I knew I wanted some boots from Nicks. This year I have tried to be honest with myself and my feet regarding sizing and last. I like to choose leather that is iconic and exclusive to the maker. The 1964 also had a history to it. I wanted to try a "flatter, heel less" sole to feel better controll during heavy lifting in stairs, with I find myself often do. The lack of lugs was a point after using much time removing gravel from soles last year. I have a relatively wide forefoot and mild bunions. Its fine as long as I'm conceous about it. The width, last and soft toe are choices made because of this. Besides this, choices were made to make them simple, true to the makers standard design in a minimalistic way so they could be worn everyday.
I tried the printed measuring guide from Nicks's site, looked alot at discussions on reddit. I also had a second-hand pair of builder pros in 11E earlier that was too pointy and tight for me. I initially ordered the travelers in the HMW last. When he Thurman last got released I reached out to Nicks and asked about the width drifference between the two.
I like all the possibilities on the MTO ordering. -Finding something that works to my usage and liking. Also mid processing I changed the order to the Thurman last. I am so thankful that Keith at Nicks made that change possible for me as the shape fits better.
I have used them for just about everything. First week i aerated the lawn with a pitchfork. I regret two things: getting my new boots muddy and not wearing gloves. Helping friends and family with car maintenance, oil change and repairs. I still ride my moped to work everyday in rain, snow and salted ice roads. Clerking, moving boxes, pallets, assembeling, transporting and repairing different disability equipment. They have been worn in the woods and on lighter mountain hikes. Walking around my local city and on vacation in London taking film photographs.
I really enjoy the 1964 leather, it is supple, fast drying and good smelling with a wonderful colour. The leather got soft fast, did almost noticed any break-in. The colour have deepened with some darker areas where they have seen more wear and lighter areas with fresh wear. I usually have brushed them a couple times a week. Conditioned almost once a month after periods with heavy rain or snow.
I have not measured my feet with an actual Brannock device. The right one have been feeling just a little too roomy and actually looks both wider and longer. The left one had a better fit, a little tight. They got better after every month thats past though, but I still expected a straighter shape from the MTP joint to the toe with this last. With that said the toe shape have been great out of the box. I can feel the edges without any sqeezing and there is some wiggleroom. The under foot experience is amazing. Hard, smooth surface almost perfectly contured to the arch and overall foot. Appropriate heel drop but a tad much toe spring for me. Toes get strained after pushing down when walking a day.
Function over form to a degree. They looked big at first, with the sole and Thurman toe, but don't mind the shape at all. I frown when I see unnatural pointy footwear. I have to admit I was dissapointed when the right boot creased a lot looser than the left one. The diffeneces between the two have been noticeable from out of the box, both size and feel. The left toe is more rigid with tighter feel and creasing than the right one. I like the overall design, quite refined and substantial, I think.
The sole have been easy to keep clean, springy under foot, slippery through winter and more inflexible than expected.
I do not necessarely need a heavy duty boot like this, but they fit. They fit really comfortable and I never felt the need to take them off.