It's great to see a comparison of these boots from people who actually wear them as part of their tool kit. I'm in construction, but a lot of what you mention about climbing is applicable to ladders and lifts in my job. Great video!
Thanks Carl !!!! You got me into this awful habit of quality work boots. I’m on my 2 nd pair of JK’s. You better hope my wife doesn’t ever find you. Lmao
Thanks for the review guys, we appreciate the kind words! Glad you're happy Yates, thank you for being a customer, enjoy the boots. All the best, - JK Boots.
I was thinking of getting either or. but my line of work is different. I am an auto mechanic so I need something flexible something oil resistant and I like the 10 inch high .any ideas?
@@rauls300ce I would say go for their ot boot or maybe the forefront. I work in a machine shop so I went with the ot and it cost $500 so not quite as expensive as the one's in the video. Edit: actually I got 6 inch so the 10 inch will run a little higher than 500
One point I forgot to make is although I love my boots and they are comfortable to work in, they are heavy. However, I look at them as a tool that keeps me protected in my line of work just like chainsaw pants. Would I rather be in a barefoot/minimalist shoe or even flip flops? Yes, but that wouldn’t be practical for work. You’ll get used to the weight of the boots the more you wear them. View them as a tool.
I find the oil works best in the summer for deep conditioning. The LP is good for winter and heavy snow / wet weather as it’s more coating and you need to use it less often. Most common mistake is over conditioning. You really only need to do it once every few months or 2-3 times a year.
Your reviews are probably the most honest and true review of these types of boots. Most of the other reviews are from a bunch of city dwellers that don't use them as intended. Can't wait for the 1 year review.
The J.K boots have aged well, they have retained their shape and structure. They are unique and the stitching is equally stunning but J.K Boots, am told, they are very expensive than the competitors. Nice job guys. I respect your profession and may God Protect you all and may He provide work to keep you busy. Thanks again
Great review. Appreciate the care and maintenance information on the boots as well. Looking forward to future review on the boots as well. I believe it's an investment, but well worth it. Thanks again men.
Great video guys!! Good to see reviews by guys that actually work in them. I think I’ve seen enough dudes prancing in puddles for reviews. I have 8 inch jk forefronts that I rotate with whites Perry’s and my feet are definitely loving the quality from both.
I love both of the videos you put up on these boots…watched them both before I purchased my first pair of PNW boots. I’m using mine for daily automotive repair, and typical around the yard type stuff. I usually mountain bike in boots, but these things are a bit too heavy for that (yet I’m going to try them anyway just to say I did it). Great content, keep it up!
Excellent thoughts and review, gentlemen. Your upkeep suggestions are perfect. Thanks for the post. I use the "jam" on my Nicks Overlanders. I put them and the jam in the sun for a little while to get warm and then use it. It soaks right in.
Hey fellas. When the leather laces break just buy new ones.. Nylon laces cut into the leather ruins the leather. Use the leather ones and hydrate the laces when they get dry. Dont over tighten the laces you want to break in the boot not the laces. Great review
The Nick's have a beautiful patina with the soft toe. Have a pair of Nicks Travelers and just ordered a pair of JK OTs. Trusting the process. My Nick's are 8.5 D and the JKs will be 7.5 EE.
That's cool fellows, I purchased a pair of white's about a year ago second hand. They have been tuff and dependable as well. I didn't do enough research before I purchased them, slightly narrower than I need but do me well for the price difference. Thanks for the follow up
I try to brush them off or blow them off pretty much daily. Then once a month, I’ll do the deep clean with saddle soap/water and put a fresh coat of LP on them.
@tomatkinson6810 I like your passion for the boots. It's something so simple, yet it's what you give value to. In this life you need passion, regardless of criticism. Hats off to you sir, Keep being great. God bless
Talcum powder didn’t work for mine. The obenaufs oil did though! Dumped some in (not a ton, but a generous bit) and let them soak in over night. Wore them a couple days later and the squeak was gone!
Looks like yall were working with black walnut recently thats what my boots look like after a big walnut job. That walnut oil gets all over your boots.
JKs bison line look so good. Stupid thick (4mm+) but real flexible. I've always liked bison even for the aesthetics alone of the smooth out but its hard to pull the trigger on boots that are 650+ when I don't really need them. I know I'd wear them for the next decade+ so I'm more tempted every day, just for the sake of having them..
I wouldn’t say they’re hotter than any other work boot I’ve ever had. But then again, we’re in SC. This time of year we get pretty numb to being sweaty and miserable all the time!
For a boot they are not hot and sweaty because they are 100% leather. Most boots people are used to use padding and synthetic materials and are waterproof, resulting in a sweaty hot boot. These boots are not waterproof and they breathe because it's literal skin.
Yeah, I figured the rawhide laces are just for looks for most situations pretty impractical. Are the JK ones really THAT much bigger or do they just look that way because his feet are bigger? Optical illusion? I meant to ask that when I saw the last vid maybe. Oh, they're wide WITH extra toe. Maybe you need a cap toe, though.
Yeah, I don't know how much stuff you REALLY need to put on ROUGHOUT to condition, but I live in a dry climate, anyway. Also, I still like the regular leather look too much better than roughout, even if it's supposedly not as durable...
Well, in six months they're barely broken in, so I guess we'll see in the next if one starts to have bigger problems before the other, but they're basically the same materials and similar usage, so ...
@@Highland_Paddy The JK boots have a composite toe in this video. Rawhide laces are not just for looks, and if you don't condition them they do not break easily. If your job has hot metal chips falling on your boots, or slag, regular laces will melt. I have had Redwing leather laces snap on me however, I only buy JK leather laces, they are good quality, but sometimes I use regular laces as well, I think they are both good.
![HARD LESSONS with Nick's Handmade Boots [Six Month Review and Buying Guide]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QYQU_qG3HVo/mqdefault.jpg)
Well done! We love these reviews. And we agree: the more you wear them, the more comfortable they become. Keep up the fine work gents 👍🏼👊🏼
It's great to see a comparison of these boots from people who actually wear them as part of their tool kit. I'm in construction, but a lot of what you mention about climbing is applicable to ladders and lifts in my job. Great video!
Ohh sweet, didn’t expect to see you here. Must be the universe telling you to go for the heavy duty hoodie collab lol. See ya later bud.
Hahahaha it's a monster! I'd love to know your thoughts on it if ya snag one.@@zackarygossett3920
Thanks Carl !!!! You got me into this awful habit of quality work boots. I’m on my 2 nd pair of JK’s. You better hope my wife doesn’t ever find you. Lmao
@@jasonmiller9495 hahahaha I’m sorry!!
Thanks for the review guys, we appreciate the kind words! Glad you're happy Yates, thank you for being a customer, enjoy the boots.
All the best,
- JK Boots.
I was thinking of getting either or. but my line of work is different. I am an auto mechanic so I need something flexible something oil resistant and I like the 10 inch high .any ideas?
@@rauls300ce I would say go for their ot boot or maybe the forefront. I work in a machine shop so I went with the ot and it cost $500 so not quite as expensive as the one's in the video.
Edit: actually I got 6 inch so the 10 inch will run a little higher than 500
@@rauls300ce The JK OT boot should be perfect.
One point I forgot to make is although I love my boots and they are comfortable to work in, they are heavy. However, I look at them as a tool that keeps me protected in my line of work just like chainsaw pants. Would I rather be in a barefoot/minimalist shoe or even flip flops? Yes, but that wouldn’t be practical for work. You’ll get used to the weight of the boots the more you wear them. View them as a tool.
Are you gonna finish the part 3 by any chance?
I find the oil works best in the summer for deep conditioning. The LP is good for winter and heavy snow / wet weather as it’s more coating and you need to use it less often.
Most common mistake is over conditioning. You really only need to do it once every few months or 2-3 times a year.
Your reviews are probably the most honest and true review of these types of boots. Most of the other reviews are from a bunch of city dwellers that don't use them as intended. Can't wait for the 1 year review.
Ordered my Nicks a week a go. Never waited this long for something nice for myself. Looking forward to break these in!
Man this video is such a fucking vibe, the sicadas in the back and the warmth, takes me back to the midwest. Great stuff!
Great review, I own 3 pairs of jks and have loved every set, best boots I’ve ever had
I hear you. The more you wear the boots the more comfortable they get! I have the Nicks hot shot doing tree work and they have been great!
Glad you finally posted. Was looking forward to this.
Sorry for taking so long. I’m going to try to be more on the ball for the 1 year update.
@@tomatkinson6810 no need to apologize. Thanks for the update!
The J.K boots have aged well, they have retained their shape and structure. They are unique and the stitching is equally stunning but J.K Boots, am told, they are very expensive than the competitors. Nice job guys. I respect your profession and may God Protect you all and may He provide work to keep you busy. Thanks again
Great review. Appreciate the care and maintenance information on the boots as well. Looking forward to future review on the boots as well. I believe it's an investment, but well worth it. Thanks again men.
Great video guys!! Good to see reviews by guys that actually work in them. I think I’ve seen enough dudes prancing in puddles for reviews. I have 8 inch jk forefronts that I rotate with whites Perry’s and my feet are definitely loving the quality from both.
A matted down rough will protect from scratches a lot better than fresh loose rough out
I love both of the videos you put up on these boots…watched them both before I purchased my first pair of PNW boots. I’m using mine for daily automotive repair, and typical around the yard type stuff. I usually mountain bike in boots, but these things are a bit too heavy for that (yet I’m going to try them anyway just to say I did it). Great content, keep it up!
Great review I hope you keep up the reviews past a year.
Excellent thoughts and review, gentlemen. Your upkeep suggestions are perfect. Thanks for the post.
I use the "jam" on my Nicks Overlanders. I put them and the jam in the sun for a little while to get warm and then use it. It soaks right in.
2:20 Dobber
I use the LP grease in the winter/ wet season. And use the oil during the summer/dry season.
Nice to know you're fans of Buckin'
Hey fellas. When the leather laces break just buy new ones.. Nylon laces cut into the leather ruins the leather. Use the leather ones and hydrate the laces when they get dry. Dont over tighten the laces you want to break in the boot not the laces. Great review
Im sure when you resole you can ask to get a comp or steel toe added.
The Nick's have a beautiful patina with the soft toe. Have a pair of Nicks Travelers and just ordered a pair of JK OTs.
Trusting the process. My Nick's are 8.5 D and the JKs will be 7.5 EE.
Nicks leather laces snapped on me 4 times within the first 2 months in Vietnam. Cant trust 'em replace them.
Is that a South Carolina hat you have on? I appreciate your videos, I just bought a pair of HK boots today. I live in SC. Thank you!
We are in the Irmo/Chapin area in SC
Nice review boys!
That's cool fellows, I purchased a pair of white's about a year ago second hand. They have been tuff and dependable as well. I didn't do enough research before I purchased them, slightly narrower than I need but do me well for the price difference. Thanks for the follow up
awesome vids
on the highest level i think not which 1 better, but which 1 u prefer
i think quality is on par
Holy shit I forgot about this, nice.
Jk boots i currently own and very happy with them
I put the oil on the treads then I use the other on the rest of them
Great video!
Is the heel on Yate's JK called the moderate heel?
How often do you guys clean/condition them? Great review
I try to brush them off or blow them off pretty much daily. Then once a month, I’ll do the deep clean with saddle soap/water and put a fresh coat of LP on them.
@tomatkinson6810 I like your passion for the boots. It's something so simple, yet it's what you give value to. In this life you need passion, regardless of criticism. Hats off to you sir, Keep being great. God bless
I love my nicks! But my right boot is squeaky. I've heard putting gold bond powder on the inside helps, but I haven't tried it yet.
Talcum powder didn’t work for mine. The obenaufs oil did though! Dumped some in (not a ton, but a generous bit) and let them soak in over night. Wore them a couple days later and the squeak was gone!
Man I think I messed up after hearing Yates, I also wear a 13 and I ordered a 12.5 I hope I don’t have to send them back 😭
Good review 👍🇺🇸
Looks like yall were working with black walnut recently thats what my boots look like after a big walnut job. That walnut oil gets all over your boots.
Wow those Boots look like Tanks
Do the nicks come in bison..im really thinking about the jk's...love the bison look..
Im a truck driver and ive ran through my Donners..
Nicks does have bison too. Just looked on their website
JKs bison line look so good. Stupid thick (4mm+) but real flexible. I've always liked bison even for the aesthetics alone of the smooth out but its hard to pull the trigger on boots that are 650+ when I don't really need them. I know I'd wear them for the next decade+ so I'm more tempted every day, just for the sake of having them..
part 3 !
Thanks for the video. I am debating buying JK, Nicks, Franks or Whites for work. I'm an arborist as well and want boots to climb and do ground work .
nicks buddy, promise
Part 3?!
There are proper boot removers you can step on that catches the lip of the sole.
We’ll have to look into getting a couple of those. Thank you!
I use acetone and mek on my boots
Do they get to be a hot sweaty boot? Looks like they would be quite warm
I wouldn’t say they’re hotter than any other work boot I’ve ever had. But then again, we’re in SC. This time of year we get pretty numb to being sweaty and miserable all the time!
For a boot they are not hot and sweaty because they are 100% leather. Most boots people are used to use padding and synthetic materials and are waterproof, resulting in a sweaty hot boot. These boots are not waterproof and they breathe because it's literal skin.
Leather breathes pretty good!
Yeah, I figured the rawhide laces are just for looks for most situations pretty impractical. Are the JK ones really THAT much bigger or do they just look that way because his feet are bigger? Optical illusion? I meant to ask that when I saw the last vid maybe. Oh, they're wide WITH extra toe. Maybe you need a cap toe, though.
Yeah, I don't know how much stuff you REALLY need to put on ROUGHOUT to condition, but I live in a dry climate, anyway. Also, I still like the regular leather look too much better than roughout, even if it's supposedly not as durable...
Well, in six months they're barely broken in, so I guess we'll see in the next if one starts to have bigger problems before the other, but they're basically the same materials and similar usage, so ...
I've had cheap boots that have lasted plenty longer than a year and were comfy enough for warehouse use.
@@Highland_Paddy The JK boots have a composite toe in this video. Rawhide laces are not just for looks, and if you don't condition them they do not break easily. If your job has hot metal chips falling on your boots, or slag, regular laces will melt. I have had Redwing leather laces snap on me however, I only buy JK leather laces, they are good quality, but sometimes I use regular laces as well, I think they are both good.
Yates has bigger and wider feet than me. They are noticeably bigger, but it’s just bc he has wide feet.
I say you both get the opposite brand and lets hear the opinions..... also some videos of your tree jobs would be alright