Skip to Content

Keen walking boots REVIEW: for kids and parents who love the outdoors

Keen walking boots REVIEW: for kids and parents who love the outdoors

“I could walk for one hundred days in these hiking boots!” exclaimed Arthur (age 5) as we started out hike up Thorpe Cloud in the Peak District; all wearing our new Keen walking boots to review.

We love getting out into the great outdoors as a family. If you’re hoping to get some walking distances from your little ones, wellies just won’t do. They need sturdy walking boots that support their feet, are comfortable and waterproof.

All shoes mentioned in this post were gifted in exchange for this honest review and coverage on my social media. This post also contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I relieve a small commission. 

Good kids hiking boots are one of our top tips for keeping the whinges at bay when hiking with young kids, and if you have read my best kids hiking boots post, you know that I put the KEEN hiking boots at number one.

Why do we love KEENs? Well the boys’ first pair lasted a good year. The only reason they didn’t last longer, was because their feet had grown (I’ll be keeping hold of Arthur’s for his younger brother as they’re still in good condition). But when they had outgrown them, we of course had to get them another pair of KEENs.

And we do A LOT of hiking. The boys’ wear their KEEN hiking boots almost every weekend; from hiking up Mam Tor close to home, or a circular walk at Stanage Edge, to our European city breaks. They have excellent grip, keep their feet comfortable and dry, and help maximise distance from those little feet.

Us parents are still wearing our KEEN hiking boots too. We obviously don’t expect to outgrow ours, but they’re are in such good condition after over a year of hiking in them!

family wearing Keen hiking boots

Kids’ Targhee Waterproof Hiking Boots review

Sale
KEEN Targhee Mid Waterproof Wanderstiefel, Black/Campsite, 7…
  • WATER-RESISTANT UPPER: Washable polyester webbing featuring quick dry lining for all day use in and…
  • TRACTION & PROTECTION: Multi directional lugs help provide superior grip on slippery and wet…
  • SUPPORT & COMFORT: Lace lock bungee capture system provides a secure fit while offering a quick and…
  • FIT & INSOLE: Easy on for them made with a wide adjustable hook and loop strap to help them gear up…
  • CARE TIPS: All KEEN water sandals are machine washable; Use a small amount of detergent wash on…

Although they are on the pricier side for kid’s hiking boots, they are VERY good quality. I particularly love how they are easy to get on and off with strong elastic laces that don’t need to be tied, and the reinforced rubber toe protects from scuffing when climbing.

Kids' Targhee Waterproof Hiking Boots
Kids' Targhee Waterproof Hiking Boots sole

Both boys seemed very comfortable walking in them straightaway. The sole provides excellent grip and they are waterproof for walking through long wet grass (though don’t go wading in streams if you want to keep feet completely dry). There is also Cleansport NXT™ for natural odour control. I have no idea what this is exactly, but with boys’ active feet, this can only be a good thing.

Kids’ Targhee Sport Vent Hiking Trainers

KEEN Targhee Low Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Black/Star White, 7…
  • WATERPROOF: KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane that will keep your feet kid’s feet dry and…
  • TRACTION & PROTECTION: Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no trace or imprints when walking indoors;…
  • SUPPORT & COMFORT: Mesh lining helps keep feet cool in warmer environments; A padded collar and…
  • STYLE & FIT: Crafted with a direct-attach PU midsole for lightweight-durability; Hook-and-loop strap…
  • CARE TIPS : KEEN recommends using a leather cleaner and conditioner, found at most footwear dealers…

If you’re looking for something a little lighter and suitable year round, the hiking trainer may be an idea. This is a breathable hiking sneaker with cushioned support for all-terrain traction. However, the trainer isn’t as waterproof and doesn’t provide ankle support.

These are the ones our boys are currently wearing and they are very happy in them. I’ll report back in a year to let you know if they lasted the distance (update – they did!).

Men’s Venture mid Leather Waterproof hiking boots review

KEEN Men’s Targhee 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
  • WATERPROOF: The KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day…
  • TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole provides high-traction grip in muddy environments and on…
  • SUPPORT: The Torsion stability External Support Shank (ESS) provides support on uneven surfaces; the…
  • FIT and COMFORT: Low-profile upper for comfort and secure fit with padded tongue and collar; The…
  • CARE TIPS: We’ve carefully selected leather uppers designed to last; However, if you’re wearing your…

Jay found these hiking boots to be very comfortable with good support. They didn’t feel like they needed to be worn in at all, and felt lightweight despite being leather. Although he remarked that the laces felt a little short.

MEN'S VENTURE MID LEATHER WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS in steel grey / magnet

This hiking boot comes in half sizes, which is handy, and you can trust the sizing online.

Women’s Karraig Waterproof Hiking Boots review

KEEN Women’s Karraig Waterproof Hiking Boot
  • WATERPROOF: The KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day…
  • TRACTION: KEEN ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole with 4mm multi-directional lugs provides high-traction…
  • SUPPORT: Full length stability External Support Shank (ESS) provides support on uneven surfaces;…
  • FIT & COMFORT: Dual density EVA midsole for lightweight cushioning; The removable, metatomical…
  • CARE TIPS: We’ve carefully selected leather uppers designed to last; However, if you’re wearing your…

This is a very technical and robust boot, and although not really necessary for 10 km family walks, it’s a good purchase if you plan to do longer, multi-day treks over rough terrain.

WOMEN'S KARRAIG WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS in steel grey / smoke blue

I was relieved to find online that they do half sizes. However, what I didn’t read properly was that this boot is coming up half a size small for some people. I initially ordered a size 6.5, but had to change to a size 7. If you wear thick walking socks, I would definitely order a half size up.

I also found the laces to be rather tight initially and I had to play around with them to get a comfortable fit. But once I had this sorted, I can confirm that they are a VERY comfortable fit. I like how there’s a locking mechanism for the laces around the ankle, so they don’t slip.

I’ve also been hiking in them without the kids, meaning I’ve been able to walk at a normal pace and cover some distance. I do feel they needed a little wearing in, but they provide excellent support on rough terrain and I’m very happy with them. And a four years on, I absolutely LOVE them!

KEEN trainers for kids

If you’re looking for something much lighter for the kids over the warmer months, there are of course the KEEN sandals (read our review here, in a nutshell we love them too!) But if you’re just after an every day trainer for PE classes, sports clubs, and weekend play that will last, the KEEN trainers are also brilliant.

KEEN Unisex Kids Chandler Cnx Sneaker, Brilliant Blue Blue…
  • SUPPORT: Countered arch for added midfood support for the everyday use
  • TRACTION: Non-marking rubber outsoles leaves no trace or imprints when walking indoors; With multi…
  • FIT and INSOLE: Reverse strobel construction provides streamlined interior for long lasting comfort;…
  • CARE TIPS: KEEN We recommend you clean these products using mild soap and cold water; To remove…
  • PROTECTION: Iconic KEEN toe bumper offers additional safety to help prevent injury when coming into…

Streamlined, flexible and light, this trainer has excellent tread and I really like the non-marking rubber outsole which covers the toe area. Quick-dry mesh material makes it breathable, and the easy lacing system keeps it secure and makes it easy for the boys to get their trainers on and off. Plus, I love the style!

According to Ez, these trainers make you run faster!

Final thoughts on our Keen hiking boots

If you’re like us, and do lots of hiking as well as city breaks (yes, I wear hiking boots for our city breaks as we always cover so much ground!) the KEEN kids’ hiking boots work out to be very good value. You can expect them to last as long as they fit them. And with the reinforced toe, excellent grip, and elastic lacing, they are the best hiking boot I’ve seen on the market for kids.

As for the adult hiking boot, the excellent quality means you can expect them to last for many years of adventuring.


You may also like to read:
The BEST children’s walking boots
Short and easy Peak District walks with kids
ICELAND with kids: a self-drive itinerary (5 days)