Targhee 4 Low Height

The KEEN Kids’ Targhee 4 Low Height is an all-purpose outdoor shoe for kids who move between hiking, biking, playgrounds, school, and general outdoor fun. It does not look as performance-specific as a dedicated bike shoe or hiking shoe, but that is part of its appeal.

I originally tried putting my son in Five Ten Freeriders because they look great and the adult version is one of the best flat-pedal shoes available. He kept reaching for the KEENs instead. His reason was simple: the Keens were more comfortable.

And that carried the day, regardless of how cool I though his Five Tens were. The Targhee 4 has enough tread for dirt, rocks, playground surfaces, and bike pedals, but it is still comfortable enough for everyday wear. The low-cut shape makes it easier to move in than a mid-height hiking boot, and the reinforced toe gives some protection without making the shoe feel bulky.

This is the kind of shoe that can handle a hike, a bike ride, a playground stop, and the rest of the day without requiring a shoe change. For kids who do a little bit of everything, that is often more useful than a specialized shoe that only works for one activity. As a parent, anything that reduces the number of shoe changes throughout the day is a win.

It is not the shoe I’d choose for long wet hikes or cold-weather use. But for everyday outdoor wear the Targhee 4 earns its keep.