The KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Steel Toe Waterproof is a work boot built like a hiker. It has a steel safety toe, EH protection and a KEEN.Dry waterproof membrane, but it's shorter, lighter and more flexible than a classic 6-inch leather work boot.
We haven't worn the Lansing ourselves. This review is based on KEEN Utility's specs, authorized retailer listings and patterns in buyer reviews. You'll see what it does well, where it falls short, and who should pick something else.
Quick Verdict
Buy it if you need a steel toe and EH rating, you walk a lot during the day, and you want a waterproof boot that feels closer to a hiking shoe than a heavy work boot.
Skip it if you do demolition, heavy concrete work or anything that chews through soles fast. The Lansing has a cemented sole, so it can't be resoled. Also skip it if you work in hot, dry conditions, where the waterproof membrane will run warm.
Check the current price of the KEEN Lansing Mid on Amazon
KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Specs
| Spec | KEEN Utility Lansing Mid Steel Toe Waterproof |
|---|---|
| Height | About 5 inches (mid-cut hiker style) |
| Upper | Waterproof leather and mesh |
| Safety toe | Asymmetrical steel toe (left and right caps), ASTM F2413 I/75 C/75 |
| Electrical hazard | ASTM F2413 EH rated (leather must be dry) |
| Waterproofing | KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane |
| Outsole | Non-marking rubber, oil and slip resistant (ASTM F3445) |
| Footbed | Removable dual-density EVA footbed |
| Shank | TPU |
| Construction | Cemented (not resoleable) |
| Extras | Scuff-resistant toe, reflective webbing, moisture-wicking lining |
Specs from KEEN Utility product details and authorized safety footwear retailers. Check the Amazon listing for current sizes, widths and colors.
What the Lansing Does Well
Light and flexible for a steel toe
This is the main reason people buy it. Buyers often compare the Lansing to hiking shoes or sneakers, and many say it's comfortable straight out of the box. If you walk a lot, crouch or climb in and out of vans, a flexible hiker-style boot is easier on your feet than a stiff 6-inch leather boot.
Roomy toe box
KEEN uses asymmetrical steel caps, shaped differently for the left and right foot. Combined with KEEN's generous toe box, that gives your toes more room than many steel toe boots. Most buyers say it fits true to size and width.
Waterproof with a breathable membrane
The KEEN.Dry membrane keeps out rain, wet grass and puddles. Buyers working outside in mixed weather say their feet stay dry. Because it's a membrane boot, it still traps more heat than an unlined boot.
Practical safety extras
The rubber toe guard protects the leather when you kneel, and reflective webbing helps with visibility in low light. The outsole is rated oil and slip resistant.
Where It Falls Short
Cemented sole, not resoleable
The sole is glued, not stitched. That keeps the boot light and flexible, but you can't resole it. When the tread wears down, the boot is done. Some buyers report lugs tearing or soles wearing quickly on rough ground.
Medium duty, not heavy duty
The Lansing suits delivery, warehouse, landscaping, HVAC and service trades. It isn't built for demolition, rebar or heavy concrete work. For that, a welted boot like the Timberland PRO Pit Boss holds up better.
Runs warm in summer
Any waterproof membrane traps heat. In a hot warehouse or a summer job site, your feet will sweat more than in a breathable non-waterproof boot.
Waterproofing can fade
Some buyers say the waterproofing weakens after many months of hard use. That's common with membrane boots, but worth knowing if you work in wet conditions every day.
Low ankle support
At about 5 inches, it's a mid, not a full 6-inch work boot. It gives less ankle support on rough or uneven ground.
Sizing Tips
Most buyers say the Lansing fits true to size and true to width. KEEN's toe box is naturally roomy, so many people with slightly wide feet don't need the wide version. If you wear thick winter socks, consider a half size up. Stand up when you try them on and make sure your toes don't touch the steel cap. Confused by widths? See boot width letters explained.
Lansing vs Other KEEN Utility Boots
| KEEN Lansing Mid | KEEN Cincinnati 6" | KEEN San Jose 6" | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Style | Hiker | Wedge work boot | Wedge work boot |
| Toe | Steel | Soft or carbon-fiber | Aluminum |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Water resistant |
| Best for | Walking, light trades | Concrete, wide feet | Concrete, light safety toe |
Read our KEEN Cincinnati review and our KEEN San Jose review, which Ethan has worn himself. For a side-by-side of KEEN's work lineup, see KEEN Utility Pittsburgh vs Cincinnati vs Flint II.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KEEN Lansing a steel toe boot?
Yes. It has asymmetrical steel toe caps rated to ASTM F2413 for impact and compression.
Is the KEEN Lansing waterproof?
Yes. It uses KEEN.Dry, a waterproof and breathable membrane.
Is the KEEN Lansing EH rated?
Yes. It meets the ASTM F2413 electrical hazard standard. EH is secondary protection and needs dry leather to work.
Does the KEEN Lansing run true to size?
Most buyers say yes, with a naturally roomy toe box. Size up a half size only if you wear thick socks.
Can you resole the KEEN Lansing?
No. It has a cemented sole, so plan to replace it when the tread wears out.
Is the KEEN Lansing good for hiking?
It's built like a hiker, so it handles trails and uneven ground better than most work boots. But the steel toe adds weight, so a regular hiking boot is better if you don't need toe protection. See our best work boots for wide feet for more roomy options.
The Bottom Line
The KEEN Utility Lansing Mid is a light, flexible, waterproof steel toe for people who walk a lot on the job. It's comfortable and roomy, but it can't be resoled and isn't built for heavy-duty abuse.
If you want a safety boot that feels more like a hiking shoe, check the KEEN Lansing Mid on Amazon. For more options, see our best work boots roundup.
