JK Boots Specialty Lineup: Reviews of the Climber, Arctic, and Harvester

"The Arctic 1 is my introduction to PNW boots. I was in an extensive search for an insulated leather boot with a goodyear welt. My first find and purchase was a Solavair sherpa lined boot. While it fit my stated requirements, after 2 or 3 years of wear the sole was worn down and was never good on slippery surfaces (counterintuitive for a "winter" boot?). With the goodyear welt, resoling was certainly an option, but also the sherpa lining was not just wearing thin, but also breaking apart and rolling up. As such, I returned to my search adding to my criteria to include better grip and more resilient insulated lining. This is what finally led me to PNW boots, and especially the Arctic at JK. While more digging around amongst other PNW makers might lead to some custom options that would meet my criteria, I'd still assert the Arctic meets my needs best as it is. After some back and forth with Abriel at JK regarding sizing and the ordering process, I made my order for the Arctic 1 in December. Still, with them being something of a "custom" order, I knew to be patient as our long winter seemed to hold fast as spring only crept in. After the second 1 week delay from the given expected completion date, I did some prodding and and received my boots in March in time to get a week or two of regular wear in our lingering colder temps this year. The fit felt damn near perfect out of the box. There is some tightness/binding at the front crease of my ankle under the lacing. The provided lacing instructions help with this and I fully expect after a little more regular wear and break in, it will fully dissipate. I actually look forward to next winter to put the Arctics through their paces! I can't speak for longevity or durability, yet. But by look and feel of the boots, I fully expect them to last me the rest of my lifetime."

"Unfortunately, like many I suffer from chronic back pain as a result of a car accident. So my days of putting in a grueling 12+ hours of hard work daily are well behind. My biggest issue has been finding something that even fits as most have quit making things that work. Fortunately for me JK offers a 5e and it has been amazing. I do still spend a good amount of time on my feet. Be it maintaing my property, work, or what ever adventure I find myself on. These boots have been amazing. So much so that I had to return a trial boot from a competitor because the shear comfort difference and back relief that I got was just out of this world. These boots surely extend the range of things im able to do. If you have a extra large foot like I do or just an uncooperative spine These boots are for you. The only thing I could see being more comfortable would be the honey O.T. which might just be my next boot. Oh just for laughs I walked into the competitors store to make my return and was politely told that its not often someone comes in with something better than anything we make. So there's that."

"I've had these boots almost a year now and they've definitely met my expectations. I'm an arborist in Alaska and work in some really nasty weather and terrain. I'm extremely hard on boots and have had to replace mine every year because they're falling apart. These boots have survived my torture and hardly show any signs of wear. The price seemed steep initially, but replacing $200 boots every year adds up to the same amount over time, so I figured I'd spend the money and see if it would make a difference. They weren't the easiest boots to break in, and it did take some time before they fit really well. They are also pretty heavy. All that being said, I can stand on spikes 6-8 hours a day and be comfortable. They provide incredible support on steep hillsides, and they protect my right ankle and heel from getting cut when the chainsaw slams into my leg when the groundie puts too many wraps on the portawrap. The heavy duty construction has definitely protected my feet and ankles from injury more than once. I'd definitely recommend them."

"So far so good. I’m a commercial carpenter. Day to day is a mixture of all environments. Worn Redwing 608’s for the last two decades. Currently breaking in my new boots. After 30+/- years in the trades I do have foot issues. When first putting on my new boots there were some WIERD sensations. Arch felt odd but not painful. Wearing them for more than four hours got uncomfortable. I’ve since removed the insole and swapped the laces for paracord. Swapped to a heavy pair of socks. I now can wear them for 8 hours with no discomfort I have about fifty hours of break in on them and they are getting better every day. Only problem I have with the boot. I don’t want to wear them to work for fear of getting them dirty. They are absolutely gorgeous to look at. :) Bravo JK , Bravo"

"Customer service was great. I needed a few adjustments but didn’t have time ahead of wind turbine tech school, but they offered the adjustments I needed in the rebuild options. I went to training as is, after i bought a temporary pair from a local store and decided i couldn’t deal with the discomfort of the temporary pair in which were 200$. My training mainly consisted of climbing training so these were beyond the best and had I used the temporary pair my feet would be killing me. I spent roughly 11+ hours a day for 2 weeks and could’ve worn them in my sleep, they were so comfortable. Wind techs say don’t cheap out on boots and I understand now. Love my boots. I recommend getting safety toe, 2.0 versions which is EH rated if you are a wind turbine technician. Jk for life."