Pulled the trigger on jk fire inlanders after hiking the sole off more modern boots for the second time in less than a year. The boots have been impressive and quite comfortable. I think it’s worth mentioning the company is very customer driven. I had several questions and employees answered them. One of the “k” brothers even called me personally to make sure I was happy with the purchase. That attention to the consumer is amazing.
I’ve had a very similar experience with them in regards to their customer service department. Earlier this year I was living in Phoenix, Az and JK happens to have an actual store in Tempe. I went down there to check them out and thus my love affair with this style of boot and company was born. I was sized/fit in store and ended up buying 2 pair and a belt. Thankfully, one pair was in stock and the other I had to order custom. While I was there in store I forgot to purchase their expedited service, which is a fee of $100 or so. I sent them an email the next day asking if I could add on the expedited service and of course pay for it. Much to my surprise, Tim, one of the owners and the one who does most or all of their RU-vid videos decides to not respond by email, but to call me personally. He thanked me for my purchase and noticed I purchased 2 pairs and 1 belt. Because of that, he offered me free expedited service. I had my custom boots in hand 3 weeks from that phone conversation. If you order from Whites, Nicks, Wesco, etc the wait time can be up to 6 months. Oh, not only did that custom order arrive in 3 weeks, but in the box was an extra belt, just like the one I purchased in their Tempe store. By the way, their belts are also super high quality. I love my JK boots. Because of their quality and customer service they have a customer for life.
Dawg, I have been cross country hiking, I'm talking walking for 12 hours at a time for several days in a row the same pair of NewBalance 574 for 5 years, It amazes me they are still going, original laces original everything, best shoe I ever had period, for running hiking, working on wet slippery roofs, anything. Not sure how good they make em nowadays because big companies always try to cut cost, I get the black and red and yellow ones, real leather.
As a blacksmith who does occasional logging and land management, you may have sold me on these as my daily drivers…. These look incredible for some comfortable yet durable shop boots, especially with the burn proof thread! Thanks Rose Anvil team for bringing the best reviews to the masses🤙🏼🤙🏼
@@daniel17319 farrier does some blacksmith work among other things with the horses foot. Pretty good looking boots for a guy like that forestry guy to wear at his shop around town ect. I’d guess. I generally wear jump boots & stuff. Used to get new unissued speedlace boot w Panama sole for $20 just about the time the other pair was beginning to get scuffs.those are my faves. Harder to find lately. Kicking gravel up gravel or whatever You can do in flops or anything. I do a little metal work & get around the woods pretty good too but not as a profession. Did sell a old axe i reshaped & put on a jr/camp size handle I made for something else a couple years earlier but never used.Wound up looking cool..wasn’t for sale but got a offer from somebody that saw it on the back of my truck.I would have been a dummy to pass up that $ for a piece of a dead tree I found & a old axe head I found in the dirt corner of a old barn. Didn’t have a dime in it. Buddy had the torches ,tools ect. I do stuff like that just to learn when ever I get a a chance. Lay brick…you name it. Jack of all trades, master of none. Any particular work you need boots for in particular?just curious. Next time I see some speedlacers at a decent price I’m getting a couple pair.
Gordon, back when I was in the music industry I happened into the Gibson guitars booth at NAMM show, dude there rudely said "we don't call it swag, we refer to it as lifestyle wear"... the rude cksucker. We left.
Ordered a pair of custom Super duty, shipped all the way over here to the Scottish Highlands. Great service from JK, even though I was thousands of miles away including a phone call to discuss before I placed the order. There are many amazing shoe and boot makers in the UK (specifically in Northampton), but nobody really makes a hand made work boot, like JK and others in the north west USA.
This channel really is contributing to the MITUSA industry. After never really knowing about these companies, my family has now ordered several from Origin, Thursday and Nicks. There really is a difference. No one near us resoles boots though.
I appreciate the back story and history. Making a decision on my next pair of actual work boots has been made almost impossible with all these great videos.
Can't get hold anyone at CS, bought a pair 300, they're going back, good fit toe box and width, not good too big around the ankle and calf muscle, hurt instep. Too bad can't talk to a person.
I absolutely love your videos. You're so passionate about what you do , you dig so deep into the history and the stories behind the boots and the companies that you are reviewing. When I'm in the market for a new pair of boots I head straight to your channel to see what's the latest boot that you have torn the hell out of just to see what materials are used. I have nothing but respect for your opinions about what boots are going to last and be the most comfortable. You are the KING of boot destruction! Keep up the great work.
My JK 300X's are fantastic. Being new to this type of boot leaves me with little to compare it to however, I did spend many years wearing surplus military boots and the JK 300X's are vastly superior to anything else I have worn. (The closest thing I can think that I have ever tried were a pair of WWII buckle-cuff boots my grandfather gave me but, they were nowhere near as comfortable as the JK's.) Thanks for your great work.
This is the most compelling boot I've seen so far, mainly because it's a gorgeous heritage style boot that's available in hard toe. It's so hard to find a heritage style boot in safety toe.
Nicks only offers 4 different boots that have hard toe, Redwing has several but they aren’t heritage style, ie they use a lot of synthetic materials, whites has more styles to choose but they are not as common as you think.
After watching your videos for years and wishing I could find a pair for a woman who is hyper concerned about foot care I finally ordered my first pair of JW Boots because not only are they ON SALE but they are gorgeous and I think I am set for a good many years. Thank you Wes for teaching me so much about top quality shoes and boots,, even if they are mostly for men. I hope I managed to overcome that point today. Keep up your amazing work!
I have found that men’s boots are made more for functionality than women’s so for boots I wear men’s. The shape of the toe area on women’s shoes is almost always center pointed even though our great toes are on the side, just like men’s. I want to be comfortable above fashionable and men’s shoes are less expensive more often and more durable. It’s probably why a lot of younger women want to only wear flips as daily wear, because women’s shoes are so uncomfortable and poorly made. And they are made to cause bunions and other foot deformities.
You sold me on these boots. From the background of the company, to the owner, to the top quality boots, gonna buy these next paycheck! I’ve been wanting to get into the pacific northwest quality boots, but can’t justify spending almost $700 on a pair yet.
I'm glad you ended up and going back and including the history of the company. It's very interesting for someone like me who likes boots but never looks into stuff like this.
I love my 8 inch O.T. boots. The break in time for me was less than a week and are super comfortable. I am going to grab a pair of 300's for the summer months.
The quality of this video is amazing. The inclusion of the macro lens so you can see the cross section really helps and really makes me understand better than previously. Love the videos
I have a pair of JK forefront 10”, 1 year so far. The best boots I have ever had. I no longer have foot pain because they are custom made for my feet! They have great customers service. Definitely worth the 600$.
JK is very popular among federal land management workers. Found out about them from some firefighter friends but I also see rangers and tradesmen within the agencies wearing them!
Got them in yesterday. They are definitely high quality. And less heavy duty then my other northwest boots. Break in is going so fast so that is super nice. Perfect for working in my warehouse.
Nice to see JK on the channel. I am recovering from a broken foot and went into a pair of Super Duty JKs after my medical boot. The support is excellent. If you buy online use their size calculator. I wear a 10 in most common shoes and an 8.5-9 in JKs. Top notch boots!!
Love JKBoots! Customer service is helpful and friendly. Tim called me to discuss what I do for a living and how I like to wear my boots and then just knocked it out the park with my custom Superduties!
Now for honest non sponsored review - so I ordered “in stock” 300 with safety toe which took 6 weeks to receive, unboxed and went through the whole 4 page FAQ of how the exchange and return process differs from website no biggie other than basically don’t wear or oil them at all if you plan on exchanging but oil them if there are hot spots while wearing them - confused yet it gets better. In the box were Spenco insoles again confused as the 9 iron according to them and a majority of my work boots should suffice until break in. Took boots out of bags and that’s when things went south. First this is JKs lowest cost boot at roughly $400.00 with specs that say between 5-6oz leather(same as Redwing Heritage for example). These have a feel of 3-4oz(Danner Bull Run for example) The leather is also glove/jacket soft in upper and vamp so as far as longevity it could go 6-18months before replacement. A quick glance inside and now see why the need for the added insoles - fit and stretch of upper and vamp around the leather insole is a sloppy mess of gaps and cobblers glue with the right foot in worse shape than the left(asymmetric) this sloppiness extends to the placement and fit of the composite toe. I check the stitching on the larger than normally seen stitch down welt see they tried to tighten a gap by adding overlay stitches. I slide my feet in and due to the noticeable gaps insert the insoles just to have a better base. So with all the issues why didn’t I exchange them - can’t afford an additional 6 or more weeks to only receive the same suspect quality let alone the return process is just as much of a headache - why because a work boot has to be worn and the moment it is the whole return/exchange is non existent including the warranty. With the 300 being the “entry level” boot the expectations were the same that the same quality that is put into their other boots would be there unfortunately they were not and it seems JK missed the mark on these like Whites did with the Perry. For clarification on my expectations - I’ve worn Viberg, WESCO, Hoffman, Matterhorn, Red Wing 899, Halls, Franks, Nicks, Thorogood, Carolina, and Wolverine. So I have experience in everything from custom to mass produced handmade and machine made. Hopefully this helps in your decision making. - update I have received a request from Jared with JK Boots not to post any review that is negative as it hurts the image of JK Boots and due to the issues they feel that they cannot meet my expectations of quality and will give me a full refund in return for removing any negative post instead of just correcting the quality issues. I will be happy to forward the emails for you to see for yourself. It’s kinda funny to see that the boots they provided Rose Anvil are nowhere the same as what was delivered to me especially when you don’t see the midsole in gaps around the insole like in mine.
This totally sounds like JK. Except usually they don't offer a refund. Usually in exchange for taking down anything negative they offer to split the price with you for you to buy another pair.
@@jeffmitchell72 I wish it wasn’t the case. Unfortunately, it seems they would rather make sure their best quality is put out to reviewers like Rose Anvil but slip in quality and then make the excuse that they “ just can’t meet my high level of standards and expectations “. It’s a crap shoot for $400
I love your channel.Because of it I’m now investing in a pair of American made boots and I’m choosing the JK 300x to start with. I think these would make a great landscaping work boot thanks Rose Anvil for all your hard work and dedication
Anyone thinking about buying a pair of JK Boots don’t think twice. My wife and I each ordered a pair. I had a hard time finding boots that fit my feet and lasted for more then a year. After doing the fitting process with JK and getting our first pair each we have fallen in love with our boots. So much so that my wife and I have 3 pair each. My first pair were Super Duties and they are the most comfortable pair of boots I’ve ever had. There are days where I am in my boots for 12 + hours straight and the last thing I think about when I get home is getting out of my boots. If you are on the fence DO NOT HESITATE. You won’t regret it.
I realize this is an older video but i have to say i absolutely hate the white sole and not to fond of the wedge either. But cant argue the value vrs quality in this boot!!
I’ve been on the search for a good boot, but don’t need insane durability. The MITUSA series has been great, and the back story sold me on these. Thanks for doing the leg work.
I'm a hobby logger, forester, and Chef runs a busy restaurant. I got some JK customs a year ago. I spend 10 to 16 hours a day in them and am never in a hurry to get them off at the end of the day. The shape of my arch and toes has changed for the better and I no longer have any lower back pain or sore feet at the end of a long day. The service and fitting process are amazing. I feel like Tim and I became friends over the process. The value and quality of their boots is off the charts and their whole family should be commended for their efforts. When I first spoke to Tim I mentioned that I have had my eye on a pair of Nicks or Whites for years. He told me that they are fantastic boots and if I had my heart set on them that going with them I would not be disappointed. Kind of taken aback, I asked him then why was I talking to him. He responded without skipping a beat, "My dad, brothers and I do it better." The confidence sold me and the boots are a level of craftsmanship that I simply can not overstate. If you are looking for the toughest, most comfortable boots you will ever wear, pull the trigger. You will not be disappointed!
As a fellow chef and restaurant owner, I need to ask. How are they holding up in the kitchen? I've always been hesitant to use anything that I don't want to easily dispose of in my commercial kitchen. As you know, the cleaning chemicals and the sheer amount of moisture on the boots I feel like could wear them down. Right now, I basically use Docs in my kitchen since I don't care how awful they get, and they look right when I go front of house. Kitchen shoes don't work since they are always too narrow when you wear a size 6 double to triple E.
This just went to the top of my list. I wore work boots 24/7 back before my medical retirement, but was not aware of quality handmade boots at the time. I still have my last pair of Red Wings with a blown out toe which shows the composite toe guard. My 1990's Doc Martins have been retired and since I don't need a super duty boot, these 300's might fit the bill.
I've never owned a heritage boot but I'm fascinated by them. I recognize the quality, durability and longevity is miles better than the more mass produced boots. However for me, Comfort has always been my top priority and I wonder if they can ever be as comfortable as the more disposable boots with synthetic parts.
I am wearing my new pair of JK 300 boots today around the workshop. they just arrived this morning. The fit is the "average" as they list on their website and is perfect for my weird low-volume big-ankle foot! Super comfortable with arch support similar to a good pair of western boots (older Luchesse, Justins or Tony Lamas from the 80s and 90s). Like a firm but not too tight hand-shake around my foot. The perfect amount of toe room in the toe box; more loose with a thinner sock, or more snug with a thicker sock. My first pair of PNW boots and certainly not my last--especially with Red Wing prices creeping up towards the $400 price point.
Interestingly, I attempted to order White’s boots from their annual sale. After paying, I was advised three days later the boot I ordered was not in stock. None of the five styles that were a fit for me had my size. Ten days later My refund was received. Based on this vid, I followed the link, caught a sale and ordered a pair of Forefronts. Two days later (today,) my boots arrived. This is my first time straying from Redwing. Thank You.
I would love to see a comparison of boots available in the European market. A lot of the boots featured in this channel are either not available in Europe, or are very expensive to import. It would be interesting to see boots that are readily available and more popular in Europe being featured in the channel.
Received my first pair of JK Super Duties yesterday and can't believe how comfortable they are out of the box. Now I want a pair of JK Harvesters in Bison. Thanks for doing this video!
It’s nice to see JK getting some press, so to speak. I currently own 2 pairs of their regular Fire Inlanders and 1 pair of their lace to toe (basically the same thing as their Super Duty) and I just ordered my 3rd pair of fire inlanders yesterday. For a while I’ve been thinking of adding 1 more pair and I received an email from them saying they are offering 10% off entire order, so I jumped on it. I really can’t think of anything but glowing things to say about my experience with their boots and their company as a whole. Their customer service, from communication to actually delivering on what they’ve said, has been flawless. If anyone reads this and has any specific questions about my experience with JK, please feel free to ask and I’d be glad to give you my honest answer and try to point you in the right direction.
Are you ever going to do a review on their "SuperDuty" model? I just got my pair about a week ago and couldn't be happier with them! I've recently gotten into watching these kinds of videos in my spare time haha love your channel so far!!
For anybody wondering I really didn’t believe when they said they boots don’t have any break in, but I just got a pair of Bison super duty’s and holy shit. Before this I had a pair of Wesco jobmasters and still have my Nicks mto moc toe, I was able to wear my JKs right out of the box for the ENTIRE first day on the job. Could barely made it to lunch with the Nicks and only a couple hours with the Wescos. And again I didn’t really believe Tim in all those videos where he says, no break in, but it’s true. Oh and no blisters for me!
Just got mine. Flat out missed the boat in every way when it comes to fitment. Used their print this out JK measurement template. So narraow my little toe is getting pushed under the next toe. My big toe in both boots feels like the saftey toe was put in crooked. The last they use makes my heel feel like it should be on the outside edge of the boot. These also feel like they are made for people with flat feet, my arches dont even touch the insole.
Need to checkout the “Patriot” by Franks boots! 359$ list price and supposed to cut no corners just no custom options to accomplish the lower price! Incredible people and incredible company!!!
The only "corner cut" I know of is on the inside where everything is put together. Normally they get a McKay Lockstitch on the inside holding everything together, and then the leather gets flipped back out to get "stitched down" to the sole with a Rapid-E stitching machine. For the Patriot the McKay Lockstitch is skipped and instead glued. (These JK 300's are glued too) Many who know what they are talking about would argue glued is still a plenty strong boot, but it is what makes a boot not rebuildable, and does help allow a lower price point. I definitely want to see them torn apart I don't think anyone offers more boot for the money.
@@SuperCeder1 heel is definitely the same. Leather is the same but some pieces are used that might barely miss the cut for their regular boots. Like, they try to make a pair out of the same hide, but the Patriot's might come from several hides. The arch is the same too. The only thing I know of other than what I just said to Jeremy is a few less stitches, no MTO, and less sizing options.
@@jeffmitchell72 the patriot is rebuildable, but a Frank's rebuild runs anywhere from 289 to 400 so at 349 for a patriot it's not worth it to have them rebuilt. Frank's chooses not to rebuild the patriot but they are still rebuildable
Just wanted to say "thanks" for this particular review. I greatly enjoy your various boot reviews. This one, though, inspired me to make a purchase. I've watched this many times, and now am awaiting the arrival of my JK 300s this week!
Awesome thanks for doing a video on jk boots its great to see a smaller company getting some recognition . It would be great to see a jk rose anvil collaboration
Finally. I have been waiting for this. I want you to get a pair of Bison boots badly. I want your opinion onnthe Leather. On how unique it is. How extremely rugged looking yet still soft. They look fantastic.
+1 on the JKs, I have the 300s and the Forefronts with the composite toes and they are awesome. I was normally a Keen fan but they are getting expensive and you cant resole them so I went all out. They have a nice wide toe-box like the Keens so thats what sold me on them. The 300s are very easy to break in and feel like a sneaker, the Forefronts are super beefy!
I've been wearing Keens for years for my daily work boot but have to replace them at the year mark every time. Love the comfort, but have been looking for a replacement with more durability.
@@fatfredthe28th I have a pair of forefronts in redwood and I definitely recommend them. Ive had them since July and they are starting to feel amazing now that they are truly broke in. Still comfortable out of the box though but the leather is more stiff at first for sure
Can you tell me please how is the sizing, i am very new about boots i have one Iron ranger and i love them but i need something more for dayli use, rain etc but not really for work, so im wondering if the 300 will run small or big or just true to size? And are they confortable enough for a dayli boot? Thanks so much
@@fatfredthe28th If you can swing the xtra, get the Forefronts. If you see them side by side its obvious where all the extra cost went. Plus, if you get the 300s, youll always be wondering what you're missing and probably get the Forefronts anyway.
I have two pairs of jk boots. I bought them several years back when they only made the inlander (wildland firefighter/ logger/ lineman) boot. I walked into this humble little shop in Spokane and Tim really took the time to listen to exactly what I needed, and all the problems I had had with other companies boots. While he was getting me sized up I saw he was wearing these awesome looking lower cut boots with cushy wedge soles and I asked him about them. He said they were just some boots he made for himself trying out a new design. I told him I had been looking all around the Internet for boots just like that to wear outside of work and he agreed to make me a pair. A year or two later I saw that they finally started selling that same style on their website as the forefront. Ever since then I've watched them grow and grow their selection and open a bunch of new locations across the country. Those two pairs of boots are beat to hell now and in need of full rebuilds but they've been the best boots I've ever owned by a longshot. I doubt Tim remembers me but I like to think me buying those proto-forefronts helped convince him to add them to their lineup.
Just ordered a pair a few days ago and got a call from one of their employees to give me info on my order and when it will be shipped. Super friendly and different experience from most companies. Can’t wait to have them in my hands
Anxiously waiting for my pair (ordered about 1 week ago). I know this will surely be the “gateway” boot into the world of PNW boots! Love these videos!
gateway drug, next thing you know you will be looking at a pair of white's perry and a Nicks hot shots and might as well complete the collection with some Franks willshires.
Another small company I've heard great things about is Frank's boots. Same heritage logger style. Also from Spokane, and in the 5-$600 range as well. I've seen very few people review them. They don't get as much recognition as Nick's, Whites, or even JK's.
On day three of wear on my pair of 300s from JK. Thanks Rose Anvil for bringing my awareness to this brand, I wish I had a pair of these 30 years ago. My 1st Gen Chippewa Apache boots are now my back up pair.
Whats interesting about this. Is that JK offering shows you how with a different construction how much cost savings can me made. And how various companies are overcharging. Now all of this is grey in the boot world since its the labor that costs the most. Not too mention the loss that cannot be sold.
Great video. Jks builds fantastic boots and I love my Bison Superduties, Bison so thick yet soft. I've checked out the 300 in their showroom n its a great value/option for those looking for a wedge boot. Definitely would buy a Jks 300 instead of Whites Perry. I hope you get a chance to check out Franks Boots Company $350 Patriot Boot. More Logger style but would be great for your MITUSA series. Thanks again
As others have noted the SuperDuty/Inlander do NOT have stainless hardware this would be great as I work for an Ag chemical company after 1.5 months of 2-4 tanker washouts a day dealing with Aqua Ammonia, Sol 32, Copper, Zinc, Mag etc. The screw heads are rusted that happened basically day 1 but I will likely wear out the soles and the screws will be replaced at that time before I have hardware failure. This is one area I hope they improve on in the future but no deal breaker for me, the brass eyes only lightly but permanently tarnished. Other than break in was easy and i wear them 7 days a week no foot pain anymore.
I have a pair of Superdutys with the Vibram Crissy sole and I love them. I’m a welder/iron worker so I tend to be pretty hard on boots. Thorogoods used to be my go to boot. Not anymore. I’m a JK boot guy now.
@@whorewrangler The JK boots are more comfortable. Thorogoods are nice boots but I always felt like my Thorogoods were either too tight or too loose as far as fit goes. The size never felt spot on. With the JK boots, as long as you take care to size them properly, you won’t be disappointed. I can’t stand my toes being smashed together in narrow shoes/boots and I was able to get my JK boots perfect. Not too wide that I’m floating in my boots, but not too narrow that my toes are rubbing and smashed causing hot spots. I truly am impressed how nice the feel every time I lace them up. I now have three pairs.
I've had JK's super dutys for years now. They are built fantastic and feel great the whole time you have them on your feet. As a millwright at a sawmill I beat the tar out of them on a daily basis, I'm talking fire, oil, dirt, welding/torch slag, sharp steel, snow etc. And they just take it. They will last me 2 resoles in that hard of an environment before needing rebuilt. Worth every penny when you see cheap polymer material based boots fall apart in the same environment in a matter of weeks. If you think JK's won't last or aren't worth it I'd beg to differ. Worth every penny.
You have got me to order a pair of Nicks boots for work and these for my casual wear. Love your work and passion, I spread the word as much as I can. Thanks for all your hard work
My friend, big fan. i have a Grenson Fred boots with triple leather sole for 5 years, one of the best boots ever. Make a video and youll see that is one of the toughest boots ever
It goes without saying but what the JK company has been able to accomplish is the testament to the American dream. Quality hand made product made in America.
Spot on... and hat's off to JK. To smartly offer a QUALITY all around great utility casual work boot. That has the guts to also play in the big leagues. So they provide you the confidence to know that you have a great quality boot. That was made affordable for everyday wear and chores and camping and work or a night on the town.... BUT you get introduced into the QUALITY boot market. You will be happy and your next pair of JK boots... will be a step up. These will sell off the shelf. Better get your order in now.
I purchased a pair of JK Forefront Hard toe boots, and I have worn them for 3 months now. This is the first pair of hand made boots that I have ever owned, and i will never go back to store bought boots again! They are the best made boots that I have ever had, and they were comfortable as soon as I put them on. The leather insole really conforms to your feet nicely. I will be purchasing another pair. Awesome boot!
I enjoy my JK boots. I own 300’s and they’re great so far. I also have the arctic 2 great for Wisconsin winter, super duty’s and the Americans. This company has great customer service too
Very timely video!! I was in the market for new pair of safety boots in wide width and this video just sold me on a pair! I'm looking forward to receiving them!
A lot of items that are handmade, the price is in the work the craftsmen do, moreso than the materials. And the choice of more expensive materials sometimes necessitates more complex construction. So if the person making these boots can stitch a 360 welt in 2 minutes vs. 10 for a 270 + nails, huge savings on a per item basis. Same with a leather shank may require more time, the cheaper leather may be easier to work with, etc.
You inspire folks. You've inspired me and continue to do so. That's pretty precious and a life being lived well. The rest is Bo##ox and useless labels.
8:02 is best illustrsation that something is wrong with modern shoes. Too narrow and long. Not enough space for fingers. Especially for toe. You can see how big toe tried to spread a liitle bit more space fo it.
A quick internet search has resulted in many negative customer service related reviews. Confusing sizing, high restocking fee, short warranty, major defects. There has to be better boot companies. A pair of boots will only last you if you can get the right pair of boots in the first place and it looks like JK sure has been slacking big tine
