KEEN Men's Targhee 2 Mid Height Waterproof Hiking Boots - Lightweight & Durable for Outdoor Adventures, Trail Walking & Camping

Retired Army Soldier who loves Hiking and Boots. I have a lot of Keens, Columbia and Merrills etc. Love the Targhee 2 Mid boot. Looks real nice. Nice big toe box and tight heel. It is not as pretty as the narrower Targhee 3 Mid BUT it makes up for that in quality, durability and down right great in dirt and rocks. Think 4x4. Would buy again. Recommended if you are patient. Cannot wear for serious hiking right out of the box as it will rub your ankles and is stiff. Pain. Not comfortable as the low quarters when new. I almost gave up until I read online how to properly break them in and that really worked. Took over 4 weeks. Long time! Deviate and you will regret it. They do get better over time. No serious Hiking at first. They are warm and even a little hot. Remember waterproof and stiff and Fall-Winter. Here is the process: 1) wear them for 5 days indoors w/o socks. Unlaced and then fully laced. Not tight. Let your feet sweat and mold them to your foot. Trains both the boot and your foot to the Mid level feel. Call them indoor slippers. 2) wear them another 5 days indoors but with light-medium hiking socks on and lightly but fully laced. Increases the training and you get used to them. You want them tighter BUT do not cut off circulation. I used non-binding diabetic socks with the wide tops. No sock top indentations. No cotton! 3) wear them another 5 days mostly indoor with heavier socks on (nonslip merino blend or better synthetic mix to avoid blisters - NO cotton at all), then fully, normally laced (pinky finger under each lace or less - not too tight or loose), but walk them outside to the mailbox many times, stairs or up & down the hard sidewalk for 30 mins. Short excursions then sit with boots on and sweat. 4) wear them again for another 5 days mixed indoor and longer outdoors (errands and stores) with med-heavy socks on, remember to sit and sweat afterwards. 5) Proof your successful breakin by walking 2 miles and maybe a few feet slow jogging. Remember to sit and sweat afterwards. Should be comfortable by now or you skipped in the process or your feet are really unique. And last 6) Go for several 5-10 mile hikes over varying terrain. You should start to love them like I did. If all okay, you are now ready for some serious Hiking 25-50 mile or more. Learn to lace up different ways and get Laces that don't slip and untie or use plastic stops. Be sure to take extra dry socks and enjoy the scenery! Yeah I know this is not Fast Food but for nearly $200 bucks, your feet deserve it. Now, I still prefer low quarter Targhees 2 & 3 and Merrill Moab 2s for short stuff. I like 6-8" high top boots for long backpack trips, ice/snow, deep water and for more overall support, esp in rocks and hills. Avoid sprains. But the Targhee 2 Mid fits the bill for in between Low and High. I found the Targhee 3 Mid too light, narrow, toe box smaller, soft and more suited for casual daily stuff, like the Mall and no backpacks. Felt too many rocks with them so no trail running. Wear them daily with jeans and on Sundays for the great look. Now, the Targhee 2 Mids can handle a backpack and a lot more difficult terrain. Love them Mid 2s after that long tedious breakin. BUT REMEMBER NOTHING IS PERFECT !!! AND THEY DON'T LAST FOREVER !!! Your feet will tell you what they like! Listen to your unique body. Don't injure your feet out in the wild. So carry tent, rain gear, water, food, protection and a good first aide kit. And a BUDDY. Hike on !!!