The KEEN Targhee Apex Mid Waterproof is a new model released on January 16, 2026. It's ¥24,200 (tax included), and the men's weighs 375g per shoe. If you want a light, waterproof mid-cut for low-mountain day hikes, it's a pair worth buying.
The Gear Nerd's Pick
The Apex got lighter and still has a thicker heel, up from 28mm to 38mm. It switches to the light, springy KEEN.ReGENX foam, and a Y-shaped core handles the twisting. That's why I recommend this without hesitation to anyone who likes the Targhee's wide toe box and only minded the weight.
Key points
- The gap to the Targhee 4 Mid is 195g per shoe (570 − 375). For a pair that's 390g, a little less than one 500ml water bottle, off your feet
- The price also dropped ¥1,100. Per gram it's ¥64.5 (24,200 ÷ 375), a shoe where you're paying for lightness
- The waterproof membrane is KEEN's own KEEN.DRY. If you insist on GORE-TEX, compare it against something else
When does the Targhee Apex Mid come out? Price and weight
It went on sale Jan 16, 2026 at KEEN's directly operated stores, the official online store and retailers. The men's Mid is ¥24,200 and 375g per shoe.
The Targhee has been KEEN's hiking boot for over 20 years. The Apex keeps the name and goes all in on "Fast & Light." It's 195g lighter per shoe than the standard Targhee 4 Mid.
How I judged it
The first thing I looked at was the weight gap to the Targhee 4 Mid: from 570g to 375g, about a third off per shoe. Next I lined it up against other light mid-cuts, and it's 65g lighter than the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX (440g). What gave me pause is that the waterproof membrane is KEEN's own KEEN.DRY, not GORE-TEX. I still recommend it, because they made it lighter without changing the wide toe-box last. Hiking in Japan and abroad, I've found there's no substitute for a shoe whose width fits. It suits people who want to make low-mountain day hikes easier with lighter feet.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
KEEN Targhee Apex Mid Waterproof (men's)
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥24,200 (as of 10/18). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaTarghee Apex Mid vs. Targhee 4 and the low-cut
| Model | Weight per boot | Heel thickness · drop | Official price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Targhee Apex Mid WP | 375g | 38mm · 14mm | ¥24,200 |
| Targhee Apex WP (Low) | 340g | 38mm · 14mm | ¥22,550 |
| Targhee 4 Mid WP | 570g | 28mm · 12mm | ¥25,300 |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GORE-TEX | 440g | ― | ¥25,300 |
195g lighter than the Targhee 4 Mid, with a heel 10mm thicker
This is where I get excited. It's a shoe that got lighter and still gained cushioning. The heel goes from 28mm to 38mm. The midsole moves to the light, springy KEEN.ReGENX, and the outsole drops rubber it doesn't need while reinforcing the parts that wear.
Light shoes tend to twist, but the Apex adds a light Y-shaped core (a stability shank) and wraps the midsole in KEEN.TERRAIN SHIELD for stability. I read it as a combination for long days on well-kept trails rather than rough, rocky ones.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
KEEN Targhee 4 Mid Waterproof (men's)
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥16,940 (as of 10/13). Prices vary by shop, up to ¥35,490, and change daily.
RecommendedSee it at L-BreathSee it on Rakuten IchibaSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanThe low-cut is 35g lighter and ¥1,650 cheaper
The Apex Low (Waterproof) is 340g and ¥22,550. If you value one shoe for town and foothills over ankle support, pick this. If you walk mountain trails often, I'd choose the Mid.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
KEEN Targhee Apex Waterproof (men's low-cut)
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥22,550 (as of 10/18). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on Rakuten IchibaThe women's Mid is 317g (24cm), in three colors
The women's Mid is the same ¥24,200 and 317g per shoe (24cm). Men's comes in 2 colors and women's in 3. Counting the low-cut, men's has 4 colors to choose from.
The Eco Anti-Odor treatment that cuts odor is in both the Mid and the Low. It's a nice touch if you wear them home by car or train after a day hike.
Who is the Targhee Apex Mid for?
- People whose feet fit the Targhee's wide toe box and whose only complaint was weight.
- People who want to walk low-mountain day hikes and hiking trails light in a waterproof mid-cut.
- People looking for a roomy width within men's 25–30cm and women's 22.5–26cm.
If you often carry heavy loads on tent-camping trips, you could choose a shoe with a firmer sole. I wrote up the order in hiking boot rankings.
Things to watch
Here's the weak spot. The drop is a large 14mm, so the heel sits high. If you're used to low-heeled shoes, try them on in a shop before you decide.
The other is the waterproof membrane. KEEN.DRY is the maker's own membrane and can't be judged by the same yardstick as GORE-TEX shoes. When you check the fit, bring the thickness of sock you wear in the mountains. Deciding sock thickness first with hiking socks rankings makes it easier.
FAQ
When does the Targhee Apex Mid come out?
It went on sale Jan 16, 2026. The Mid is ¥24,200 (tax included) for both men's and women's.
How does the Targhee Apex differ from the Targhee 4?
Weight and cushioning. The Apex Mid is 375g per shoe, 195g lighter than the Targhee 4 Mid, and the heel is 10mm thicker at 38mm.
How does the Targhee Apex fit?
It uses KEEN's own last with room in the toe box. Men's sizes run 25–29cm and 30cm, women's 22.5–26cm.
Gear in this article
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