Forefront

Each set of Forefront boots is meticulously handcrafted in JK Boots' Spokane facility using American materials, including 8-9 oz full grain leather and fire-ready components. The boots are available with optional composite hard toe safety features tested to ASTM standards, making them suitable for both traditional heritage footwear enthusiasts and professionals requiring safety-rated work boots.

The Forefront utilizes stitchdown construction rather than the more common Goodyear welt method. In stitchdown construction, the leather from the upper is flanged outward and stitched directly to the midsole, creating a more water-resistant and durable connection than traditional welted construction. The Forefront specifically features 180° stitchdown construction, where the flanged-out portion of leather stops just past the ball of the foot.

Stitchdown construction requires thick, high-quality leather and cannot be performed with thin or inexpensive materials. This construction method demands significant manual labor and skilled craftsmanship, as much of the process cannot be automated like Goodyear welt construction. The additional stitching in stitchdown construction creates more rigid boots compared to welted alternatives.

While both construction methods produce durable and resoleable boots, stitchdown construction typically costs approximately 20% more than Goodyear welted alternatives. The resoling process for stitchdown boots typically requires sending them back to the original manufacturer, unlike Goodyear welted boots which can be serviced by most cobblers.

The Forefront boots are constructed using 8-9 oz full grain leather measuring approximately 3.52mm thick. For comparison, popular work boots from manufacturers like Red Wing and Thorogood typically use 5-6 oz leather that measures closer to 2.2mm thick. JK Boots sources its leather from the Seidel Tanning Corporation, which produces high-quality American leather used by premium bootmakers.

The boots feature Vibram 4014 White Christy wedge soles paired with premium USA leather midsoles and insoles for cushioned support. The Vibram 4014 Christy sole is a lightweight blown rubber sole that measures 10.5mm thick at the toe and 22.5mm thick at the heel. This cushioned sole provides sneaker-like comfort while maintaining excellent traction on both natural terrain and pavement surfaces.

The shallow tread pattern of the Christy sole allows for maximum surface contact and minimal debris buildup, making it ideal for construction, roofing, and agricultural work environments. The exclusive Vibram compound ensures durability and cushioning across various terrains.

The Forefront's flexible design combined with its cloud-like sole allows workers to stand for extended periods and move freely in challenging conditions. Whether walking on beams, crawling, crouching, kneeling, or standing throughout the workday, the Forefront provides balance, shock absorption, and secure footing even in dangerous work environments.

The comfortable wedge sole design increases flexibility while reducing foot fatigue, contributing to the overall comfort during long work shifts. The boot's design prioritizes both traditional heritage aesthetics and modern workplace functionality.

For professionals requiring safety features, the Forefront is available with a composite hard toe option. This safety toe version meets or exceeds ASTM-F2412-18 and ASTM-F2413-17 safety standards, providing the same protection as traditional steel toe boots while maintaining the heritage work boot aesthetic.

The Forefront is manufactured by JK Boots, a family-owned business founded in Spokane, Washington in 1994. The company was established by John Khadzhi, who began his career as an apprentice cobbler in Ukraine at age fourteen before immigrating to the United States in 1994.

All JK Boots, including the Forefront model, are handcrafted in the company's Spokane facility using exclusively American materials. John Khadzhi raised his sons in Eastern Washington, teaching them traditional bootmaking techniques, and they continue to work together as both craftsmen and business operators.

As handmade products, every pair of Forefront boots exhibits slight cosmetic imperfections consistent with traditional craftsmanship methods. This human element in production distinguishes them from mass-produced work boots while maintaining the functional durability required for professional use.

In 2023, JK Boots expanded its operations to include JK Western, a specialized brand for Western and cowboy boots, while maintaining its core focus on work boots and firefighting footwear in the Pacific Northwest market.