6 Best KEEN Hiking Shoes for Wet and Muddy Trails

Products
By A.M. Murrow

Trekking through wet and muddy trails can be a real challenge without the right footwear. KEEN has built a reputation for creating hiking shoes that handle tough conditions with ease, offering excellent grip and protection when you need it most. Whether you’re crossing streams or navigating slippery slopes, having reliable shoes makes all the difference. Here are six outstanding KEEN hiking shoes designed specifically for wet and muddy adventures.

1. KEEN Targhee III Waterproof

© KEEN Footwear

Built like a tank, the Targhee III has earned legendary status among serious hikers who refuse to let weather dictate their plans. Its waterproof leather upper keeps feet bone-dry even when you’re splashing through puddles or crossing shallow streams.



The aggressive 4mm lugs on the outsole bite into slick mud and wet rocks with impressive confidence. Comfort comes standard with a cushioned footbed that supports your arches during long miles on uneven terrain.



Many hikers appreciate how quickly these shoes break in without causing painful blisters.

2. KEEN Voyageur Mid

© Walmart

Lightweight doesn’t have to mean flimsy, and the Voyageur Mid proves this point beautifully. Weighing considerably less than traditional hiking boots, these mid-height shoes won’t slow you down on steep climbs or technical descents.



The breathable mesh panels work alongside waterproof membranes to prevent that clammy, swampy feeling inside your shoes. Stability comes from the higher ankle collar that guards against rolls on slippery, uneven ground.



The multi-directional lug pattern grips exceptionally well on both ascending and descending muddy slopes.

3. KEEN Ridge Flex Waterproof

© Laurie’s Shoes

Flexibility meets protection in this modern hiking shoe that bends naturally with your foot’s movement. Traditional stiff boots can feel clunky, but the Ridge Flex uses innovative materials that allow your feet to move more naturally across challenging terrain.



The waterproof construction includes sealed seams that block moisture from every angle. Speed lacing hooks let you adjust the fit quickly when you’re eager to hit the trail.



Responsive cushioning absorbs impact on rocky sections while maintaining ground feel for better balance on slick surfaces.

4. KEEN Explore Waterproof

© Quarks Shoes

Adventure calls for a shoe that transitions easily between different trail conditions, and the Explore answers that call perfectly. This low-cut design offers surprising versatility, handling everything from morning dew-soaked grass to afternoon mud bogs.



The contoured heel lock keeps your foot stable during quick direction changes on slippery trails. Eco-conscious hikers will appreciate the use of environmentally preferred materials in the construction.



The rubber toe cap adds an extra layer of protection when you inevitably kick rocks or roots hidden beneath muddy puddles.

5. KEEN Targhee Vent

© Eastside Sports

Hot, humid conditions create a different kind of wet problem—sweat. The Targhee Vent tackles this issue head-on with strategic ventilation that keeps air flowing while still offering protection from external moisture.



Quick-drying materials mean that even if you do step into deeper water, your feet won’t stay soggy for hours. The same trusted Targhee traction pattern delivers reliable grip on slick surfaces.



This shoe shines during warmer months when trails are muddy from recent rain but temperatures are climbing.

6. KEEN Steens Waterproof

© Boot Barn

Sometimes you need a shoe that feels more like a light boot, and the Steens fills that niche wonderfully. The full-grain leather upper provides durability that synthetic materials simply can’t match, aging gracefully over countless muddy miles.



Waterproof protection extends all the way up the collar, keeping moisture out even during deep puddle crossings. The cushioned midsole softens the blow when navigating rocky, slippery sections.



Traditional lacing provides a secure, customizable fit that stays put throughout your entire hike, no matter how challenging.