Founded in 2008 in Spokane, Washington, JK Boots was established by John Khadzhi, a Ukrainian immigrant who began his bootmaking career at Nick’s Boots. After the 2008 recession, he set out on his own, bringing his family’s shoemaking heritage into a brand dedicated to handcrafted, work-grade footwear.

Every pair is built using stitch-down construction, creating a durable, resoleable foundation suited for demanding environments. JK sources full-grain leather from trusted tanneries, offering both smooth and roughout options for abrasion resistance and strength. Key materials include oak-tanned leather midsoles, solid brass hardware, and heavy-duty leather outsoles—all chosen for long-term performance.

Specializing in boots for wildland firefighters, linemen, and tradespeople, JK has gained a strong reputation for reliability in the field. As a family-owned company, they stay committed to traditional bootmaking while offering competitive pricing compared to legacy brands like White’s or Wesco.