Nicks Handmade Boots Official Affiliate Thread

[Cycling Sasquatch]

Are these built with unstructured toes? I really like the almond shaped toe on these Robert boots. I recently got mine (W&C mid-brown leather) but with celastic toe and they are a little "square" toe looking and would love to know if it is because of the celastic config I opted for.

Yessir, soft toes on those. Though I think the almond shape you're seeing might have more to do with the pointier #2 toe box vs the stock #3.

 

[Vultain]

Hey Shuyler,

I am a long time lurker and local, just over in Coeur d'Alene. I have been debating on getting a pair of custom Nick's for a long time and figured it is time to pull the trigger on a pair see how it goes and possibly get a second. So far I am pretty attracted to the Urban Drifter due to the lower heel but I would be open to suggestions based on what you thought might work better. I am not opposed to a non-heritage style if it fits my needs but I don't think I need something past 8" tall either.

I work on my feet 24/7 on concrete for up to 10-14 hours daily, and typically walk a minimum of 15-20 or more miles each day sometimes 6-7 days a week. Outside of work I want something good enough for removing snow and dealing with ice in our winters up here. More just walking into a parking lot safely and snow removal at home.

I was given by my father naturally flat feet and I seem to do better in better built boots and can destroy a regular shoe in no time. A lot of sports and just wear and tear led to arthiritis too and wearing good footwear is the key to whether or not I hurt at the end of the day. I do better without an excess of arch support or at least that has been my experience.

I have/and still own some heritage boots more in the entry level category and just looking for an upgrade from what I've used (Redwing, Chippewa, Wolverine, Allen Edmunds, Thorogood). Then I realized I could have had several custom boots instead for what I have spent. My favorite boot to date has been a Chippewa Heritage from 2013 based on the munson last. Sadly it is about done without a full rebuild and led me to finally wanting to purchase a boot from you.

When it comes to leather I was really interested in Horween's Essex in natural. It is veg tanned the same way that Shell Cordovan is. Is it possible to do a custom order of that particular leather? I don't mind paying extra for the hide and of course paying in advance. I personally think the wear and tear and the patina could be nice. I have everything from Obenauf's to Saphir Medaille D'or Oiled Leather Cream for Chrome Excel. But I would go with whatever you think might be best for treatment.

My reason for wanting Horween's Essex over Wickett's English Bridal is those that work with it claim that the former is more rigid and sturdy. Both seem very good with Wickett's being easier to break in and being a bit softer from what I could ascertain from those that worked with both. I suppose it is a matter like most things and that is of preference. A lot who worked with both compared it to liking one Apple over another.

I'm on vacation and if it is easier to talk about things down at the shop let me know. I can always make a trip later today or tomorrow. Thanks for all of the info, including everyone who has posted, it has been enlightening. Although it seems overwhelming for someone who has never had a custom boot before.

I definitely see a lot of happy people here local wearing your boots! I first found out about Nick's years ago from a cousin who fought wildland fires. I just wanted to say thanks for all that you do for everyone in the community here in the Pacific Northwest!

 

[Nicks Boots Shuyler]

Hey Shuyler,

I am a long time lurker and local, just over in Coeur d'Alene. I have been debating on getting a pair of custom Nick's for a long time and figured it is time to pull the trigger on a pair see how it goes and possibly get a second. So far I am pretty attracted to the Urban Drifter due to the lower heel but I would be open to suggestions based on what you thought might work better. I am not opposed to a non-heritage style if it fits my needs but I don't think I need something past 8" tall either.

I work on my feet 24/7 on concrete for up to 10-14 hours daily, and typically walk a minimum of 15-20 or more miles each day sometimes 6-7 days a week. Outside of work I want something good enough for removing snow and dealing with ice in our winters up here. More just walking into a parking lot safely and snow removal at home.

I was given by my father naturally flat feet and I seem to do better in better built boots and can destroy a regular shoe in no time. A lot of sports and just wear and tear led to arthiritis too and wearing good footwear is the key to whether or not I hurt at the end of the day. I do better without an excess of arch support or at least that has been my experience.

I have/and still own some heritage boots more in the entry level category and just looking for an upgrade from what I've used (Redwing, Chippewa, Wolverine, Allen Edmunds, Thorogood). Then I realized I could have had several custom boots instead for what I have spent. My favorite boot to date has been a Chippewa Heritage from 2013 based on the munson last. Sadly it is about done without a full rebuild and led me to finally wanting to purchase a boot from you.

When it comes to leather I was really interested in Horween's Essex in natural. It is veg tanned the same way that Shell Cordovan is. Is it possible to do a custom order of that particular leather? I don't mind paying extra for the hide and of course paying in advance. I personally think the wear and tear and the patina could be nice. I have everything from Obenauf's to Saphir Medaille D'or Oiled Leather Cream for Chrome Excel. But I would go with whatever you think might be best for treatment.

My reason for wanting Horween's Essex over Wickett's English Bridal is those that work with it claim that the former is more rigid and sturdy. Both seem very good with Wickett's being easier to break in and being a bit softer from what I could ascertain from those that worked with both. I suppose it is a matter like most things and that is of preference. A lot who worked with both compared it to liking one Apple over another.

I'm on vacation and if it is easier to talk about things down at the shop let me know. I can always make a trip later today or tomorrow. Thanks for all of the info, including everyone who has posted, it has been enlightening. Although it seems overwhelming for someone who has never had a custom boot before.

I definitely see a lot of happy people here local wearing your boots! I first found out about Nick's years ago from a cousin who fought wildland fires. I just wanted to say thanks for all that you do for everyone in the community here in the Pacific Northwest!

Hello!

Thanks for the kind words and always good to hear from a fellow inland northwesterner.

I think our veg tan is going to be limited to Wickett for a bit, albeit with additional color choices we'll be adding over the next two weeks. We've built up some experience with that leather and are comfortable with it for now, but will look at the Essex in the future. We have some boots that have been through fairly hard duty in the Wickett for over a year and look like they have decades left, fwiw.

I think you may want to consider a wedge sole option if you're open to the look because of all the time you're spending on hard surfaces. Otherwise, I think the drifter is a good choice, especially with an insole for more cushion.

We generally just use Smith's on our own stuff and it works out well, but our oil is basically Obenauf's so obviously recommend using that, as well, and have heard good things about Saphir.

We'd love to have you at the store so just let us know if/when you're coming down. Could help get the fit faster, too.

 

[Phanes]

Saphir is very good. The sole oil is not really darkening the leather no matter what and the oil leather balm works great on chromexel. That smiths grease was a pleasant surprise, it really works well in harsh weather and the darkening effect is gone after two days.
If in a haste Saphir invulner Spray is great.
And the leather looks like day one

 

[Vultain]

Hello!

Thanks for the kind words and always good to hear from a fellow inland northwesterner.

I think our veg tan is going to be limited to Wickett for a bit, albeit with additional color choices we'll be adding over the next two weeks. We've built up some experience with that leather and are comfortable with it for now, but will look at the Essex in the future. We have some boots that have been through fairly hard duty in the Wickett for over a year and look like they have decades left, fwiw.

I think you may want to consider a wedge sole option if you're open to the look because of all the time you're spending on hard surfaces. Otherwise, I think the drifter is a good choice, especially with an insole for more cushion.

We generally just use Smith's on our own stuff and it works out well, but our oil is basically Obenauf's so obviously recommend using that, as well, and have heard good things about Saphir.

We'd love to have you at the store so just let us know if/when you're coming down. Could help get the fit faster, too.

Thank you for the fast response there. I do appreciate it. I got a little busier than anticipated today so I was not able to head your way. I have some errands to run tomorrow morning but I should become free after 11AM. Is there any time to come to schedule a fitting tomorrow and discuss options? I suppose I can always call instead. Is there anyone I should ask for?

I am definitely curious with you getting some colors in Wickett I wouldn't mind discussing that too. That said if you ever decide you want a guinea pig for Essex sometime in the future I wouldn't mind doing so. But for now Wickett sounds as if it could serve me more than my needs.

Smith's leather balm was a new one to me. I have tried a lot of leather care products but somehow missed testing that one, especially if it helps with weather resilience. Although I do like that it doesn't seem to discolor/darken the leather as much as Obenauf's tends to. It sounds like it might be a good in-between option for Saphir or Obenauf's.

So yeah coming down sounds good. I just have to find a time that works well for you. I am not sure of how long the process takes. If tomorrow doesn't work for you I can always do really early Thursday morning. I just have to make sure and be back in Coeur d'Alene by no later than 11AM.

 

[Vultain]

Saphir is very good. The sole oil is not really darkening the leather no matter what and the oil leather balm works great on chromexel. That smiths grease was a pleasant surprise, it really works well in harsh weather and the darkening effect is gone after two days.
If in a haste Saphir invulner Spray is great.
And the leather looks like day one View attachment 1534372

Thanks for the photo! ?? Excellent looking! What leather and model are those in the photo? I do agree that the Smith's seemed to have lightened up decently. Ideally I would want something that could show a Patina which is a lot harder with Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP! Not exactly ideal for these sort of leathers. But I am trying to avoid staining too. Smith's looks like it might be a good compromise.

I am not sure if this is the same balm as what you were describing from Saphir? It does seem to impart some water resistance albeit short term. As you said Saphir Invulner is required when trying to avoid a worst case scenario. If it weren't for the description it looks almost identical to Renovateur. If so how do the two compare for you?

 

[Nicks Boots Shuyler]

Thank you for the fast response there. I do appreciate it. I got a little busier than anticipated today so I was not able to head your way. I have some errands to run tomorrow morning but I should become free after 11AM. Is there any time to come to schedule a fitting tomorrow and discuss options? I suppose I can always call instead. Is there anyone I should ask for?

I am definitely curious with you getting some colors in Wickett I wouldn't mind discussing that too. That said if you ever decide you want a guinea pig for Essex sometime in the future I wouldn't mind doing so. But for now Wickett sounds as if it could serve me more than my needs.

Smith's leather balm was a new one to me. I have tried a lot of leather care products but somehow missed testing that one, especially if it helps with weather resilience. Although I do like that it doesn't seem to discolor/darken the leather as much as Obenauf's tends to. It sounds like it might be a good in-between option for Saphir or Obenauf's.

So yeah coming down sounds good. I just have to find a time that works well for you. I am not sure of how long the process takes. If tomorrow doesn't work for you I can always do really early Thursday morning. I just have to make sure and be back in Coeur d'Alene by no later than 11AM.

Yeah man, 11 is good, I have some stuff from 12-2, or so, but you can totally talk to our leather guy and our fitting guy if that works better for you. Thursday morning also works, too, just let us know and I'll tell everyone to keep an eye out. You'll want to ask for Nathan or myself.

 

[Phanes]

Excellent looking! What leather and model are those in the photo?

Hello thanks! This is a Robert 8 inch high in medium brown chromexel with natural edge.
Here are some pics in New condition. Didn't really condition them in the first months because chromexel is one of the richest and waxed leathers I have ever seen, I don't think it needs much care.

Nicks Handmade Boots Official Affiliate Thread

Logger = rounded appearance. Dogger = slanted without the curve (starts at 35 secs into the vid). Its a matter of how they sand the heel, but the materials are the same.

www.styleforum.net

I am not sure if this is the same balm as what you were describing from Saphir?

Yup, it is the same that I have, but in a little bottle. I think it is close to renovateur but with a more silk like shine. If I have really dry leather shoes I soften it up with a tiny bit of sole guard by Saphir, but really only a drop, it is a great water resistant veg tan oil for the oak tanned leather in the sole.

 

[Vultain]

I just came back from Nick's in Spokane. I wanted to say thank you for your time and your excellent customer service! I was fit by Lucas for a pair of Urban drifters in smooth Natural Veg Tan by Wicket and Craig. He gave great advice and helped walk me very patiently through all the options. It will be 4 weeks as they had to order the leather direct. Then another 3 months or so for the rest of my lead time. I will definitely be looking forward to it. ??

I was very tempted a bit by two other leathers I saw there. Something for me to keep in mind for the future boots possibly. I don't think this will be my last pair but I am planning to stop at 3 pairs tops and break the first pair in at least.

One thing I really appreciated too was that I met with Nathan their leather specialist. I am not sure if I am allowed to talk about the new leathers I saw or not because they are experimenting with them still. Those of you keeping an eye on the thread should have some great options to look forward to in two weeks! All I can say is some of the hides had amazing color and even a good pull up effect if you happen to like that! There are definitely some unique and tempting offerings. One of the veg tans they have is impregnated with more waxes, some have a glossy look, different shades and colors, etc. They gave me leather cuts to try some of the different products at home with. So I can do some trial and error with shoe care products.

Also a super tip from Nathan. He told me a technique for anyone looking for more of a shine on their work boots but don't want to compromise the texture or feel or coloration of the boot. Anyone wanting to try it take a block of pure beeswax and a horsehair brush, and then brush vigorously a little bit of beeswax onto the boots for a high gloss shine! The more you buff and thr more time you spend the higher the shine. It lasts a month or two as well. Something to try, I also can imagine it helps with water resistance in addition too...

I can't remember what I did with my Beeswax Block I own and I need a dedicated brush for that too. If anyone goes ahead and tries I would love to see the result though! I have some chrome excel boots may try that with in the meantime.

I got to meet Shuyler the man behind style forum and see his Urban loggers and pick his brain. That helped with more than anything else. He gave me some swag in the form of a Tshirt too. Thank you for that and I appreciate the additional work shirt. Overall I very much appreciated the hands on experience offered from my trip down to Nicks! Thank you guys very much for all of your assistance and experience!

 

[Nicks Boots Shuyler]

I just came back from Nick's in Spokane. I wanted to say thank you for your time and your excellent customer service! I was fit by Lucas for a pair of Urban drifters in smooth Natural Veg Tan by Wicket and Craig. He gave great advice and helped walk me very patiently through all the options. It will be 4 weeks as they had to order the leather direct. Then another 3 months or so for the rest of my lead time. I will definitely be looking forward to it. ??

I was very tempted a bit by two other leathers I saw there. Something for me to keep in mind for the future boots possibly. I don't think this will be my last pair but I am planning to stop at 3 pairs tops and break the first pair in at least.

One thing I really appreciated too was that I met with their leather specialist. I am not sure if I am allowed to talk about the new leathers I saw or not because they are experimenting with them still. Those of you keeping an eye on the thread should have some great options to look forward to in two weeks! All I can say is some of the hides had amazing color and even a good pull up effect if you happen to like that! There are definitely some unique and tempting offerings. One of the veg tans they have is impregnated with more waxes, some have a glossy look, different shades and colors, etc. They gave me leather cuts to try some of the different products at home with. So I can do some trial and error with shoe care products.

Also a super tip from their leather specialist (still sorry I can't remember his name?). He told me a technique for anyone looking for more of a shine on their work boots but don't want to compromise the texture or feel or coloration of the boot. Anyone wanting to try it take a block of pure beeswax and a horsehair brush, and then brush vigorously a little bit of beeswax onto the boots for a high gloss shine! The more you buff and thr more time you spend the higher the shine. It lasts a month or two as well. Something to try, I also can imagine it helps with water resistance in addition too...

I can't remember what I did with my Beeswax Block I own and I need a dedicated brush for that too. If anyone goes ahead and tries I would love to see the result though! I have some chrome excel boots may try that with in the meantime.

I got to meet Shuyler the man behind style forum and see his Urban loggers and pick his brain. That helped with more than anything else. He gave me some swag in the form of a Tshirt too. Thank you for that and I appreciate the additional work shirt. Overall I very much appreciated the hands on experience offered from my trip down to Nicks! Thank you guys very much for all of your assistance and experience!

Great to meet you, man, it was fun talking shop with you and you really know your stuff.

Our leather expert is Nathan for reference if/when we see you down here again

 

[montanamike]

I just came back from Nick's in Spokane. I wanted to say thank you for your time and your excellent customer service! I was fit by Lucas for a pair of Urban drifters in smooth Natural Veg Tan by Wicket and Craig. He gave great advice and helped walk me very patiently through all the options. It will be 4 weeks as they had to order the leather direct. Then another 3 months or so for the rest of my lead time. I will definitely be looking forward to it. ??

I was very tempted a bit by two other leathers I saw there. Something for me to keep in mind for the future boots possibly. I don't think this will be my last pair but I am planning to stop at 3 pairs tops and break the first pair in at least.

One thing I really appreciated too was that I met with their leather specialist. I am not sure if I am allowed to talk about the new leathers I saw or not because they are experimenting with them still. Those of you keeping an eye on the thread should have some great options to look forward to in two weeks! All I can say is some of the hides had amazing color and even a good pull up effect if you happen to like that! There are definitely some unique and tempting offerings. One of the veg tans they have is impregnated with more waxes, some have a glossy look, different shades and colors, etc. They gave me leather cuts to try some of the different products at home with. So I can do some trial and error with shoe care products.

Also a super tip from their leather specialist (still sorry I can't remember his name?). He told me a technique for anyone looking for more of a shine on their work boots but don't want to compromise the texture or feel or coloration of the boot. Anyone wanting to try it take a block of pure beeswax and a horsehair brush, and then brush vigorously a little bit of beeswax onto the boots for a high gloss shine! The more you buff and thr more time you spend the higher the shine. It lasts a month or two as well. Something to try, I also can imagine it helps with water resistance in addition too...

I can't remember what I did with my Beeswax Block I own and I need a dedicated brush for that too. If anyone goes ahead and tries I would love to see the result though! I have some chrome excel boots may try that with in the meantime.

I got to meet Shuyler the man behind style forum and see his Urban loggers and pick his brain. That helped with more than anything else. He gave me some swag in the form of a Tshirt too. Thank you for that and I appreciate the additional work shirt. Overall I very much appreciated the hands on experience offered from my trip down to Nicks! Thank you guys very much for all of your assistance and experience!

Great to hear... Post some pictures when the boots roll out for us all to see.

 

[Vultain]

Great to meet you, man, it was fun talking shop with you and you really know your stuff.

Our leather expert is Nathan for reference if/when we see you down here again

I appreciated getting to talk to people that could answer my questions too. One thing to have knowledge and it another to get to hear from those who work with it everyday. I really appreciate it, especially your experiences with horsehide and shell. I learned a lot.

Thanks for giving me Nathan's name. I updated my post accordingly. You'll probably see me again a month or two after I get my drifers if I decide to get one more pair this year. Or I might hold out for next year, alot of it just depends on what I decide to do for leather. In the meanwhile I will look forward to seeing how my first pair fits.

 

[probablycantaffordit]

Got my Urban Loggers in the order queue, but really struggling between the predator orange and natural waxed flesh leather options. Can anyone provide insight or advice on which color to select? I'm not using these boots for anything in particular, so leather durability isn't an issue. I'm selecting the leather purely on aesthetics, and right now I like both pretty equally. Thanks.

 

[montanamike]

Got my Urban Loggers in the order queue, but really struggling between the predator orange and natural waxed flesh leather options. Can anyone provide insight or advice on which color to select? I'm not using these boots for anything in particular, so leather durability isn't an issue. I'm selecting the leather purely on aesthetics, and right now I like both pretty equally. Thanks.

It is America after all... go for both.

There was some time ago on Nicks IG page that had a new and well used predator orange... I'd imagine something similar might be found for natural WF as well.

But ultimately...

I'd be thrilled with either...

 

[js0930]

Got my Urban Loggers in the order queue, but really struggling between the predator orange and natural waxed flesh leather options. Can anyone provide insight or advice on which color to select? I'm not using these boots for anything in particular, so leather durability isn't an issue. I'm selecting the leather purely on aesthetics, and right now I like both pretty equally. Thanks.

It’s really a question of which one you like the aging of better. Orange will go darker, more brown, should mottle nicely. Waxed flesh typically gets lighter with age and gets more texture (just not sure about the lighter with natural). There are no bad choices.