Which is better for day hikes?

The low Targhee IV. It is 1.4oz lighter per shoe and leaves your ankle free, which suits light loads and smooth trails.

Which is better for backpacking?

The mid Targhee 4. The 5.12in shaft adds ankle support and stability when you carry weight over uneven ground.

Is the mid worth the lower price?

Yes, if you want ankle coverage. At $134.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026 it undercuts the low shoe's $157.44 and adds a leather upper and TPU outsole.

Do they fit the same?

They share the same 28mm stack and 12mm drop, so the fit underfoot is close. The mid adds a collar around the ankle, which some shoppers notice for the first few hikes.

Both use Keen's fused, glue-free construction that resists delamination. The mid's nubuck leather upper tends to hold up better against scuffs than the low shoe's mixed upper.

Are they actually waterproof?

Yes. The mid uses a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, and the low shoe is built as a waterproof hiker. Neither is meant for wading.

Men's Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Shoe vs Keen Targhee 4 Mid-height Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Both are Keen Targhee IV waterproof hikers with the same 28mm stack and 12mm drop, so the real choice is low-cut versus mid-cut. The mid-cut Targhee 4 is the better value right now: $134.99 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, versus $157.44 for the low shoe. Buy the low shoe if you want less weight and more ankle freedom on easy trails; buy the mid if you want ankle support and a lower price.

Today the Keen Targhee 4 Mid-height Waterproof Hiking Shoes costs $22.45 less at its best price.

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