With so many KEEN hiking shoes on the market, it's tough to know which one to buy. Lucky for you, I've worn KEEN shoes and sandals for 20+ years and have personal experience hiking in the KEEN Targhee, Targhee Apex, Roam, Seek, Zionic, and Versacore Speed. This short guide to KEEN hiking shoes will help you decide which of these shoes makes the most sense for the hikes that you do.
Testing the KEEN Targhee Apex hiking shoe in 2026
This post includes affiliate links. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission if you click on a link and make a qualifying purchase. That's free for you—and gives you an easy way to support Hiking Feet's free and independent content.
KEEN Hiking Shoes in 2026
In 2026, men and women have their choice of 6 KEEN hiking shoes. How do you choose between the KEEN Targhee IV, KEEN Targhee Apex, KEEN Voyageur, KEEN Zionic NXT, KEEN Hightrail, and KEEN Versacore Speed?
The key to buying is the best hiking shoe for YOU is to choose (1) the best fit for your feet and (2) the best build for the hikes that you do most of the time.
KEEN Hiking Shoes by Fit
KEEN hiking shoes currently have three different fits: Original Fit, Contoured Fit, and Wides.
- If you prefer a wider toe box, focus on the Targhee IV, Targhee Apex, or Voyageur. These three hiking shoes have KEEN's Original Fit—which runs wider in the forefoot and toes than most brands.
- If you have wide feet, KEEN offers the Targhee IV, Targhee Apex, and Hightrail in wide sizes.
- The KEEN Zionic NXT, Hightrail, and Versacore have a contoured fit—not as wide as most KEENs.
My hiking feet appreciate the wide toe box and roomy fit of the KEEN Targhee Apex hiking shoe
KEEN Hiking Shoes by Recommended Use
As a general rule, KEEN hiking shoes emphasize comfort over technical performance. However, there are subtle differences between the brand's trail shoes that make certain pairs a little bit better for certain types of hiking.
To identify the best KEEN for your hikes, it helps to answer this question: What's most important to you in a hiking shoe: support, price, or weight savings?
My wife hiking the Grand Canyon in KEENs
GUIDE TO KEEN HIKING SHOES
I've personally hiked more than 1000 miles in KEEN hiking boots and shoes. Plus, I'm the former footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors and Gearhead Expert® at Backcountry. Here's my professional run down of KEEN hiking shoes—from the brand's most serious hiking shoe (Targhee IV) to its most casual one (Versacore).
BEST FOR THE AVERAGE DAY HIKER
KEEN Targhee IV
KEEN's long-time best seller is known for its out-of-the-box comfort and wider toe box. The Targhee IV is the most supportive and protective hiking shoe that KEEN makes. In my experience, it handles moderate to difficult trails better than other KEEN hiking shoes—while still being comfortable enough for easier trails, too. The trade off is it's heavier than the average hiking shoe. If you're mostly buying a hiking shoe for support, the Targhee is the best KEEN hiking shoe for you.
BEST BUDGET BUY
KEEN Voyageur
The KEEN Voyageur is similar to the flagship Targhee—except it's not waterproof and costs $35 less. If you don't hike in bad weather, you can save a lot of money by going with the good ole' Voyageur. I like its protective toe cap, roomy fit, wide toe box, and added ventilation for summer hikes. With KEEN's prices skyrocketing the past five years, the Voyageur stands out as a budget buy.
BEST FOR FAST HIKES ON GROOMED TRAILS
KEEN Zionic NXT
If you're not a fan of KEEN's roomy toe boxes, the Zionic NXT is a lightweight hiking shoe that's not as wide as most KEENs. It's significantly lighter and more athletic than the old school Targhee IV (above) with a light stability plate that provides more foot and ankle support than the Targhee Apex (below). KEEN recommends the Zionic for fast hikers with light packs, but I prefer the brand's trail running shoes (below) for that use. Stil, the Zionic's more contoured fit and lighter build may appeal to some men and women.
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT KEEN HIKING SHOE
KEEN Targhee Apex
New for 2026, the Targhee Apex is a lighter, more casual version of the flagship Targhee. I've hiked 50 miles in the Apex: it's light and soft underfoot with flexible soles and extra room in the toe. For better or worse, it wears more like a casual sneaker than a technical hiking shoe. I pulled off some steep and rocky trails in mine, but the Targhee Apex feels more at home on groomed trails. If you prefer a flexible and cushy hiking sneaker to a stiff and supportive hiking shoe, the KEEN Targhee Apex could be a comfort pick for light to moderate hiking.
BEST FOR CASUAL HIKES
KEEN Hightrail
The KEEN Hightrail is a casual hiking shoe that emphasizes comfort over performance. It targets a new generation of hiker who prefers the look and feel of a more casual sneaker. The downside is the Hightrail lacks the traction, support, and durability of a traditional hiking shoe. If you're looking for a comfort-oriented hiking sneaker for easy trails, dog walks, and vacations, you might like the Hightrail.
BEST FOR TRAIL-TO-TOWN VERSATILITY
KEEN Versacore Speed
As its name suggests, the KEEN Versacore emphasizes versatility—it's more of a trail-to-town shoe than a hiking shoe. I've hiked some easy to moderate trails in mine. But, for me, the KEEN Versacore is more appropriate for urban trails, dog walks, travel, and working from home. This is a light, cushy, and well-ventilated shoe for those who want to wear an outdoor shoe as an everyday shoe.
HIKING IN KEEN TRAIL RUNNING SHOES
Since 2025, hikers have a new option from KEEN: trail running shoes. The brand hadn't made trail runners since the late 2000s but has released three trail running shoes in the past year: the Seek, Roam, and Wander.
Obviously, these shoes are made for running, not hiking. But I can see men and women hiking in all three of KEEN's new trail running shoes—especially the Roam. The Seek and Roam have plenty of cushioning and a moderate (6mm) heel-to-toe drop (compared to the 12-15mm drop of the hiking shoes above).
Testing the KEEN Seek trail running shoe in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains
BEST KEEN TRAIL RUNNING SHOE FOR HIKERS
KEEN ROAM
My favorite KEEN hiking shoe isn't a hiking shoe—it's the Roam trail running shoe. In my opinion, the KEEN Roam is more supportive and performance-oriented than the brand's "fast and light" hiking shoes. The shoe's thick cushioning is not only comfortable but provides decent support for a lightweight trail shoe. My test pair particularly impressed in the Gila Wilderness, where my feet felt fresher than expected after an 18-mile hike with a heavy pack, 50 water crossings, and 4000 feet of ups and downs. That said, the shallow lugs do better on rocks and easy terrain than gravel or mud. The Roam is my KEEN recommendation for fastpackers and hikers who want a lightweight trail shoe with a little backbone.
BUDGET TRAIL RUNNING SHOE
KEEN WANDER
The cheapest trail shoe on this list, the KEEN Wander is an entry-level trail running shoe with less cushioning and moderate traction. It's not as sturdy as the Roam or as sleek as the Seek. However, its entry-level price might tempt more casual hikers who prefer a trail running shoe to KEEN's more casual hiking shoes.
BEST KEEN TRAIL RUNNING SHOE FOR RUNNERS
KEEN SEEK
The Seek is KEEN's premium trail running shoe. It's light with max cushion midsoles, aggressive tread, and a sock-like collar that's supposed to keep out sand and pebbles. Compared with other trail shoes in KEEN's line, it's similar to the Targhee Apex in hikeability with softer, less supportive foam than the Roam. If you're a speedy hiker—and either like this shoe's collar or looks—the Seek is a more athletic alternative to KEEN's (more casual) "fast and light" hiking shoes.
KEEN Hiking Shoe Reviews
Do you want to know more about any of the shoes above? I've published in-depth reviews of several* KEEN hiking shoes, trail running shoes, and hiking sandals:
For more on KEEN Footwear, please see my KEEN brand review for hikers. If you're thinking KEEN hiking shoes may not be the best fit for you, no problem. For alternatives, please browse Hiking Feet's reviews of other top brands, hiking shoe reviews, and curated list of the best hiking shoes for men and women.
* I have about 1000 miles of firsthand experience in the KEEN Targhee/Voyageur but haven't reviewed them on Hiking Feet. I currently own the KEEN Versacore but haven't published a full review of it because it's more of a casual outdoor lifestyle shoe than a true hiking shoe.
Hiking Havasupai Falls in the KEEN Newport H2 sandal
Should you buy KEEN hiking shoes?
For better or worse, KEEN's focus has shifted over the past five years. When I managed footwear at Appalachian Outdoors, the brand was best known for traditional leather hiking boots and shoes at moderate prices. Now, the brand focuses more on lighter, more expensive trail shoes for a new generation of hiker who prefers less technical, more casual footwear. If you prefer a roomier fit and more approachable, comfort-oriented hiking shoes, you'll probably be happy with KEEN hiking shoes.
If you've found your new hiking shoe—or trail running shoe—on this list, please consider purchasing it through the links in this post. That's a free and easy way for you to support this site's free and independent content.
