I'm a residentially challenged recovering drug addict. $600 was a huge investment for boots but I had been lurking NICKS webstore and was not eager about the lead times. NICKS ran a special for the Patina Thunderdome with expedited lead times so I pulled the trigger on the DomePro because the Thunderdome seemed like a great distraction from the monotony of life.
I went to Redwing and used their foot scanner to get my foot measurements. I then used NICKS printable sizing guide and followed their recommendation of half size down from bannock. Redwing said my size was 12EE, that I had a medium high arch and a high instep. I ordered 11.5EE from NICKS and the fit is great.
I ordered online with a guaranteed delivery before the start of the Thunderdome. I received my boots Sept 5th and had to wait 4weeks to wear them. Man that sucked.
I have worn my boots almost exclusively during the last 6months. From the snow covered Sierra's to the Mojave Desert and just about everywhere in between these boots have kept my feet in excellent condition. Wether hiking, commuting, walking around the Las Vegas strip, grocery shopping or dinner with the wife, my NICKS have taken me there in style.
There was little break in and very comfortable out of the box. The leather has held up well with very little up keep. I brush almost daily, before each wear and have only conditioned lightly with neatsfoot oil. Its no wonder that CXL is a popular choice among bootmakers. Though the British Tan CXL has held its color pretty well, you can see the teacore peeking through in high use areas like the counter cover and some caramelization on the toe box.
The boot provides all the support my feet could ever need, even on the longest days. As a matter of fact my body can tell the difference and is sore on days when I'm not wearing my boots on the 55 last. There is more room in length than I am used to if I am looking with my eyes. If I just look with my feet and body there is no complaints.
The boots are more than I could have ever expected. I was not aware that footwear could be this good. Definitely changed my opinion on what footwear should be.
I like the sole but I feel the heel top lift has worn down pretty fast. I will be replacing the top lift before doing a resole. When I get the sole replaced I will probably go with a black v100.
So after taking a huge leap of faith and making my purchase I would not hesitate one second to make the same purchase again in the future. These boots have forever changed my perception of what footwear can and should be. I don't think I can ever go back to wearing mass produced footwear. These boots are 100% with out a doubt buy it for life and will keep my feet warm, dry, and comfortable for many years to come.