3 Hacks to Break in Insulated Boots FastInsulated boots have an extra layer under the leather, which makes breaking them in tougher than usual. To break your insulated boots in, you’ll have to wear them around the home for a while while wearing thicker socks. You should also condition your insulated boots with leather oil. This not only waterproofs them but softens the leather, making them more comfortable and easy to break in. After you’ve used leather oil, wear your boots at home for a day or two until they’re broken in enoug...
How to Dry Winter Boots: 3 Easy Hacks to Keep Your Winter Boots DryThere’s very little chance that your winter boots won’t get wet at some point. After all, it’s why you bought them in the first place. After a day of snow, ice, or rain, you’ll need to dry your boots for another day’s work, but what’s the most efficient way to dry winter boots? Well-conditioned boots shouldn’t take much drying, but a few tricks are proven to dry winter boots safely when they’ve taken a real dunking. What You’ll Need to Keep Your Winter Boots Dry The best way to keep your wi...
What are Insulated Boots? 3 Reasons You Must Consider Winter Work BootsInsulated boots have an additional thermal insulation layer inside to protect your feet from low temperatures. The most common type of insulation is Thinsulate, a synthetic material that traps air molecules to retain heat. For less extreme temperatures, insulated boots are rated by the insulation thickness ranging through 100g, 200g, 400g, 600g, and 800g. At What Temperatures Do You Need Insulated Boots? As a general rule, the higher the rating, the thicker the insulation, making Thinsulat...
Can Work Boots Cause Knee or Back Pain?A bad pair of work boots can do a lot more damage than just regular foot pain. As with most parts of your body, everything is connected in subtle ways. If your work boots are too tight or the wrong size, your natural movement is restricted, which puts additional strain on your muscles and ligaments. Even the subtlest changes in how you move can seriously affect your knees and lower back. If you’re suffering from back or knee pain, don’t just assume it’s age creeping up or that you’re working...
How to Waterproof Winter Boots: Stay Dry in the ColdWinter boots made using leather need to be treated with a leather preservative such as leather oil or wax that makes the leather water-resistant while still allowing the material to breathe. I like treating my boots the day I get them, and I make cleaning my boots and treating them with oil a regular process. Waterproofing your winter boots doesn’t just prevent water from getting in—it will prolong the lifespan of your boots. Here’s how you get it done. What You’ll Need to Waterproof You...
Are Work Boots Good for Plantar Fasciitis?If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll need boots to alleviate the symptoms at work. When wearing your work boots for large parts of the day, the wrong boot can cause severe pain, so it’s important to know whether work boots are good for plantar fasciitis or not. Arch support is vital if you have plantar fasciitis, and while most boots do offer slightly better arch support than shoes, not all have the complete package. Boots with superb arch support, a comfortable midsole, and a leather s...
Walking with JK Boots Podcast | Episode 1 | Essential Craftsman"Walking with JK Boots" is an intriguing podcast that delves into the life of guests who have mastered the art of craftsmanship in their respective fields. In this episode, the host, Tim Khadzhi of JK Boots chats with Scott Wadsworth, widely known as the Essential Craftsman. A figure well-loved for his educational YouTube content, Scott has made a significant impact on people who are passionate about building and craftsmanship. The episode provides an intimate look into Scott's l...
How to Store Winter Boots: Prolonging Your Boots LifespanWhen storing winter boots through the warmer seasons, you’ll need to clean and condition them to ensure they’ve all the natural oils to last until the following autumn. Storing dry or dirty winter boots can cause cracking and mold, so make sure you give ‘em a good clean before you put them up in the closet for the warmer months. Store your boots in solid containers that won’t crush your boots, but make sure they can breathe. You must find somewhere cool and dry to store boots to prevent m...
Composite vs Steel Safety ToesHistory of Safety Toe Boots Safety toe boots rose to prominence in the 20th century due to an increase in safety concerns and liability costs by companies. The US Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 mandating safety footwear in numerous environments. In order to meet standards, safety toe boots must pass impact and compression tests, putting pressure on the toe area to ensure it won't be easily crushed. Steel Toe Boots were initially the primary choice, but deve...
The Types of Leather We Use and WhyWhy should you use Smooth or Roughout Leather? Our smooth and roughout leather both originate from the same leather hides, each term simply referring to the side of the leather that is facing out on the boot. With full grain leather, you will see the familiar smooth leather on one side, and the "hairy" or roughout leather on the backside. Roughout should not be confused with suede, which results from splitting the hide in the middle giving you a length of delicate material that is fuz...
Introducing the Ace: The Boot That Starts JourneysWelcome to the launch of JK Western's original foray into the legacy of the West – the Ace Boot. This isn't just a step into the world of cowboy boots; it's a stride into the essence of the frontier itself, crafted for those with a pioneering spirit and an eye for enduring style. Designed in Spokane and handcrafted in the capital of western-bootmaking: Leon, Mexico, our boots are a celebration of the values that make up the old west. The Ace: A Nod to the Classics Imagine the...
Introducing The Buck: A Boot That Defines DurabilityWelcome to the latest addition in JK Western's legacy – The Buck Boot. This is not just another entry into western footwear; it's a robust stride into the essence of American resilience and style, crafted for those who value a blend of rugged endurance and classic design. Designed in Spokane and masterfully handcrafted in the western boot-making capital of Leon, Mexico, The Buck stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the West. More than a boot, it's a celebration of hardy A...
How are JK Boots Supposed to Feel?Your getting your new boots, its exciting! Congratulations. Here's a few tips to keep in mind about your new boots. Room to Breathe One of the hallmarks of JK Boots is the generous toe room. Our custom boots are designed to be roomier in the toe area, ensuring your most sensitive and fragile foot part is never over-compressed or jammed. Improperly fitted footwear causes many foot problems over time and require surgery to correct. Our boots will be longer and have more room in the t...
Meet THE COLT Boot. Built for the West.Famously known as "The Fastest Draw" your perfect all-around "six-shooter". Built to take on the toughest jobs with timeless Western style - a handcrafted homage to Doc Holliday’s legendary revolver. They may be sleek, but they mean business. The Colt is handcrafted with some of our favorite western features both strength and style: "Smooth" Ostrich Leather: Renowned for its toughness, ostrich leather is not only strikingly beautiful but also incredibly strong, ...
What Are Winter Boots Made Out Of?When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s your extremities that take the most punishment. Your hands and feet will quickly begin to suffer in extreme cold—and when you’re working, that’s the last thing you need. In this article, we’ll go over the key parts of a winter boot, why they’re so important, and what makes winter boots a whole different breed of footwear. What Are the Different Parts of a Winter Boot? While a winter boot might look just like a normal work boot at first gla...
Why do Wildland Fire Boots Have High Heels? Is there a reason why wildland fire boots have such high heels? Well, yes. Most wildland fire boots have a tall heel--something like a 2-inch block curved or western-style heel. And there’s a specific reason for such a tall heel. There are a lot of benefits to the high logger heel, and there are a few drawbacks as well. A great example of a wildland fire boot that’s ready for duty is the JK Fire Inlander. We’ll use that boot to demonstrate all the reasons why you might want a raised heel f...
3 Hacks to Break in Insulated Boots Fast
Insulated boots have an extra layer under the leather, which makes breaking them in tougher than usual. To break your insulated boots in, you’ll have to wear them around the home for a while while wearing thicker socks. You should also condition your insulated boots with leather oil. This not only waterproofs them but softens the leather, making them more comfortable and easy to break in. After you’ve used leather oil, wear your boots at home for a day or two until they’re broken in enoug...
How to Dry Winter Boots: 3 Easy Hacks to Keep Your Winter Boots Dry
There’s very little chance that your winter boots won’t get wet at some point. After all, it’s why you bought them in the first place. After a day of snow, ice, or rain, you’ll need to dry your boots for another day’s work, but what’s the most efficient way to dry winter boots? Well-conditioned boots shouldn’t take much drying, but a few tricks are proven to dry winter boots safely when they’ve taken a real dunking. What You’ll Need to Keep Your Winter Boots Dry The best way to keep your wi...
What are Insulated Boots? 3 Reasons You Must Consider Winter Work Boots
Insulated boots have an additional thermal insulation layer inside to protect your feet from low temperatures. The most common type of insulation is Thinsulate, a synthetic material that traps air molecules to retain heat. For less extreme temperatures, insulated boots are rated by the insulation thickness ranging through 100g, 200g, 400g, 600g, and 800g. At What Temperatures Do You Need Insulated Boots? As a general rule, the higher the rating, the thicker the insulation, making Thinsulat...
Can Work Boots Cause Knee or Back Pain?
A bad pair of work boots can do a lot more damage than just regular foot pain. As with most parts of your body, everything is connected in subtle ways. If your work boots are too tight or the wrong size, your natural movement is restricted, which puts additional strain on your muscles and ligaments. Even the subtlest changes in how you move can seriously affect your knees and lower back. If you’re suffering from back or knee pain, don’t just assume it’s age creeping up or that you’re working...
How to Waterproof Winter Boots: Stay Dry in the Cold
Winter boots made using leather need to be treated with a leather preservative such as leather oil or wax that makes the leather water-resistant while still allowing the material to breathe. I like treating my boots the day I get them, and I make cleaning my boots and treating them with oil a regular process. Waterproofing your winter boots doesn’t just prevent water from getting in—it will prolong the lifespan of your boots. Here’s how you get it done. What You’ll Need to Waterproof You...
Are Work Boots Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll need boots to alleviate the symptoms at work. When wearing your work boots for large parts of the day, the wrong boot can cause severe pain, so it’s important to know whether work boots are good for plantar fasciitis or not. Arch support is vital if you have plantar fasciitis, and while most boots do offer slightly better arch support than shoes, not all have the complete package. Boots with superb arch support, a comfortable midsole, and a leather s...
Walking with JK Boots Podcast | Episode 1 | Essential Craftsman
"Walking with JK Boots" is an intriguing podcast that delves into the life of guests who have mastered the art of craftsmanship in their respective fields. In this episode, the host, Tim Khadzhi of JK Boots chats with Scott Wadsworth, widely known as the Essential Craftsman. A figure well-loved for his educational YouTube content, Scott has made a significant impact on people who are passionate about building and craftsmanship. The episode provides an intimate look into Scott's l...
How to Store Winter Boots: Prolonging Your Boots Lifespan
When storing winter boots through the warmer seasons, you’ll need to clean and condition them to ensure they’ve all the natural oils to last until the following autumn. Storing dry or dirty winter boots can cause cracking and mold, so make sure you give ‘em a good clean before you put them up in the closet for the warmer months. Store your boots in solid containers that won’t crush your boots, but make sure they can breathe. You must find somewhere cool and dry to store boots to prevent m...
Composite vs Steel Safety Toes
History of Safety Toe Boots Safety toe boots rose to prominence in the 20th century due to an increase in safety concerns and liability costs by companies. The US Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 mandating safety footwear in numerous environments. In order to meet standards, safety toe boots must pass impact and compression tests, putting pressure on the toe area to ensure it won't be easily crushed. Steel Toe Boots were initially the primary choice, but deve...
The Types of Leather We Use and Why
Why should you use Smooth or Roughout Leather? Our smooth and roughout leather both originate from the same leather hides, each term simply referring to the side of the leather that is facing out on the boot. With full grain leather, you will see the familiar smooth leather on one side, and the "hairy" or roughout leather on the backside. Roughout should not be confused with suede, which results from splitting the hide in the middle giving you a length of delicate material that is fuz...
Introducing the Ace: The Boot That Starts Journeys
Welcome to the launch of JK Western's original foray into the legacy of the West – the Ace Boot. This isn't just a step into the world of cowboy boots; it's a stride into the essence of the frontier itself, crafted for those with a pioneering spirit and an eye for enduring style. Designed in Spokane and handcrafted in the capital of western-bootmaking: Leon, Mexico, our boots are a celebration of the values that make up the old west. The Ace: A Nod to the Classics Imagine the...
Introducing The Buck: A Boot That Defines Durability
Welcome to the latest addition in JK Western's legacy – The Buck Boot. This is not just another entry into western footwear; it's a robust stride into the essence of American resilience and style, crafted for those who value a blend of rugged endurance and classic design. Designed in Spokane and masterfully handcrafted in the western boot-making capital of Leon, Mexico, The Buck stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the West. More than a boot, it's a celebration of hardy A...
How are JK Boots Supposed to Feel?
Your getting your new boots, its exciting! Congratulations. Here's a few tips to keep in mind about your new boots. Room to Breathe One of the hallmarks of JK Boots is the generous toe room. Our custom boots are designed to be roomier in the toe area, ensuring your most sensitive and fragile foot part is never over-compressed or jammed. Improperly fitted footwear causes many foot problems over time and require surgery to correct. Our boots will be longer and have more room in the t...
Meet THE COLT Boot. Built for the West.
Famously known as "The Fastest Draw" your perfect all-around "six-shooter". Built to take on the toughest jobs with timeless Western style - a handcrafted homage to Doc Holliday’s legendary revolver. They may be sleek, but they mean business. The Colt is handcrafted with some of our favorite western features both strength and style: "Smooth" Ostrich Leather: Renowned for its toughness, ostrich leather is not only strikingly beautiful but also incredibly strong, ...
What Are Winter Boots Made Out Of?
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s your extremities that take the most punishment. Your hands and feet will quickly begin to suffer in extreme cold—and when you’re working, that’s the last thing you need. In this article, we’ll go over the key parts of a winter boot, why they’re so important, and what makes winter boots a whole different breed of footwear. What Are the Different Parts of a Winter Boot? While a winter boot might look just like a normal work boot at first gla...
Why do Wildland Fire Boots Have High Heels?
Is there a reason why wildland fire boots have such high heels? Well, yes. Most wildland fire boots have a tall heel--something like a 2-inch block curved or western-style heel. And there’s a specific reason for such a tall heel. There are a lot of benefits to the high logger heel, and there are a few drawbacks as well. A great example of a wildland fire boot that’s ready for duty is the JK Fire Inlander. We’ll use that boot to demonstrate all the reasons why you might want a raised heel f...
