I needed a solid year-round boot that can be worn at work, home, or out for the evening and I definitely found it. The 6" height is good for ankle protection and not too hot in warm weather. The vbar is surprisingly good in almost all scenarios and cleans up easy for coming inside. The Wickett and Craig double stuffed buck brown leather is tough as nails, crazy resilient, and seriously good looking and keeps getting better. Break-in was a challenge at first, but after the leather started breaking in, it just keeps getting more comfortable. It's still breaking in after 6 months of daily wear and will probably continue to soften and form for a while yet. These boots will be on my feet for a very long time.
I followed Nicks' printable sizing guide. Simple as that. It worked perfect for me. I also spent a lot of time reading up forums and posts about how others were sized, but ultimately the sizing guide was all I needed.
Simple and easy, once I had an idea of what I was looking at. I probably don't want to know how many hours I spent researching all of the elements of boots, boot making, materials, processes, etc before I actually felt like an informed buyer. I'm glad I spent that time because I was able to really dial in and get the right configuration for me.
Worn daily to my job in heavy duty truck parts sales and deliver. Lots of walking at shops, farms and truck yards so plenty of mud, rain, snow, etc. Usually badly in need of some love by the end of the week. They clean up well enough. They've been to a wedding, some company events, date nights, and just every day activities on the weekend. They even made it to the Gulf Coast this year.
This leather is thick, extremely tough and extremely forgiving. The first two months it was obvious the leather was still finding its form. Every morning I would tie them up snug and the leather was so stiff when cold that once it warmed up from my feet, it relaxed so much that I had to re-tie to get them snug again. Sometime around the end of that second month, it formed enough that I wasn't having to re-tie nearly at all. Even now, they are by far the most comfortable footwear I've ever owned and I still notice the leather continuing to form and soften. Care has been pretty basic. Brush off at least a couple times a week, wipe with damp cloth if really dirty. Applied a small amount leather balm at 3 months and again before submitting final photos. Beeswax applied to the mid sole and heel stack a few times through winter. Dings and dents in the leather seem to heal themselves. Minor scuffs and scrapes blend in well. It doesn't take much work to make them go from filthy to shining.
It's the best I've ever had on my feet so far. I have yet to try a 55 last but the HNW will be hard to beat. Originally I was just looking for better quality footwear because I was starting to have pain in my feet and it was getting worse. Well long story short, I ended up in the PNW boot world and since I started wearing these boots full time, the pain left and has not returned. Sizing was easy following the instructions and printable chart. Customer support was always quick to respond when I had questions. These boots can go anywhere and do anything. They are my go-to now. Nicks has earned a customer for life and I recommend them to anyone if I get a chance to.
I love it. It's the perfect design IMO for the free range line. Adding the heeled option for the W&C leather is what sold me. Classic design at a more approachable price point. Construction and finishing was perfect, even, symmetrical, and stitching all in line.
I'm impressed. This v-bar sole doesn't look like much but it is surprisingly grippy and capable.
Nicks makes a great pair of boots and I look forward to many years of enjoying mine.