Wildland Fire & Forestry Boots: 10 JK Boots Reviews
Fire lines and timber stands are hard on boots. The steep ground, brush, long hikes, and longer days that extend past the end of your shift. That is exactly what the overbuilt Superduty and Fire Inlander boots are made for. In these ten reviews from wildland fire crews to customers with 45 years in forestry, we take a look how their boots held up.
Do JK boots hold up on the fire line?
A fire season is hard on boots. These five owners say how theirs did.
Nine fires into his first season, after another pair of boots broke during a fire.
"Pretty amazing boots, have been to 9 different fires and have been great unlike other brand I used that broke within a fire."
His first custom pair made it through three rough fire seasons, and now he's on his second.
"This is my second pair of custom built JK boots. First pair made it through three rough Fire seasons without any issues, I absolutely love them. Looking forward to breaking these in this next fire season."
Broke in a new pair on a fire and it took a single hike.
"First pair of boots that I've worn that have the honey sole. Love them so far, and as for the boots, decided to break them in on a fire on the Angeles and only took one hike to break in."
Broken in after a day or two, with no blisters, and ready for fire season.
"These boots are very comfy, 1-2 days breaking in these boots and no blisters, no pain, feel as comfy as slippers but as sturdy as the job they are meant to perform. Excited for the 2024 Fire Season."
Didn't need to wear them in before fire season started.
"They look beautiful and high quality. Leather looks thick and durable. They are easy to break down I didn't even have to wear them before the fire season."
What about tree work and forestry?
Away from the fire line, the work is on steep ground, saws, and long days in the forest. Here's how the boots did for these five.
Wears them from the fire line to residential tree work, climbing in spurs.
"These boots took a bit longer than I thought to break in but I think it is all your own perspective. They have always left my feet feeling good after work and after the break in period they have been nothing but great for me! They have great support when out hiking and falling trees on fire to doing residential tree work and climbing trees in spurs. I hope they last me long because they are a very nice pair of boots! Great customer service when I had any questions or concerns!!"
His third pair of boots since starting forestry firefighting, and he calls these the best.
"My 3rd pair of boots since I've started forestry fire fighting hands down the best, great for hiking, running saw, in wet conditions."
Forty-five years in forestry, and the first boots that actually fit.
"I live in the central California foothills. My business has always been forestry. 45 years min, I help run a hazardous tree removal and milling company. Through Arnold, California's disaster storm this February, I learned the importance of good properly fitting boots that are actually your size! 2 months in the Redwoods I got have made life easier everyday. After reclamation of old growth redwood and milling my whole life I find it ironic that the only ready to ship boots you had were REDWOODS."
Bought them for their son's first year with the National Forest Service.
"I bought these for my son. It's his first year with the National Forest Service, and was needing them. He says 'they are the best things I've put on my feet for the type of work I do'! Sooo money well spent!!"
A consulting forester in central Alabama who had his eye on them for years.
"Had my eye on a pair of JK's for years, as a consulting forester in central AL, quality boots are a must. I'll never buy another brand again."
These customers got both things a boot needs when using it in rough country or for a fire season. First it held up when asked to handle steep ground, brush, and long days. Second, it didn't make them wait. Most were broken in within a hike or a day or two, or went straight into fire season. The same boots went on to handle nine fires, three rough seasons, and saw work in wet conditions. Even for those where break-in took longer than expected ended with a pair that left their feet feeling good after work.
Shop the Fire Inlander or the Superduty.
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