Keen Targhee II Reviewed and Rated – Slip-on shoes with exceptional outsoles!

Comfort

The Keen Targhee II Soho Slip-On Shoe is a great choice that didn’t disappoint regarding superior foot comfort.

First off, the premium leather upper was quite flexible, with the gusseted part stretching to allow my foot to enter almost effortlessly with every use.

This pliability saved my skin from scraping painfully against the inner part of the shoe when I tried to put it on.

I also liked the lightly padded interior as it added softness where my foot needed it the most but didn’t take up a lot of space, so the shoe didn’t feel uncomfortably tight.

The dual-density EVA footbed conformed to the foot’s shape, delivering maximum arch support that I fully appreciated when I’m walking or standing for hours on the job. It supported my foot’s correct alignment, which helped me walk more stably without feeling fatigued throughout the day. I’m a fan of the foamy feeling inside the shoe, especially in the heel area.

The thick outsole added another comfortable element as it created a supportive base while also cushioning my foot against the impact of continuous walking.

I loved the Eco Anti-Odor that worked within the shoe as it gave me the peace of mind that my feet will stay fresh and dry for much longer, even when I’m in hot or humid environments.

An external shank helped sustain foot stability and the shoe’s structural strength without the heavy feel.

Weight

This shoe was a bit on the heavy side, although the weight didn’t impact the comfort level, in my opinion. Most of the weight came from the thick outsole that worked to provide ample cushioning and support, with the bulk offering much-needed stability.

I believe the added weight is a small price to pay for the superior support and durability that the shoe delivered.

Traction

The proprietary KEEN.ALL-TERRAIN rubber outsole reminded me of the soles that are fitted into high-performance hiking shoes.

I especially liked the structure that’s quite thick and aggressive looking, with 4mm-thick multi-directional lugs delivering a high level of traction that easily took on most outdoor terrains without any problems.

I easily walked on slippery or unstable ground while maintaining my footing, so I didn’t need to worry too much about slipping on tricky surfaces.

Fit and Sizing

This shoe is true to size, with a snug fit that offers a stable feeling while walking – essential for safety in unstable ground conditions. I’m happy to note that even with the snug fit, there was still enough space left in the toe box that allowed my toes to wiggle from time to time, preventing cramps from developing.

I appreciated the addition of a pull tab and gussets on top, as these components made the shoe so much easier to slip into and out of without any discomfort.

Waterproofing

This shoe didn’t have waterproof materials, so it’s not ideal for wet work settings.

The leather easily absorbs water, so it will not protect the foot against being soaked if there’s continuous exposure to liquids.

Breathability

I liked the breathable mesh lining inside the shoe.

This material encouraged more air to go into the footwear, where it continued to move freely and helped dissipate excess warmth and moisture.

Meanwhile, the light padding didn’t make the shoe interior feel too bulky, so the air continued to flow, and it was easier to maintain a breathable environment for much longer.

Quality and Durability

The Keen Targhee II Soho Slip-On Shoe had a remarkable design that spoke of the brand’s dedication to superior quality and performance.

I especially liked how the shoe looked like a fusion of two styles, combining the comfort and convenience of a slip-on shoe with the reliable stability offered by hiking shoes.

The thick outsole stood out against the matte black leather upper, giving the shoe a sporty, well-built look that blended well with outdoor activities. The shoe’s rugged styling paired well with jeans, but I don’t think it’s versatile enough to be used with casual wear.

This is a truly comfortable shoe courtesy of several elements.

I loved the upper’s flexibility, with the side gussets stretching to comfortably accommodate my foot’s entry.

The pull tab made the shoe on and off a breeze and eliminated the need to pull on the collar with every use constantly. The removable insole has an ergonomic design that follows the foot’s natural contours. It delivered ample cushioning and support for maximum foot comfort throughout the day.

Walking and standing for long periods was more comfortable, thanks to the foamy feel of the insole that also protected my foot against the painful impact of walking on hard surfaces.

A breathable mesh lining saves my foot from overheating, keeping the air flowing inside the shoe to help sweat and heat disperse fast. I appreciated the Eco Anti-Odor treatment in the shoe as it offered a natural way to stop the development of unwanted smells, especially with ongoing shoe use in hot or humid environments.

The top-quality leather comes from tanneries using environmentally friendly practices, as certified by the Leather Working Group.

This assured me that I’m using an eco-friendly product using sustainably sourced leather. The outsole looked more like that of hiking shoes, featuring pronounced lugs that dug powerfully into the ground. The strong traction helped me navigate challenging surfaces in a much safer way, making me walk more confidently without losing my footing.

These shoes don’t have waterproof features or safety toe protection, so it’s not the best choice for wet or hazardous worksites.

Other Versions

The Keen Targhee II Soho Slip-On Shoe is available in the following color combinations: black upper with a grey and black sole; grey upper with a light grey and black sole; and vegetable brown upper with a light brown and black sole. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come in other versions.

Muck Boot RHS Muckster II Shoe

The Muck Boot RHS Muckster II Shoe has a waterproof rubber bottom portion that stops water and other liquids from entering, ensuring that the foot enjoys a comfortably dry feeling even in wet conditions. The neoprene top section is flexible, allowing the foot to move naturally without discomfort. This material closely molds to the foot, helping secure the opening so debris and moisture can’t enter that easily. The shoe features an antimicrobial footbed cover to help stop the threat of bacterial growth, especially with continuous shoe use in wet, humid, or hot environments. It also has a dedicated moisture and odor control system to keep the foot feeling fresh and dry throughout the day. This shoe has the honor of being the only footwear to get the endorsement of the Royal Horticultural Society. However, it’s quite snug and may be uncomfortable for wide feet.

Rockport Women’s Trustride Safety Toe Shoe

The Rockport Women’s Trustride Safety Toe Shoe has a sleek design that’s surprisingly packed with features for superior foot safety and performance. It has steel toe caps to guard the toes against hazardous impact and compression that can be encountered on extremely challenging job sites. The slip-on design offers convenience since no laces need to be managed with every use. The side zipper widens the shoe’s opening enough to welcome the foot comfortably and hassle-freely. The truTECH footbed provides ample shock absorption, soaking up the impact of walking on hard surfaces and quickly dissipating the shock to protect the foot against fatigue. In addition, electrical hazard protection greatly reduces the risk of electrocution if there’s accidental exposure to live currents in dry conditions. It’s worth noting that some of the shoe’s areas feel tight while others are strangely loose, resulting in overall discomfort.

Ariat Terrain Ease Waterproof Shoe

The Ariat Terrain Ease Waterproof Shoe is a great slip-on shoe that showcases a well-designed profile. Its high-quality construction is sturdy enough to last through demanding tasks so that it can be relied on for long-lasting performance. The waterproof structure stops absorbing water and other liquids, keeping the foot protected against uncomfortable wetness. The shoe is fitted with a moisture-wicking lining that allows plenty of air to come in and circulate, sustaining the fresh and dry feeling inside the footwear throughout the day. The toe and heel areas are reinforced with abrasion-resistant materials to protect these high-wear areas against premature damage. The EVA midsole absorbs most of the shock of walking but doesn’t feel too bulky, while a lightweight shank adds stability with a lightweight profile. The Duratread outsole is tough enough to last a long time but, unfortunately, offers only a limited amount of traction.

Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe

The Skechers Work Bronwood Shoe’s slip-on design offers the ultimate convenience, making prep time much shorter compared to using lace-up shoe styles. It has a lightweight structure, so it’s easier to use for walking around all day since it doesn’t pull the foot down with unbearable weight. The water-resistant upper protects the foot from becoming wet in case of accidental splashes or spills of liquids that may be encountered in the work area. The material is also stain-resistant, making it easier to maintain the shoe’s high-quality look for a long time as it doesn’t become permanently stained with various substances. The relaxed fit leaves enough space for the foot to move naturally for better mobility and comfort. The sole flexes easily with every step and doesn’t interfere with the foot’s ability. It’s also grippy enough to make walking much safer on tricky surfaces. However, this shoe isn’t built for hazardous or wet work conditions because it doesn’t have safety toes or waterproof materials.

Birkenstock A630 Clog

The Birkenstock A630 Clog showcases a solid build, with a PU structure that’s sturdy enough to withstand heavy use in challenging settings without easily falling apart. The entire body is water-repellent, stopping liquids in the surrounding area from penetrating so that the foot remains dry and comfortable inside. It’s also dirt-resistant, so the footwear looks relatively clean for much longer. The material is easy to wash and can be disinfected with water reaching a maximum temperature of 80°C. At the same time, the removable footbed can be cleaned just as thoroughly at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. The PU outsole has outstanding traction to prevent slipping on unstable, slick surfaces. The ergonomically designed insole follows the foot’s natural contours, providing maximum arch support to stop the development of fatigue for long hours. However, this insole is quite inflexible, so it sometimes gets in the way of the foot’s natural movements.