Keen Targhee Apex Waterproof Mid Sustainability Report

In testing, we found the Targhee Apex feels thoughtfully constructed, with a reinforced synthetic upper and TPU overlays that limit exposed stitching and create a decently durable build for such a lightweight boot. The substantial rubber toe cap adds meaningful protection against impacts and abrasion, and early use across rocky and muddy terrain shows little sign of wear. However, the exposed midsole foam in the outsole is a potential weak point, as it may be more vulnerable to damage than fully covered designs. Overall, the materials and construction are solid, but the thinner all-around construction and exposed foam drops it to a mid-pack rating.

Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand. Overall, we feel strongly that reducing overall consumption is a cornerstone of sustainability.

There aren’t any recycled materials in the Keen Targhee Apex. Keen uses a wide array of recycled materials in its footwear, including recycled foam, insulation, rubber, and canvas. It also upcycles industrial waste into select footwear. Keen does not publish any data about how much of its line is made with recycled or repurposed materials.

Outdoor gear can be made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or a partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc.). For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate the amount of recycled materials in a particular product and assign points accordingly.

The Targhee Apex’s durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment is PFAS free. Keen has helped lead the way in eliminating PFAS in the outdoor industry, and all Keen waterproof products have been PFAS free since 2018. On top of that, Keen published a guide for other brands to follow to help them eliminate PFAS from their own durable water-repellent coatings (DWR) and membranes.

The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is a product’s direct defense against outside moisture, and commonly contains PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds, known as "forever chemicals,” are found in a range of gear categories, from jackets to footwear. They resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade in nature, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

The Keen Targhee Apex features a PFAS-free waterproof membrane. All waterproof products that Keen makes have been PFAS free since 2018, including waterproof membrane materials.

The membranes of certain waterproof products, including rain jackets, ski jackets, ski bibs, hardshells, and hiking footwear, commonly contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic compounds, known as "forever chemicals,” resist water, oil, and heat exceptionally well, making them ideal for outdoor use, but their nearly indestructible nature also means that they take an extremely long time to degrade in nature, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.

This hiking boot doesn’t use leather, so we exempt it from this criterion and don’t factor it into its sustainability rating. Keen is a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG). It only sources Silver- or Gold-rated leather certified by the LWG.

Companies typically source responsible leather from suppliers that meet the Leather Working Group Standards (LWG). LWG is a third-party non-profit organization that assesses the environmental impact of leather manufacturers and ensures compliance with its standards. This includes assessing water and energy use, waste and chemical management, air and noise emissions, traceability, health and safety, and the use of restricted substances. The LWG also gives tanneries ratings (bronze, silver, and gold), which we take into account when making our ratings.

The Keen Targhee Apex doesn’t contain Bluesign-approved materials. Keen is not a Bluesign System Partner and does not source Bluesign-approved materials for its footwear.

Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.

Keen audits factories to ensure that they are operating in accordance with its Code of Conduct, and it began rolling out Sedex Member Ethical Trade Audits in 2025. It internally audits factories but does not partner with a third-party accreditation program that verifies that factories meet fair labor standards by assigning them a rating or certification (like Fair Trade or Fair Wear). For this reason, Keen does not meet our responsible manufacturing criteria.

This criterion evaluates a brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.

Keen’s shoe boxes are made with 90% recycled content. Additionally, to reduce waste, the brand downsized its boxes to accommodate shoes of varying sizes and shapes. We have been unable to confirm whether the brand uses any other recycled packaging materials.

Packaging can add significant waste to an outdoor gear purchase and often ends up in landfills. Many brands are using recycled packaging and/or making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, they may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic or paper across their packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.

Keen offers an in-house resale program called ReKeen, through which you can find deals on lightly used, returned Keen footwear. As of 2025, you cannot send your used Keens directly to this program for resale, but the company plans to launch a trade-in program in the future.

Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.

Keen tracks its carbon emissions using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. It set the goal of reducing its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% and its Scope 3 emissions by 62% per thousand pairs of footwear by 2033 from its 2021 baseline. It has yet to set an absolute reduction target for its Scope 3 emissions, which account for 99% of its total footprint. In 2024, Keen emitted 123,017 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, putting it on par with other large brands in the industry.

This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Most companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions. Those who earn the most points in this category have emissions reduction goals verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), a global organization that helps companies set greenhouse gas reduction targets in line with the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C. To verify their goals through SBTi, companies undergo a rigorous assessment process and continual follow-up to ensure consistent progress towards achieving their targets.

Keen produces a detailed annual impact report outlining its progress toward sustainability initiatives. The report includes its efforts to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and its greenhouse gas emissions, although the brand’s 2024 report does not include Keen’s absolute emissions footprint. It also does not contain any information about Keen’s packaging, Bluesign materials, or the use of recycled materials, but it does discuss its progress toward using low-impact leather.

An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. For our sustainability ratings, we evaluate this criterion based on the depth and quality of the information provided in the report, and how often it is produced. Some brands produce their own impact report, while others are published by their parent company. In practice, we’ve found that reports produced by individual brands include more detailed information about their sustainability efforts.