Now that high school graduation has passed, my son has started classes working toward his airplane mechanics license. He’s also working part-time in an auto shop to make sure he doesn’t have to take on any debt and came to me for advice on work boots. After looking through the various options, we settled on the Keen Utility Skokie for its promise of lightweight comfort and an all-black design that would meet his work uniform requirements.
It’s an attractive option, especially considering its affordable price tag. But does it have what it takes to meet your needs? I’ll share what we’ve learned from our feet-on experience.
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Keen Utility Skokie Basics
- Upper: Waterproof, stain-resistant leather from LWG-certified tanneries
- Midsole: KEEN.ReGEN returns energy into the next step with remaining lightweight and compression-resistant
- Outsole: Oil and slip-resistant, non-marking rubber that’s heat-resistant to 572°F
- Insole: Keen removable metatomical insole
- Liner: KEEN.Dry membrane seals out water while allowing your feet to breathe
- Construction: Cement construction is light and flexible, but not as durable as direct attach or Goodyear welting
- Treatments: Pesticide-free Eco Anti-Odor, PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR)
- Certifications: ASTM F3445-24 and F2892-18 EH, ASTM F2913-24 SATRA non-slip, ASTM F1677-96 Mark II non-slip, ASTM D471-06 903# oil and isooctane chemical resistance (outsole and midsole)
Additional Features
- Metal lace eyes and locking hooks
- Nylon stability shank
- 1/2-inch, 90° heel
- Reflective webbing
Wearing the Keen Utility Skokie
Fit
These boots were destined for my son’s feet. His normal shoe size is a 12, and these were spot-on. As usual, Keen Utility’s design provides a generous toe box without compromising stability in the heel and midfoot sections.
Since there are no surprises in the fit, order your normal size.
Comfort
Calvin works primarily on concrete floors all day, but also has to have some bare ground traction since smaller aircraft are often parked next to grass airstrips. For his needs, the more aggressive tread of the Skokie was a better fit than a traditional wedge I might have steered him toward if he was only on hard surfaces.
The Skokie is a comfortable boot for several reasons. For one, it’s lightweight. The men’s soft toe averages 20.5 ounces per shoe, and the carbon toe is just 22.9 ounces. That’s nearly a pound lighter than some of the boots I’ve worn.
The midsole helps, too. Even though it’s not as plush as Keen’s Luftcell midsoles, there’s plenty of cushioning for most people, and the energy return is helpful when you’re constantly moving.
Finally, the cement construction meant these boots were ready for work right out of the box. There’s plenty of flex throughout the entire step, so you don’t have to worry about weeks of break-in or those annoying blisters that often come with a stiff boot. The trade-off is that the connection doesn’t last as long as direct-attach or Goodyear welting, though.
Additional Observations
The upper consists of both leather and mesh, and there are some consequences to that choice. The leather is waterproof and the boot has a DWR coating. That means it’s going to repel light to moderate rain, but if you’re in heavy downpour or step into a deep puddle, expect some water intrusion.
If that happens, the membrane inside will help push it out where it can evaporate, but it takes some time.
On the positive side, the mesh provides excellent airflow. If your feet are naturally hot or you work in a hot climate like we do in Central Florida, it’ll help keep your feet cooler and promote sweat evaporation.
Keen Utility Skokie Price
The Skokie is available in a soft toe version for $145 or a carbon toe for $155. Better still, there are men’s and women’s fits, so ladies, you don’t have to settle for a boot designed for a man’s foot.
For men, it’s available in sizes 7 to 15, with half-sizes up to 12. The women’s version ranges from size 5 to 11, with half-sizes up to a 10.
The boot we tested is the all-black color palette. There’s also a brown/black that has more of a hiker look, and a black/camo with a nod toward hunting.
Should You Buy Them?
The Keen Utility Skokie is a quality, affordable work boot, but it’s not for everyone. You’ll need to manage the tradeoffs.
There are a few deal-breakers, depending on your job’s requirements. If you need a puncture plate, met guard, or true steel toe rather than carbon, this one isn’t for you.
You’ll also need to think twice if you work in particularly wet environments or prefer the more durable construction of direct attach or Goodyear welt connections.
If I haven’t talked you out of it by now, there’s a good chance you’ll love the design. The Skokie is lightweight, breathable, comfortable on hard surfaces yet secure on bare ground, and flexible enough to wear for a 12-hour shift on day one. With a price right around $150, it won’t break the bank, either.
