O.T. Bison Work Boots Review: Real Feedback on Fit, Break-In, and All-Day Comfort
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Almost Perfect!“
★★★★★"Ordered my boots just before Christmas and received on the 22nd. Shipped in a more than timely manner, 8 days give or take, I have no idea what other reviewers are talking about, saying it takes forever.
I had planned on ordering exactly what I wanted but, had worn my old boots nearly off my feet and needed something now! I kind of felt like I was settling, buying over the counter boots...I was wrong. These "Production" boots are excellent! Break in time was zero, literally. I've had ****** and Hawthornes before, the Hawthornes KILLED me for days. Put these on, wore around house for a few hours, wore to work the next day. I'm a tractor mechanic so all day on feet, on concrete..no inserts, no orthotics which I had to have in my Thoroughgoods. I waited a few weeks to review so I could have some miles on them and am very happy with the value, the product and the company. Will be purchasing another pair soon. I think I should touch on sizing, IN MY CASE...I measured my foot as shown on site and called before ordering to confirm my thoughts..I ended up in a 10.5 D and they fit well, unless I have thicker socks on then, my toes are crammed in the ends and they are a touch narrow. Trace and measure your foot with the thickest socks you think you'll ever wear, you can lace them up tight but you can only let them out so far. I could have easily went up half size, which would have given me a little more room in both directions. I expect this will improve a little as these boots get more miles on them. For the record, the size I thought and the size recommended on my phone call were the same and I'm in no way blaming JK or the gal on the phone. With my thinner socks, these fit divinely! Over all they look and feel great and I'm happy with the fit and finish!"
“Why Custom Boots?“
★★★★★"I never realized how wide my feet were until I had them measured for custom OT's. My first pair were knee high for work and since then, I have bought several other styles. The problem we have with traditional shoe stores today is nobody measures your feet anymore and we try on and buy what "seems" to fit best. And therein lies the rub; excuse the pun. Shoes that do not fit just right are not good for you, plain and simple. They wear badly and cause your feet, legs, and back to hurt. I did this for years and paid for it dearly. My first pair of JK's changed all that and frankly, they are the only shoes I ever want to wear.
From a quality perspective, JK boots cannot be beat. They are artisan crafted and tough as nails. I am on my feet running and walking in my boots every work day on average for about 8 to 10 miles. In the 30 years that I have been doing this job, JK boots are the only boots that have lasted more than a year. As a matter of fact, there is almost no wear and tear now."
“O.T. 8” / size: 10.5 3E“
★★★★★"The founder of JK Boots and John’s story of how he came to the United States of America with aspirations as a boot maker is awe-inspiring! I am grateful and proud to be able to rock my own pair JK Boots => handmade the old time way!
These JK O.T.s amaze me every time I wear them! Right out of the box they were very comfortable. Break-in was a non issue as the flexibility of the bison leather, paired with the honey vibram soles is outta this world! Feet stay cool even on hot summer days. The tongue was simple to train; I was careful to place it where it should always be the very first time I laced the boots to my feet. The arch support and thick bison leather keep my feet feeling great all day, my whole body feels better really!
All of the cuts, placement of leather, stitching, fit and finish is nothing short of exceptional!! JK Boot makers are an incredibly talented group of craftspeople, JKs customer support is awesome too!"
“Best boots I’ve ever owned by far. “
★★★★★"I was nervous spending the money for these due to the possible back and forth of getting the sizes correct and who really wants to spend this kind of coin for boots. With the help of store manager Nathan, we nailed it the first time over the phone and now I’m a fan for life. I usually wear a 13 shoe and these are a 11 and fit like a glove. These are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn, let alone boots. The break in period with the bison was almost non existent. I walk an a carafe of 5 miles a day on concrete and stand at least 8 hours a day in my woodworking shop. The rough out is amazing for keeping them crisp looking enough to wear out after a quick brush off. I’m so sold on these that I’ve now ordered a custom pair of Superduty’s. Treat yourself to a pair, but take your time with the fitting and you will be pleased. "
“RELIEF“
★★★★★"After being in the military and two back surgeries I found myself going through boots like a fat kid with cake. I’m a Harley mechanic so I’m on my feet all day. I was skeptical of JK boots at first. But after months of window shopping and painful suffering, I decided to bight the bullet. I always tell my customers, “buy once, cry once.” Time to put my money where my mouth is. And I don’t regret it. These boots are phenomenal. Comfortable yet sturdy. Yesterday I worked all day and went straight to a concert where I stood the whole time and I didn’t feel the need to sit or squat to relieve my back or knees. I am in awe. I love these boots so much I bought two more pairs. One forefront and one custom superduty. I can’t wait to try the superdutys! Thank you JK! "
“I liked they way they looked, until I bought them, now I can't live without them“
★★★★★"I really had a hard time believing people had 3, 4, or more pair of these boots. I've worn my first pair everyday since I bought them a year ago. They still look amazing. Since then I've bought 3 more pair. I put 2 pair away at my safe house in the event everything is taken from me, and an extra pair to keep at home. I might even buy a 5th pair so when I turn in 1 pair from home to get rebuilt, I'll still have 2 pair here (1 good pair, 1 not so good for work)
After wearing them hiking, hunting, work, church, dates, ect for a year, I think I have a year or more left before they need to be rebuilt"
“A boots that finally fits me“
★★★★★"I was not to sure before buying these boots as they cost double my others , but I'm glad I did. I have been searching for the right boot for years. I've been in the trades for 24 years and wide feet and foot surgery made it hard. After thinking about it I bought a pair and they were perfect at the start, usually they all are. After 5 months they are just as comfy so I bought a second pair of the OT Bison. I do feel like these will outlast most other work boots especially Thorogood and redwing."
“Great boots“
★★★★★"I work in the construction field and this is my 2nd pair of JK boots. I like them a lot. The break in process wasn't near as bad with the bison leather as it was on my regular OT's. Once you put your foot in a new pair you know this boot will last you a long time. Only complaint is the insoles are an absolute pain in the **** to instal in the boot and in my opinion they should already be put in the boot especially for the price we pay. "
“Another home run by JK boots! “
★★★★★"Per usual JK knocked it out of the park with these OT Smooth bison, got lucky found them in stock received them within a few days, after a couple weeks they are like leather socks for my feet. Kinda of like a battle tank with leather couches. Quality and workmanship is simply impeccable and flawless. I have been jk customer for quite some time now and will continue to give these guys all the business I can afford(LOL) "
“Finally, a PNW boot that fits.“
★★★★★"I have worn all of the PNW brands, including Danner. I have always ended up selling on Ebay due to them not fitting after break in. These O.T.s are amazing, I was skeptical at first, but followed the fitting process. They are spot on width wise. I did have to return my first pair and go another half size down.
The Bison is incredible and required a minimum of break in. I will be buying more.
David"
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