I just received my pair a few weeks ago. They were the second most comfortable boots I own out of the box. Every time I wear them I like them more. I went for the 300x because I don't have a hard job that needs that tough boot. That being said, now I'm addicted. I can see myself buying a pair of Bison OTs or something like the harvester when I need a dress boot.
@@Torontodude20000 For me, it was my Allen Edmonds Landon Cap Toe. It has high comfort but is not built as well as these. Thinner leather and some foam under the leather sock liner. So probably not what you're looking for unless you're looking for a dressy pair of boots.
I have been so absolutely impressed by your media and customer service team. Every single question I had about buying a pair of forefronts already corresponded to a RU-vid video available on this channel. I’m very excited to receive my boots!
True and another minor issue with these is the lighter leather (the toe is *really* soft) and the backs of the hooks abrade the tongue quite a bit. Nathaniel told me that if you want something with a pull tab, the Forefront might be a better option (but my OCD won't like that white sole getting dirty...however JK might be able to do a custom build with the black lug sole).
I absolutely LOVE this video!!! I own two pair and have a third on order. Each boot has its purpose, and is worth every penny I have spent on my JK Boots!
The making is very impressive. That said, someone has to keep the knives sharp, the brass ready, the nails available. Someone selects the leather, someone sharpens the forms. Someone loads the thread… The polishing wheels, the rotating knives that appear so effortlessly cutting the leather on the boot edges next to the soul… That I’d like to see how it’s accomplished.👍👍
I sharpen knives & cutters for various trades: a lot of it comes down to how good the steel is in the blades used, as to how keen an edge can be ground and honed onto it, and how long it keeps that edge. I imagine that the bootmakers hone their knives regularly on a diamond sharpener or plate, or a leather strop, as it's less messy than a water or oilstone, and less likely to mark the leather.
Unit sole/heel combos like that are typically just glued on anyway. Modern glues hold just fine, and stitches over heavy lugs like that wear through within a day or two anyway. The parts that matter are nailed and stitched. I'd prefer a leather midsole, but overall that's a solid value if it's under $400. 🤷♂️
From my own experience it makes the unit outsole quite easily replaceable and it’s usually worn down before it even starts to peel away. Lot of hiking boots (more traditional ones without cup outsoles) are made like that because the sole takes a beating in the mountainous terrain.
I have had these boots for about 9 to 10 months now. I work in a warehouse both inside and out so I needed the Lug sole. My biggest complaint is the lug sole. It is so hard it gives little traction. In wooded areas where there are leaves or pine needles they are slick. On asphalt and concrete with rain or snow they are not great in fact on our newly resealed asphalt they are slick on that too. I asked if I sent them in if they would put a softer lug sole on them they told me that they would not. They do wear like iron. They barely have any wear after every day use. But that isn't worth the cons in my opinion. So for that reason I would not buy the 300x again. They are certainly comfortable. They are plenty durable. But by the time I have another cobbler put a new sole on them they will cost as much as a more expensive boot with a better lug. They really are a great boot If it wasn't for that. If you can use the crispy sole they are probably great. Stay away from the lug
I just bought a pair of the 300x in brown. I'm so excited to get em so I can retire my danner strongholds. These jk boots will be my first ever pair of high end work boots. Tired of having to buy a new pair every year. Don't get me wrong I like danners they just don't seem to hold up to what I need them to.
commercial carpenter here and I have always been a red wings diehard. for christmas my mother got me a pair of danners. I was familiar by name but new to the boot. these bad boys are great! i might even like them more than the red wings I usually buy. these JK boots looks even more impressive however, for the price I would be paying, Id hate to wear them on to some of the jobsites I work on. the mud and slop would destroy them too soon for 600+ dollars
@@ajaxracing you are right about that. I was looking at the midsole from the side and it's definitely not leather but a rubbery material. It's a great boot for the money.
I ordered a pair randomly online. Then it said give it 8 weeks. I was like what. Nkw i understand why. God i hope theyre good. I go theough a pair or boots every 3 months. Having to keep breaking in new ones gets to me. I average 15k steps a day and im a fairly heavy fellar.
I did not see any mechanical attachment of the sole, such as stitching, screws or nails. So I would expect the front of the sole to eventually separate after some hard use conditions. No thanks!
Same sole. That's about it. Lighter leather in the 300. Rubber slip sole. 360 stitch down construction. Only resole-able Thicker leather in the ot. Leather lineman shank/half midsole. Nails used during bottoming. Are rebild-able
@@frankgonzalez3822my 300x came in and have significant pinch point at the shin just above my ankle. I'm going to try leather laces and a kiltie, (it came with nylon laces and no kiltie) but I was spoiled by receiving my bison ot first. I haven't broken the 300s in yet.
Ughh... I wish they had eyelets all the waynup rather than hooks. Almost perfect boot. I'm looking to replace my old boots with something like this that will last for years
I cant stand the huge billboarding on the side of the boots, it takes away from the aesthetics of a handmade boot. I will not buy boots with visible branding unless its a small brand on the tung
I thought the same way but after a couple days and when the leather started to crease it's really not noticeable, unless you're wearing these with shorts.
Ordered mine and still haven't arrived after over 9 weeks! At this point I'm asking for a refund as JK said it will some time before they even get around to them.
@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 I have JK forefronts, whites Perrys, thorogoods, red wings, carolinas, but thanks for your dumb baseless comment. I don't give a rats if you got a rolex batman on special for 3.99, it's still a 10 grand watch and these are still $400+ dollar boots. Ironic that you are stupid enough to say cheap Chinese plastic boots, when cheap made in China plastic shoes are more better for working 9 hours a day than most of these 8 lb boots.
