KEEN Targhee II Mid Women's

[bargain]

You get a wealth of protection for the weight and price with this boot. For just a few more ounces and dollars than the Lafuma, the Pyrenees offers ankle protection and a waterproof/breathable liner. “I normally backpack in trail runners,” said one ranger after a three-day, off-trail circuit of the Cheops Plateau. “But the extra weight of this boot is negligible, and the added protection and stability are welcome.”

The 1.8-mm-thick nubuck upper is tough (yet supple, so break-in is quick) and a rubber toe cap protects against rock gouging. The snug-fitting, padded collar provides good ankle support, but it’s relatively low, so wear gaiters to keep out trail debris.

The sole’s low-profile, diamond-shaped lugs gripped gluelike on the canyon’s Esplanade slickrock, but proved a bit slippery on slushy winter trails. “The toe box is roomy,” says one tester with a high-volume foot, “and I love the way the contoured, leather-lined footbed conformed to the shape of my heel, arch, and metatarsals. It felt custom-fit.” Underfoot support is best for moderate loads.The Targhee Mid II from KEEN is four-wheel-drive performance for your feet. The shoe is revamped with the KEEN.DRY waterproof breathable membrane to keep your feet dry and comfortable. The aggressive outsole has 4mm lugs to bite into the terrain, providing excellent traction. The ESS shank provides torsional stability for a secure ride, while the mid cut height increases ankle support from canyons to mountaintops.