JK Boots Reviews: Switching to the Fire Inlander
When we ask people how they found JK Boots, for some the answer is pretty similar. From a coworker, crewmate, or friend that won't stop talking about them. The Fire Inlander is our purpose built wildland fire boot handcrafted with thick and quality leather, the classic logger heel, and a construction so that it can be resoled and fully rebuilt. It is usually bought by wildland firefighters and other heavy-use boot workers that put serious miles on their boots. When they learn about JK Boots, they figured why not give them a try. Let's see what they have to say.
"Incredible Boots! Had Doubts, but They Stood Up Great!"
★★★★★"I bought these boots while the website still said they were in stock, but quickly switched to back order after I had placed mine. JK reached out immediately to apologize for the inconvenience and promised that they'd be finished and at my door in 6 weeks. I received weekly updates on my boots and low and behold, they arrived just short of that 6/6.5 week time frame. Initially I was worried that these boots were too small on my first fitting, but after using the provided boot oil and wearing them around, they were feeling better each time I put them on. Roughly a week after they arrived, I began my fire training with the forest service and these boots held up and broke in very well. While they did leave some not-too-severe blisters on the backs of my heels, I would blame that moreso on socks that were too thin and aggressively steep hiking. By the end of fire training, they felt incredible, especially when I laced them up tight. They held through the dust, weeds, brush and aggressively slopes insanely better than I had expected. I went with JK off of a friend's recommendation after having a less than desired experience with another company and JK absolutely stepped up in every way. Customer service, craftsmanship, comfort, quality. I greatly look forward to hiking my first fire season with these on my feet."
"Unlatched Quality--My Second Pair of JK Boots"
★★★★★"I recently picked up the JK Boots Fire Inlander in black, and I can’t say enough good things about them. The quality and craftsmanship are absolutely incredible—from the custom build to the flawless stitching, every detail speaks to the pride that goes into making these boots. Even the leather smell is amazing, a true mark of genuine, high-end material. The customer service and fitting process were outstanding, making the entire experience feel just as premium as the boots themselves. Yes, these are a high-end boot, but they’re worth every penny. This is actually my second pair of JK Boots—my first pair is still in perfect condition even after plenty of wear, but I loved them so much I had to add another pair in a different style. I can already see myself buying another pair down the road, probably in a new color. If you want a boot that’s built to last, looks incredible, and is backed by exceptional service, JK Boots delivers every time."
“first pair of fire inlanders“
★★★★★"i have a couple other JK boots, Superduty S, and OT Pro. i wanted a heavier boot for heavier work . i did a 5 mile hike in these out of the box with a 20lb pack on just to see how they felt. i was wearing medium thickness darn tough socks. no issues and i could really feel the difference in arch and heel vs the OT. boots were very comfortable right out of the box. i am buying ee widths in JK as i got really use to the space in some jim green boots i own and those are supposed to be ee width (#bootlosophy). All the JK boots so far fit great for me. The Superduty S has the feeling of a flatter heal drop but they are really great for when i am just standing around digging or building things where i am not walking a lot. For hiking/walking i prefer the OT Pro. the Fire Inlanders will be great for carrying heavier weight and also hiking in cooler weather. i appreciate that the same size and width matches across the boots very well."
"Fire inlander Black and Brown"
★★★★★"To start off I purchased my first pair of in landers I believe back in 2019. After trying every boot imaginable that is designed for wild fire, I finally was introduced to JK by a co worker and friend. First pair were a 10 EE brown. we’re used on a R3 hotshot crew for 120+ days before resole needed. Most amazing boots regardless if you use them for fire or not they are a superior level of quality matched with comfort. This being my first pair I ordered the size I always wore 10EE. I was able to sit down with Tim in Spokane upon the purchase of a second pair he placed me in a 9EEE which is the perfect size. For ever I was wearing the wrong size even though the original inlander being off I still enjoy them to this day . It is worth getting sized this company puts that love into their product I currently own 3 pairs of inlanders and they won’t be the last I will be a JK customer forever. OutStanding!!"
“Best boots in the world“
★★★★★"I bought the Fire Fnlanders a couple of weeks after I bought a pair of Superduties, due to the perfect fit and craftsmanship of the Superduties. I’m retired from the military with the majority of my time spent in 5th SFG so I’ve worn a lot of different brands. I’ve owned custom made Nicks and Whites which were great but not near as comfortable as either pair of my JKs. I hiked about 15 miles the first three days I wore the Fire Inlanders and had zero hill slippage or hot spots. They were stiff from being brand new so I used the secondary lacing method and with their perfect fit have had no issues. I have not owned a better made or fitting pair of boots and have no reason to ever shop anywhere else. Both pair of my boots are perfect! Best in the world of you ask me! I forgot to mention that I used JK’s sizing guide to find my size. John V"
“The highest quality a boot can be!“
★★★★★"I have very wide feet. It's impossible to find boots that, after the break in, I'm not spilling over the welt entirely, making them impossible to wear. I picked these boots up on sale from the warehouse. Just to try them out. My true size, according to JK's sizing chart, should be 12.5 7E. But these were close enough that I was willing to take the risk for the price. And while they are slightly snug and a little too long, they are still a far cry better than what I was working with before. I loved them so much, I bought a second pair (also from the warehouse) in the same size, but with a safety toe so I can wear them at work.
I'm going to start saving now so I can order a custom pair of OTs next!"
“Immediately switched from ******…“
★★★★★"I am getting a custom pair of JK Fire Inlanders made and I had ordered the try on boots. Well they had arrived while I was mid roll on a fire with my ****** Smokejumpers and when I got back home and tried the Fire Inlanders on, they were a night and day difference. So much so that I had called and bought the try on boots. I had been called to another fire the next day and had worn my JK’s without breaking them in. I am on a type 2IA hand crew and throughout the 16 hours it was equivalent to wearing moccasins. The comfort of JK Fire Inlanders is unbeatable. I cannot wait to receive my custom boots!"
"Old boots too narrow"
★★★★★"Needed a new pair of wildland fire boots after have been using Haix Missoula, which were too narrow. Completely my fault. A co-worker highly recommended going with JK boots after having been set on getting a pair of *****. I couldn’t have been happier with my decision. Luckily they had my size in stock and with the sale the boots were close enough in price to other boots out there. I wear a 10.5D or E US but in JK size I was 9.5 5E , they fit perfect. Absolutely no issues. Most of the reviews I encountered were trying to “cancel” the brand, which made me hesitant. My experience was great."
"I'm a Lifer with JK for Fire Boots"
★★★★★"I have bought many pairs of fire boots over the years and I am so over the top incredibly impressed with JK's boots! I've been a wildland firefighter for 4 years now and I burned through a pair of boots every season, I got these in the mail recently and it is evident that they put love into their work. I have paid more for a much lesser Quality Boot from Danner and other Premier Companies, well done JK! I even received a personal phone call from somebody to confirm that my size was accurately measured.. I will never buy from another boot company as long as I live! A+"
“Nick with JK phoenix was outstanding!“
★★★★★"The boots were so beautiful when I first opened the box I almost felt bad for what the future held for them….almost. Nick with JK phoenix was amazing in helping me get into the perfect pair! They came quick, just in time to break them in a bit before Fire season. As a wildland firefighter I’ve seen and heard from many just how great these boots were so I was so excited when I finally made the decision to get myself a pair. Just wait to see how far they’ll go! Thanks JK, for the beautifully handcrafted boots!"
The story in these reviews isn't just that the Fire Inlander is a great boot. It also that people who come from other boots that maybe didn't last a season or never felt quite right tend to stick around once they try JK. Some like them so much they end up with two pairs and even others with three. The Fire Inlander is built tough, but when it does wear, it can be resoled and rebuilt, meaning people can realistically wear these boots for years. If you're still on the fence feel free to check out even more reviews or reach out to our team. Most people who made the switch say they wish they'd done it sooner.
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