Nicks LL64

A Typical Morning The alarm goes off at 5:30. I shower, dress, pour a cup of coffee, and grab my boots. I do a quick check. Are there any threads loose? Are there any cuts, scratches, dents, or stains? Does it even matter? This is what I want. Right? I’m still not used to this kind of boot going through so much wear in such a short amount of time. I’m getting better, though. Letting go and giving up a bit of control is difficult but I'm getting better. I take my boot care kit off the shelf. I check for dirt where my toes bend. I’ve seen so many boots come into the shop with holes in that area from not brushing off the dirt. That will not be me. I do a quick once over with the stiff bristle brush. I take a sip of coffee. I need to hurry up before the family wakes up. They don’t care about my silly little boot routine. I look them over once again. Did I get it all? Is all the dirt, dust, and glue from the previous day's work off my boots? Yes? Time for the horsehair brush. Inside quarter, outside quarter, backstay, and vamp. Repeat. Next boot. Inside quarter, outside quarter, backstay, then vamp. Repeat. Take a few more sips of coffee. I hear the girls waking up. I loosen up the laces and do a quick inside check. Looks like the sock liner is still glued down. I cannot wait to get my feet in them. How has my foot compressed that much into the leather insole in such a short amount of time? I pack my brushes up and put them back on the shelf. I slip them and notice how good they feel on my feet. The leather is so broken in and molded to the shape of my feet. They fit perfectly. I tie them up. I feel lucky that I get to wear them. I wish everyone had the opportunity to have a nice pair of boots like this. I’m thankful for Nicks and this community for helping me get through these long winter months that I used to dread. I take one last sip of coffee and stand up. I helped make these boots that I’m going to wear for the rest of the day and the next several months.