Keen Targhee IV vs Salomon Quest 4 GTX Boots: Which is Better?

In this article, we’ll compare two interesting hiking boots: the Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof and the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots.

Both are designed for rugged terrains and provide comfort, but they cater to different needs and preferences.

The Keen Targhee IV emphasizes durability and eco-friendliness with its innovative construction and sustainable materials, while the Salomon Quest 4 GTX focuses on stability and support for long expeditions in challenging conditions.

Here we’ll look at the features, benefits, and suitability of each boot to help you decide for your next hiking adventure.

Please also check these products’ features on their official websites because sometimes our articles may contain errors.

1. Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot

Check it out on the official website.

Description

The Keen Men’s Targhee IV Waterproof Hiking Boot is designed for durability and comfort, featuring innovative KEEN.FUSION construction that fuses the upper and sole without the use of glues, ensuring a longer-lasting bond.

This eco-friendly boot includes a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, Eco Anti-Odor for natural odor control, and is made with environmentally preferred leather from an LWG-certified tannery.

The LuftCell air-injected midsole and insole provide exceptional cushioning and comfort, while the KEEN.RUGGED outsole offers superior traction and durability.

Main Features and Materials

• KEEN.FUSION Construction: Fuses the upper to the sole without glue for a longer-lasting bond.
• KEEN.DRY: PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membrane.
• Eco Anti-Odor: Natural, pesticide-free odor control.
• Environmentally Preferred Leather: From LWG-certified tannery.
• LuftCell Midsole: Solvent-free, air-injected for long-lasting cushioning.
• KEEN.PROTECT Toe Bumper: Durable rubber toe protection.
• KEEN.RUGGED Outsole: Abrasion-resistant and twice as durable as rubber.
• Original Fit: Generous space across the forefoot for comfort.
• Recycled P.E.T. Plastic: 100% recycled plastic laces.
• Multi-directional Lug Pattern: Provides superior traction.
• Heel-Capture System: Added stability.
• Stability Shank: Delivers lightweight stability.
• Premium Nubuck Leather Upper
• Breathable Mesh Lining

Product Specifications

• Weight: 20.11oz / 570g
• Shaft Height: 5.12in / 130mm
• Heel Height: 1.1in / 28mm
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0.47in / 12mm

This shoe was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2024, thanks to its innovative design and eco-friendly materials.

2. Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots

Check it out on the official website.

Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots are designed for long expeditions and challenging conditions. These boots provide excellent grip and support, featuring an updated chassis that targets sensitive articulations and wraps the foot for enhanced stability.

The GORE-TEX membrane ensures waterproof protection, making it suitable for various terrains and weather conditions. Despite heavy packs and fatigue, the Quest 4 GTX delivers a stable yet smooth ride.

Main Features and Materials

• Height: High
• Foot protection: High
• Foot support: Stable
• Outdoor terrain: Alpine terrain, Mixed terrain
• Waterproofness: GORE-TEX
• Weight: 655 g
• Height of the upper: 169 mm

Outsole

• All Terrain Contagrip: Durable and confident grip on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces.

Midsole

• EnergyCell: High-performance EVA foam for shock attenuation.

Chassis

• 4D Advanced Chassis: Enhances foot control and active comfort with two different midsole components.

Upper Material

• Nubuck leather: Quality full-grain leather for durability.
• 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: Provides a secure, snug fit.
• Protective mudguard: Protects the lateral and medial sides of the foot.
• Active Support: Mobile wings that hold the foot in place and adapt to its shape and volume.

Sockliner

• Molded OrthoLite sockliner: Superior cushioning, breathability, and durability.

Lacing System

• Regular laces: Traditional lacing system with eyelets.

Membrane

• GORE-TEX: Keeps feet dry from both outside and inside.

Sustainability

• PFC free: No harmful PFC used for water repellency, ensuring environmental friendliness.

Materials

• Lining: Textile
• Inlay sole: Textile
• Outsole: Rubber
• Upper: Leather / Textile

These features make the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Boots an excellent choice for demanding outdoor adventures.

3. Comparison

Here are the main differences between these two products:

• Waterproof Technology:
  • Keen: KEEN.DRY (PFAS-free waterproof, breathable membrane)
  • Salomon: GORE-TEX (waterproof membrane)
• Weight:
  • Keen: 570g
  • Salomon: 655g
• Shaft Height:
  • Keen: 130mm
  • Salomon: 169mm
• Heel-to-Toe Drop:
  • Keen: 12mm
  • Salomon: Not specified
• Outsole:
  • Keen: KEEN.RUGGED outsole (abrasion-resistant)
  • Salomon: All Terrain Contagrip (built for various surfaces)
• Midsole:
  • Keen: LuftCell (air-injected for cushioning)
  • Salomon: EnergyCell (high-performance EVA foam)
• Chassis:
  • Keen: Stability shank for lightweight stability
  • Salomon: 4D Advanced Chassis (enhanced foot control and comfort)
• Upper Material:
  • Keen: Premium nubuck leather
  • Salomon: Nubuck leather with water-repellent treatment
• Lining:
  • Keen: Breathable mesh lining
  • Salomon: Soft, breathable textile lining
• Toe Protection:
  • Keen: KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper
  • Salomon: Protective toecap
• Lacing System:
  • Keen: 100% recycled plastic laces
  • Salomon: Regular laces with eyelets
• Sustainability:
  • Keen: PFAS-free, recycled P.E.T. plastic, glue-free KEEN.FUSION construction
  • Salomon: PFC-free water repellency, GORE-TEX models free from PFCec
• Fit and Comfort:
  • Keen: Original Fit with generous space for toes, padded tongue and collar
  • Salomon: SensiFit for a secure, snug fit, gusseted tongue to prevent debris
• Special Features:
  • Keen: KEEN.FUSION construction (fuses upper to the sole without glue)
  • Salomon: Active Support mobile wings for foot hold, Molded OrthoLite sockliner for cushioning
• Terrain Suitability:
  • Keen: Multi-directional lug pattern for superior traction
  • Salomon: Suitable for alpine and mixed terrain, designed for long expeditions and tough conditions

4. Which is Better?

When choosing between the Keen Targhee IV Boot and the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, consider the specific needs of your hiking activities and the environments you will be encountering.

The Keen Targhee IV is ideal for those seeking a durable and eco-friendly option. Its KEEN.FUSION construction ensures that the boot won’t delaminate, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. Additionally, the Eco Anti-Odor and Environmentally Preferred Leather features make this boot a sustainable option.

The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane and KEEN.PROTECT toe bumper offer excellent protection from water and debris, making it suitable for wet and rugged terrain.

The Luftcell midsole provides superior cushioning that resists compression over time, ensuring comfort on long hikes. This boot is also relatively lightweight at 570g per boot, which can reduce fatigue on extended trips.

On the other hand, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is designed for long expeditions and tough conditions, offering high foot support and protection. The 4D Advanced Chassis provides enhanced foot control and stability, which is crucial when carrying heavy packs or navigating challenging terrains such as alpine or mixed terrains.

The GORE-TEX membrane ensures your feet stay dry in all conditions, while the All Terrain Contagrip outsole delivers durability and confidence on various surfaces, whether wet, dry, hard, or loose.

The EnergyCell midsole offers excellent shock absorption, making it a great choice for multi-day backpacking trips where comfort and support are paramount. However, this boot is heavier at 655g per boot, which could be a consideration for those looking to minimize weight.

In summary: choose the Keen Targhee IV if you prioritize eco-friendliness, durability, and lightweight comfort for day hikes or shorter trips in varied conditions. Opt for the Salomon Quest 4 GTX if you need maximum support, stability, and waterproofing for long expeditions and challenging terrains.