JK Journal

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...
Lug Sole Boots: What are the Pros and Cons?
What are the benefits of a lug sole boot for work? We go straight to all the pros and cons of a lug sole boot in this article.
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. Here's why we use leather instead of a steel shank.
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...
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...
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....
Work Boots vs. Dress Boots: What Are the Major Differences
Work boots and dress boots have very different characteristics from each other, despite looking quite similar. As a rule, you wouldn’t be able to work in dress boots for long as they don’t have the safety features of a work boot. So what are the other differences? We dive in.
Work Boots and Construction: What Kind of Boots Work Best?
Handcrafted, quality work boots are often designed for fairly specific roles, unlike the average pair of off-the-shelf work boots, and picking the proper boots can make your working life much easier.
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.
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. But what exactly is a steel shank? We dive into the answer here.
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, but we'll tell you which can and can't.
Will Work Boots Stretch? If So, How Much?
Worried about your work boots stretching out? Well you don't have to be. It's true that boot leather stretches a bit as you wear them, but the effect isn't so dramatic that you need to start worrying about picking a different size. This guide will tell you everything you need to know.
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. They can also cause knee and back pain. Here's what you need to know to make sure you get a pair of work boots that relieves back pain and helps you through your work day.
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. This guide will show you the way.
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. Here's how you can deal with it.
3 Hacks to Break in Work Boots Fast
New work boots are a beautiful thing. But sometimes they can leave you a bit sore. Here's how to break in work boots fast and easy. You'll never forget these 3 hacks.
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. Here's what to do.
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.
What Are Lace-to-Toe Boots? Why You Might Need LTT Boots
Lace to toe boots might be the perfect option for you if you have an especially narrow forefoot, or if you want to control the exact fit of your boots. Here's a guide to explain why you might need lace to toe boots yourself.
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. Here's how you keep them dry on the inside.
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.