Keen Targhee IV vs Revel IV Polar Boots: Which is Better?

Two good boots from Keen are the Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot and the Revel IV Polar Waterproof Boot.

Each one is engineered for specific outdoor adventures, but they both prioritize comfort, durability, and protection.

The Targhee IV is your go-to for rugged trails, featuring innovative KEEN.FUSION construction for enhanced longevity and an eco-friendly design. In contrast, the Revel IV Polar shines in colder climates, equipped with 200g of insulation and a specialized outsole for superior grip on snow and ice.

Whether you’re tackling steep hills or navigating snowy paths, understanding the unique strengths of these boots will help you make the right choice for your next outdoor expedition.

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1. Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

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Description

The Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed to be the last hiking boot you’ll ever need. Featuring a glue-free, fused construction, this boot ensures durability and long-lasting performance.

It boasts environmentally friendly materials, including premium leather from LWG-certified tanneries and recycled P.E.T. plastic. The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane keeps your feet dry while allowing vapor to escape, and the LuftCell midsole provides cushioning that resists compression over time.

With a KEEN.RUGGED outsole for superior traction and a KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper for added protection, this boot is perfect for any outdoor adventure.

Main Features and Materials

• KEEN.FUSION Construction: Fuses the upper and sole without glue for a durable, eco-friendly bond.
• Eco Anti-Odor: Natural, pesticide-free odor control.
• Environmentally Preferred Leather: Premium leather from LWG-certified tannery.
• KEEN.DRY: PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membrane.
• Recycled P.E.T. Plastic: Reduces the use of virgin materials and keeps plastic bottles out of landfills.
• LuftCell Midsole: Solvent-free, air-injected for durable, long-lasting cushioning.
• KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper: Protects toes from rocks and debris.
• Original Fit: Generous space across the forefoot for comfort.
• KEEN.RUGGED Outsole: Twice as abrasion-resistant as rubber for durable traction.
• Multi-Directional Lug Pattern: Provides superior traction.
• Heel-Capture System: Adds stability.
• Stability Shank: Delivers lightweight stability.
• Weight: 20.11oz / 570g
• Shaft Height: 5.12in / 130mm
• Heel Height: 1.1in / 28mm
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0.47in / 12mm

Materials

• Premium Nubuck Leather Upper
• Breathable Mesh Lining
• Non-Marking Multi-Directional Lugs

2. Keen Men’s Revel IV Polar Waterproof Boot

CHECK IT OUT AT: Official website – Amazon.com (#ad)

Description

The Keen Men’s Revel IV Polar Waterproof Boot combines the agility of a light hiker with the warmth of a down jacket. It features 200g of insulation, heat-trapping materials underfoot, and exceptional grip on snow and ice, making it ideal for cold-weather adventures.

Main Features and Materials:

• 200g KEEN.WARM Recycled P.E.T. Insulation: Rated to -25F/-32C for superior warmth.
• Heat Trapolator Technology: Three layers of heat-trapping materials underfoot.
• KEEN.DRY Waterproofing: Keeps feet dry in wet conditions.
• KEEN.POLAR TRACTION Outsole: Provides exceptional grip on snow and ice.
• KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper: Offers added protection.
• Thermal Heat Shield Footbed: Captures warmth.
• Eco Anti-Odor: Environmentally friendly odor control.
• Original Fit: Generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay.
• Waterproof Leather and Performance Mesh Upper: Durable and breathable.
• Breathable Textile Lining: Enhances comfort.
• Compression-Molded Foam Midsole: Provides cushioning.
• Stability Shank: Delivers lightweight stability.
• Metal Eyelets: Added durability.
• Non-Marking Multi-Directional Lugs: For increased traction.
• Weight: 24.27oz / 688g.
• Shaft Height: 4.53in / 115mm.
• Heel Height: 1.21in / 30mm.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0.43in / 11mm.

3. Comparison

Here are the main differences between these two outdoor products:

• Insulation and Warmth:
  • Targhee IV: No specific insulation.
  • Revel IV Polar: 200g KEEN.WARM recycled P.E.T. insulation rated to -25F/-32C, Heat Trapolator technology with three layers of heat-trapping materials.
• Weight:
  • Targhee IV: 20.11oz / 570g.
  • Revel IV Polar: 24.27oz / 688g.
• Shaft Height:
  • Targhee IV: 5.12in / 130mm.
  • Revel IV Polar: 4.53in / 115mm.
• Heel Height:
  • Targhee IV: 1.1in / 28mm.
  • Revel IV Polar: 1.21in / 30mm.
• Heel-to-Toe Drop:
  • Targhee IV: 0.47in / 12mm.
  • Revel IV Polar: 0.43in / 11mm.
• Midsole:
  • Targhee IV: Direct-attach, air-injected Luftcell midsole.
  • Revel IV Polar: Compression-molded foam midsole.
• Outsole:
  • Targhee IV: KEEN.RUGGED abrasion-resistant outsole.
  • Revel IV Polar: KEEN.POLAR TRACTION outsole for better grip on snow and ice.
• Upper Materials:
  • Targhee IV: Premium nubuck leather.
  • Revel IV Polar: Waterproof leather and performance mesh.
• Special Features:
  • Targhee IV: KEEN.FUSION construction, KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper, Eco Anti-Odor, recycled P.E.T. plastic, KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane.
  • Revel IV Polar: Heat Trapolator, Thermal Heat Shield footbed, KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper, Eco Anti-Odor, KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane.
• Comfort and Fit:
  • Targhee IV: Padded tongue and collar, removable Luftcell air-injected insole.
  • Revel IV Polar: Notch in back for Achilles movement, metal eyelets for added durability.
• Traction:
  • Targhee IV: Multi-directional lug pattern.
  • Revel IV Polar: 5mm multi-directional lugs.

Both models feature the Original Fit with generous space across the forefoot for toes to splay, and both use environmentally preferred leather and Eco Anti-Odor technology.

4. Which is Better?

The Keen Targhee IV and the Revel IV Polar Boot serve different purposes and excel in distinct environments.

The Targhee IV is designed for durability and environmental sustainability. Its KEEN.FUSION construction fuses the upper to the sole without glue, ensuring a long-lasting bond that won’t delaminate.

This boot is ideal for hikers who need a robust, eco-friendly option with features like Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control, KEEN.DRY waterproofing, and a KEEN.RUGGED outsole that provides superior abrasion resistance and traction. The LuftCell midsole offers long-lasting cushioning, making it perfect for extended hiking trips on varied terrain.

If you’re hiking in moderate temperatures and need a boot that can handle rough trails and resist wear and tear, the Targhee IV is the better choice.

On the other side, the Revel IV Polar is tailored for cold weather conditions. It combines the agility of a light hiker with the warmth of a down jacket, featuring 200g of KEEN.WARM insulation and Heat Trapolator technology to trap heat effectively.

This boot is equipped with a KEEN.POLAR TRACTION outsole, which provides exceptional grip on snow and ice, making it ideal for winter hiking or activities in freezing temperatures. The Thermal Heat Shield insole and KEEN.DRY waterproofing ensure that your feet stay warm and dry, even in harsh winter conditions.

If you’re planning to hike in snowy or icy environments where warmth and traction on slippery surfaces are crucial, the Revel IV Polar is the superior option.

Which is better: choose the Targhee IV for rugged, all-weather hiking with a focus on durability and eco-friendliness, and opt for the Revel IV Polar when you need maximum warmth and traction in cold, snowy conditions.