TankerPros: Fall of the Laces.

This is my second pair of TankerPro's from Nick's. I learned from the first pair that, once broken in properly, they can function like a slip-on, but unlike a slip-on, still have a means of being secured. Since I fulfill a very multifaceted role at my job, this multifunctional type boot serves me better than any other style I've worn. When I'm operating equipment, driving a dump truck, mechanicing, welding, or just fiddling around the shop, the tanker functions as a slip-on and often goes many consecutive days without me cinching any straps. But because there are straps, anytime I'm felling trees, walking raw land to plot out project parameters, or doing anything where having my boot secured is important, I still have that option without having to keep a second pair of boots with me. I've also come to love the overall feel of the tanker. It has a much more forgiving and comfortable fit through the front face, especially when squatted down, while still managing to have a secure fit when cinched. The standout features of this second pair would be the new Nick's MaxWedge and the 1964 ash gray leather. I was very happy to see Nick's add a gray option to their lineup because I already wear a lot of gray for work for how well it doesn't show being dirty. The MaxWedge looks like it could be the perfect combination of comfort and durability I'm looking for. I love how much lighter the MaxWedge is compared to a traditional heel stack. Between the lightness and cushioning, I've been able to move around much more nimbly than I could with the traditional heel. While I bought this primarily for work, I expect it, like the first pair, will infiltrate much of my personal life as well.

I was fortunate enough to have the same size feet as the fella who first introduced me to Nick's with his pair of BP's

Ordered during Nick's overstock sale in May. Received less than a month later. This was my third pair of Nick's, and it felt super weird to receive them this quickly. The ordering process was as smooth as usual.

It would be futile to try and list everything I do in these because I do everything in these. I live in a fairly remote place in Alaska and do a wide variety of stuff. These boots are there for every step of the journey.

In typical 1964 fashion this leather started out very comfortable and has only been getting more comfortable as it conforms to me feet. My care routine is pretty lack luster. I brush when they seem dirty and that's about it. This ash gray seemed a little more dry than the 1964 black that I'm familiar with so I ended up treating them after the first month with a heavy coat of obenaufs on the lower portion. After the second month I decided to apply a coat of beeswax to the lowers because the ice and snow I'm dealing with was stripping off the obenaufs quite fast. These treatments have darkened the ash gray significantly to a lovely charcoal tone.

This last suite my needs quite well. It doesn't have too much arch support a feels comfortable.

Nick's tanker design has become my favorite. I'd be perfectly content only wearing Nick's tankers for the rest of my life. The construction is exactly what I've come to expect from Nick's. The only two issues I've had are quite minor. One spot got over sanded to the edge of some of the welt stitching and a small part of the midsole has some porous grain structure which would soak up more water than normal and get quite spongy. I remedied the spongy midsole with a heavy coating of beeswax.

The MaxWedge is unbelievably comfortable. It's much lighter and more squishy than any standard heel stack build and it feels super nimble. Traction has been on par with the honey vibram that I'm used to. With 2 month of wear the durability seems good so far. My only issue would be that it doesn't seem tough enough to serve as a shovel. Within the first week I peeled some of the tread off the foam while digging at a rock with my toe. I was able to get it to adhere again with some superglue and it's been doing fine.

I would highly recommend these boots. The tanker is tremendously versatile and needs more recognition. Nick's execution is top tier. I'm very happy to have these in my lineup.