JK Journal

A Day in the Life of a Wildland Firefighter: The JK Boots and MYSTERY RANCH Experience
In the demanding world of wildland firefighting, having the right gear is not just a matter of convenience, it's a necessity for safety and performance.  That's where JK Boots and MYSTERY RANCH come in. With JK's Fire Inlander boots and MYSTERY...
Why Handmade Boots are More Comfortable
Ever wonder why handmade boots feel so good? There's a lot going on under the hood.
How to Prep Your Boots for Winter
Take care of your boots this winter and they'll live to see the next. Here's how you do it.
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...
How to Dry Soaked Work Boots
What should you do if your work boots get soaked? This guide gives you everything you need to know so that you can protect the investment you made in your boots and help them last longer.
In-Stock vs. Custom Boots
  When it's time to pick up a new pair of boots, you've got two options: grab something off the shelf or get a pair made just for you. Each choice has its own pros and cons, depending on what...
Understanding Oil Tanned Leather
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?
How are JK Boots Supposed to Feel?
These feel different than my old boots. Great! They're supposed to!
Why Choosing Resolable Work Boots Is The Best Decision You'll Ever Make
Once you get recraftable boots, it's hard to go back. Here's 3 reasons why you'll love resolable boots.
Roughout vs. Smooth Leather
As you explore our range of distinguished boot models, you've probably noticed that some are crafted from roughout leather, boasting a slightly fuzzy appearance, while others showcase the sleekness of smooth leather. Some even combine both textures, offering a unique...
What Are the Longest Lasting Work Boots?
The longest lasting work boot is the JK Superduty. There are a few factors that lead us to that conclusion, so if you want to find out exactly why we think the Superduty can last 10 years or more, read this.
What are Kilties?
Kilties are protective flaps placed under the laces to shield the boot's tongue from wear and friction caused by lacing.   The Undeniable Benefits of Kilties for Work Boots Ever noticed a flap underneath the laces of some work boots...
Is Bison Leather Good for Boots?
Bison leather is stronger, thicker, more flexible, and more malleable than cow leather which makes it a superior leather for boots in most cases. The Titan of the Plains As the sun sets, picture yourself kicking back with a cool...
Lug Sole Boots: What are the Pros and Cons?
What are the benefits of a lug sole boot for work? We go straight to all the pros and cons of a lug sole boot in this article.
Leather vs Steel Shank: Why JK Uses Leather Shanks in Our Boots
Most work boots have something called a “shank” through the arch of the boot. You’ll never see it -- it’s just something boot makers add to boost the stability of the boot and make the arch support stronger. Here's why we use leather instead of a steel shank.
Can You Write Off Your Work Boots?
Yes, work boots can be tax deductible if they are explicitly required by your employer or business for safety or regulatory reasons and are primarily used exclusively for work-related purposes.   Work Boots as a Requirement In various industries, federal...
Walking with JK Boots | Episode 2 | BootSpy
William Barton, the founder of BootSpy.com, joins Tim on the Walking with JK Boots podcast to discuss the life of a boot reviewer and what it's like to review the world's best boots.
How Handmade Boots are Made
It Starts with American Leather We think an American boot should be made with American leather. Makes sense, right? There are a few legendary tanneries left in the USA---the two most notable are Seidel Tanning Co in Milwaukee, and Horween Tanning...
The Story of John Khadzhi
I wasn’t even born yet when my dad started JK Boots. But there are some truths about how we hand-craft each pair of boots that runs through our workshop today that have been in place since 1994, when JK began....
Work Boots vs. Dress Boots: What Are the Major Differences
Work boots and dress boots have very different characteristics from each other, despite looking quite similar. As a rule, you wouldn’t be able to work in dress boots for long as they don’t have the safety features of a work boot. So what are the other differences? We dive in.
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.