Last updated at 08/05/2025 18:50:11
originally posted on mec.ca
My son (age 8) wore this shoe for about six weeks. In that time, we had to fix the cord four times. The cord comes right off the clasp when the child pulls to tighten it. It is simply bad design; the cord wears off prematurely or the clasp/fastener cannot handle the stretch of the bungee cord. I contacted KEEN customer service - online chat agent gave me a standard 'thanks for sharing your feedback' response; it got escalated and the e-mail agent said we'll consider if you fill out our online warranty form.....I'm too tired to being bounced around. This is a bad product PERIOD. Plus the insole is thin and useless (I bought a separate insole).
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Fully expected these shoes to hold up given the KEEN name. The adults in our family all wear KEENs so of course we wanted our kids to have great shoes too! Our two kids love these shoes and insist on only wearing them because they are so comfortable. Unfortunately, that leaves us buying shoes that last maybe two months, if we’re lucky. We now have bought more than 10 pairs (I’ve lost count) of these shoes in different colors over the last year and a half and the sole on all of them wears completely down making the shoes dangerous. The inside fabric peels on the heel fast as well. It is so disappointing. KEEN used to be the shoe that lasted forever and was worth the money. Not so much any more. I can’t afford to keep paying for their quality control issues.
originally posted on keenfootwear.com
Bought these based on assurances from online support that the big kids Targhee was structured similarly to the adults: wide toe box, good arch support being the critical factors. I concur with other reviewers that there is minimal arch support and the whole shoe is extremely narrow. They are also longer than they should be for size, so going larger won't help with the width. even if the length didn't become a problem. It's also less padded on the sole, less sturdy overall, and the tongue is too narrow, making it very easy for the sharp edges inside the laces to cause trouble if the tongue and laces are not positioned and tied exactly right.Since they are being used for short periods where they can take the time to put them on perfectly and aren't under much stress, ... MoreBought these based on assurances from online support that the big kids Targhee was structured similarly to the adults: wide toe box, good arch support being the critical factors. I concur with other reviewers that there is minimal arch support and the whole shoe is extremely narrow. They are also longer than they should be for size, so going larger won't help with the width. even if the length didn't become a problem. It's also less padded on the sole, less sturdy overall, and the tongue is too narrow, making it very easy for the sharp edges inside the laces to cause trouble if the tongue and laces are not positioned and tied exactly right.Since they are being used for short periods where they can take the time to put them on perfectly and aren't under much stress, we decided to keep them,but will not be purchasing again.
| Closure type | Velcro-laces |
| Type of Sneakers | Mountaineering / hiking style |
My son (age 8) wore this shoe for about six weeks. In that time, we had to fix the cord four times. The cord comes right off the clasp when the child pulls to tighten it. It is simply bad design; the cord wears off prematurely or the clasp/fastener cannot handle the stretch of the bungee cord. I contacted KEEN customer service - online chat agent gave me a standard 'thanks for sharing your feedback' response; it got escalated and the e-mail agent said we'll consider if you fill out our online warranty form.....I'm too tired to being bounced around. This is a bad product PERIOD. Plus the insole is thin and useless (I bought a separate insole).
Fully expected these shoes to hold up given the KEEN name. The adults in our family all wear KEENs so of course we wanted our kids to have great shoes too! Our two kids love these shoes and insist on only wearing them because they are so comfortable. Unfortunately, that leaves us buying shoes that last maybe two months, if we’re lucky. We now have bought more than 10 pairs (I’ve lost count) of these shoes in different colors over the last year and a half and the sole on all of them wears completely down making the shoes dangerous. The inside fabric peels on the heel fast as well. It is so disappointing. KEEN used to be the shoe that lasted forever and was worth the money. Not so much any more. I can’t afford to keep paying for their quality control issues.
Bought these based on assurances from online support that the big kids Targhee was structured similarly to the adults: wide toe box, good arch support being the critical factors. I concur with other reviewers that there is minimal arch support and the whole shoe is extremely narrow. They are also longer than they should be for size, so going larger won't help with the width. even if the length didn't become a problem. It's also less padded on the sole, less sturdy overall, and the tongue is too narrow, making it very easy for the sharp edges inside the laces to cause trouble if the tongue and laces are not positioned and tied exactly right.Since they are being used for short periods where they can take the time to put them on perfectly and aren't under much stress, ... MoreBought these based on assurances from online support that the big kids Targhee was structured similarly to the adults: wide toe box, good arch support being the critical factors. I concur with other reviewers that there is minimal arch support and the whole shoe is extremely narrow. They are also longer than they should be for size, so going larger won't help with the width. even if the length didn't become a problem. It's also less padded on the sole, less sturdy overall, and the tongue is too narrow, making it very easy for the sharp edges inside the laces to cause trouble if the tongue and laces are not positioned and tied exactly right.Since they are being used for short periods where they can take the time to put them on perfectly and aren't under much stress, we decided to keep them,but will not be purchasing again.
Change in design of their shoe: a narrower toe box than it's predecessors from a few years a go. Our child would get blisters around the baby toe. Our older son found them too narrow as well. It's a sad change of what we feel is a great product otherwise. The wide toe or original toe box should be returned because that was why we bought them in the past.The bungee cord system worked for us. Waterproof as well. Size fits smaller by half a size so size up but we think the small fit is due to the toe box design.We've since changed to a different brand of hiking shoes due to the narrow toe box issue and the blisters.
We started with Keens when my son was younger because I had heard they were a great shoe for sensory sensitive kids. I had thrown money away on shoes that he would not wear because they ""hurt"" his feet. The morning shoe battle was a nightmare! Then came along our first pair of Keens. Wow! Total 180! He loves them. Added bonus is they last forever. Laces come apart and sometimes need replacing, but the shoes themselves keep going until he grows out of them. Fortunately Keen sells shoelace replacements. These shoes are worth every penny. We've had Chandler styles which we also love, but these seem even more heavy duty. Thank you, Keen, for giving my son happy feet!!
I'm a female adult with smaller feet. These shoes are really sort of, well, different. They feel more like water shoes or light tennis shoes than their heavier adult counterparts. And in my opinion, there's not much arch support, or support period. I wear a kid's size 6 in Keen water shoes like the Newport. So I got a pair of these in a kid's 6. They are actually a little big. In terms of appearance, they look kind of long and narrow. But I have a wide foot and they fit fine in width. I will not be doing any hiking in these, and I surely would not want my kids hiking in them either.
Buying shoes for a young child at the usual stores is frustrating. The build quality is generally poor (because you have to buy new shoes in 6 months anyway...why bother) and they aren't good value for the money. We bought these because they have lots of good features...water proof, quality materials, solidly attached velcro strap that all contribute to a longer life. My daughter was just past size 12, so we bought size 13 and expect to get a good life through the summer and fall with them. They're holding up well so far. Great product.
We took our daughter on a hike in these shoes on a trail crossing some streams and climbing over rocky inclines. Being a kid she put her feet right in the stream. We were considered her feet would be wet, but they stayed bone dry. She also climbed all over rocks, and I could tell she had good traction, and didn’t slip. No complaints about discomfort, either. It has only been one hike so far, but so I ram very happy with them.
My spouse is a small lady and finds youth shoes better fitting than woman's shoes. In the past Keens have fit well, small but wide toe box. These shoes fit terribly; not just a narrow toe box but no contour for one's foot. But perhaps the most notable aspect is that they are stiffer than my circa 1980 mountaineering boots with full steel shank. Could not even keep them on for 5 minutes walking around the house. Back they go.
My son wears these for rugged hikes in the Adirondacks and they have held up very well! The hard rubber toe wrapped high prevents the sole from peeling when snagged on rocks, branches, etc. These were truly meant to play hard and explore hard. We go through water crossings and water has yet to soak through (paired with Darn Tough wool socks.) They required zero breaking in and he has never gotten blisters. This is the only brand he wants to wear for hiking. We have found these true to size, compared to brands such as Adidas, Keen and Crocs. Overall, very well made shoes. Highly recommend!
| Closure type | Velcro-laces |
| Type of Sneakers | Mountaineering / hiking style |
The KEEN Little Kids' Targhee Waterproof Shoe is an iconic choice for kids, offering comfort for all-terrain adventures. This fun-sized version of the award-winning adult hiker is perfect for playgrounds and trails alike.
The KEEN Little Kids' Targhee Waterproof Shoe is an iconic choice for kids, offering comfort for all-terrain adventures. This fun-sized version of the award-winning adult hiker is perfect for playgrounds and trails alike.
The KEEN Little Kids' Targhee Waterproof Shoe is an iconic choice for kids, offering comfort for all-terrain adventures. This fun-sized version of the award-winning adult hiker is perfect for playgrounds and trails alike.
The KEEN Little Kids' Targhee Waterproof Shoe is an iconic choice for kids, offering comfort for all-terrain adventures. This fun-sized version of the award-winning adult hiker is perfect for playgrounds and trails alike.
