When it comes to choosing the perfect hiking boots, two great options are the Keen Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots and the Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots.
Each offers unique features tailored to different hiking experiences.
The Keen Targhee III is renowned for its out-of-the-box comfort and durability, making it ideal for long treks on moderate trails. With its KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and eco-friendly materials, it caters to those who value both performance and sustainability.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 is engineered for agility and stability on technical terrains, boasting a lightweight design and advanced chassis for enhanced support.
Whether you prioritize comfort or technical prowess, understanding the strengths of these two boots will help you make a good decision for your next adventure.
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1. Keen Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots
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Description
The Keen Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots offer out-of-the-box comfort, durable protection, and an environmentally friendly design. These boots feature an original fit with a contoured heel lock, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
The KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry, while the KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides excellent traction. With over 8 million satisfied customers, these boots are designed for both performance and sustainability.
Main Features and Materials
- Original Fit: Generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay
- Contoured Heel Lock
- KEEN.DRY: Waterproof, breathable membrane
- KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN: Rubber outsole for higher-traction grip
- KEEN.PROTECT: Toe bumper
- Environmentally Preferred Leather: From LWG-certified tannery
- Eco Anti-Odor
- Weight: 18.55oz / 526g
- Shaft Height: 5.31in / 135mm
- Heel Height: 1.1in / 28mm
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0.47in / 12mm
- Speed-lace Webbing System: For a comfortably snug fit
- Foam Midsole: Lightweight cushioning
- Removable, Resilient Foam Insole: Long-lasting cushioning
- 4mm Multi-directional Lugs: For traction
- Molded Heel-Capture System: For stability
- External Stability Shank: Delivers lightweight stability
- Leather and Performance Mesh Upper
- Quick-Dry Lining: For active use
- Non-Marking Multi-Directional Lugs: Increased traction
These features ensure that the Keen Men’s Targhee III Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots are both comfortable and high-performing, making them a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
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CHECK IT OUT AT: Official website – Amazon.com (#ad)
Description
The Salomon Men’s X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex Hiking Boots are designed for those who seek agility and stability on technical terrains. These mid-cut boots offer the lightweight feel of a trail-running shoe combined with the durability, grip, and waterproof protection needed for challenging hikes.
Featuring a new chassis, they provide enhanced protection for sensitive articulations while maintaining freedom of movement.
Main Features and Materials
- Waterproofness: GORE-TEX membrane ensures feet stay dry from both external moisture and internal sweat.
- Weight: 425 g
- Height of the Upper: 125 mm
- Foot Protection: High
- Foot Support: Stable
- Outdoor Terrain: Suitable for alpine and mixed terrains
Outsole
- Chevron Lugs: Deep penetration and multi-directional grip for improved traction on soft surfaces like mud or loose dirt.
- All Terrain Contagrip®: Provides durability and confidence on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces.
Midsole
- EnergyCell: High-performance EVA foam for shock attenuation.
Chassis
- Advanced Chassis™: Molded insert in the outsole for strong lateral support, protection, and optimal mobility and flexibility.
Upper Material
- PU Coated Leather: Enhanced durability and strength.
- Water Repellent: Special treatment to prevent water absorption during light rain and showers.
Lining Material
- Textile Lining: Soft and breathable for extreme comfort.
Upper Construction
- Gusseted Tongue: Prevents debris from entering the shoe and keeps the tongue centered.
- Protective Toecap
- SensiFit™: Cradles the foot for a secure and customized fit.
- Protective Mudguard: Wraps around the base of the foot for lateral and medial protection.
- Active Support: Mobile wings that hold the foot in place and adapt to its shape and volume.
Sockliner
- Molded OrthoLite® Sockliner: Provides superior cushioning, breathability, and durability.
Lacing System
- Regular Laces: Traditional lacing with eyelets.
Sustainability
- PFC Free: No harmful PFCs used, ensuring environmentally friendly water repellency.
Materials
- Lining: Textile
- Inlay Sole: Textile/Synthetic
- Outsole: Rubber
- Upper: PU Coated Leather/Textile
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two boots:
- Weight: Keen – 526g; Salomon – 425g
- Shaft Height: Keen – 135mm; Salomon – 125mm
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Keen – 12mm; Salomon – Not specified
- Fit: Keen – Original Fit with generous space across the forefoot; Salomon – SensiFit for a secure, snug fit
- Waterproofing: Keen – KEEN.DRY membrane; Salomon – GORE-TEX membrane
- Upper Material: Keen – Leather and performance mesh; Salomon – PU coated leather and textile
- Outsole: Keen – KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber with 4mm multi-directional lugs; Salomon – All Terrain Contagrip with chevron lugs
- Midsole: Keen – Foam midsole; Salomon – EnergyCell EVA foam
- Toe Protection: Keen – KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper; Salomon – Protective toecap
- Lacing System: Keen – Speed-lace webbing system; Salomon – Regular laces
- Insole: Keen – Removable foam insole; Salomon – Molded OrthoLite sockliner
- Environmental Impact: Keen – Environmentally preferred leather, Eco Anti-Odor; Salomon – PFC free, water-repellent treatment
- Additional Features: Keen – Molded heel-capture system, external stability shank; Salomon – Advanced Chassis, gusseted tongue, protective mudguard, Active Support wings
4. Which is Better?
The Keen Targhee III and the Salomon X Ultra 4 each excel in different scenarios due to their unique features and construction.
The Keen Targhee III is known for its out-of-the-box comfort and durable protection. It features an Original Fit with generous space across the forefoot, allowing your toes to splay naturally, which can be particularly beneficial for those with wider feet or who value extra toe room.
The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and eco-friendly materials make it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious hikers who need reliable waterproofing. The foam midsole and removable insole provide long-lasting cushioning, making these boots suitable for long hikes where comfort is paramount.
The KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs ensures good traction on a variety of surfaces, making them versatile for different terrains.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex is designed for more technical and rugged terrain. It combines the agility of a trail-running shoe with the stability and grip needed for challenging hikes.
The advancedCHASSIS™ provides strong lateral support and protection for sensitive articulations, which is crucial for maintaining stability on uneven ground. The GORE-TEX membrane offers superior waterproofing while keeping the boots breathable.
The Chevron lugs and All Terrain Contagrip™ outsole deliver exceptional traction on both wet and dry surfaces, making them ideal for alpine and mixed terrains. Additionally, the SensiFit™ system ensures a secure and customized fit, enhancing overall foot stability.
Which is better: the Keen Targhee III is better suited for hikers who prioritize comfort, spacious fit, and eco-friendly materials, particularly on moderate trails and longer hikes. The Salomon X Ultra 4 excels in technical, rugged, and alpine terrains, providing superior stability, support, and traction for more demanding hikes.