Is Bison Leather Good for Boots?Bison leather is stronger, thicker, more flexible, and more malleable than cow leather which makes it a superior leather for boots in most cases. The Titan of the Plains As the sun sets, picture yourself kicking back with a cool drink in hand, watching the sky fill with stunning shades of red and gold. In this peaceful scene, there stands a majestic figure in the open fields - the powerful bison, reaching a huge 6.5 feet at its shoulder and tipping the scales at over a ton. This aw...
What is a Steel Shank in a Work Boot? Are There Better Alternatives?If you’ve ever wondered why your boots don’t flex in the middle like a pair of sneakers, it’s a good bet that they have a steel shank inside. A boot shank is a thin bar cemented into your boots between the outsole and the footbed to increase rigidity and support. This thin strip is often made of steel, as it’s easy to find, cheaper than the alternatives, long-lasting, and perfect for distributing the weight and pressure applied to the sole of your boots. There are alternatives to a steel sha...
3 Work Boots with Vibram Soles: Don’t Miss Out on TheseNot all work boots fit every role—you have to find the right tool for the job. Here at JK Boots, we know that your boots need to be suited to the job ahead, so we only use the best US-sourced materials and each of our handcrafted boots are designed for specific roles. From wildland firefighting to sub-freezing temperatures, boots for climbing and boots for walking, we’ve got you covered no matter the job you do. If you’re looking for your next pair of work boots and need to know you’re buy...
Can You Write Off Your Work Boots?Yes, work boots can be tax deductible if they are explicitly required by your employer or business for safety or regulatory reasons and are primarily used exclusively for work-related purposes. Work Boots as a Requirement In various industries, federal regulations, often governed by bodies like OSHA, mandate the use of protective gear, including specialized work boots. The regulations encompass scenarios where hazards, such as the risk of electrical shock or stepping on a nail, are present...
Leather vs Steel Shank: Why JK Uses Leather Shanks in Our BootsMost work boots have something called a “shank” through the arch of the boot. You’ll never see it -- it’s just something boot makers add to boost the stability of the boot and make the arch support stronger. For most decent boots, you’ll find a steel shank. That’s the industry standard, and it makes a world of difference compared to boots with no shank at all. But at JK Boots, almost all of our boots use a leather shank instead of steel. Why do we break the mold and use leather instea...
How Handmade Boots are MadeIt Starts with American Leather We think an American boot should be made with American leather. Makes sense, right? There are a few legendary tanneries left in the USA---the two most notable are Seidel Tanning Co in Milwaukee, and Horween Tanning Co just outside of Chicago. You can find some other American tanneries that focus on dress leathers, but for work boots, Seidel makes the toughest hide there is. So naturally, that’s what we use for JK Boots. The three main types of leather to know f...
The Story of John KhadzhiI wasn’t even born yet when my dad started JK Boots. But there are some truths about how we hand-craft each pair of boots that runs through our workshop today that have been in place since 1994, when JK began. Sure, I can sit here and tell you that we strive to make the best boots in the world, or that we select the best materials. But doesn’t every brand say the same thing? (We actually do those things, but that’s beside the point).I thought it was important to tell the story of JK instead. ...
How to Keep Work Boots from SmellingWhether you’re wearing a pair of old sneakers or a pair of premium-quality leather work boots, there’s one thing that’s inevitable—smelly feet. The heat and sweat from your feet are a dinner bell for bacteria, and it’s that bacteria that causes the smell. With a little effort, common sense, and a bit of ingenuity, it’s easy to remove, if not completely fix, the smell in your work boots. Because bacteria thrive in the heat and moisture that your boots provide, you’ll need to either mask or,...
Can Work Boots be Resoled? A Guide to Repairing Work BootsWhen you’ve spent months or even years wearing your favorite pair of work boots until they feel like the most comfortable footwear you own, it’s understandable that you’d want to resole them when needed. Not all work boots can be resoled, and it can depend on the design or construction method used. For premium quality work boots, resoling can be much more cost-effective than buying new boots, with the bonus that they’re already broken in and comfortable. When you notice the soles becoming w...
3 Hacks to Stop Your Boots from SqueakingNew boots, especially handmade or custom boots, have noticeably more going on inside them than your average boots. Multiple layers of leather, thicker uppers, and a higher build quality all mean there’s a higher chance of your boots squeaking. Your boots react to heat, moisture, and pressure, and the multiple layers of leather can expand and contract, causing that annoying squeak you can’t seem to place. If your boots are squeaking, it won’t damage them, but it can be annoying, so we’ve ...
How to Keep Waterproof Boots Dry on the InsideThe most reliable way to keep waterproof work boots dry on the inside is to ensure they’re made of quality materials. Cheap waterproof boots will invariably leak, leading to discomfort. In fact, with quality boots, water-resistant is often all you’ll need. With water-resistant leather boots, providing the stitching and the leather is of good quality, conditioning the leather monthly will prevent water from getting inside. After reading this article, you’ll know what to look for in a waterpro...
Will Work Boots Stretch? If So, How Much?Work boots will stretch a little as you break them in as the leather softens and molds to your foot. You can speed up the process using a leather conditioner or boot stretching spray, making your boots easier to wear. Leather is incredibly versatile, but it can only stretch so far. You’ll not get a leather work boot to stretch more than one size, and that’s an optimistic hope—realistically, you'll not stretch a boot more than a half size bigger. If your work boots still feel like they’...
3 Hacks to Break in Work Boots FastNew work boots often feel stiff and uncomfortable until broken in. Even if you’ve made sure to buy boots that are the right size, it can take weeks of wear before your feet stop rubbing against the interior of your boots. If you’re in a rush to wear your work boots, you’ll need to speed up the process without causing them any damage. Today, we’ll be looking at three proven hacks that’ll not only break your boots in much quicker than simply wearing them until the pain goes away but will ens...
How do Waterproof Boots Work? What Makes a Boot Waterproof?In this article, we’re going to explain how to determine what makes a work boot waterproof, from the quality and type of materials used to the method of stitching that attaches the upper to the sole. You’ll also learn how to keep your boots water-resistant, which is vital regardless of whether your boots are waterproof or water-resistant. While leather is usually a porous material, it is treated to make water run-off easier, which keeps your boots in top condition. A monthly cleaning regim...
How to Clean Winter Boots so They’re Ready for Next YearWinter boots must be kept clean and salt-free if they’re to be ready for use next year. You’ll have to ensure they’re given a thorough cleaning when you’re finished with them until the following winter. Start by brushing off all dirt and mud, as this can dry out the leather and crack your boots. If your boots show salt stains, use warm water and white vinegar to remove the stains. Once clean and blemish-free, you should condition your winter boots with leather oil to nourish and protect t...
Can Wildland Fire Boots Have a Steel Shank?There’s a lot of false information out there saying that a steel shank conducts too much heat and can burn your feet if you’re out fighting fires and expose your boot sole to too many embers. That’s just not true. However, the best wildland fire boots like the JK Fire Inlander don’t use steel shanks. And there’s a good reason for it. Can I Have a Steel Shank in my Wildland Fire Boot? Short answer: yes, wildland firefighting boots can have a steel shank. A steel shank is a supportive...
Is Bison Leather Good for Boots?
Bison leather is stronger, thicker, more flexible, and more malleable than cow leather which makes it a superior leather for boots in most cases. The Titan of the Plains As the sun sets, picture yourself kicking back with a cool drink in hand, watching the sky fill with stunning shades of red and gold. In this peaceful scene, there stands a majestic figure in the open fields - the powerful bison, reaching a huge 6.5 feet at its shoulder and tipping the scales at over a ton. This aw...
What is a Steel Shank in a Work Boot? Are There Better Alternatives?
If you’ve ever wondered why your boots don’t flex in the middle like a pair of sneakers, it’s a good bet that they have a steel shank inside. A boot shank is a thin bar cemented into your boots between the outsole and the footbed to increase rigidity and support. This thin strip is often made of steel, as it’s easy to find, cheaper than the alternatives, long-lasting, and perfect for distributing the weight and pressure applied to the sole of your boots. There are alternatives to a steel sha...
3 Work Boots with Vibram Soles: Don’t Miss Out on These
Not all work boots fit every role—you have to find the right tool for the job. Here at JK Boots, we know that your boots need to be suited to the job ahead, so we only use the best US-sourced materials and each of our handcrafted boots are designed for specific roles. From wildland firefighting to sub-freezing temperatures, boots for climbing and boots for walking, we’ve got you covered no matter the job you do. If you’re looking for your next pair of work boots and need to know you’re buy...
Can You Write Off Your Work Boots?
Yes, work boots can be tax deductible if they are explicitly required by your employer or business for safety or regulatory reasons and are primarily used exclusively for work-related purposes. Work Boots as a Requirement In various industries, federal regulations, often governed by bodies like OSHA, mandate the use of protective gear, including specialized work boots. The regulations encompass scenarios where hazards, such as the risk of electrical shock or stepping on a nail, are present...
Leather vs Steel Shank: Why JK Uses Leather Shanks in Our Boots
Most work boots have something called a “shank” through the arch of the boot. You’ll never see it -- it’s just something boot makers add to boost the stability of the boot and make the arch support stronger. For most decent boots, you’ll find a steel shank. That’s the industry standard, and it makes a world of difference compared to boots with no shank at all. But at JK Boots, almost all of our boots use a leather shank instead of steel. Why do we break the mold and use leather instea...
How Handmade Boots are Made
It Starts with American Leather We think an American boot should be made with American leather. Makes sense, right? There are a few legendary tanneries left in the USA---the two most notable are Seidel Tanning Co in Milwaukee, and Horween Tanning Co just outside of Chicago. You can find some other American tanneries that focus on dress leathers, but for work boots, Seidel makes the toughest hide there is. So naturally, that’s what we use for JK Boots. The three main types of leather to know f...
The Story of John Khadzhi
I wasn’t even born yet when my dad started JK Boots. But there are some truths about how we hand-craft each pair of boots that runs through our workshop today that have been in place since 1994, when JK began. Sure, I can sit here and tell you that we strive to make the best boots in the world, or that we select the best materials. But doesn’t every brand say the same thing? (We actually do those things, but that’s beside the point).I thought it was important to tell the story of JK instead. ...
How to Keep Work Boots from Smelling
Whether you’re wearing a pair of old sneakers or a pair of premium-quality leather work boots, there’s one thing that’s inevitable—smelly feet. The heat and sweat from your feet are a dinner bell for bacteria, and it’s that bacteria that causes the smell. With a little effort, common sense, and a bit of ingenuity, it’s easy to remove, if not completely fix, the smell in your work boots. Because bacteria thrive in the heat and moisture that your boots provide, you’ll need to either mask or,...
Can Work Boots be Resoled? A Guide to Repairing Work Boots
When you’ve spent months or even years wearing your favorite pair of work boots until they feel like the most comfortable footwear you own, it’s understandable that you’d want to resole them when needed. Not all work boots can be resoled, and it can depend on the design or construction method used. For premium quality work boots, resoling can be much more cost-effective than buying new boots, with the bonus that they’re already broken in and comfortable. When you notice the soles becoming w...
3 Hacks to Stop Your Boots from Squeaking
New boots, especially handmade or custom boots, have noticeably more going on inside them than your average boots. Multiple layers of leather, thicker uppers, and a higher build quality all mean there’s a higher chance of your boots squeaking. Your boots react to heat, moisture, and pressure, and the multiple layers of leather can expand and contract, causing that annoying squeak you can’t seem to place. If your boots are squeaking, it won’t damage them, but it can be annoying, so we’ve ...
How to Keep Waterproof Boots Dry on the Inside
The most reliable way to keep waterproof work boots dry on the inside is to ensure they’re made of quality materials. Cheap waterproof boots will invariably leak, leading to discomfort. In fact, with quality boots, water-resistant is often all you’ll need. With water-resistant leather boots, providing the stitching and the leather is of good quality, conditioning the leather monthly will prevent water from getting inside. After reading this article, you’ll know what to look for in a waterpro...
Will Work Boots Stretch? If So, How Much?
Work boots will stretch a little as you break them in as the leather softens and molds to your foot. You can speed up the process using a leather conditioner or boot stretching spray, making your boots easier to wear. Leather is incredibly versatile, but it can only stretch so far. You’ll not get a leather work boot to stretch more than one size, and that’s an optimistic hope—realistically, you'll not stretch a boot more than a half size bigger. If your work boots still feel like they’...
3 Hacks to Break in Work Boots Fast
New work boots often feel stiff and uncomfortable until broken in. Even if you’ve made sure to buy boots that are the right size, it can take weeks of wear before your feet stop rubbing against the interior of your boots. If you’re in a rush to wear your work boots, you’ll need to speed up the process without causing them any damage. Today, we’ll be looking at three proven hacks that’ll not only break your boots in much quicker than simply wearing them until the pain goes away but will ens...
How do Waterproof Boots Work? What Makes a Boot Waterproof?
In this article, we’re going to explain how to determine what makes a work boot waterproof, from the quality and type of materials used to the method of stitching that attaches the upper to the sole. You’ll also learn how to keep your boots water-resistant, which is vital regardless of whether your boots are waterproof or water-resistant. While leather is usually a porous material, it is treated to make water run-off easier, which keeps your boots in top condition. A monthly cleaning regim...
How to Clean Winter Boots so They’re Ready for Next Year
Winter boots must be kept clean and salt-free if they’re to be ready for use next year. You’ll have to ensure they’re given a thorough cleaning when you’re finished with them until the following winter. Start by brushing off all dirt and mud, as this can dry out the leather and crack your boots. If your boots show salt stains, use warm water and white vinegar to remove the stains. Once clean and blemish-free, you should condition your winter boots with leather oil to nourish and protect t...
Can Wildland Fire Boots Have a Steel Shank?
There’s a lot of false information out there saying that a steel shank conducts too much heat and can burn your feet if you’re out fighting fires and expose your boot sole to too many embers. That’s just not true. However, the best wildland fire boots like the JK Fire Inlander don’t use steel shanks. And there’s a good reason for it. Can I Have a Steel Shank in my Wildland Fire Boot? Short answer: yes, wildland firefighting boots can have a steel shank. A steel shank is a supportive...
