Make me a 3" safety toe boot that fits me properly and pulls out all of the stops on durability and comfort I will pay $1000 for a pair. I don't need the ankle support of taller boots in what I do, I need the flexibility for squatting and kneeling and crawling around, but I also need the durability and features and rebuildability of a high end leather boot. I am sick of a pair of work shoes lasting a couple months and I am sick of 3" boots being built like cheap steel toe tennis shoes.
Nate says your father came from Ukraine. You mention something about Moldova. Let me guess you were in that area called Transnistria? (which is now an enclave between Moldova and Ukraine).
Hey! I'm the Fella in the green shirt! Been a big fan of this channel for 4-5 years. To see y'all come through the shop was a celebrity moment for sure! Ha! Ha! And to get a shout-out as a fellow craftsman on the channel was really a very cool thing for me, my friend! Almost like an achievement! Gon bless you and the whole family and crew! My only regret was that I wasn't able to meet Scott! -Zachariah(the fella in the green shirt) 🤣🤣
Zach, I’m a huge fan of JK boots as I have many pairs. Not sure if you’ve personally helped build a pair of mine or not, but just wanted to let you know I have a lot of respect for you and what your fellow coworkers do. Thanks for your talent and hard work, sir!!!
Zachariah, you do wonderful work! I was surprised that they didn't sew the turnout welt to the mid-sole separately before putting the sole on. Not a criticism, just wondered if you know the reason. These boots are absolutely stunning looking pieces of craft!!
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 the McKay stitcher attaches the middle to the insole. The lug sole goes on and than is stitched through the welt,midsole, and through the outsole Than is fastened down with screws. Edit: timestamp for McKay stitching at 13:54 and rapid E stitching at 16:11
When I ordered my JK Boots I actually got to speak with Tim, as HE answered the phone! I had to have my boots custom made due to having lymphedema in my lower legs and makes for a permanently swollen foot. Because of this, I was not able to find ANY boots for over twenty years that would FIT! After several conversations and filling out their "fit" template, and a short wait, I received my boots and COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER!!! It actually brought me to tears when I put them on. They were worth every penny, and I wear them every time I am at my farm doing any kind of timber work. Thank you Tim, and JK Boots!
So glad to hear that you found something that works! I also have a wider foot than the other and find it difficult to wear any two shoes the same. I might check them out!
@@ÁnláfBeraslecg You won't be sorry! They can custom fit to almost anything! Bunions, deformities, swollen ankles, etc. Their "fit sheet" is very detailed as to all of the measurements, yet it is very easy to fill out. These are the BEST boots I have owned in my 66 years!
I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate the way you do your videos, you use the same skill and attention to detail in your videos as the crafts you show in them...A mindset that transfers to all aspects of life...If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well. Well done sir!
I ordered a pair of boots from these guys a couple years ago and was blown away when Tim actually called to go over the order. The boots took a bit of breaking in, but they're the most durable pair of boots I've ever had. I chalk both of those things up to the fact that they're not stuffed full of foam that breaks down in six months. If you're on your feet all day and need solid boots (especially if you need non-steel safety toe like I do), JK is worth the money, hands down.
always a pleasant shock to have YOU featured in an Essential Craftsman video Nate. It's good to see how the channel will eventually segue from father to son, years down the line. It's a family thing. Family First. Keep up the Good Work. well done, Sir Darrell
I have literally been researching workbooks for a year now… I have followed EC for years and have been looking into Carolinas and some other makers. JK Boots is something I have been researching as of late… this video has been a game changer for me!!! I went to Ukraine as a kid in the mid 90s for Ministry, so this family company has a special place in my heart. Of all the hand made boot options, this boots bring something special.
They're expensive but you get what you pay for, I'm betting these are some of the most durable and comfortable boots you'll ever wear. Great American Dream story. What an honor to have a multi generational family of craftsmen. Loved the video!
Yes they are worth every penny and customer service is awesome. Also less lead time than nicks, whites or franks. All are close to the same boot and good. To me they are more comfortable out the box than the others. Only downside is the weight but you forget about it after a few days. They are without a doubt a great purchase.
I have 6 pairs of JK’s and I truly and sincerely recommend them to anyone who needs a pair of tough boots that will last them way longer than any other boot they’ve ever had. They are simply incredible boots built by a tremendous company. I’m proud to support them and wear their boots. I’m just one man with one opinion, but I honestly think they are absolutely top notch.
A stunning celebration of human ingenuity, not just the incredible craftspeople at JK but the long-gone people who invented, manufactured, & perfected the machinery, still in use a century or two later, that instead of replacing human beings, enhanced their expertise. Thanks for this.
I do sharpening and custom knives by hand. This by no means looks easy. Getting that kind of aesthetic perfection by muscle memory and visual measurement is the highest level of skill. Hats off!
This felt like a more in depth episode of “How It’s Made”! It’s also nice to see everyone so hands on and honing their skills on a profession that is seemingly overtaken by machinery. Glad to see they are handmade from start to finish, that’s how you know a product is very high quality and built to last a lifetime.
I grew up watching my father and grandfather wear Whites boots. I’ve had them make and rebuild a number of pairs over the years. Seeing and hearing John’s story is very moving. As an old carpenter I love watching craftsmen who can truly use a hammer! Spokane is the boot capital of the US. Thanks for this excellent video and hats off to JK Boots! Thanks again EC.
I bought a pair about a year and a half ago.love the old world feel and the comfort of having a boot made to you. Family owned and American made.I loved buying a pair of boots from craftsmen.
While living in northeast California particularly in Modoc County my neighbor was a saddle making who had been making saddles and other leather goods used by the ranchers all over the area. He had been at it for years and was still going strong well into his 70’s. His shop is a separate building that sets in front of their home and the only heat he has in the winter is his wood stove which kept his shop nice and toasty. I wish I could have spent more time around him and learned from him.
As a daily wearer of this type of boot, I have watched several other videos of these processes. They are much appreciated to watch the work. Thank you for the narratives to go along.
That grinding process reminds me of high end watch polishing. I tried it once in our watchmaker's repair room on one of my watches, just to remove some of the surface scratches....And I flattened one of my lugs! So my watchmaker had to go and flatten the other three lugs just so they would all match. Grinding and polishing is definitely a skill. Some polishers have to train for at least nine months before they are allowed to touch a customer's timepiece. Great video! Cheers!
They brought an old world skill "back" to the new world. This kind of craftsmanship is a dying art these days. (As a textile engineer - by education - I watched virtually all textiles disappear in a matter of years.) It's nice to see someone still taking pride in a job well done.
This is so interesting! Thanks for showing us the shop and the way the boots are made! A lot of Spokane was very familiar to me as I spent 2 weeks there visiting relatives in 1976. My grandmother's cousin built quite a few buildings in Spokane.
Super vlog Nate… very educational and fun… love these explorations of craft outside of the immediate construction industry… but still love all things construction!! Thank you, and thank you JK Boots!
That was really interesting. It's cool to see the old-world way of making just about anything. I don't live to far from the original LL Bean store in Maine. Every time I go, I have to watch the shoemaker showing how they hand sew one of their original shoes. Unfortunately, even LL Bean has some of their shoes made overseas. but they still do make some right here in Maine still.
Dad had a pair of boots that he wore for years. They had to make the trip down into Mexico to be re-soled when that skill became obsolete here. By the time he died the inside of the boots had the impression of his feet! He loved those boots.
This comment was the most direct and succinct of the thread. I second!! Nate, these companion episodes are a great sidebar to the ongoing project videos. Your fascinated narration style and editing with subject commentary is really enjoyable to watch. And to learn from. Keep this coming!!!! (I’m not as succinct ;) )
When working in sawmill maintenance on Vancouver Island, British Columbia I bought my construction style boots from Viberg Boots in Victoria. I remember MR. Viberg measured my foot before the boots were handmade. When working in the Vancouver area I bought Dayton Boots, they were handmade but not custom fit, they were about $400 a pair but I was able to have them resoled three or more times so not more expensive than buying a few pairs of cheap boots. Great video thanks!
I used to live in Spokane, well actually Post Falls, ID. This is the third company that I know of who "Hand Make" work boots like these. Very rich history of boot making in Spokane. Thanks Nate for the video. It brought back many memories.
Yeah. “The original Nick” left Whites to start Nicks in 1964 and JK and Franks have spun off from us. John K (“JK”) worked for us for many years and is now just down the street 👍🏼
@@nicksboots All you guys make very high quality footwear! You should all be very proud of yourselves. Your products are known far and wide!! Hand made anything is a hard thing to find. Thank you for what you do for the community.
@@BryceKimball7.3 Spokane is definitely the logger boot hub. White's, Buffalo, then Nicks in 1964, then recently JK and Franks. Lots of great boot companies here! 👍
@@BryceKimball7.3 I only know of the three. I still have my White's which were custom made in January of 1980. The old store was downtown by the river.
Great video as with all your videos! I have a pair of JK’s that I’m wearing right now, they’re the best quality and fitting custom boots money can buy. I live close to Spokane and have multiple pairs of other Spokane companies boots that I’ve worn for the past 20 years. These are my go to favorites and who I’ll be supporting from now on!
I own a pair JK Superduty steel toe boots, I'm from BC Canada, we no longer have a producer of hand made work boots. Viberg boot who's been making work boots for the last 40 years no longer, they have switch directions now they only make high end designer boots and shoes. Work boots used to be their bread winner, since forestry and resource industries have dwindled in BC the demand isn't there. Once you wear hand made work boots you never go back to off the shelf work boots you spend 8 plus hours in. Bought my first pair of Viberg's in 1999 that sold me on handmade boots. I'm not scared to spend money on a pair of handmade boots, with the exchange rate the JKs I bought came to $700 and change.
Great video Nate! You finally answered a question I've had for a long time when you mentioned that the nail hits the steel of the last and bends over. I'v always thought it was strange to be putting the sharp tips of nails into the sole of the boot where your foot would go, but now it makes complete sense. How "custom" were the boots you got? Did they do a lot of measuring of your feet, find a last that really closely matched, etc. I'd love to see that part of the process as well.
We need more of this kind of manufacturing in the US, but sadly, so many people have no appreciation for this kind of quality and would rather buy cheap, foreign made crap. I'm saving the link and will buy my next pair of work boots from JK. Thanks for this great video!
It's so bad that many products just aren't made in the USA anymore. Even if you are willing to spend the money, they don't exist. A lot of our products are made in a country that is hostile towards us and uses slave labor. The really sad part is that this stuff is made so cheaply and poorly that you will have to replace it several times, which will cost more that you would have had to pay for an American made product that would have lasted a lifetime or longer.
I ordered from another maker, with the try on option (an extra $100.00) its pushing close to $800.00, and 18-35 week lead time. I've only ever wore Redwings, but it seems they are selling out to the lowest bidder (china etal.), I hope its worth the $$.
The amount of physical labor required to construct each pair of boots is simply astonishing. After reviewing the prices J/K charges for their products, I would say that we’re getting a great deal.
I still run heavy equipment and logging equipment and I fail a lot of trees and climb so I need a good pair of boots. Possibly these would work. Thanks for showing us this video made me decide on where I'm getting my next pair
Welders and metal repair pipe and structural steel workers struggle to get boots that do not melt and burn off a person's foot. I've seen guys with brand new boots come out of the coke oven at maybe a thousand degrees to seventeen degrees hot with shoes on fire. We often wear wooden show bottoms strapped on our boots to walk on top of the furnaces. Steel workers on steel producing factories have very difficult jobs, especially in blast furnaces, basic oxygen process furnaces, coke ovens and electric furnaces where scrap steel is melted with 2 foot in diameter cathode electricity. Most men working in these places face being burned, going deaf even with double ear protection. I knew a train engine operator who used to pull torpedo cars from the blast furnace to the BOP furnaces. The trough sprung a leak and his diesel train exploded. He lived through a 90% burn on his body. His lifelong pain a real problem. Having totally protective shoes and clothes is essential in these jobs where workers come into contact with steel in the thousands of degrees range. The Rubber sole of these boots would certainly melt.
I think I own a pair of boots from almost every big boot company. JK boots is my favorite boot company. I wish they made a Boss boot from West boots a motorcycle boot then that would be awesome but I have two pairs of JK boots right now custom and they’re awesome.
I’ll check this out, I know Nick’s Boots in Washington are the top rated boots work boots, along with Whites. I plan on making the trip this fall to be measured for a pair. I have a pair of custom Limmer’s made in New Hampshire, it took 30 months to get called up on the list, they are hiking boots.
So knowing this information about JK Boots, and seeing that JK himself is still out there making boots, and that it's basically a family affair makes me want to business with them way more than the ones like Nick's and White's.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
This was a lot of fun Nate! Thanks so much for coming out, it was a pleasure. Thanks for watching guys!
Great stuff you guys are doing there.
Keep up the good work!!
@@andydsimmons Thanks!
Make me a 3" safety toe boot that fits me properly and pulls out all of the stops on durability and comfort I will pay $1000 for a pair. I don't need the ankle support of taller boots in what I do, I need the flexibility for squatting and kneeling and crawling around, but I also need the durability and features and rebuildability of a high end leather boot. I am sick of a pair of work shoes lasting a couple months and I am sick of 3" boots being built like cheap steel toe tennis shoes.
@@SuperAWaC so what you want is a steel toe dress shoe...? A boot is not going to have 3” uppers
Nate says your father came from Ukraine. You mention something about Moldova. Let me guess you were in that area called Transnistria? (which is now an enclave between Moldova and Ukraine).
Hey! I'm the Fella in the green shirt! Been a big fan of this channel for 4-5 years. To see y'all come through the shop was a celebrity moment for sure! Ha! Ha! And to get a shout-out as a fellow craftsman on the channel was really a very cool thing for me, my friend! Almost like an achievement! Gon bless you and the whole family and crew! My only regret was that I wasn't able to meet Scott! -Zachariah(the fella in the green shirt) 🤣🤣
Zachariah! Thanks for chiming in and thanks for your loyal support! Keep up the good work!
Tight work, Green shirt! 💪💪💪😂
Zach, I’m a huge fan of JK boots as I have many pairs. Not sure if you’ve personally helped build a pair of mine or not, but just wanted to let you know I have a lot of respect for you and what your fellow coworkers do. Thanks for your talent and hard work, sir!!!
Zachariah, you do wonderful work! I was surprised that they didn't sew the turnout welt to the mid-sole separately before putting the sole on. Not a criticism, just wondered if you know the reason. These boots are absolutely stunning looking pieces of craft!!
@@InGrindWeCrust2010 the McKay stitcher attaches the middle to the insole. The lug sole goes on and than is stitched through the welt,midsole, and through the outsole Than is fastened down with screws.
Edit: timestamp for McKay stitching at 13:54 and rapid E stitching at 16:11
*_Awesome inside look at JK Boots, thank you!_*
When I ordered my JK Boots I actually got to speak with Tim, as HE answered the phone!
I had to have my boots custom made due to having lymphedema in my lower legs and makes for a permanently swollen foot. Because of this, I was not able to find ANY boots for over twenty years that would FIT!
After several conversations and filling out their "fit" template, and a short wait, I received my boots and COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER!!!
It actually brought me to tears when I put them on.
They were worth every penny, and I wear them every time I am at my farm doing any kind of timber work.
Thank you Tim, and JK Boots!
Very cool story. What a great endorsement for time time and care that JK puts into their products.
So glad to hear that you found something that works! I also have a wider foot than the other and find it difficult to wear any two shoes the same. I might check them out!
@@ÁnláfBeraslecg You won't be sorry! They can custom fit to almost anything! Bunions, deformities, swollen ankles, etc. Their "fit sheet" is very detailed as to all of the measurements, yet it is very easy to fill out.
These are the BEST boots I have owned in my 66 years!
I just wanted to tell you that I appreciate the way you do your videos, you use the same skill and attention to detail in your videos as the crafts you show in them...A mindset that transfers to all aspects of life...If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well. Well done sir!
I agree with this. Very interesting and always makes me happy.
Bravo
Thanks so much Chris!
I appreciate these videos showing other Craftsmen on the Essential Craftsman channel. I’d like to see more videos like these.
Great to hear, thanks Bradley!
I ordered a pair of boots from these guys a couple years ago and was blown away when Tim actually called to go over the order. The boots took a bit of breaking in, but they're the most durable pair of boots I've ever had. I chalk both of those things up to the fact that they're not stuffed full of foam that breaks down in six months. If you're on your feet all day and need solid boots (especially if you need non-steel safety toe like I do), JK is worth the money, hands down.
I hope JK boots continues to thrive and it warms my heart to know people can still make a living working with their hands.
Did you even look up Jk boots on RUclips...lmao
@@BryceKimball7.3 d'oh!
And they have 149k subs too... I'll have to edit my post.
Wow! As a leather worker myself, I have profound respect for this company and the workers. Great video!
always a pleasant shock to have YOU featured in an Essential Craftsman video Nate. It's good to see how the channel will eventually segue from father to son, years down the line. It's a family thing. Family First. Keep up the Good Work. well done, Sir Darrell
Thanks for the support!
I have literally been researching workbooks for a year now… I have followed EC for years and have been looking into Carolinas and some other makers. JK Boots is something I have been researching as of late… this video has been a game changer for me!!! I went to Ukraine as a kid in the mid 90s for Ministry, so this family company has a special place in my heart. Of all the hand made boot options, this boots bring something special.
It's now called THE Ukraine
They're expensive but you get what you pay for, I'm betting these are some of the most durable and comfortable boots you'll ever wear. Great American Dream story. What an honor to have a multi generational family of craftsmen. Loved the video!
Yes they are worth every penny and customer service is awesome. Also less lead time than nicks, whites or franks. All are close to the same boot and good. To me they are more comfortable out the box than the others. Only downside is the weight but you forget about it after a few days. They are without a doubt a great purchase.
i bet they aren’t as good as boots made by automation in china
WestCo, Nick's, and all the logger boots always get my attention. 🤘😎✌️
🤘
I have 6 pairs of JK’s and I truly and sincerely recommend them to anyone who needs a pair of tough boots that will last them way longer than any other boot they’ve ever had. They are simply incredible boots built by a tremendous company. I’m proud to support them and wear their boots. I’m just one man with one opinion, but I honestly think they are absolutely top notch.
My wife and I really enjoyed this video and this family's story. Very well done.
A stunning celebration of human ingenuity, not just the incredible craftspeople at JK but the long-gone people who invented, manufactured, & perfected the machinery, still in use a century or two later, that instead of replacing human beings, enhanced their expertise. Thanks for this.
Love JK Boots story of the American Dream here. These boots are worth every penny - made by true craftsman. WE GOT IT MADE IN AMERICA!!!!!
Yes! Thank you!
That’s right, Love my JK’s best boots ever
Thank you for highlighting another good Essential Craftsman in the northwest. Beautiful story. 👍
I do sharpening and custom knives by hand. This by no means looks easy. Getting that kind of aesthetic perfection by muscle memory and visual measurement is the highest level of skill. Hats off!
This felt like a more in depth episode of “How It’s Made”!
It’s also nice to see everyone so hands on and honing their skills on a profession that is seemingly overtaken by machinery. Glad to see they are handmade from start to finish, that’s how you know a product is very high quality and built to last a lifetime.
This is orders of magnitude better than How It's Made.
I grew up watching my father and grandfather wear Whites boots. I’ve had them make and rebuild a number of pairs over the years. Seeing and hearing John’s story is very moving. As an old carpenter I love watching craftsmen who can truly use a hammer! Spokane is the boot capital of the US. Thanks for this excellent video and hats off to JK Boots! Thanks again EC.
I bought a pair about a year and a half ago.love the old world feel and the comfort of having a boot made to you. Family owned and American made.I loved buying a pair of boots from craftsmen.
I love when two of my favorite channels come together.
Love the awesome skill that goes into something small like a boot. Just as much as building a house or crafting a knife. Very cool vid
Great to see there is still some old world boot making going on in the US.
I’m a carpenter and have been wearing JKs for the last 6 months. Great video and company. Thanks
Being using Nick's Boots and White's for years here South Texas. I'm a general contractor and those PNW last a lot more than any other brands
👍🏼
What an art definitely takes time to master a craft like this .thanks for sharing
While living in northeast California particularly in Modoc County my neighbor was a saddle making who had been making saddles and other leather goods used by the ranchers all over the area. He had been at it for years and was still going strong well into his 70’s.
His shop is a separate building that sets in front of their home and the only heat he has in the winter is his wood stove which kept his shop nice and toasty.
I wish I could have spent more time around him and learned from him.
As a daily wearer of this type of boot, I have watched several other videos of these processes. They are much appreciated to watch the work. Thank you for the narratives to go along.
Nate that was great!! I could watch that craftmanship being done every day.
What a great episode!
Wow, fascinating to watch. Love seeing how the BEST BOOTS are made.
That grinding process reminds me of high end watch polishing. I tried it once in our watchmaker's repair room on one of my watches, just to remove some of the surface scratches....And I flattened one of my lugs! So my watchmaker had to go and flatten the other three lugs just so they would all match. Grinding and polishing is definitely a skill. Some polishers have to train for at least nine months before they are allowed to touch a customer's timepiece. Great video! Cheers!
I can't imagine that sort of quick life change from one side of the world to the other. Impressive that they can adapt so quickly.
They brought an old world skill "back" to the new world. This kind of craftsmanship is a dying art these days. (As a textile engineer - by education - I watched virtually all textiles disappear in a matter of years.) It's nice to see someone still taking pride in a job well done.
Awesome video
Watching this, wearing my JK’s. There really is nothing like handmade leather boots. Great job guys.
Thanks!
Like you said " There is nothing like handmade boots"
Great job on the vid Nate! You caught the vitality of the operation, and the artistry involved. The music was perfect. Wish it was longer.
Wow! Such exemplary craftsmanship. Thanks Nate.
This is so interesting! Thanks for showing us the shop and the way the boots are made! A lot of Spokane was very familiar to me as I spent 2 weeks there visiting relatives in 1976. My grandmother's cousin built quite a few buildings in Spokane.
Super vlog Nate… very educational and fun… love these explorations of craft outside of the immediate construction industry… but still love all things construction!! Thank you, and thank you JK Boots!
That was really interesting. It's cool to see the old-world way of making just about anything.
I don't live to far from the original LL Bean store in Maine. Every time I go, I have to watch the shoemaker showing how they hand sew one of their original shoes. Unfortunately, even LL Bean has some of their shoes made overseas. but they still do make some right here in Maine still.
Great video EC and great cobble work JK. Y’all are great!
Dad had a pair of boots that he wore for years. They had to make the trip down into Mexico to be re-soled when that skill became obsolete here. By the time he died the inside of the boots had the impression of his feet! He loved those boots.
very nice documentary, pro-level👍
I love these industry videos, keep up the good work, Nate!
This comment was the most direct and succinct of the thread. I second!! Nate, these companion episodes are a great sidebar to the ongoing project videos. Your fascinated narration style and editing with subject commentary is really enjoyable to watch. And to learn from. Keep this coming!!!! (I’m not as succinct ;) )
Good content guys!!! 👌
When working in sawmill maintenance on Vancouver Island, British Columbia I bought my construction style boots from Viberg Boots in Victoria. I remember MR. Viberg measured my foot before the boots were handmade. When working in the Vancouver area I bought Dayton Boots, they were handmade but not custom fit, they were about $400 a pair but I was able to have them resoled three or more times so not more expensive than buying a few pairs of cheap boots. Great video thanks!
Good one Nate and JK boots - quality all the way!
Thank you for showing that. It's good to see true craftsmen!
Love my jk boots!!! Best boots I’ve ever had, I’ve had em all! Great video
I used to live in Spokane, well actually Post Falls, ID. This is the third company that I know of who "Hand Make" work boots like these. Very rich history of boot making in Spokane. Thanks Nate for the video. It brought back many memories.
Yeah. “The original Nick” left Whites to start Nicks in 1964 and JK and Franks have spun off from us. John K (“JK”) worked for us for many years and is now just down the street 👍🏼
@@nicksboots All you guys make very high quality footwear! You should all be very proud of yourselves. Your products are known far and wide!! Hand made anything is a hard thing to find. Thank you for what you do for the community.
There’s more like 10 different companies like these in or around Spokane...
@@BryceKimball7.3 Spokane is definitely the logger boot hub. White's, Buffalo, then Nicks in 1964, then recently JK and Franks. Lots of great boot companies here! 👍
@@BryceKimball7.3 I only know of the three. I still have my White's which were custom made in January of 1980. The old store was downtown by the river.
Great video as with all your videos! I have a pair of JK’s that I’m wearing right now, they’re the best quality and fitting custom boots money can buy. I live close to Spokane and have multiple pairs of other Spokane companies boots that I’ve worn for the past 20 years. These are my go to favorites and who I’ll be supporting from now on!
Their sewing machines are incredible, pretty good looking boots too!
Fascinating! I know where I'll be buying my next pair of boots once my current ones wear out.
JK makes excellent boots
Hi, love your videos, I happen have a pair of those boots from Spokane
Very interesting process. Thanks to everyone involved for sharing it with us.
What a wonderful video. Besides the amazing craftsmanship by the people, the engineering in the machinery is fascinating too!
Thank you!!
This was great. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how it goes together. Thanks.
Thanks for the boots, guys!
Thank You, I always wanted to see the process of boot making, well done.
Just beautiful and amazing!
I own a pair JK Superduty steel toe boots, I'm from BC Canada, we no longer have a producer of hand made work boots. Viberg boot who's been making work boots for the last 40 years no longer, they have switch directions now they only make high end designer boots and shoes. Work boots used to be their bread winner, since forestry and resource industries have dwindled in BC the demand isn't there. Once you wear hand made work boots you never go back to off the shelf work boots you spend 8 plus hours in. Bought my first pair of Viberg's in 1999 that sold me on handmade boots. I'm not scared to spend money on a pair of handmade boots, with the exchange rate the JKs I bought came to $700 and change.
Great video Nate! You finally answered a question I've had for a long time when you mentioned that the nail hits the steel of the last and bends over. I'v always thought it was strange to be putting the sharp tips of nails into the sole of the boot where your foot would go, but now it makes complete sense. How "custom" were the boots you got? Did they do a lot of measuring of your feet, find a last that really closely matched, etc. I'd love to see that part of the process as well.
We need more of this kind of manufacturing in the US, but sadly, so many people have no appreciation for this kind of quality and would rather buy cheap, foreign made crap. I'm saving the link and will buy my next pair of work boots from JK. Thanks for this great video!
It's so bad that many products just aren't made in the USA anymore. Even if you are willing to spend the money, they don't exist. A lot of our products are made in a country that is hostile towards us and uses slave labor. The really sad part is that this stuff is made so cheaply and poorly that you will have to replace it several times, which will cost more that you would have had to pay for an American made product that would have lasted a lifetime or longer.
They are nice boots but not everyone can afford $600 for a pair of boots.
I ordered from another maker, with the try on option (an extra $100.00) its pushing close to $800.00, and 18-35 week lead time. I've only ever wore Redwings, but it seems they are selling out to the lowest bidder (china etal.), I hope its worth the $$.
Thank you for this wonderful video. My mothers (grandfather was a "cobbler") in ]Wales/UK. I have always wanted to know more about this craft/art.
I watched a commercial for JK boots, and I loved it. American Made!
Shout out to whoever edited the sound so that the string hits synch with the sewing machine rhythm
The amount of physical labor required to construct each pair of boots is simply astonishing. After reviewing the prices J/K charges for their products, I would say that we’re getting a great deal.
I still run heavy equipment and logging equipment and I fail a lot of trees and climb so I need a good pair of boots. Possibly these would work. Thanks for showing us this video made me decide on where I'm getting my next pair
Thanks for showcasing this company. Loving my resole they did on my nicks.
I love logger style boots I'm wearing a pair of Chippewas now.
Nicely done! You're going to have fun wearing the "new" out of those fine boots.
Great Video!
Welders and metal repair pipe and structural steel workers struggle to get boots that do not melt and burn off a person's foot. I've seen guys with brand new boots come out of the coke oven at maybe a thousand degrees to seventeen degrees hot with shoes on fire. We often wear wooden show bottoms strapped on our boots to walk on top of the furnaces. Steel workers on steel producing factories have very difficult jobs, especially in blast furnaces, basic oxygen process furnaces, coke ovens and electric furnaces where scrap steel is melted with 2 foot in diameter cathode electricity. Most men working in these places face being burned, going deaf even with double ear protection. I knew a train engine operator who used to pull torpedo cars from the blast furnace to the BOP furnaces. The trough sprung a leak and his diesel train exploded. He lived through a 90% burn on his body. His lifelong pain a real problem. Having totally protective shoes and clothes is essential in these jobs where workers come into contact with steel in the thousands of degrees range. The Rubber sole of these boots would certainly melt.
This video was fascinating!! Loved it!!
Turns out this is close to where I live! I may have to get a pair and visit. Great video and great family story. Thanks!
great stuff. I have recently been curious about the whole process.
Excellent video. The craftsmanship was amazing! I know now where my next working boots will be purchased.
Great job Nate ! Fantastic story
Very impressive
Thanks so much!
Cool video.
really cool prespective, show casisng and commentary! loved the vid!
Just ordered me a pair thanks! Looking forward to them
I'm old enough to remember small town boot and tack repair 50 plus years ago and I can just about smell the glue and leather again!
I think I own a pair of boots from almost every big boot company. JK boots is my favorite boot company. I wish they made a Boss boot from West boots a motorcycle boot then that would be awesome but I have two pairs of JK boots right now custom and they’re awesome.
Great video thanks. Interesting the contrast of centuries old technique side by side an Apple watch. Dreaming of buying some JKs someday.
They look like really comfortable boot's.... ... JJ...
Great!
I worked at Tru-Stitch Footwear in Malone, N.Y. What you displayed was perfect. I enjoyed the way back machine.
I’ll check this out, I know Nick’s Boots in Washington are the top rated boots work boots, along with Whites. I plan on making the trip this fall to be measured for a pair. I have a pair of custom Limmer’s made in New Hampshire, it took 30 months to get called up on the list, they are hiking boots.
Amazing!
I’m a big fan of JK boots so needless to say it’s very cool to see this video.
Very nice boots!
I don't actually need them, but i REALLY want them!! Im in love with this boots and this company!!
AMAZING, THANK YOU.
So knowing this information about JK Boots, and seeing that JK himself is still out there making boots, and that it's basically a family affair makes me want to business with them way more than the ones like Nick's and White's.
What an incredible story! Thanks for the mini doc. 🎉
This is great-makes me even more anxious for the arrival of my 2nd pair of JK boots!! (And contemplating what style I’ll order for my 3rd pair!!)
I bet there are not a lot of those machines made, hopefully there are parts still available when they break or where out.
Excellent video