Nicks
Free Range
Nicks Handmade Boots
I really picked the Natural Double Stuffed based on Luke's winning boot from last year. I really fell in love with the kids of the leather from watching his.
I used the Nicks print off fitting sheets.
Very easy. Came faster than I thought they would!
These boots have gone everywhere with me. I have worn them every day. They have worked, played, hiked, gone on date night, fed animals... you name it, they've done it. They have seen water, dirt, mud, sand, gravel, and hot concrete! Been through the last remaining 90 plus degree days in the Texas October. Been through single digit temps in the winter. Been through 3 days of straight rain in the spring. These boots have been on rooftops, under houses, under cars, crawling on the ground, installing tile, remodeling a house, and mowing and edging. Anywhere I've been, they've been.
I was very surprised by the break-in. The VegTan is incredibly stiff at first. I was a bit intimidated before the first wear. However, about halfway through the first day, the stiffness was no longer noticeable. I went full bore, very first day boots were on my feet for 14 hours. The most interesting thing was watching the leather transform from a pale yellow tan to a deep rich multi- tonal brown. I took pictures every other day. You can literally see the color "melting" down into the boot. Documenting every other day has really showcased the leather! This has been very easy to care for and maintain. The Double Stuffed is just packed with so many tallows and conditioners, that they do all the hard work. If they're muddy, I'll wipe em with a damp cloth. Then brush em with a horsehair brush. If there's caked up mud anywhere, I'll use a nylon brush, then damp cloth, then horsehair. That's about it though. I have only applied a conditioner one time. That was just little dabs of Smith's at the main flex points, after the 3 days of rain. They haven't needed anything else. Everyone was so skeptical at first when I entered these. Cringed at Wickett and Craig being entered into the Work Dome. I had no fear. I intended to put these boots, and this leather to the absolute test! Aside from chemicals, I have exposed these to just about everything! And this leather came out the shining star!
I have 4 pairs of Nicks. They're all on the HNW last. I used the Nicks fitting sheets to dial my size in. I love not having to worry about my boots or my feet. I know even at the end of a long day, I won't be in any hurry to kick these off.
Everything was top-notch! I absolutely love the simplicity of the design. Single piece backstay. No pull loop. Just a classic boot silhouette. No extra frills or anything fancy. (Aside from the leather itself.)
The VBar blew me away! I have been skeptical about the VBar for a long time. It just seemed too hard. Too smooth. And I was worried I'd just burn through it. Especially with 6 months straight off daily wear! It's been the complete opposite of what I thought it would be. Even with 2500 hours in them, there has barely been any wear at all! It's held up so damn good! The grip was way better than I expected too! With mud being pretty much the only weakness. This was my first VBar. It will definitely not be my last.
I really do love Nicks! Everyone there is so down to earth. Chill. Laid back. Reasonable. Definitely my kinda people. Everyone from the owner, down the line to the office crew, to the cobblers, they're all really accessible. If I have a question, I can reach them. If I have an issue, they go out of their way to make it right. They produce a high-quality product and back it with even better customer service.