When choosing the perfect boot for your adventures, two options from Keen are the Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot and the Men’s Flint II Waterproof Mid Soft Toe Boot.
Each boot is engineered with unique features tailored to specific needs, whether you’re tackling rugged trails or navigating wet work environments.
The Targhee IV is built for durability and comfort on long hikes, showcasing innovative technology like KEEN.FUSION construction and a LuftCell midsole for superior support.
Meanwhile, the Flint II emphasizes safety and versatility with its slip-resistant outsole and electrical hazard protection, making it an excellent choice for those in demanding work settings.
In this article, we’ll see the key differences between these remarkable boots to help you find the perfect fit for your next adventure or job site.
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1. Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot
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The Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed to be the last hiking boot you’ll ever need. This boot features a glue-free, fused construction that ensures durability and prevents delamination.
It includes cushioning that resists compression and offers natural, pesticide-free odor control. Made with environmentally preferred leather and a PFAS-free waterproof membrane, this boot is eco-friendly and high-performing.
The KEEN.FUSION construction fuses the upper and sole for a longer-lasting bond, while the KEEN.RUGGED outsole provides superior traction and durability.
Main Features and Materials
- PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane: KEEN.DRY technology that lets vapor out without letting water in.
- Eco Anti-Odor: Natural, pesticide-free odor control.
- Environmentally Preferred Leather: Premium leather from LWG-certified tannery.
- KEEN.FUSION: Fuses the upper and sole without glue for a longer-lasting bond.
- Recycled P.E.T. Plastic: Reduces the use of virgin materials and keeps plastic bottles out of landfills.
- LuftCell Midsole: Air-injected, solvent-free innovation for durable comfort.
- KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper: Protects toes from rocks and debris.
- Original Fit: Generous space across the forefoot for comfort.
- KEEN.RUGGED Outsole: Abrasion-resistant and provides superior traction.
- Padded Tongue and Collar: Enhanced comfort.
- 100% Recycled Plastic Laces: Eco-friendly.
- Multi-Directional Lug Pattern: Superior traction.
- Heel-Capture System: Added stability.
- Stability Shank: Lightweight stability.
Specifications
- Weight: 20.11oz / 570g
- Shaft Height: 5.12in / 130mm
- Heel Height: 1.1in / 28mm
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0.47in / 12mm
Care Instructions
- Clean with mild soap and cold water.
- Remove excess dirt/spot clean with a stiff brush or soft cloth.
- Air dry away from heat.
2. Keen Men’s Flint II Waterproof Mid Soft Toe Boot
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The Keen Men’s Flint II Waterproof Mid Soft Toe Boot is a versatile, hiking-inspired work boot designed for wet conditions. It features an energy-returning midsole and a slip-resistant rubber outsole, ensuring comfort and safety.
The boot is crafted from environmentally preferred materials and includes a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane to keep feet dry.
Main Features and Materials
- KEEN.ReGEN lightweight, compression-resisting midsole providing up to 50% energy return.
- KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane.
- Soft Toe design.
- Oil- and Slip-Resistant non-marking rubber outsole.
- Electrical Hazard (EH) rated for secondary protection against live electrical circuits.
- Reflective details for visibility.
- Environmentally Preferred Leather from LWG-certified tannery.
- Shellback Heel Support.
- External Stability Shank (ESS) for midfoot support.
- PFAS-Free, Durable Water Repellent.
- Removable Metatomical Insole for comfort and support.
- Metal Hardware.
- Leather Thickness: 1.60-1.80mm.
Specifications
- Weight: 20.81oz / 590g
- Shaft Height: 6.5in / 165mm
- Heel Height: 1.0in / 25mm
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0.39in / 10mm
- Duty Type: Light
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two boots:
- Construction: Targhee IV uses KEEN.FUSION construction (glue-free, fused), while Flint II does not specify this construction method.
- Midsole: Targhee IV has a Luftcell air-injected midsole; Flint II has a KEEN.ReGEN midsole with up to 50% energy return.
- Outsole: Targhee IV features KEEN.RUGGED abrasion-resistant outsole; Flint II has an oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole.
- Toe Protection: Targhee IV has a KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper; Flint II is a soft toe boot.
- Weight: Targhee IV weighs 20.11oz (570g); Flint II weighs 20.81oz (590g).
- Shaft Height: Targhee IV has a shaft height of 5.12in (130mm); Flint II has a shaft height of 6.5in (165mm).
- Heel Height: Targhee IV has a heel height of 1.1in (28mm); Flint II has a heel height of 1.0in (25mm).
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Targhee IV has a drop of 0.47in (12mm); Flint II has a drop of 0.39in (10mm).
- Fit: Targhee IV has an Original Fit with generous space across the forefoot; Flint II does not specify this feature.
- Stability Features: Targhee IV has a heel-capture system and stability shank; Flint II has an External Stability Shank (ESS) and shellback heel support.
- Environmental Features: Both use environmentally preferred leather from LWG-certified tannery and are PFAS-free.
- Additional Features: Flint II is EH-rated for electrical hazard protection; Targhee IV does not specify this feature.
4. Which is Better?
The Targhee IV and the Flint II Boots serve different purposes and excel in distinct environments due to their unique features.
The Targhee IV is designed primarily for hiking and outdoor adventures. It boasts several environmentally friendly features, such as being PFAS-free and using recycled P.E.T. plastic. Its KEEN.FUSION construction ensures a durable bond between the upper and sole without using glue, which makes it highly resistant to delamination.
This boot also offers excellent comfort with its LuftCell air-injected midsole and Eco Anti-Odor technology, making it ideal for long hikes where foot comfort and durability are crucial.
The KEEN.RUGGED outsole provides superior traction and is twice as abrasion-resistant as standard rubber, ensuring the boot can handle rugged terrains effectively. This makes the Targhee IV particularly suitable for extended outdoor activities in varied and challenging environments.
On the other hand, the Flint II is tailored more towards work-related tasks, especially in wet conditions. It features the KEEN.ReGEN midsole, which provides up to 50% energy return with each step, reducing fatigue during long work hours.
The oil- and slip-resistant rubber outsole ensures safety on slippery surfaces, while the electrical hazard (EH) rating offers protection against accidental contact with live electrical circuits. Its KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and reflective accents enhance safety and visibility in low-light conditions.
The Shellback heel support and External Stability Shank (ESS) provide additional stability, making this boot ideal for light-duty industrial or construction work where safety and comfort are paramount.
In the end: the Targhee IV is better suited for hiking and outdoor activities due to its durability, comfort, and environmentally friendly design. The Flint II excels in work environments requiring safety features like slip resistance and electrical hazard protection, making it the better choice for light-duty work in wet or hazardous conditions.