Why Choosing Resolable Work Boots Is The Best Decision You'll Ever MakeWhen it comes to picking out work boots, there's more than just initial comfort and design to consider. The lifespan of the boot is a significant factor, and a key element here is whether the boot can be resoled. Let’s dive deep into why investing in boots that can be resoled is an astute choice for the long-haul. Pay Less Over Time with Resolable Boots While the initial cost of a boot may make you think twice, it's essential to consider the longevity and the expenses that accrue ov...
Understanding Oil Tanned LeatherLet’s chat about something called oil-tanned leather. People often use this term for leather that has been treated in a special way with oil. The oil isn’t used to tan the leather but is involved later on to give it a protective sheen that only gets better as it gets older, just like JK Boots’ famous Superduty boot. So, what do we actually mean with "oil-tanned leather," why do boot makers, like JK Boots, use it, and is it a good choice for boots? The Truth About Oil Tanned Leather E...
How to Dry Soaked Work BootsWhen you're working and your boots become drenched, perhaps from challenging work conditions or an unexpected rainstorm, what steps should you follow? Leather is naturally resilient against water damage. A soaked boot upper isn't your biggest concern; it's the footbed. Water in the footbed can foster mold and bacteria, turning your boots into a breeding ground for issues. What's the best method to dry them? Drying Boots: Taking Care of the Uppers Our leather boots, whether th...
Why We Love Vibram SolesIn a world where the ground beneath our feet can be as unpredictable as the challenges that lie ahead, having the right sole under your boots is not just a matter of comfort, but a pivotal factor for safety and performance. Among the variety of sole types available in the market, the Vibram soles have etched a name for themselves, embodying the perfect blend of durability, traction, and comfort. Here’s a deep dive into why Vibram soles have won our hearts, and why they might just win yours to...
How to Prep Your Boots for WinterAt JK Boots, we know the value of diligent care for our leather products. Winter conditions, particularly in northern regions, can be tough on boots, with salt and moisture being major culprits in boot wear. To keep our Superduty and O.T. line of work boots in top shape, it's crucial to clean, condition, and weatherproof them. Keeping Your Boot Protected This Winter Protecting your boots during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Here's a straightforward guide to ensure you and ou...
Walking with JK Boots | Episode 2 | BootSpy"Walking with JK Boots" is an intriguing podcast that delves into the life of guests who've mastered the art of craftsmanship in their respective fields. In this episode, we dive into the real world of boots and business as we sit down with renowned boot journalist, William Barton, the founder of BootSpy.com. Since the very beginning, William has dedicated BootSpy as a space that delivers honest and unbiased content about the boot world with his extensive knowledge and personal e...
Work Boots and Construction: What Kind of Boots Work Best?Handcrafted, quality work boots are often designed for fairly specific roles, unlike the average pair of off-the-shelf work boots, and picking the proper boots can make your working life much easier. JK Boots know that a wildland firefighter will need a completely different set of features on their boots than someone working on beams or hard, flat surfaces. With years of experience handcrafting boots that’ll handle anything the Northwest can offer, we know the right boot for the job matters....
How to Keep Work Boots from SmellingWhether you’re wearing a pair of old sneakers or a pair of premium-quality leather work boots, there’s one thing that’s inevitable—smelly feet. The heat and sweat from your feet are a dinner bell for bacteria, and it’s that bacteria that causes the smell. With a little effort, common sense, and a bit of ingenuity, it’s easy to remove, if not completely fix, the smell in your work boots. Because bacteria thrive in the heat and moisture that your boots provide, you’ll need to either mask or,...
What is a Steel Shank in a Work Boot? Are There Better Alternatives?If you’ve ever wondered why your boots don’t flex in the middle like a pair of sneakers, it’s a good bet that they have a steel shank inside. A boot shank is a thin bar cemented into your boots between the outsole and the footbed to increase rigidity and support. This thin strip is often made of steel, as it’s easy to find, cheaper than the alternatives, long-lasting, and perfect for distributing the weight and pressure applied to the sole of your boots. There are alternatives to a steel sha...
3 Work Boots with Vibram Soles: Don’t Miss Out on TheseNot all work boots fit every role—you have to find the right tool for the job. Here at JK Boots, we know that your boots need to be suited to the job ahead, so we only use the best US-sourced materials and each of our handcrafted boots are designed for specific roles. From wildland firefighting to sub-freezing temperatures, boots for climbing and boots for walking, we’ve got you covered no matter the job you do. If you’re looking for your next pair of work boots and need to know you’re buy...
Can Work Boots be Resoled? A Guide to Repairing Work BootsWhen you’ve spent months or even years wearing your favorite pair of work boots until they feel like the most comfortable footwear you own, it’s understandable that you’d want to resole them when needed. Not all work boots can be resoled, and it can depend on the design or construction method used. For premium quality work boots, resoling can be much more cost-effective than buying new boots, with the bonus that they’re already broken in and comfortable. When you notice the soles becoming w...
Will Work Boots Stretch? If So, How Much?Work boots will stretch a little as you break them in as the leather softens and molds to your foot. You can speed up the process using a leather conditioner or boot stretching spray, making your boots easier to wear. Leather is incredibly versatile, but it can only stretch so far. You’ll not get a leather work boot to stretch more than one size, and that’s an optimistic hope—realistically, you'll not stretch a boot more than a half size bigger. If your work boots still feel like they’...
3 Hacks to Break in Work Boots FastNew work boots often feel stiff and uncomfortable until broken in. Even if you’ve made sure to buy boots that are the right size, it can take weeks of wear before your feet stop rubbing against the interior of your boots. If you’re in a rush to wear your work boots, you’ll need to speed up the process without causing them any damage. Today, we’ll be looking at three proven hacks that’ll not only break your boots in much quicker than simply wearing them until the pain goes away but will ens...
Can Work Boots Cause Knee or Back Pain?A bad pair of work boots can do a lot more damage than just regular foot pain. As with most parts of your body, everything is connected in subtle ways. If your work boots are too tight or the wrong size, your natural movement is restricted, which puts additional strain on your muscles and ligaments. Even the subtlest changes in how you move can seriously affect your knees and lower back. If you’re suffering from back or knee pain, don’t just assume it’s age creeping up or that you’re working...
Are Work Boots Good for Plantar Fasciitis?If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll need boots to alleviate the symptoms at work. When wearing your work boots for large parts of the day, the wrong boot can cause severe pain, so it’s important to know whether work boots are good for plantar fasciitis or not. Arch support is vital if you have plantar fasciitis, and while most boots do offer slightly better arch support than shoes, not all have the complete package. Boots with superb arch support, a comfortable midsole, and a leather s...
Why do Wildland Fire Boots Have High Heels? Is there a reason why wildland fire boots have such high heels? Well, yes. Most wildland fire boots have a tall heel--something like a 2-inch block curved or western-style heel. And there’s a specific reason for such a tall heel. There are a lot of benefits to the high logger heel, and there are a few drawbacks as well. A great example of a wildland fire boot that’s ready for duty is the JK Fire Inlander. We’ll use that boot to demonstrate all the reasons why you might want a raised heel f...
Why Choosing Resolable Work Boots Is The Best Decision You'll Ever Make
When it comes to picking out work boots, there's more than just initial comfort and design to consider. The lifespan of the boot is a significant factor, and a key element here is whether the boot can be resoled. Let’s dive deep into why investing in boots that can be resoled is an astute choice for the long-haul. Pay Less Over Time with Resolable Boots While the initial cost of a boot may make you think twice, it's essential to consider the longevity and the expenses that accrue ov...
Understanding Oil Tanned Leather
Let’s chat about something called oil-tanned leather. People often use this term for leather that has been treated in a special way with oil. The oil isn’t used to tan the leather but is involved later on to give it a protective sheen that only gets better as it gets older, just like JK Boots’ famous Superduty boot. So, what do we actually mean with "oil-tanned leather," why do boot makers, like JK Boots, use it, and is it a good choice for boots? The Truth About Oil Tanned Leather E...
How to Dry Soaked Work Boots
When you're working and your boots become drenched, perhaps from challenging work conditions or an unexpected rainstorm, what steps should you follow? Leather is naturally resilient against water damage. A soaked boot upper isn't your biggest concern; it's the footbed. Water in the footbed can foster mold and bacteria, turning your boots into a breeding ground for issues. What's the best method to dry them? Drying Boots: Taking Care of the Uppers Our leather boots, whether th...
Why We Love Vibram Soles
In a world where the ground beneath our feet can be as unpredictable as the challenges that lie ahead, having the right sole under your boots is not just a matter of comfort, but a pivotal factor for safety and performance. Among the variety of sole types available in the market, the Vibram soles have etched a name for themselves, embodying the perfect blend of durability, traction, and comfort. Here’s a deep dive into why Vibram soles have won our hearts, and why they might just win yours to...
How to Prep Your Boots for Winter
At JK Boots, we know the value of diligent care for our leather products. Winter conditions, particularly in northern regions, can be tough on boots, with salt and moisture being major culprits in boot wear. To keep our Superduty and O.T. line of work boots in top shape, it's crucial to clean, condition, and weatherproof them. Keeping Your Boot Protected This Winter Protecting your boots during winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Here's a straightforward guide to ensure you and ou...
Walking with JK Boots | Episode 2 | BootSpy
"Walking with JK Boots" is an intriguing podcast that delves into the life of guests who've mastered the art of craftsmanship in their respective fields. In this episode, we dive into the real world of boots and business as we sit down with renowned boot journalist, William Barton, the founder of BootSpy.com. Since the very beginning, William has dedicated BootSpy as a space that delivers honest and unbiased content about the boot world with his extensive knowledge and personal e...
Work Boots and Construction: What Kind of Boots Work Best?
Handcrafted, quality work boots are often designed for fairly specific roles, unlike the average pair of off-the-shelf work boots, and picking the proper boots can make your working life much easier. JK Boots know that a wildland firefighter will need a completely different set of features on their boots than someone working on beams or hard, flat surfaces. With years of experience handcrafting boots that’ll handle anything the Northwest can offer, we know the right boot for the job matters....
How to Keep Work Boots from Smelling
Whether you’re wearing a pair of old sneakers or a pair of premium-quality leather work boots, there’s one thing that’s inevitable—smelly feet. The heat and sweat from your feet are a dinner bell for bacteria, and it’s that bacteria that causes the smell. With a little effort, common sense, and a bit of ingenuity, it’s easy to remove, if not completely fix, the smell in your work boots. Because bacteria thrive in the heat and moisture that your boots provide, you’ll need to either mask or,...
What is a Steel Shank in a Work Boot? Are There Better Alternatives?
If you’ve ever wondered why your boots don’t flex in the middle like a pair of sneakers, it’s a good bet that they have a steel shank inside. A boot shank is a thin bar cemented into your boots between the outsole and the footbed to increase rigidity and support. This thin strip is often made of steel, as it’s easy to find, cheaper than the alternatives, long-lasting, and perfect for distributing the weight and pressure applied to the sole of your boots. There are alternatives to a steel sha...
3 Work Boots with Vibram Soles: Don’t Miss Out on These
Not all work boots fit every role—you have to find the right tool for the job. Here at JK Boots, we know that your boots need to be suited to the job ahead, so we only use the best US-sourced materials and each of our handcrafted boots are designed for specific roles. From wildland firefighting to sub-freezing temperatures, boots for climbing and boots for walking, we’ve got you covered no matter the job you do. If you’re looking for your next pair of work boots and need to know you’re buy...
Can Work Boots be Resoled? A Guide to Repairing Work Boots
When you’ve spent months or even years wearing your favorite pair of work boots until they feel like the most comfortable footwear you own, it’s understandable that you’d want to resole them when needed. Not all work boots can be resoled, and it can depend on the design or construction method used. For premium quality work boots, resoling can be much more cost-effective than buying new boots, with the bonus that they’re already broken in and comfortable. When you notice the soles becoming w...
Will Work Boots Stretch? If So, How Much?
Work boots will stretch a little as you break them in as the leather softens and molds to your foot. You can speed up the process using a leather conditioner or boot stretching spray, making your boots easier to wear. Leather is incredibly versatile, but it can only stretch so far. You’ll not get a leather work boot to stretch more than one size, and that’s an optimistic hope—realistically, you'll not stretch a boot more than a half size bigger. If your work boots still feel like they’...
3 Hacks to Break in Work Boots Fast
New work boots often feel stiff and uncomfortable until broken in. Even if you’ve made sure to buy boots that are the right size, it can take weeks of wear before your feet stop rubbing against the interior of your boots. If you’re in a rush to wear your work boots, you’ll need to speed up the process without causing them any damage. Today, we’ll be looking at three proven hacks that’ll not only break your boots in much quicker than simply wearing them until the pain goes away but will ens...
Can Work Boots Cause Knee or Back Pain?
A bad pair of work boots can do a lot more damage than just regular foot pain. As with most parts of your body, everything is connected in subtle ways. If your work boots are too tight or the wrong size, your natural movement is restricted, which puts additional strain on your muscles and ligaments. Even the subtlest changes in how you move can seriously affect your knees and lower back. If you’re suffering from back or knee pain, don’t just assume it’s age creeping up or that you’re working...
Are Work Boots Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll need boots to alleviate the symptoms at work. When wearing your work boots for large parts of the day, the wrong boot can cause severe pain, so it’s important to know whether work boots are good for plantar fasciitis or not. Arch support is vital if you have plantar fasciitis, and while most boots do offer slightly better arch support than shoes, not all have the complete package. Boots with superb arch support, a comfortable midsole, and a leather s...
Why do Wildland Fire Boots Have High Heels?
Is there a reason why wildland fire boots have such high heels? Well, yes. Most wildland fire boots have a tall heel--something like a 2-inch block curved or western-style heel. And there’s a specific reason for such a tall heel. There are a lot of benefits to the high logger heel, and there are a few drawbacks as well. A great example of a wildland fire boot that’s ready for duty is the JK Fire Inlander. We’ll use that boot to demonstrate all the reasons why you might want a raised heel f...
