Nicks
x Rose Anvil ND3
Thurman Last
US Men's Brannock: 9EE
Thurman Last: 8.5E
Slightly snug behind pinky toe on first wear, but expect to break in.
Nicks Handmade Boots
I first was amazed by the ND1, and then the ND2, as really cool, brutalist, boots. I don't ride anymore and I don't climb anymore, so I don't need them, really, but damn if they aren't extremely badass. Ever since I tossed my lineman boots years ago I've kinda craved the feel of truly tough, dependable, hard-working boots. I do some light logging, clearing, and construction, on my land and friend's places, so I do still get use out of good boots. I know that when I need boots that can handle anything, I have these.
I am a 9EE on the brannock. I have a pair of Nicks in 9EE, and they are too wide and too long. I always bought boots too big because of a bone spur. After I finally got that fixed, I was able to buy boots that actually fit. Went to Red Wing and their machine gave me a wacky size, leaving me to buy the wrong size yet again. Nicks diy sizing guide put me at 8.5E-EE and it worked a charm. Trust the diy sizing guide. The Thurman last feels tighter in the heel than the 55, which is good because the heel of the 55 feels too big for me.
I got super lucky and found these on the ready-to-ship discount page 1-1/2 years after they were no longer available. They didn't come with the pocket kit, but I can make one of those myself out of some kilties if I really want to. Shipped to my door in four days. Lucky AF
I have worn these from Florida to Missouri to Washington to New England. They never fail to perform. The recent very cold weather in Washington want great, but I didn't really feel like I needed insulation. Standing outside in 30degree weather for six hours wasn't entirely unpleasant. I wonder if the lace to toe double vamp helped with that. Rain, snow, heat, nothing is uncomfortable.
It's not super easy to get the surface to break and reveal the brown underneath. It's slowly wearing through and giving a peek-a-boo kind of patina that is subtle. Even where it is work it still doesn't look shabby. Not yet anyway. I'm actually not a huge fan of the lace to toe pattern. There's is a ridge just below the first eyelets that tends to fold in and rub my big toe. It's not exactly painful, but more annoying. I'm also not a fan of the ridge caused by the dream going right up the center of the toe, but this isn't a sleek boot, so I'm not going to complain. The leather doesn't give. When tied tight it is like wearing a cast, but sometimes that's what I want, so I like having the option of lacing tight or a little loose for different activities. I have brushed them a couple times and I've sprayed the dirt and sand off periodically. That's it.
The Thurman last gives a nice amount of extra pinky toe room which is nice. It also is a little tighter in the waist and heel, which is also nice. It didn't offer much in the way of arch support though. Practically zero arch. I used a Dr Scholls orthotic insert and it's better. I'm not fond of the toe shape. I wouldn't buy this last for anything like a casual not, but for a work boot or hiking boot it's fine.
The finishing is standard Nicks finishing. It's good. It's rugged. It's not "fine" it's chunky and durable and it looks like it. Stitching is nice and straight, everything is where it should be. Seams and sole stitching are rock solid, best in the business. Absolutely tough as nails. The angular heel counter is cool, the lines of the lace to toe pattern are striking. The boot is overall "badass" without question.
I love this sole. It's perfect for hiking and working. Nice amount of squish but still has the rubber that won't wear out in two months. Traction is awesome, easy to spray clean. And it looks good on a hiking boot. The Sierra sole is easily the best hiking sole in my opinion.
This has to be the best of the ND series. I sincerely hope this boot comes back next year. Nicks better be prepared for massive sales if they do.