in warm, wet conditions. Trail performance is precise and confident. The Nucleo High II features La Sportiva's signature Vibram Nano outsole with an Impact Brake System, delivering exceptional friction on slick rock and aggressive downhill bite in soft dirt. The ankle cuff provides high-reaching support without restricting natural biomechanics, thanks to flexible Cordura inserts at the flex points. It has enough torsional stiffness to manage a forty-pound pack over alpine passes, yet it weighs less than traditional leather heavyweights. The fit is distinctly European: narrow through the midfoot and taper-toed up front. Hikers with broad forefeet will likely experience pressure on the outside edge of the pinky toe. The leather upper is also thinner than old-school full-grain boots, meaning prolonged contact with sharp scree will scuff the exterior faster. **Highlights** - GORE-TEX Surround technology provides 360-degree breathability - Durable, supple Nubuck leather upper with Nano-Cells inserts - Vibram Nano outsole with Impact Brake System for technical traction - Outstanding balance of torsional support and low carry weight - Precise ankle collar wraps securely without hot spots **Watch-outs** - Narrow European fit will not accommodate wide forefeet - Thin nubuck shows abrasive wear quickly on loose scree
- Price
- $255 MSRP
- Reader rating
- No reader votes yet
- How we assessed it
- Specification researched
Specs side by side
| Spec | Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot | Nucleo High II GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Material | Waterproof nubuck leather and breathable mesh | Nubuck leather with Nano-Cell inserts |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane | — |
| Outsole | Direct-attach rubber with multi-directional lugs | Vibram Nano with Impact Brake System |
| Construction | KEEN.FUSION glue-free direct-inject bond | — |
| Footbed | Removable dual-density footbed with arch support | — |
| Ankle Height | Mid cut for moderate collar support | — |
| Waterproof Tech | — | GORE-TEX Surround |
| Ankle Support | — | High cut with Cordura flex zones |
| Footwear Volume | — | Low to medium volume; narrow last |
| Weight | — | Approximately 13.4 oz (380 g) per boot |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
- Glue-free sole construction eliminates the risk of toe delamination
- Spacious, anatomical toe box accommodates wide feet and bunions
- Durable nubuck leather upper withstands heavy trail abrasion
- Predictable underfoot traction in deep mud and loose soil
- Substantial toe cap guards against sharp rock impacts
- Excess volume can cause heel slip for hikers with narrow feet
- Wide platform feels clunky when navigating technical rock scrambles
- Runs warm during high-output summer hikes
Nucleo High II GTX
- Gore-Tex Surround exhausts foot sweat significantly better than standard booties
- Aggressive Vibram outsole provides exceptional braking control on loose descents
- Minimal break-in time compared to traditional heavy leather backpacking boots
- Snug heel cup locks the rear foot down securely to prevent uphill heel slip
- Tapered toe box runs narrow and will cramp broad or high-volume forefeet
- Supple nubuck leather scratches easily against abrasive rock and loose scree
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.