My first PNW boots, already love them. Thanks to JK for being the only PNW boot company that stocks my size by default (4.5 JK/5.0 other PNW/5.5 Brannock).
Full disclosure that I am not a tradesman (well, tradeswoman). I just like sturdy, US- and European-made goods, and especially footwear and clothing. Still, these forefronts are outstanding, even as a seasoned connoisseur of high-quality boots. I use these for daily wear, mostly on pavement or indoors, but also for some short hikes. They don't feel heavy, nor do they induce fatigue, even after many hours (40-60 per week). My arches are pretty flat, and yet my forefronts feel great. Ever since the insoles broke in (about 5-7 days of wear), I've had 0 arch pain, which was an issue in previous boots I've owned.
I was hesitant about how an 8-9 oz leather would feel on my foot, but I've been pleasantly surprised. The leather, which is comfortably thick, gets more supple with time, without compromising on ankle support or overall protectiveness. It has nice pull-up quality and takes scuffs gracefully, and the redwood color shows off different undertones under various lighting conditions (photos attached).
I lace my boots up aggressively, and often re-adjust throughout the day. I can say with certainty that the brass eyelets and hooks are built to take a beating. The metal hooks on other "high-end" boots (Lowa, most namely) have snapped off/in half from how much pressure I apply when lacing, but I've probably treated my…