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Head-to-head · Best Hiking Boots

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid vs Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.0). Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is best for: Hikers prioritizing rigid ankle support and protection on rugged trails. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
Ranked #5 in Best Hiking Boots
Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid
3 sources$99.69as of Oct 7

The Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid features a glue-free fused construction that Better Trail found eliminates delamination risks while offering robust protection through its thick nubuck leather and rubber toe cap. The roomy toe box accommodates wide feet, though Trail & Kale noted it may compromise lateral security for narrow-footed hikers on technical terrain. While the KEEN.DRY membrane keeps feet dry in rain, Better Trail found that limited breathability causes overheating during warm-weather use, and the heavy weight makes them feel sluggish compared to lighter alternatives. This boot fits hikers prioritizing durability and waterproofing over agility or summer comfort.

Strengths
  • — Glue-free fused construction guaranteed not to delaminate, addressing issues from previous models.
  • — Roomy toe box provides ample space for wide feet and natural toe splay.
  • — Robust rubber toe cap and thick nubuck leather upper offer significant foot protection.
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy weight (approx. 2 lbs, 8 oz per pair) makes them feel sluggish for fast-paced hiking.
  • — KEEN.RUGGED outsole lacks the sticky grip of Vibram Megagrip on wet rock or slick surfaces.
  • — Limited breathability causes feet to overheat during warm-weather use.
$99.69 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Hiking Boots
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid
4 sources$279as of Oct 11

The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid delivers exceptional torsional stability and ankle support through its external TPU MONOWRAP frame, which Better Trail found keeps feet secure on steep descents. Its nubuck leather upper offers high durability against abrasion, while the Vibram Rene Trac outsole provides reliable grip across varied terrains like wet rock and loose gravel. However, the firm polyurethane midsole is unapologetically burly and lacks plush cushioning, which can feel unforgiving for hikers accustomed to softer footwear. This rigid build suits those prioritizing protection on rugged trails over lightweight comfort, while users seeking a flexible, trail-runner-like experience should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Provides exceptional torsional stability and ankle support through its external TPU MONOWRAP frame.
  • — Features a nubuck leather upper that reviewers cite as highly durable and protective against trail abrasion.
  • — Equipped with a Vibram Rene Trac outsole that delivers reliable, premium grip on wet rock, dirt, and loose gravel.
Watch-outs
  • — The polyurethane midsole is firm and stiff, which can feel unforgiving for hikers accustomed to plush cushioning.
  • — The boot can feel stiff and lacks cushioning for some users.
$279 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid

The Keen Targhee IV Waterproof Mid features a roomy toe box that accommodates wide feet, directly addressing the narrow fit complaints associated with the Arc'teryx Kopec Mid. However, its heavy weight of 2 lbs 8 oz makes it feel sluggish compared to the lighter Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex (2 lbs 10 oz), and its KEEN.RUGGED outsole lacks the sticky grip of the Vibram Megagrip found on other models.

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid

The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid provides exceptional torsional stability through its external TPU MONOWRAP frame, offering more structured support than the soft, unstructured upper of the Arc'teryx Kopec Mid. Its firm polyurethane midsole is notably less forgiving than the plush dual-density EVA found in the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, making it better suited for rugged protection than soft comfort.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKeen Targhee IV Waterproof MidLowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid
Weight2 lbs, 8 oz (men's pair)3.07 lbs (size 14)
Upper MaterialNubuck leatherNubuck Leather
MidsoleLuftCell air-injected polyurethaneDouble Injection DuraPU, DynaPU
OutsoleKEEN.RUGGED rubberVibram Rene Trac
WaterproofingKEEN.DRY membraneGore-Tex
Lining—Gore-Tex Waterproof
Drop—15.3 mm
Dimensions—14.25 x 12.28 x 5.55 inches; 4.41 pounds
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