Love these boots so much, and the combo bison with black leather boots you shared on instagram awhile back. It will be a few months before I can order a pair but looking forward to when I can!
I've been following your Facebook page for years now and have always wanted a pair will hopefully be getting a pair this year. So glad your company is getting some well deserved recognition and hopefully your business continues to grow
The only thing is that it’s so sad to watch one of your expensive, hand-crafted boots get destroyed. I can’t afford your boots, so I’m literally crying watching him do this to your boots.
Problem is that it's really hard to prove a negative claim. This style of footwear probably makes sense in a tough, work environment, but would you want to wear them as your casual shoes? Probably the best feeling in the world when you get them off your feet after a day.
@Jari Perho I've worn the same pair of nicks hotshots for 2 years now, nearly every single day working and relaxing. They are the most comfortable thing I have ever put on my feet. They become a part of you, and you can sometimes forget you're even wearing boots. They're just that comfortable.
Spring of 22 I commissioned JK in Spokane,to build a pair of 16in, Bison Packers with a Vibram V-sole. After two summers Cowboying, Range Riding, Hunting, Packing, and just every day wear, they are amazing! I will say they are the best boots I've ever put on my feet. I will not be going back to any other boot for as long as I can. I will be a JK fan and buyer for life.
Forestry is still alive and well in the east. Just looks different (thankfully) than 150 years ago. I'm a forester and I've mostly worked in the central appalachian region. Not as high altitude bit definitely not flat, very steep. The tall heel is super useful for digging into steep slopes with loose soil, snow, or leaf litter. I wear drew's, they don't get the attention that nick's or whites but they've been around just as long and are solid boots. They have a new boot that they're selling for only $350. I'm excited about them but skeptical, I'd love to see you cut a pair up and look inside.
I am a career wildland firefighter starting in 1999. High heels are not good for your posture or ankles. Many of us have come to this conclusion and most people in the industry now choose leather mountaineering boots with a low heel. This sponsor clearly makes very high quality boots and I would recommend choosing the low heel version. That said, I would choose the low heel version of any boot from any company to protect your back and ankles.
Used a raised heel in the NW, same conclusion. 8" boot and constantly rolling my ankles and uncomfortable. Low heel solved it. Mountaineering boots are way more comfortable in my experiences.
As a European with no specific familiarity with the history of the US, this was a really intriguing watch! Great boots and a history 101. There’s a great novel about the US forests through the times, by the way, called „The Overstory“ by Richard Powers. Worth a read, I think!
@@s-zo5641 I'm a boot aficionado, from Europe as well, and i came across loggers several times both in Amsterdam and Stuttgart. And you can easily order them online; ebay, amazon, etc.
@@MarkGelderland it is just too bad that by the time u get them they will be 1000€ 🤣 oh well a decent price to pay for not having ttip... not all US made products r of this boots top notch quality.... fer sher dood 🤣
No logger, but I just bought my first pair of real PNW boots, JK 300x thanks to your video about them. So happy with them and built like absolute tanks. Thanks for giving this company the attention they deserve. I don't think enough people hear about JK, which is a damn shame. Good to see them being put in the spotlight.
Why on God's earth would you buy a pair of loggers who aren't loggers, electrical pole workers, or firefighters? I cleared land in the early 90s and would savor the moment when I could get those heavy ass things off my feet.
@@jonathanmosher72 I grew up with boots like this on my feet and while I have a small chainsaw collection and a forest to tend to I am not a logger. I have some wesco highliners that I like quite a bit esp. for riding my motorcycle. I have some ankle height boots like I grew up in for just kicking around, scrambling in and out of crawlers, heading out hiking and so on. There is a big difference between slogging through rough terrain all day long and that wonderful feeling of taking off that boot and going for a 6 mile hike on a trail so still nice to get them off your feet but not even close to what it feels like after a day of work in them. The big win for me is the support and how rugged they are. You just don't get the same thing out of a pair of plastic/nylon shoes and those modern shoes won't hold up at all to any kind of rough terrain. They also don't have the support and they don't have the grip either. If I tried skinning my cat in a pair of plastic boots I'd give them maybe a week at most before they are shredded.
@@danielboughton3624 I wear quality boots. I didn't say anything about plastic shoes. The whole support thing is only needed if you're always dealing with rolling an ankle or on even ground all day long. Roman soldiers wore 50lb packs, walked 25 miles a day in sandals. Porters and Sherpas climb mountain until snow line with packs wearing sandals. Highliners weigh almost 6 pounds. They're anchors.
@@redrustyhill2 as stated before they are the most comfortable thing I have ever put my foot in and a 5 ft 10 in 175 lb me doesn't need the extra 2 in I'm not that insecure. Thank you very little for your input.
@@Unclesmokey314 the only people I've ever heard claim boots like that as most comfortable footwear ever, are short people. They kill my back and knees and are horrible for walking in. Heavy and clunky.
@@redrustyhill2 I'm 6'2" 190 lbs. and won't ever wear anything else but logger boots, been wearing them since around 1992 and never owned any other footwear since. I'm also a machinist and sometimes run CNC's and they are great for standing still while also good for walking. Either way if you are on your feet all day I can't imagine a better thing to have on your feet once they are broken in. Feet are feet no matter what height you are, weight might be a factor but that is a different issue.
There was for a very long time (and possibly still today) an opinion held by many physical therapists that high heels (in the common sense they meant women's stilletos) caused anterior pelvic tilt. The only well designed study I was ever aware of showed that it didn't, and in the case of a larger portion of men actually caused posterior tilt. Without rooting out that citation I'll confirm anecdotally that proper arch support with a bit of a heel lift (not so far as a stilleto) is in the case for most average feet and postures, of benefit. In flat (not collapsed) feet less arch less heel. In high arch, more arch less heel. But for most, good arch more heel.
@@MsSamareh Boots with heels effectively function as a leveling platform to stand on facing uphill. Otherwise, you'll need to stand on your toes as feet don't tend to bend upwards that well.
@@wisenber but on a hill, you're not always facing uphill. It's worse when you try to go downhill, it's suddenly more steep. And why do you have to strictly stand with your feet pointing up most of the time? Your feet will naturally shift to a more comfortable angle if you're just standing there.
Knowing that I can't even hardly walk in my boots, due to them making my feet hurt so bad, makes me want to cry watching you cut in half some of the most beautiful boots I've ever seen.
Must dissagre with their explanation. I am sure that high heel is comfortable and needed for some jobs. But if high heel was soo good for our posture and our joints, evoultuion would make it that way in few million years of our evolving. In the long run, with high heels you are shortening your calf muscles, and putting pressure from wrong direction on your ankles, knees and hips. I would say use it for job if it helps you, but use flat/almost flat shoes for your time off.
JK Boots is the real deal in every way! I got my first pair and was so impressed after a week on the job that I ordered two more pairs. Their willingness to work with customers to get them exactly what they need to fit the work they do and environment they work in is amazing! Second to none. I’ll never wear another boot. I am forever a JK man!
Cool! When I was working in Montana at a boot shop I learned that bison leather is so supple due to the tanning process. Cow/bovine hides are stretched more when tanned. Bison hides are 'shrunken' to keep the grain texture. Thus the suppleness of bison is more pronounced.
If you work in the woods (off the beaten track) try a pair of loggers. I am on the east coast as well, but in Canada, and was gifted a pair of rubber chainsaw boots. It surprised me how much better the traction was in rough terrain for this style of boot.
Ive honestly always thought a good pair of loggers would make a great hunting boot here. It's not the Rockies but Pennsylvania has got plenty of slopes both inside the Appalachian range and in the foothills to the west and east of it. Place I have some stands has an average slope between 30-40° and can even hit 45 in some places, at least according to the land management and hunting app I have installed. Doesn't sound like much until you have to hike it, and it gets more fun dragging deer because all the trees fall parallel to the slope, but because of the growth of multiflora rose and other unpleasant brush you often have to drag perpendicular to the slope. Always fun rolling a deer over logs while fighting a 40° slope that just really wants to drag you down into nature's barbed wire.
My uncle makes handmade moccasins I currently own 4 pairs. Have handled and seen hundreds. Own the first pair for going on 10 years and the others a few years intervals between. My parents have owned pairs over the years. So I feel fairly accurate and prepared to say Bison looks the most impressive and different to start off with. But in terms of aesthetics ages the worst. It is true it’s heavier, thicker, but much more spongey and capable of flexing and stretching. But as I said it basically just gets dirtier over the years it does not have much patina, wear, change. My deer and elk do that in spades but are also much more worn out over the years. Of course how thick each hide is varies, vegetable or chrome tanned, is it filled, dyed, glazed, combinations; change the leathers. So of course you can probably find a magic elixir that makes bison stiffer, harder, or age more beautifully. You can probably find super thick elk or deer out there. But in general elk and deer age and patina much nicer, but don’t last as long, bison and moose are thicker, heavier, but also more spongey and pliable, but do not in general age as nicely.
I just wrote a comment about my moccasins being bison soled. They also have elk uppers, which are yellowish but now stained from spilling coffee on my feet over the years. They look beat up, but they are still in really good physical condition and are insanely comfortable. I went through a million pairs until I bought nice handmade ones. The others would roll on my foot and / or quicky fall apart. The handmade pair fits like a glove. Respect to your uncle.
@@yentingchen wow somehow I never got the notification for your comment and now 3 months later I’m answering haha. Honestly the difference in water “natural” water resistance in my experience is overhyped. Because the single biggest factor is how leather is tanned and finished. Bison that is tanned and finished with lots oils and waxes can be just as resistant as any leather. If it’s a leather with a finish, paint, sealant applied it will be just fine. So I haven’t ever really noticed a difference between, elk, steer, goat, deer, and bison in my collection. The biggest thing I’ve noticed in water resistance, wear, aging, patina is the tanning and finishing.
Would love a series on healthcare worker shoes. Most are sneaker and rubber/foam for disinfecting reasons but some popular ones like dansko clogs, hokas, gales+ etc
I'm a wildland firefighter from the PNW who also works, Cali, Arizona, Colorado etc and I have had my Whites for 6 years, I wear them to do any odd job and I love them. I don't think anything will ever make me switch.
I worked as a Power line Electrician and the high heel to lock in the climbers and the outstanding arch supports for standing in the climbers for hours at a time were a must. In other words the need was there and the price is what you pay for the best and longest lasting boots. TADA!
I just started a new career as a lineman, trying to figure out who makes the best climbing boot before shelling out a huge amount of money. Any thoughts from your experience?
@@aidenstefanson2175 try the boots on... If they don't have a steel shank completely disregard. And a 2 inch heel if you actually climb, if you are a bucket lineman than 1.5"
@@aidenstefanson2175 Sorry Aiden, I wor4ked for KG&E in Wichita, KS at the time and they carried the boots they recommended and we purchased them through the company. I cannot tell you what brand, that was in 1975, I was a new Journeyman and we were sent over to Missouri that winter after an ice storm where we worked 20 hours a day to stay on triple time. My Journeyman partner on the truck was 62 and praying for one of the older foremen to retire so he could move up to foreman before he retired. I looked at him and asked myself if I wanted to be in his position in 30 years and said no, so I quit my job and went back to school and got accepted to Medical School and have done much better with an indooor job. (just my personal preference you know). Anyway I cannot help you other than to wish you the best in the world for your future and bless you for doint that job so I don't have to..
Great video! I have a pair of White’s Logger boots from 1994 where I used them throughout the years in wild land fire. There isn’t any other feeling to have a custom pair of handmade boots when you live in them for months on end without any breaks.
I had a hand me down set of lineman boots (really similar shape boot) that were already broken in. Steel toe and steel shank. I wore them until I was hot gluing holes in the tips over the steel. Most comfortable footwear I've ever worn. (Except crazy heavy).
Hey, I want to see the Thursday Explorers cut in half. Since Nick's tactical boots seem a bit similar, could you do a comparison between the two? Also, I love the channel. You helped me make many decisions on what I should buy. Thank you.
I used to get the Chippewa Super Loggers and pressure wash them once a week to get all the work crud, grease, oil. They would last about 2 years. Loggers are my favorite unfortunately when Berkshire Hathaway bout them the Quality when downhill fast. I'm in Texas and can't even find anything that looks like a decent boot. No loggers anywhere. Maybe I'll look into JK if they're waterproof. If you work on rough ground like ballast or lorge gravel don't go bison, you'll need the stiffer leather for ankle support otherwise bison leather is awesome. Thank you for the awesome video.
While I've never worn them, I can see your point. Did you come to this conclusion from personal experience? Yesterday I did a quick search on heeled boots and back pain, and the major consensus was that heels are not good for the back and joints. I'm assuming this is for average people on a generally flat hard surface, not people in get rugged terrain
@@karls5474 Used them for work climbing trees n poles. Ended up taking flat soled slip on boots to work too to change in and out of. The other guys poked fun but every one of em had bad knees and or backs.
@@karls5474 There is no redeeming quality to them in rugged terrain but they will make you appear 3 inches taller. Honestly women will flirt with you more if you walk around in these.🤷
Thanks for taking the time to do this historic video. I live just outside Bangor Maine and worked in the logging industry for 20 years. I still wear these boots as a truck driver. My family was in logging for 4 generations. Much appreciated
Hell yea, JK babyyy! Got myself a pair shipped all the way to Sweden. They managed to somehow make a boot out of my short duck feet sketch info I sent them. If I could order more without the insane import tax (like 200 bucks) and the shipping (like 150 bucks, hell yea world shipping) I'd totally get all KINDS of boots from them.
Big heels are so your gaffs stay in place better. I've heard other people say it's to keep your footing on steep hills, but I don't see how it would help very much. I don't like a super high heel, but I do like a pretty significant one.
That center cut score should be increased due to the difficulty you had cutting the leather. This coronal (cross-section) cut is remarkable. For the boots that either highly impress or greatly disgust you, I vote for future cross-section cutting.
Second time watching this - great video and great history. We're lucky that these boots are still made by these firms with the same quality and craft as a century ago. There are very, very few things in our world for which that's true. Thanks for highlighting what's hidden in these boots.
Haven’t watched the video, but if you’ve ever spent a significant amount of time standing on a branch or a ladder rung, you’ll fully understand how nice heeled boots are.
I am a truck mechanic most of the year, truck driver for a few months a year, farmer a few months a year, i also hunt, and cut my own fire wood. The looger boot is the best i have ever found.
Heeled boots also provide float in mud and other sloppy conditions. As far as the people saying it might work uphill but try walking downhill... When its that steep you tend to walk angled or with your feet sideways, regardless the heel will dig in to soft earth, or grab onto hard earth keeping your footing solid.
Great video, love the quick history lesson at the beginning! Quick question for you about the raised heel - you mention a couple of times that the posture produced by a taller heel is more "natural" - but we didn't evolve with tall heels, right? Why is a tall heel more "natural" than a flat footbed?
I guess it allows for even distribution of weight while being leaned forwards? Allows what is essentially a heel strike while mechanically doing a forefoot landing. I'm just having a guess here but that's the only way it would make sense to me. Also elevates your heels which might be beneficial for carrying loads including the weight of the shoe itself. We didn't evolve with taller heels but I don't think we were made to be wearing shoes or standing for extended periods of time without walking/running. Again. If the first half sounds like nonsense it's because I have no idea if what I'm saying is true or not
Rose Anvil, You should do a review of a [Spring Heel ] Logging Boot. I was a Timber Faller for 20 years, and a Spring Heel Caulked Boot was the only way to go. Truck Drivers and Equipment Operators were about the only ones that wore a Block Heel. They are uncomfortable and the Block hangs up on everything you are walking over in the woods. Anyone working in the Bush or Landings, usually wears a Spring Heel which has a Curved Bottom and [Caulks]-Spikes, Slang named [Corked Boots].
I don’t understand what makes a heal, more natural for your body. Our bodies were not made to wear shoes in the first place so it doesn’t make a lot of sense. I get that these shoes are very helpful for jobs. Were they need that heal as a big lug to help them get around the rough terrain but I’m not convinced that it’s better for you. In my opinion, there’s almost nothing about the shoe that’s ergonomic because it doesn’t fit the shape of your foot. It’s made to alter the shape of your foot and alter the how do you stand and even how you hold yourself. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. Shoes like this have their place but there definitely things they could do to the shoe to make it more “Natural”.
My first ever pair of Rocky boots was exactly as he described. My foot would pop into place, perfectly nestled in each boot as I put them on. They were the best boots I've had the pleasure of owning.
This is a most excellent episode, both because of the JK boots; the continually improving video production and presentation work, and also for the totally engaging enthusiasm of the host. The cross section cuts of the arch and heel areas almost look like an MRI film... ;) Now I'd really like to see you guys get ahold of some vintage JKs, say 100-200-300! year old pairs, and slice and dice 'em to see how they hold up over time like you did with the WWII Japanese boots, the German jack-boots, vintage Corcoran jump boots (did you do them yet?), etc. It's most fascinating to see what they look like after they've been worn for years. That's where the engineering and design of the boot really shows it's merits!
JK is my first pair of PNW boots. I picked up a pair of forefronts which are crazy comfortable and much more rugged than my Red Wing moc toes that they replaced.
I managed to walk my redwings through the rubber until i felt a draft on my foot. I checked and sure enough i had a hole and paper thin rubber beneath my foot. Never going back, i only had the damn things for less than a year
I live in Spokane and growing up it felt like everyone had a pair and that it was a normal thing to own. Really cool to hear someone appreciate it elsewhere!
I got a pair builder pros about a month ago. Not for work but because I like the style. I wasn't sure about the heel at first but after a month I can say I've never going back to mass-produced footwear. Fresh out the box it's the most comfortable footware I've ever warn. And walking up and down the hills in my area is so much easier with the heel.
Honestly I hope you keep wearing the mismatched boots, it’s really a cool looking combination and the remaining parts of these pairs really should be worn
Awesome video, love the way you gave us an education of the logger industry in relationship to the boots and your overall presentation! BTW... Please do a follow-up on your Shell Cordovan boots!
I call it my hoof. I climb muddy hills all the time in the winter and when it rains, as it often does in the mountains just east of Salt Lake. That single large hoof/lug does all the work, especially that concave cut on the front of the heel block. I use a v-bar sole to keep the mud from gathering in sole lugs, but that heel block literally does all the work. I also can't recommend JK enough, they do the work it takes to keep you going for sure!
@@jkbootsusa oh I know I will. I’ve been following your channel for a couple years. 2022 was going to be the year, but then food costs went through the roof and that will always take priority.
Thanks for this. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a pair of JKs and wondered about that heel. I'm in the east but in Appalachia and I am constantly on these steep slopes control burning, harvesting firewood, hand skidding logs....etc... I think this is perfect for me.
Wearing thick heel boots in the woods on trails and for lawn maintenance/landscaping is not ideal at all. Every point you made about the shape being good is false for me. They don't keep your foot in place, toes definitely get smashed from being slid forward and the big heel is basically an ankle breaker if you walk on anything other than even ground. If you have a problem walking up a hill or steep incline those boots won't help, only your leg muscles help, so go hit the gym don't buy high heel boots
Agreed. I work in the logging industry and no one has worn these style of boots since the 80s. Feels like you're gonna twist your ankle off running on logs and in the brush
@@gregthompson8062 no they don't. There's a reason all them companies started making low heeled versions for rough terrain. And why the euro trek boots are getting so popular
@@kinkmyknob I gotta disagree with you on this one. After a thousand hours in a pair of nicks wild land fire boot I had 0 issues. I also own La Sportiva, Salmon(Both European brands) Red Wing's and assorted others. For the steep thick shit I have had best experience in the nicks. My opinion, Only downside to the all leather is the lack of water proofness. I have been to 50 countries in tough terrain such as new zealand, Australia, Romania, Finland for example the Salmons do me great with lower heal, waterproof membrane and much lighter than nicks. But when i'm in the thickest steepest heaviest shit in dry climate I love the nicks. Just my opinion.
But isn’t arch support been found to be unhealthy, cause we are suppose to walk on the balls of our feet, the spring system in our legs. And when you walk on the balls, it builds your arch, not act as a brace, which softens and weakens muscles. I think we should ask an updated professional.
Your arch isn’t supposed to be supported, weight is supported on the ball, the heel, and the outstep with no contact between the arch and the ground. I think the first explanation was correct, the heel is there to provide an interface between the boot and the climbing spikes. Linemen wear similar boots for the same reason and cowboy boots have a heel to lock up with the stirrups. There’s nothing ergonomic about wearing a high heel for normal ambulation.
Stirrups and climbing spikes are probably designed wrong as well. Riding a horse should be like riding a dirt bike, standing on the balls of your feet. Climbing spikes should probably be more like ice climbing crampons, or at least have the gaffs toward the front of the foot so your bodyweight can be on the balls of the feet. It's almost like high-heels were invented for short people to feel taller, and then everything else was designed around it.
@@noone3734 it’s a compromise between being able to walk comfortably in then and also having them serve their designed purpose. Having the mounting point under the heel allows the boots to be worn normally without interfering with normal walking for the most part
I was looking into tree climbing spurs, and was surprised to find there are spurs with optional footplates, which support the whole foot, rather than the spur only being right under the arch. So you could definitely design spurs which would work with flat boots without heels, by having the bottom built like a boot outsole with straps like a sandal over the forefoot. So I guess that would be the way to do it, since the gaffs could be in the same spot. But as far as I know, nothing like that currently exists. The foot plates look they still require a boot with a heel.
That part about posture is ironic considering a heel actual lifts your heels so that your ankle becomes more tight over time. Heels in boots and women's high heels is some of the reasons we can't do full squats easily.
is that true? because if you learn about squat mechanics, a raised heel allows for more forward knee travel, meaning deeper squat. no high level oly lifters high bar squatting in flats?
@𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 heels, chairs, and other things I can't remember. Every person is born able to do a deep resting squat. But not a lot of Americans can retain the ability into adulthood. I can't do a resting squat without heavy weight pulling me down to it. It's been a while, but it has something to do with the alignment of the foot and weaknesses being formed by that.
Yeah and if you wear loggers on flat surfaces like these hipsters will be doing standing around on some brewery they will be crying about their knees after a few hours.
I have worn many different kinds of boots throughout my life and I have never owned $600 boots. I have been through several pairs of Army issues desert boots. Been through countless styles of work boots with and without steel toes, from $20 boots from Walmart to Lugs to caterpillars (recently bought caterpillars and they are a comfortable boot for a low rising work boot) had HiTeks back in the day, and frankly I won’t spend that kind of money on boots. They all eventually wear out. All my Army issued boots eventually wear the soles off, they get smooth and then start flapping and eventually break if you glue the front back down.
I tromp around Northeast Michigan and these styled boots make tromping much better than jungle boots, work boots or what have you. I've tested so many over the years too and none compare to this style for me.
So awesome the center of the heel is constructed with a sinked in design so the heel of the feet can ‘sit’ in the boots as the leather gets seasoned in. I wonder what other boots maker does that?
Retired carpenter 40 years bridges hi rise buildings wore westco boots whole time could stand on rebar step on nails climb walls work in mud boots would last 2 to 3 years send them in to be rebuilt office guys wear redwing or cheaper boots. Still wear westco and whites for walking motorcycles hiking they are comfortable and safe.
@Steven White I'm glad they work for you but in my 35 years I've seen that kind of heel cause many accidents. I prefer my guys not wear them. I'm sure the boots are great. It's just the heels that i have a problem with.
I bought my first pair of Westco Jobmasters in Missoula, Montana, in 1978. They cost $49.00, which was a little more than I made in a day. They were worth every penny. Jobmasters now cost around $500 a pair. How long does it take a person working in the woods today to earn $500? I wore out several pairs of Westcos and still have one old set I use to cut firewood. Buy quality, guys, because quality lasts.
The reason for the tall heel on logger's boots is the same reason cowboy boots have a tall heel. Loggers that climb trees wear climbing spikes and they are supported by that heel, and cowboys lock their boots in stirrups when on horseback. I climb trees, and fun fact about the spurs I use, the bottom part that the boot heel prevents from sliding off is called a "stirrup". To tell you the truth, in the woods just hiking around, logger's boots totally suck and I'd rather wear tennis shoes. They are incredibly heavy and cumbersome, and the tall heel locks on every damn root or scrub that is above ground.
That's interesting. I aways thought heels were on boots to accommodate how much shorter the ligaments and muscles are in most European decended peoples legs.
I just bought my first pair of jk boots. Instill have a few weeks before they are delivered. I'm excited I didn't get the logger heel instead I got the linemans heel mine were a we bit more expensive at 781
I've seen that bison leather on more casual wear boots and not really been a huge fan of it, but it looks awesome on the really tall loggers. I think it's just the scale of the grain vs. the size of the boot itself making a big difference. Seems like a great work boot leather.
i dont know about anyone else but the boots made my shins scream whenever i wore them for any amount of time. after that foot doctor told me to get a pair of boots with out the high heel.
I can't say anything about the brand leather but my old man wore those style boots all the years he had to climb telephone poles and high wire towers so I can deff say folks who rock ankle hooks and climb for a living totally wear those and those alone
I always wore that style boot when I was logging. On guy I worked with had lineman uppers and a logging boot sole. He had been bitten by snakes a couple of times and wanted the taller uppers. Another guy I worked with had snow tire studs put in his for better traction.
Loging is environmentally friendly. Forest fires destroy and deplete forest. And in 1910 idaho and northwest Montana burned in the biggest forest fire no logging was done there for years after that.
I don't even wear boots, but this was fascinating to me. Now I'm thinking of buying some cowboy boots. I wonder what brand is built like these? Great vid.
Amazing work. As a fan of history (gotta know where you came from to know where you're going, right?) I'm really into getting these deeper analysis backgrounds on why the shoes you dissect even exist in the first place. Many thanks for continuing to educate while entertaining. Cheers, sir.
Check out the full JK Collection here: bit.ly/3juIDdC
Is the bison leather a top grain leather? Since most tumbled leather is top grain?
Sell out - every video is sponsored by what you cover now….
Pleaseee make a video, making a Jordan 1 out of cordovan
You should do a comparison between these and the Nikes builder pro.
I remember when the description on a video actually contained a description of the video.
This was so awesome for us to watch. We love the history and are so honored to continue this craft. Thanks Weston and thanks for tuning in guys!
Thank you guys, jks are the best boots I’ve ever had can’t wait to order another set
Love these boots so much, and the combo bison with black leather boots you shared on instagram awhile back. It will be a few months before I can order a pair but looking forward to when I can!
I've been following your Facebook page for years now and have always wanted a pair will hopefully be getting a pair this year. So glad your company is getting some well deserved recognition and hopefully your business continues to grow
The only thing is that it’s so sad to watch one of your expensive, hand-crafted boots get destroyed. I can’t afford your boots, so I’m literally crying watching him do this to your boots.
I'm so in love with my Superduty boots haha you guys are the best!
We should lock the heel boot guys and the barefoot boot guys in a cage deathmatch to see who comes out ahead with all their health and posture claims
LOL
I was just thinking the same thing.
Problem is that it's really hard to prove a negative claim. This style of footwear probably makes sense in a tough, work environment, but would you want to wear them as your casual shoes? Probably the best feeling in the world when you get them off your feet after a day.
@@jariperho I can pretty much work all day and sleep in my White' s brand logger boots!
@Jari Perho I've worn the same pair of nicks hotshots for 2 years now, nearly every single day working and relaxing. They are the most comfortable thing I have ever put on my feet. They become a part of you, and you can sometimes forget you're even wearing boots. They're just that comfortable.
Spring of 22 I commissioned JK in Spokane,to build a pair of 16in, Bison Packers with a Vibram V-sole. After two summers Cowboying, Range Riding, Hunting, Packing, and just every day wear, they are amazing! I will say they are the best boots I've ever put on my feet. I will not be going back to any other boot for as long as I can. I will be a JK fan and buyer for life.
Forestry is still alive and well in the east. Just looks different (thankfully) than 150 years ago. I'm a forester and I've mostly worked in the central appalachian region. Not as high altitude bit definitely not flat, very steep. The tall heel is super useful for digging into steep slopes with loose soil, snow, or leaf litter. I wear drew's, they don't get the attention that nick's or whites but they've been around just as long and are solid boots. They have a new boot that they're selling for only $350. I'm excited about them but skeptical, I'd love to see you cut a pair up and look inside.
Sounds similar to what Frank's is doing with the Patriot boot. Dropped the cost as low as they could without messing up the quality
I almost cried when you cut those boots open. Owned my hunting boots since 1974 I believe, they are still working great and never ever let me down.
Science and discovery all require sacrifice.
I agree! I appreciate what he does but man that was hard to watch 🫣
I am a career wildland firefighter starting in 1999. High heels are not good for your posture or ankles. Many of us have come to this conclusion and most people in the industry now choose leather mountaineering boots with a low heel. This sponsor clearly makes very high quality boots and I would recommend choosing the low heel version. That said, I would choose the low heel version of any boot from any company to protect your back and ankles.
Used a raised heel in the NW, same conclusion. 8" boot and constantly rolling my ankles and uncomfortable. Low heel solved it. Mountaineering boots are way more comfortable in my experiences.
Thank you brother
As a European with no specific familiarity with the history of the US, this was a really intriguing watch! Great boots and a history 101. There’s a great novel about the US forests through the times, by the way, called „The Overstory“ by Richard Powers. Worth a read, I think!
Such an excellent book
I'm from europe too and I'd really like to own a pair of loggers but it's literally impossible to find any in europe
@@s-zo5641 Bad News, mate. Was banking on getting some of these about June.
@@s-zo5641 I'm a boot aficionado, from Europe as well, and i came across loggers several times both in Amsterdam and Stuttgart. And you can easily order them online; ebay, amazon, etc.
@@MarkGelderland it is just too bad that by the time u get them they will be 1000€ 🤣 oh well a decent price to pay for not having ttip... not all US made products r of this boots top notch quality....
fer sher dood 🤣
Great video, Weston! Love the history 🌲🪚🥾
No logger, but I just bought my first pair of real PNW boots, JK 300x thanks to your video about them. So happy with them and built like absolute tanks. Thanks for giving this company the attention they deserve. I don't think enough people hear about JK, which is a damn shame. Good to see them being put in the spotlight.
Why on God's earth would you buy a pair of loggers who aren't loggers, electrical pole workers, or firefighters?
I cleared land in the early 90s and would savor the moment when I could get those heavy ass things off my feet.
@@jonathanmosher72 I grew up with boots like this on my feet and while I have a small chainsaw collection and a forest to tend to I am not a logger. I have some wesco highliners that I like quite a bit esp. for riding my motorcycle. I have some ankle height boots like I grew up in for just kicking around, scrambling in and out of crawlers, heading out hiking and so on.
There is a big difference between slogging through rough terrain all day long and that wonderful feeling of taking off that boot and going for a 6 mile hike on a trail so still nice to get them off your feet but not even close to what it feels like after a day of work in them.
The big win for me is the support and how rugged they are. You just don't get the same thing out of a pair of plastic/nylon shoes and those modern shoes won't hold up at all to any kind of rough terrain. They also don't have the support and they don't have the grip either. If I tried skinning my cat in a pair of plastic boots I'd give them maybe a week at most before they are shredded.
@@danielboughton3624 I wear quality boots. I didn't say anything about plastic shoes. The whole support thing is only needed if you're always dealing with rolling an ankle or on even ground all day long. Roman soldiers wore 50lb packs, walked 25 miles a day in sandals. Porters and Sherpas climb mountain until snow line with packs wearing sandals. Highliners weigh almost 6 pounds. They're anchors.
@@jonathanmosher72 the heel gives you more traction than any lugs could
@@laa0fa502 6lb pair of Wesco's for "traction" Lol. It's about as stupid as wearing mountaineering double boots around for "ankle support"
CNC operator, 10 hr shifts, lotsa just standing. Logger boots for life!!! Most comfortable thing ever to cover my feet... ❤
Just admit. You are short and want to look 2 inches taller
@@redrustyhill2 as stated before they are the most comfortable thing I have ever put my foot in and a 5 ft 10 in 175 lb me doesn't need the extra 2 in I'm not that insecure. Thank you very little for your input.
@@Unclesmokey314 the only people I've ever heard claim boots like that as most comfortable footwear ever, are short people. They kill my back and knees and are horrible for walking in. Heavy and clunky.
@@redrustyhill2 I'm 6'2" 190 lbs. and won't ever wear anything else but logger boots, been wearing them since around 1992 and never owned any other footwear since. I'm also a machinist and sometimes run CNC's and they are great for standing still while also good for walking. Either way if you are on your feet all day I can't imagine a better thing to have on your feet once they are broken in. Feet are feet no matter what height you are, weight might be a factor but that is a different issue.
There was for a very long time (and possibly still today) an opinion held by many physical therapists that high heels (in the common sense they meant women's stilletos) caused anterior pelvic tilt. The only well designed study I was ever aware of showed that it didn't, and in the case of a larger portion of men actually caused posterior tilt. Without rooting out that citation I'll confirm anecdotally that proper arch support with a bit of a heel lift (not so far as a stilleto) is in the case for most average feet and postures, of benefit. In flat (not collapsed) feet less arch less heel. In high arch, more arch less heel. But for most, good arch more heel.
Best boots I’ve had they are so comfy and have been rocking the same set for 3 years now
Thanks so much!
As a minimalist footwear person I appreciate that this style is functional for people working on steep terrain only. Nice piece of kit.
It is also pretty good for people who climb a lot of ladders.
"for people working on steep terrain only"...
facing uphill. A heel does the opposite facing downhill.
Aren't human feet meant to deal with that terrain without aid?
@@MsSamareh Boots with heels effectively function as a leveling platform to stand on facing uphill. Otherwise, you'll need to stand on your toes as feet don't tend to bend upwards that well.
@@wisenber but on a hill, you're not always facing uphill. It's worse when you try to go downhill, it's suddenly more steep. And why do you have to strictly stand with your feet pointing up most of the time? Your feet will naturally shift to a more comfortable angle if you're just standing there.
It’s awesome to see JK boots in the spotlight!
Would love to see an Allen Edmonds boot on your channel.
Knowing that I can't even hardly walk in my boots, due to them making my feet hurt so bad, makes me want to cry watching you cut in half some of the most beautiful boots I've ever seen.
400 years ago: loggers
400 years later: vloggers
😂😂😂
gayloggers
I've always wondered why the big heel. Thanks for the information and another excellent video.
Must dissagre with their explanation. I am sure that high heel is comfortable and needed for some jobs. But if high heel was soo good for our posture and our joints, evoultuion would make it that way in few million years of our evolving. In the long run, with high heels you are shortening your calf muscles, and putting pressure from wrong direction on your ankles, knees and hips. I would say use it for job if it helps you, but use flat/almost flat shoes for your time off.
What they’re saying is that having a high heel is better for your feet and posture when you’re walking up hill. Which is true.
Oh my. I may need to look at these alongside of Whites and Nick's. That bison leather is really nice.
Love to see you living your passion and these books clearly brought you a lot of joy. Their construction is superb.
I too enjoy a well constructed book, nothing beats sturdy words
JK Boots is the real deal in every way! I got my first pair and was so impressed after a week on the job that I ordered two more pairs. Their willingness to work with customers to get them exactly what they need to fit the work they do and environment they work in is amazing! Second to none. I’ll never wear another boot. I am forever a JK man!
Cool! When I was working in Montana at a boot shop I learned that bison leather is so supple due to the tanning process. Cow/bovine hides are stretched more when tanned. Bison hides are 'shrunken' to keep the grain texture. Thus the suppleness of bison is more pronounced.
Do you know if the jk bison leather full grain or top grain? Being that he said it was a tumbled leather.
@@richardodouglin3855 it looks like full grain due to the thickness of the hide.
Just received mine in the mail today! Extremely impressed
Thanks Weston! I'm on the other side of the country and logger boots are very rare to see here but I've always wondered why they look so wild.
If you work in the woods (off the beaten track) try a pair of loggers. I am on the east coast as well, but in Canada, and was gifted a pair of rubber chainsaw boots. It surprised me how much better the traction was in rough terrain for this style of boot.
Ive honestly always thought a good pair of loggers would make a great hunting boot here. It's not the Rockies but Pennsylvania has got plenty of slopes both inside the Appalachian range and in the foothills to the west and east of it. Place I have some stands has an average slope between 30-40° and can even hit 45 in some places, at least according to the land management and hunting app I have installed. Doesn't sound like much until you have to hike it, and it gets more fun dragging deer because all the trees fall parallel to the slope, but because of the growth of multiflora rose and other unpleasant brush you often have to drag perpendicular to the slope. Always fun rolling a deer over logs while fighting a 40° slope that just really wants to drag you down into nature's barbed wire.
I was a labourer and mason for years and I wore heeled boots for climbing ladders and scaffolding
My uncle makes handmade moccasins I currently own 4 pairs. Have handled and seen hundreds. Own the first pair for going on 10 years and the others a few years intervals between. My parents have owned pairs over the years. So I feel fairly accurate and prepared to say Bison looks the most impressive and different to start off with. But in terms of aesthetics ages the worst. It is true it’s heavier, thicker, but much more spongey and capable of flexing and stretching. But as I said it basically just gets dirtier over the years it does not have much patina, wear, change. My deer and elk do that in spades but are also much more worn out over the years. Of course how thick each hide is varies, vegetable or chrome tanned, is it filled, dyed, glazed, combinations; change the leathers. So of course you can probably find a magic elixir that makes bison stiffer, harder, or age more beautifully. You can probably find super thick elk or deer out there. But in general elk and deer age and patina much nicer, but don’t last as long, bison and moose are thicker, heavier, but also more spongey and pliable, but do not in general age as nicely.
I’ve heard that bison leather has poor water resistance compared to steerhide. I’ve never worn bison. Is this true?
I just wrote a comment about my moccasins being bison soled. They also have elk uppers, which are yellowish but now stained from spilling coffee on my feet over the years. They look beat up, but they are still in really good physical condition and are insanely comfortable. I went through a million pairs until I bought nice handmade ones. The others would roll on my foot and / or quicky fall apart. The handmade pair fits like a glove. Respect to your uncle.
@@yentingchen wow somehow I never got the notification for your comment and now 3 months later I’m answering haha. Honestly the difference in water “natural” water resistance in my experience is overhyped. Because the single biggest factor is how leather is tanned and finished. Bison that is tanned and finished with lots oils and waxes can be just as resistant as any leather. If it’s a leather with a finish, paint, sealant applied it will be just fine. So I haven’t ever really noticed a difference between, elk, steer, goat, deer, and bison in my collection. The biggest thing I’ve noticed in water resistance, wear, aging, patina is the tanning and finishing.
I'm sitting here watching this in my JK Honey Bison Superduty boots. Awesome boots - I love them!
You need to do a mid west boot battle. Nicks vs Whites, vs JK vs Frank’s.
That would be an awesome comparo video. Sawing through $2500 worth of quality boots? I'll watch!
Would love a series on healthcare worker shoes. Most are sneaker and rubber/foam for disinfecting reasons but some popular ones like dansko clogs, hokas, gales+ etc
They have high heels because “I’m a lumberjack and I’m OK!”
🤣
Jesus, I havent thought of that song in 20 years!
Classic! 😆😆
@@skunkape8326yes you have!!
I'm a wildland firefighter from the PNW who also works, Cali, Arizona, Colorado etc and I have had my Whites for 6 years, I wear them to do any odd job and I love them. I don't think anything will ever make me switch.
I worked as a Power line Electrician and the high heel to lock in the climbers and the outstanding arch supports for standing in the climbers for hours at a time were a must. In other words the need was there and the price is what you pay for the best and longest lasting boots. TADA!
Hookin ain't easy brother
I just started a new career as a lineman, trying to figure out who makes the best climbing boot before shelling out a huge amount of money. Any thoughts from your experience?
@@aidenstefanson2175 try the boots on... If they don't have a steel shank completely disregard. And a 2 inch heel if you actually climb, if you are a bucket lineman than 1.5"
@@nope653 That's really helpful advice. Thank you.
@@aidenstefanson2175 Sorry Aiden, I wor4ked for KG&E in Wichita, KS at the time and they carried the boots they recommended and we purchased them through the company. I cannot tell you what brand, that was in 1975, I was a new Journeyman and we were sent over to Missouri that winter after an ice storm where we worked 20 hours a day to stay on triple time. My Journeyman partner on the truck was 62 and praying for one of the older foremen to retire so he could move up to foreman before he retired. I looked at him and asked myself if I wanted to be in his position in 30 years and said no, so I quit my job and went back to school and got accepted to Medical School and have done much better with an indooor job. (just my personal preference you know). Anyway I cannot help you other than to wish you the best in the world for your future and bless you for doint that job so I don't have to..
with the little logging i've done it's nice to have some heels on boots cuz you often use your heels to kick logs and roll them etc.
Great video! I have a pair of White’s Logger boots from 1994 where I used them throughout the years in wild land fire. There isn’t any other feeling to have a custom pair of handmade boots when you live in them for months on end without any breaks.
I had a hand me down set of lineman boots (really similar shape boot) that were already broken in. Steel toe and steel shank. I wore them until I was hot gluing holes in the tips over the steel. Most comfortable footwear I've ever worn. (Except crazy heavy).
Hey, I want to see the Thursday Explorers cut in half. Since Nick's tactical boots seem a bit similar, could you do a comparison between the two? Also, I love the channel. You helped me make many decisions on what I should buy. Thank you.
I used to get the Chippewa Super Loggers and pressure wash them once a week to get all the work crud, grease, oil. They would last about 2 years. Loggers are my favorite unfortunately when Berkshire Hathaway bout them the Quality when downhill fast. I'm in Texas and can't even find anything that looks like a decent boot. No loggers anywhere. Maybe I'll look into JK if they're waterproof. If you work on rough ground like ballast or lorge gravel don't go bison, you'll need the stiffer leather for ankle support otherwise bison leather is awesome. Thank you for the awesome video.
I can confirm the arch and logger heel are ideal for posture. So comfortable.
I've worn those. They are only good for climbing. They will screw up your back, hips and knees quickly walking in them.
While I've never worn them, I can see your point. Did you come to this conclusion from personal experience?
Yesterday I did a quick search on heeled boots and back pain, and the major consensus was that heels are not good for the back and joints. I'm assuming this is for average people on a generally flat hard surface, not people in get rugged terrain
@@karls5474 Used them for work climbing trees n poles. Ended up taking flat soled slip on boots to work too to change in and out of. The other guys poked fun but every one of em had bad knees and or backs.
@@karls5474 There is no redeeming quality to them in rugged terrain but they will make you appear 3 inches taller. Honestly women will flirt with you more if you walk around in these.🤷
Thanks for taking the time to do this historic video. I live just outside Bangor Maine and worked in the logging industry for 20 years. I still wear these boots as a truck driver. My family was in logging for 4 generations. Much appreciated
I really want a pair of boots made with bison leather.... Love the looks and how it melts to the shape of your leg......
Hell yea, JK babyyy! Got myself a pair shipped all the way to Sweden. They managed to somehow make a boot out of my short duck feet sketch info I sent them.
If I could order more without the insane import tax (like 200 bucks) and the shipping (like 150 bucks, hell yea world shipping) I'd totally get all KINDS of boots from them.
Hey! that awesome! thanks for sharing and so glad to hear that!
Sounds like an excuse for a vacation to the Pacific Northwest
Big heels are so your gaffs stay in place better. I've heard other people say it's to keep your footing on steep hills, but I don't see how it would help very much. I don't like a super high heel, but I do like a pretty significant one.
That center cut score should be increased due to the difficulty you had cutting the leather.
This coronal (cross-section) cut is remarkable. For the boots that either highly impress or greatly disgust you, I vote for future cross-section cutting.
Another vote for more coronal cut videos.
Second time watching this - great video and great history. We're lucky that these boots are still made by these firms with the same quality and craft as a century ago. There are very, very few things in our world for which that's true. Thanks for highlighting what's hidden in these boots.
This is one of my favorite videos that you've done.
Haven’t watched the video, but if you’ve ever spent a significant amount of time standing on a branch or a ladder rung, you’ll fully understand how nice heeled boots are.
I am a truck mechanic most of the year, truck driver for a few months a year, farmer a few months a year, i also hunt, and cut my own fire wood. The looger boot is the best i have ever found.
Heeled boots also provide float in mud and other sloppy conditions.
As far as the people saying it might work uphill but try walking downhill... When its that steep you tend to walk angled or with your feet sideways, regardless the heel will dig in to soft earth, or grab onto hard earth keeping your footing solid.
Great video, love the quick history lesson at the beginning! Quick question for you about the raised heel - you mention a couple of times that the posture produced by a taller heel is more "natural" - but we didn't evolve with tall heels, right? Why is a tall heel more "natural" than a flat footbed?
I've heard the same thing and thought the exact same thing. It makes no sense to me
It forces you to kinda lean back . if that makes sence
Because walking with shoes is very different from walking on bare feet.
I guess it allows for even distribution of weight while being leaned forwards? Allows what is essentially a heel strike while mechanically doing a forefoot landing. I'm just having a guess here but that's the only way it would make sense to me. Also elevates your heels which might be beneficial for carrying loads including the weight of the shoe itself.
We didn't evolve with taller heels but I don't think we were made to be wearing shoes or standing for extended periods of time without walking/running.
Again. If the first half sounds like nonsense it's because I have no idea if what I'm saying is true or not
Rose Anvil, You should do a review of a [Spring Heel ] Logging Boot. I was a Timber Faller for 20 years, and a Spring Heel Caulked Boot was the only way to go. Truck Drivers and Equipment Operators were about the only ones that wore a Block Heel. They are uncomfortable and the Block hangs up on everything you are walking over in the woods. Anyone working in the Bush or Landings, usually wears a Spring Heel which has a Curved Bottom and [Caulks]-Spikes, Slang named [Corked Boots].
I don’t understand what makes a heal, more natural for your body. Our bodies were not made to wear shoes in the first place so it doesn’t make a lot of sense. I get that these shoes are very helpful for jobs. Were they need that heal as a big lug to help them get around the rough terrain but I’m not convinced that it’s better for you. In my opinion, there’s almost nothing about the shoe that’s ergonomic because it doesn’t fit the shape of your foot. It’s made to alter the shape of your foot and alter the how do you stand and even how you hold yourself. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. Shoes like this have their place but there definitely things they could do to the shoe to make it more “Natural”.
My first ever pair of Rocky boots was exactly as he described.
My foot would pop into place, perfectly nestled in each boot as I put them on.
They were the best boots I've had the pleasure of owning.
This is a most excellent episode, both because of the JK boots; the continually improving video production and presentation work, and also for the totally engaging enthusiasm of the host.
The cross section cuts of the arch and heel areas almost look like an MRI film... ;)
Now I'd really like to see you guys get ahold of some vintage JKs, say 100-200-300! year old pairs, and slice and dice 'em to see how they hold up over time like you did with the WWII Japanese boots, the German jack-boots, vintage Corcoran jump boots (did you do them yet?), etc. It's most fascinating to see what they look like after they've been worn for years. That's where the engineering and design of the boot really shows it's merits!
JK is my first pair of PNW boots. I picked up a pair of forefronts which are crazy comfortable and much more rugged than my Red Wing moc toes that they replaced.
I managed to walk my redwings through the rubber until i felt a draft on my foot. I checked and sure enough i had a hole and paper thin rubber beneath my foot. Never going back, i only had the damn things for less than a year
I live in Spokane and growing up it felt like everyone had a pair and that it was a normal thing to own. Really cool to hear someone appreciate it elsewhere!
A pair of loggers or a pair of 700$ boots? 🤔
Me too. I grew up in Idaho. Whites or WesCo. I like WesCo better than Whites personally.
This is the most entertaining infomercial I've ever seen
I got a pair builder pros about a month ago. Not for work but because I like the style. I wasn't sure about the heel at first but after a month I can say I've never going back to mass-produced footwear. Fresh out the box it's the most comfortable footware I've ever warn. And walking up and down the hills in my area is so much easier with the heel.
Honestly I hope you keep wearing the mismatched boots, it’s really a cool looking combination and the remaining parts of these pairs really should be worn
Very good explanation. I have carried a briefcase made of bison leather for over 4 years and it still looks brand new. Thanks.
I have a custom pair of nicks that I have loved for years but those bison leather boots are so incredible
Awesome video, love the way you gave us an education of the logger industry in relationship to the boots and your overall presentation! BTW... Please do a follow-up on your Shell Cordovan boots!
Gotta pickup a pair these now.
Really enjoyed the history stuff. Keep making videos like this!
I call it my hoof. I climb muddy hills all the time in the winter and when it rains, as it often does in the mountains just east of Salt Lake. That single large hoof/lug does all the work, especially that concave cut on the front of the heel block. I use a v-bar sole to keep the mud from gathering in sole lugs, but that heel block literally does all the work.
I also can't recommend JK enough, they do the work it takes to keep you going for sure!
It's crazy to see how much your video quality has improved over the years
Wow!!! What an incredible pair of boots. Very impressive.
Bison leather is crazy stuff. It’s super soft but it’s also super rugged.
one day i'll own a pair of JK boots.
And they will last a decade.
You’ll love em
You will love them!
@@jkbootsusa oh I know I will. I’ve been following your channel for a couple years. 2022 was going to be the year, but then food costs went through the roof and that will always take priority.
Thanks for this. I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a pair of JKs and wondered about that heel. I'm in the east but in Appalachia and I am constantly on these steep slopes control burning, harvesting firewood, hand skidding logs....etc... I think this is perfect for me.
Wearing thick heel boots in the woods on trails and for lawn maintenance/landscaping is not ideal at all. Every point you made about the shape being good is false for me. They don't keep your foot in place, toes definitely get smashed from being slid forward and the big heel is basically an ankle breaker if you walk on anything other than even ground. If you have a problem walking up a hill or steep incline those boots won't help, only your leg muscles help, so go hit the gym don't buy high heel boots
Agreed. I work in the logging industry and no one has worn these style of boots since the 80s. Feels like you're gonna twist your ankle off running on logs and in the brush
Wild land firefighter here, these high heels do help in all areas as he described.
@@gregthompson8062 no they don't. There's a reason all them companies started making low heeled versions for rough terrain. And why the euro trek boots are getting so popular
@@kinkmyknob I gotta disagree with you on this one. After a thousand hours in a pair of nicks wild land fire boot I had 0 issues. I also own La Sportiva, Salmon(Both European brands) Red Wing's and assorted others. For the steep thick shit I have had best experience in the nicks. My opinion, Only downside to the all leather is the lack of water proofness. I have been to 50 countries in tough terrain such as new zealand, Australia, Romania, Finland for example the Salmons do me great with lower heal, waterproof membrane and much lighter than nicks. But when i'm in the thickest steepest heaviest shit in dry climate I love the nicks. Just my opinion.
Agreed. Sure the lug helps from slipping downhill but absolutely not natural and much more likely to roll ankle.
But isn’t arch support been found to be unhealthy, cause we are suppose to walk on the balls of our feet, the spring system in our legs. And when you walk on the balls, it builds your arch, not act as a brace, which softens and weakens muscles.
I think we should ask an updated professional.
Your arch isn’t supposed to be supported, weight is supported on the ball, the heel, and the outstep with no contact between the arch and the ground. I think the first explanation was correct, the heel is there to provide an interface between the boot and the climbing spikes. Linemen wear similar boots for the same reason and cowboy boots have a heel to lock up with the stirrups. There’s nothing ergonomic about wearing a high heel for normal ambulation.
Stirrups and climbing spikes are probably designed wrong as well. Riding a horse should be like riding a dirt bike, standing on the balls of your feet. Climbing spikes should probably be more like ice climbing crampons, or at least have the gaffs toward the front of the foot so your bodyweight can be on the balls of the feet. It's almost like high-heels were invented for short people to feel taller, and then everything else was designed around it.
@@noone3734 it’s a compromise between being able to walk comfortably in then and also having them serve their designed purpose. Having the mounting point under the heel allows the boots to be worn normally without interfering with normal walking for the most part
I was looking into tree climbing spurs, and was surprised to find there are spurs with optional footplates, which support the whole foot, rather than the spur only being right under the arch. So you could definitely design spurs which would work with flat boots without heels, by having the bottom built like a boot outsole with straps like a sandal over the forefoot. So I guess that would be the way to do it, since the gaffs could be in the same spot. But as far as I know, nothing like that currently exists. The foot plates look they still require a boot with a heel.
Again I just wish someone here in the UK would build boots this good. Hanwag boot test next please.
That part about posture is ironic considering a heel actual lifts your heels so that your ankle becomes more tight over time. Heels in boots and women's high heels is some of the reasons we can't do full squats easily.
is that true? because if you learn about squat mechanics, a raised heel allows for more forward knee travel, meaning deeper squat. no high level oly lifters high bar squatting in flats?
@𝐝𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐨𝐧 heels, chairs, and other things I can't remember. Every person is born able to do a deep resting squat. But not a lot of Americans can retain the ability into adulthood.
I can't do a resting squat without heavy weight pulling me down to it. It's been a while, but it has something to do with the alignment of the foot and weaknesses being formed by that.
Yeah and if you wear loggers on flat surfaces like these hipsters will be doing standing around on some brewery they will be crying about their knees after a few hours.
George Costanza would love a pair of logging boots.
I have worn many different kinds of boots throughout my life and I have never owned $600 boots. I have been through several pairs of Army issues desert boots. Been through countless styles of work boots with and without steel toes, from $20 boots from Walmart to Lugs to caterpillars (recently bought caterpillars and they are a comfortable boot for a low rising work boot) had HiTeks back in the day, and frankly I won’t spend that kind of money on boots. They all eventually wear out. All my Army issued boots eventually wear the soles off, they get smooth and then start flapping and eventually break if you glue the front back down.
I tromp around Northeast Michigan and these styled boots make tromping much better than jungle boots, work boots or what have you. I've tested so many over the years too and none compare to this style for me.
So awesome the center of the heel is constructed with a sinked in design so the heel of the feet can ‘sit’ in the boots as the leather gets seasoned in. I wonder what other boots maker does that?
Thats a really beautiful pair of boots there.
Heels like these are dangerous on a construction site unless your an office guy just walking around and not doing work.
Retired carpenter 40 years bridges hi rise buildings wore westco boots whole time could stand on rebar step on nails climb walls work in mud boots would last 2 to 3 years send them in to be rebuilt office guys wear redwing or cheaper boots. Still wear westco and whites for walking motorcycles hiking they are comfortable and safe.
@Steven White I'm glad they work for you but in my 35 years I've seen that kind of heel cause many accidents. I prefer my guys not wear them. I'm sure the boots are great. It's just the heels that i have a problem with.
Seeing the knife cut...Hurt my heart...ouch
I love your channel. I’ve always been interested in shoe making and shoe technology. Keep up the awesome videos and I’ll keep geeking out with you!
I bought my first pair of Westco Jobmasters in Missoula, Montana, in 1978. They cost $49.00, which was a little more than I made in a day. They were worth every penny. Jobmasters now cost around $500 a pair. How long does it take a person working in the woods today to earn $500? I wore out several pairs of Westcos and still have one old set I use to cut firewood. Buy quality, guys, because quality lasts.
The reason for the tall heel on logger's boots is the same reason cowboy boots have a tall heel. Loggers that climb trees wear climbing spikes and they are supported by that heel, and cowboys lock their boots in stirrups when on horseback. I climb trees, and fun fact about the spurs I use, the bottom part that the boot heel prevents from sliding off is called a "stirrup". To tell you the truth, in the woods just hiking around, logger's boots totally suck and I'd rather wear tennis shoes. They are incredibly heavy and cumbersome, and the tall heel locks on every damn root or scrub that is above ground.
4:20 omg i was sure a moth was on my monitor! Tried shooing it away 😅
That's interesting. I aways thought heels were on boots to accommodate how much shorter the ligaments and muscles are in most European decended peoples legs.
I just bought my first pair of jk boots. Instill have a few weeks before they are delivered. I'm excited I didn't get the logger heel instead I got the linemans heel mine were a we bit more expensive at 781
I've seen that bison leather on more casual wear boots and not really been a huge fan of it, but it looks awesome on the really tall loggers. I think it's just the scale of the grain vs. the size of the boot itself making a big difference. Seems like a great work boot leather.
It would be nice if he mentioned whether the bison leather was full grain or not.
@@richardodouglin3855 it clearly is, as the entire surface is covered in intense grain.
FULL GRAIN HAS ME ROCK HARD.
FULLLL GRAINNNNNNNN
The history sections are great
i dont know about anyone else but the boots made my shins scream whenever i wore them for any amount of time. after that foot doctor told me to get a pair of boots with out the high heel.
I can't say anything about the brand leather but my old man wore those style boots all the years he had to climb telephone poles and high wire towers so I can deff say folks who rock ankle hooks and climb for a living totally wear those and those alone
I always wore that style boot when I was logging. On guy I worked with had lineman uppers and a logging boot sole. He had been bitten by snakes a couple of times and wanted the taller uppers. Another guy I worked with had snow tire studs put in his for better traction.
Loging is environmentally friendly. Forest fires destroy and deplete forest. And in 1910 idaho and northwest Montana burned in the biggest forest fire no logging was done there for years after that.
I don't even wear boots, but this was fascinating to me. Now I'm thinking of buying some cowboy boots. I wonder what brand is built like these? Great vid.
huh might give these a shot I tend to be brutal to my shoes and work boots. Longest I had work boots last is 18 months.
But the price
Amazing work. As a fan of history (gotta know where you came from to know where you're going, right?) I'm really into getting these deeper analysis backgrounds on why the shoes you dissect even exist in the first place. Many thanks for continuing to educate while entertaining. Cheers, sir.
Speaking of the PNW you need to do Vancouver BC's Dayton Boots