This was a lot of fun to judge and see how far people can push their boots while still taking good care of them. I'm still envious of those gorgeous Wesco engineers. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this!
You're an absolute legend Carl-one who's built for this! Huge thanks for the incredible amount of thought and care you put into the judging...and making 15 absolutely fabulous picks!
Ben, you’ve built a wonderful community around boots and I love that I get to be a part of it. This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. I feel blessed.
Congratulations Lucas, however for me, the birth of my children, getting married, buying my fist house, … rank significantly higher to me than wearing a pair of boots. But to each their own I guess.
Never thought I’d be able to comment this, but I am VERY GLAD to find a channel that is all about boots! Thank you for putting these videos together, and taking the time to produce this context for us to enjoy, and learn from! Some might think it’s silly, but it’s ridiculously important to know what to buy and what not to buy boot wise
Every single day I say to myself "how have I been doing this silly thing for five years". And every day I get at least one message about how incredibly happy someone is with the boots or shoes we helped guide them towards in even a tiny way. And man those people are happy. So silly we shall remain! (Also this year's version of this video coming out in a couple weeks will look MUCH better!).
For me, those Rough Rider Ropers look phenomenal, and those Nicks Falcons were stunning. Even more phenomenal was the stunning level of esteem amongst the judges.
I love the fact you don't have to have 500 dollar boot to be a part of this, and actually place in top 10. Was extremely excited to see that pair of golden fox boots get some love. Iv been wearing there boots for work boots for a couple years and they are great. Great job with this contest and I definitely plan to compete next year.
Caterpillar Second shift. By far the best value work boot that never lets you down. And the tan ones are gorgeous. I stray and get another pair of workboots when I get curious, Nicks, Jk, Redwing, Jim Green. But I always go back to the second shift in Tan.
Thanks fellows, appreciate your great video, subsequent assessment and fair judgement. Out of curiosity, as most if not all participants, are from U.S., why don't we see any typical western boots amongst all 20 that were placed? I would want to see at a minimum one in each category as there are plenty of very solid Western work boots available to decent and competitive prices? Again appreciate your time and efforts...
This sounds like a fun challenge. I wish I could join in. I rotate my boots too often to participate. I do not wear the same pair every day. I do not even wear the same pair more than once per week.
I'm thinking about entering the next one. I wanted to entering my Thursday Premiere High tops into it before I saw the "No Sneakers" rule. But like Carl already said. "Horween waxed Flesh is kind of like a cheat code.
It might happen at some point! Which is a big part of why we tested it out this year. While we were pretty happy with how it went in many ways, it definitely needs some rethinking before it could be responsible for the entire results. Thank you for the feedback!
ONlY six months? OK, I think it's not really likely I will watch all thirty minutes of this, but I guess Nick's wins with a model that they don't offer to consumers worn by a guy who works in marketing and not out in the field, so that's pretty lame, sorry.
Hi Practical Menswear Journey! I don’t mind you not being happy that my pair won or not liking the premise of the contest, but please try to be accurate. First, the boots have been available now for several weeks and even sold out before a Re-release after the winners were announced. We have a few boots in the lineup that were designed or inspired by employees. It’s one of the really cool things about working for Nicks. People saw my boots in the contest every month an wanted them, so we listened. Second, I’ve done almost every job in the shop. Hundred of boots were either sanded, shanked, or finished by me while wearing these boots during the competition. The boot shop is not my full time gig but it was at one point. Small leather goods were made, phones were answered, emails sent, photos taken, templates designed, products prototyped, packages shipped, and feet fitted while wearing these boots. They were on my feet 12-16 hours a day, everyday, for 6 months straight. A thousand diapers were changed in these boots. Dozens of baths given. 😂 I’m not sure why being “out in the field” matters to you so much, but I don’t know how these boots could been any more out in the field than they were for the last 6 months. I’m happy to answer any reasonable questions you may have about my boots, Nicks, or the contest. This was my second go at the Thunderdome and I love it. The community that’s grown from it is amazing. It’s supposed to be a fun competition to learn what these really cool boots and leathers can be put through.
What a coincidence! A grand prize awarded to a fairly unremarkable looking pair of boots, worn by an employee of one of the companies sponsoring the contest, that are now making said boot available for sale at a $100+ premium!
While we love hearing about what people liked and didn't, and conspiracy theories will always abound on a contest like this (which means I suppose you have zero reason to believe me) I can assure you that Nicks had zero hand in the judging and was completely separated from basically the entire contest other than putting up some fantastic prizes for worthy winners. (Also they didn't even sponsor the half of the contest that boot won). Very honest question if you found that winner unremarkable: which pairs were your favorite? Would legit love to know!
Also we get deep into the whole Nicks sponsorship/No 1 choice in the Shoecast (podcast) episode with all the judges-I highly recommend giving it a listen if you've got some time, it's pretty interesting and revealing stuff!
This was a lot of fun to judge and see how far people can push their boots while still taking good care of them. I'm still envious of those gorgeous Wesco engineers. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this!
You're an absolute legend Carl-one who's built for this! Huge thanks for the incredible amount of thought and care you put into the judging...and making 15 absolutely fabulous picks!
Hi, Carl. Good job, sir. See you on your channel, love it.
anytime 🤣
Ben, you’ve built a wonderful community around boots and I love that I get to be a part of it. This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. I feel blessed.
Congrats, Lucus. Well deserved.
Congratulations Lucas, however for me, the birth of my children, getting married, buying my fist house, … rank significantly higher to me than wearing a pair of boots. But to each their own I guess.
@@Kingfisher1215 “one of the most”. Like you, and most other human beings, I have many. 😉
Great great great video, Although I didn't win a prize this year, I will dome again next year
Thank you! And yes I can't wait to see what you roll out next year-I think you know your collection has some of my all time favorites!
Never thought I’d be able to comment this, but I am VERY GLAD to find a channel that is all about boots! Thank you for putting these videos together, and taking the time to produce this context for us to enjoy, and learn from! Some might think it’s silly, but it’s ridiculously important to know what to buy and what not to buy boot wise
Every single day I say to myself "how have I been doing this silly thing for five years". And every day I get at least one message about how incredibly happy someone is with the boots or shoes we helped guide them towards in even a tiny way. And man those people are happy. So silly we shall remain! (Also this year's version of this video coming out in a couple weeks will look MUCH better!).
Congratulations everyone! Great choices on all of these. 🎉🎉
For me, those Rough Rider Ropers look phenomenal, and those Nicks Falcons were stunning. Even more phenomenal was the stunning level of esteem amongst the judges.
That Rough Rider should have won first. Work is work. I liked that #7 boot in the open.
I love the fact you don't have to have 500 dollar boot to be a part of this, and actually place in top 10. Was extremely excited to see that pair of golden fox boots get some love. Iv been wearing there boots for work boots for a couple years and they are great. Great job with this contest and I definitely plan to compete next year.
I was apparently, definitely fortunate enough to secure one of the 50 LL64
I'm glad you guys finally made a UA-cam channel
Awesome to see you guys on UA-cam. Regular follower of the podcast and would love to see more UA-cam content from you. Cheers 🍻
Caterpillar Second shift.
By far the best value work boot that never lets you down.
And the tan ones are gorgeous.
I stray and get another pair of workboots when I get curious, Nicks, Jk, Redwing, Jim Green.
But I always go back to the second shift in Tan.
Great Video 🦾⭐️ As a Classic Boot guy this was Awesome
Ben loving the UA-cam videos! Finally! And your face isn’t bad to look at either 🤣
Thanks fellows, appreciate your great video, subsequent assessment and fair judgement. Out of curiosity, as most if not all participants, are from U.S., why don't we see any typical western boots amongst all 20 that were placed? I would want to see at a minimum one in each category as there are plenty of very solid Western work boots available to decent and competitive prices? Again appreciate your time and efforts...
The sleeper hit to me is the Grant Stone cap toe in D’Annonay chocolate calf. That pair is gorgeous.
oh, it's obvious there was not bias on the Nicks boots being the winner. those things are amazing.
Seems like Lucas deserves the trip to Japan about as much as anybody
This sounds like a fun challenge. I wish I could join in. I rotate my boots too often to participate.
I do not wear the same pair every day. I do not even wear the same pair more than once per week.
Those endurance leather boots were incredible
No link to each boot's manufacturer. 😥
I'm thinking about entering the next one. I wanted to entering my Thursday Premiere High tops into it before I saw the "No Sneakers" rule. But like Carl already said. "Horween waxed Flesh is kind of like a cheat code.
Excellent stuff bro
Carl you the man 👍
To bad I dropped out because I lost my phone so I couldn’t upload videos. But I’m already looking for a new dome pair
Planning to enter the next dome. Can we use any leather? I’m thinking an exotic cowboy boot.
Hey team, I still cant access the Stitchdown site in Australia, any chance that will be fixed soon? I need to see those winners.
the links to the boots or at least a list with the names would be appreciated thanks.
Are safety toe eligible for entry?
Of course!!
I was here
And we love you for that
Those Rios of Mercedes tho...wow!
What is the name of the last one ??
Green Oris Aquis ⌚ 👍🏻
For me i alwys love no 3
Lotta love for Nicks models. Hmmmmm…..
10:45 three resoles in that amount of time?
Jim green is a excellent boot
Hey a video
appreciate the show, JUST! dudes: dont need show your faces, - the shoes are more interesting to watch !
god, my pictures looked like garbage compared to everyone elses lol
Untrue!
Please just make the entire contest People’s Choice.
It might happen at some point! Which is a big part of why we tested it out this year. While we were pretty happy with how it went in many ways, it definitely needs some rethinking before it could be responsible for the entire results. Thank you for the feedback!
You don’t even get to keep the trophy? :/
Shady🤨🤨🤨
Won’t be participating this year Greedy McStitchdown. Way to ruin a cool event.
if i spend 500+ on boots i am gonna take care of them, shoe trees and polish, will never understand the appeal of the beat up patina look.
I've got a ton of respect for that! Wear and care baby.
Because some people actually work hard and want a boot that can last.
ONlY six months? OK, I think it's not really likely I will watch all thirty minutes of this, but I guess Nick's wins with a model that they don't offer to consumers worn by a guy who works in marketing and not out in the field, so that's pretty lame, sorry.
I have boots that I wore plenty and they just look like crap, so don't know where I was supposed to enter them.
I pretty much never wear one pair of shoes every day anymore. Most guys shouldn't, especially for work, and the boots companies even SAY this. Um...
Hi Practical Menswear Journey! I don’t mind you not being happy that my pair won or not liking the premise of the contest, but please try to be accurate. First, the boots have been available now for several weeks and even sold out before a Re-release after the winners were announced. We have a few boots in the lineup that were designed or inspired by employees. It’s one of the really cool things about working for Nicks. People saw my boots in the contest every month an wanted them, so we listened.
Second, I’ve done almost every job in the shop. Hundred of boots were either sanded, shanked, or finished by me while wearing these boots during the competition. The boot shop is not my full time gig but it was at one point. Small leather goods were made, phones were answered, emails sent, photos taken, templates designed, products prototyped, packages shipped, and feet fitted while wearing these boots. They were on my feet 12-16 hours a day, everyday, for 6 months straight. A thousand diapers were changed in these boots. Dozens of baths given. 😂 I’m not sure why being “out in the field” matters to you so much, but I don’t know how these boots could been any more out in the field than they were for the last 6 months.
I’m happy to answer any reasonable questions you may have about my boots, Nicks, or the contest. This was my second go at the Thunderdome and I love it. The community that’s grown from it is amazing. It’s supposed to be a fun competition to learn what these really cool boots and leathers can be put through.
@@lukelarsson your boots look amazing bro and you definitely deserve the win. Doesn't matter where you work or who you are brother. Congratulations
@@lukelarsson Diddo Ian Mccoy.
What a coincidence! A grand prize awarded to a fairly unremarkable looking pair of boots, worn by an employee of one of the companies sponsoring the contest, that are now making said boot available for sale at a $100+ premium!
While we love hearing about what people liked and didn't, and conspiracy theories will always abound on a contest like this (which means I suppose you have zero reason to believe me) I can assure you that Nicks had zero hand in the judging and was completely separated from basically the entire contest other than putting up some fantastic prizes for worthy winners. (Also they didn't even sponsor the half of the contest that boot won).
Very honest question if you found that winner unremarkable: which pairs were your favorite? Would legit love to know!
Also we get deep into the whole Nicks sponsorship/No 1 choice in the Shoecast (podcast) episode with all the judges-I highly recommend giving it a listen if you've got some time, it's pretty interesting and revealing stuff!