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Touching UppersUpdated a month ago

At JK Boots, our handmade leather work boots are crafted for durability, comfort, and a secure fit. Occasionally, customers notice that the uppers of their boots touch. Here are some common causes and how to address them.


  • Thick Tongue Guards—Tongue guards are designed to provide additional protection and support to the foot and ankle by helping distribute the laces' pressure and force evenly across the foot. This will, in turn, prolong the life of your boots as the laces won't wear through the soft leather of the gusseted tongues of your boots. Additionally, it adds extra material to offset the uppers' touching.
  • Proper Lacing Adjustments—Over-tightening the laces can pull the uppers closer together. Adjust your lacing to create a snug but comfortable fit. Experiment with alternate lacing techniques to reduce tension on the uppers.

alternate lacing techniqes

  • Custom Uppers—This option is only available for a new build and ensures your uppers are tailored to your specifications. While our standard uppers work for most customers, some have unique features or issues that would best be addressed with custom uppers.
    • We do not rebuild uppers as part of our rebuild service. 
    • If you have questions about hand-cut custom uppers, speak with a JK Boots sizing specialist. Our contact details are at the bottom of our Help Center's main page.

Please know that cutting material from the uppers to adjust sizing is not a service we offer. You are more than welcome to speak with a cobbler or boot repair specialist for those specific modifications, but understand that repair work done by a non-JK Boots agent, employee, or representative may void your Warranty. Please see all the Warranty details here!

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