In-Stock vs. Custom BootsWhen it's time to pick up a new pair of boots, you've got two options: grab something off the shelf or get a pair made just for you. Each choice has its own pros and cons, depending on what you need and want. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you decide what’s best for you. In-Stock Boots: The Instant Choice In-stock boots are your go-to when you need something quick and easy. They're already made, available in standard sizes, and you can grab them off the shelf whenev...
Lug Sole Boots: What are the Pros and Cons?Fashion changes like the wind, but every once in a while, a style emerges that's here to stay. Enter: lug sole boots. These bad boys are iconic, with their rugged durability and superior traction cementing themselves in every blue collar workers closet. If you're all about that mix of comfort and safety, keep reading. We're about to dive deep into the world of lug sole boots – their history, their perks, the price tag, and how to snag the best pair for you. Here at JK Boots, our...
What are Kilties?Kilties are protective flaps placed under the laces to shield the boot's tongue from wear and friction caused by lacing. The Undeniable Benefits of Kilties for Work Boots Ever noticed a flap underneath the laces of some work boots and wondered what it's for? Meet the kilties. In the work boot universe, kilties, or false tongues, play a key role in enhancing the footwear experience. Diving deep into the benefits of kilties for work boots, this article will detail the importance of ...
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...
Why Choosing Resolable Work Boots Is The Best Decision You'll Ever MakeWhen it comes to picking out work boots, there's more than just initial comfort and design to consider. The lifespan of the boot is a significant factor, and a key element here is whether the boot can be resoled. Let’s dive deep into why investing in boots that can be resoled is an astute choice for the long-haul. Pay Less Over Time with Resolable Boots While the initial cost of a boot may make you think twice, it's essential to consider the longevity and the expenses that accrue ov...
What Are the Longest Lasting Work Boots?The longest lasting work boot is the JK Superduty. If you want to know how we came up with that answer, keep reading. Are There Any Work Boots That Can Last 10 Years? Determining the lifespan of work boots isn’t straightforward. Sifting through reviews will lead to a plethora of experiences from different people, but those are not absolute guarantees of what your experience will be. However, the brands and designs known for durability share common attributes, indicating meticulous crafts...
Understanding Oil Tanned LeatherLet’s chat about something called oil-tanned leather. People often use this term for leather that has been treated in a special way with oil. The oil isn’t used to tan the leather but is involved later on to give it a protective sheen that only gets better as it gets older, just like JK Boots’ famous Superduty boot. So, what do we actually mean with "oil-tanned leather," why do boot makers, like JK Boots, use it, and is it a good choice for boots? The Truth About Oil Tanned Leather E...
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,...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
In-Stock vs. Custom Boots
When it's time to pick up a new pair of boots, you've got two options: grab something off the shelf or get a pair made just for you. Each choice has its own pros and cons, depending on what you need and want. Here’s a straightforward breakdown to help you decide what’s best for you. In-Stock Boots: The Instant Choice In-stock boots are your go-to when you need something quick and easy. They're already made, available in standard sizes, and you can grab them off the shelf whenev...
Lug Sole Boots: What are the Pros and Cons?
Fashion changes like the wind, but every once in a while, a style emerges that's here to stay. Enter: lug sole boots. These bad boys are iconic, with their rugged durability and superior traction cementing themselves in every blue collar workers closet. If you're all about that mix of comfort and safety, keep reading. We're about to dive deep into the world of lug sole boots – their history, their perks, the price tag, and how to snag the best pair for you. Here at JK Boots, our...
What are Kilties?
Kilties are protective flaps placed under the laces to shield the boot's tongue from wear and friction caused by lacing. The Undeniable Benefits of Kilties for Work Boots Ever noticed a flap underneath the laces of some work boots and wondered what it's for? Meet the kilties. In the work boot universe, kilties, or false tongues, play a key role in enhancing the footwear experience. Diving deep into the benefits of kilties for work boots, this article will detail the importance of ...
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...
Why Choosing Resolable Work Boots Is The Best Decision You'll Ever Make
When it comes to picking out work boots, there's more than just initial comfort and design to consider. The lifespan of the boot is a significant factor, and a key element here is whether the boot can be resoled. Let’s dive deep into why investing in boots that can be resoled is an astute choice for the long-haul. Pay Less Over Time with Resolable Boots While the initial cost of a boot may make you think twice, it's essential to consider the longevity and the expenses that accrue ov...
What Are the Longest Lasting Work Boots?
The longest lasting work boot is the JK Superduty. If you want to know how we came up with that answer, keep reading. Are There Any Work Boots That Can Last 10 Years? Determining the lifespan of work boots isn’t straightforward. Sifting through reviews will lead to a plethora of experiences from different people, but those are not absolute guarantees of what your experience will be. However, the brands and designs known for durability share common attributes, indicating meticulous crafts...
Understanding Oil Tanned Leather
Let’s chat about something called oil-tanned leather. People often use this term for leather that has been treated in a special way with oil. The oil isn’t used to tan the leather but is involved later on to give it a protective sheen that only gets better as it gets older, just like JK Boots’ famous Superduty boot. So, what do we actually mean with "oil-tanned leather," why do boot makers, like JK Boots, use it, and is it a good choice for boots? The Truth About Oil Tanned Leather E...
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,...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
