NICKS HANDMADE BOOTS REVIEW - BREAK IN TIME
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- Опубліковано 28 тра 2019
- NICKS HANDMADE BOOTS REVIEW - HONEST REVIEW
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Great review! Sorry again for the toe issues. So glad we go those resolved.
I bought a pair of Whites boots, about 1983 and I was told to fill them with hot water for about :10 to help break them in faster. Was that accurate? Great boots.
@@davidmoore5021 That's how you get a poorly fitting boot to fit. Water is boots can rot leather and rust nails. We just recommend 30 mins day one, 45 mins day two, etc. For Liam, he had a double celastic toe in his for toe protection. That's what was preventing the toe box from forming to the toes.
@@nicksboots Guess he could use wax sealer to make the outside waterproof.
the only thing is the price for me way too expensive
@@nicksboots doesnt @wranglerstar talk about some nicks spray for his break in? Is that a thing?
By far the most painful boots that I’ve ever broken in. But now that I have had my pair for four years, they are so, so comfortable. A little heavy, but great if you have to stand all day.
Heavy? Don't wear chainsaw boots all day for work then.
@@moorshound3243 why do you care
@@moorshound3243 if he’s not chainsawing he prob won’t wear chainsaw boots u douche.
They are definitely worth it, if you are standing on them for 12-18 hours a day like most people in the trades do it only makes sense to get the best boots you can afford. It really helps your body in the long run.
I work around 6 hours a week in air craft. Thanks! I was just really wondering as I am on my feet all day.
12-18 hours a day 😳. Do you work in a concentration camp?
Spot on review. I have two pairs of Nick's (Contenders). Are they expensive? Yes. Are they worth it? Absolutely. Recommend highly to anyone who hasn't tried them. You just don't find quality like this much anymore. You feel like a million dollars every time you wear them. Everyone at Nick's should be proud to make such an excellent product.
Obenauf's LP. Just rub it in to protect your leather.
I've been wearing Nicks on the fireline for 10 years or so and love them. Best bang for the buck. 2 pairs down, couple resoles and all and quite satisfied.
Right on! Glad you like your Nicks!
Same here. These are the fire boots I got.
How much was the re sole?
@@Milkywayboy $150 but I know a guy
Way to put things in perspective. Your body is an investment, might as well be comfortable and safe. Most folks don't realize that thier feet is the true money makers.
Awesome vid man. I wore loggers I bought of the shelf for years. Then I ordered my first pair of custom Whites. THERE IS NO COMPARISION to spending the money on custom fit boots. So last year I got my first pair of Nicks. ABSOULUTY the best purchase of boots. Custom boots are not cheap and not for everyone. Yes there is some time for breakin but if you really wear your boots weather at work or on the weekends or all the time you won't regret spending the money and in the long run what is more important than your comfort knowing those boots will save your feet and back and last as long as you take care of them.
Great boot! I've worn Nicks 10" Wildland Firefighter boots for years. resoled and heeled a couple of times, I keep them conditioned alternately using mink oil and saddle soap and they are still virtually waterproof, comfortable and in good shape considering the use/abuse they've received. Everyone I know that wears Nicks boots breaks them in by wearing them and getting them thoroughly soaked, then wearing them until dry.
That's what some of my buddies did for SFAS back in the day. Definitely works haha.
I have White's but may get Nicks next time. I always recommend liberally using good, quality boot oil. White's has good oil, but go with what Nicks recommends. It will speed up the break-in time as the boot more quickly form to your foot. Will also help with the water repelancy.
Over a 5 year period, starting in 1970 I got 4 pair of Wesco Boot's custom made, 3 pair styled like this video, but 10" tall, and a pair of Vibrum sole 13" engineer boots. 2 pair of the lace ups I used for over 50 years in my auto restoration shop, all re-built as needed, they all look and fit as perfect as ever. I also treat mine often. When I was 17 I was in a horrendous wreck, the car I was in was crushed by an out of control 6 ton truck, first they didn't expect me to live, when I did they didn't expect me to walk. I found out I had to keep my legs and body hot, or thing ached too bad to move, with the boots, I also had custom leather pant's, and jackets made that kept heat in, but it's worked for 60 plus years, kept me moving. Some people thought I was crazy, the leathers were expensive too, but I could function and live. Take care or your gear, it can last forever
For faster turnaround, and generally better service, be sure to hit up Franks boots. Some of the old craftsmen from nicks jumped ship under new management and started another their own company, also in spokane. Fantastic service and gave my old pair of nicks new life!
Actually, only one boot maker left Nicks for Franks...well, two actually, but one has since returned to Nicks. All the boot makers that have built the Nicks brand are still at Nicks making boots the same way we have for 55 years. Thanks!
Nicks Handmade Boots thanks for the correction. Details do matter. And that’s why I chose Franks
@@rathernotsay8185 Copy that! Just wanted to make sure our information was accurate as we have hearing some interesting claims lately. I am sorry we let you down. We are improving every day. Would love to give it another shot with you someday! All the best!
Nicks Handmade Boots Well said!
@@rathernotsay8185 You bet!
Great review and excellent discussion on price. I have a pair of custom fit Russell hunting boots that I love. I've had them for 15 years but only wear them in the fall and winter. They will last the rest of my life. Well worth the money.
I'd buy Nicks but I ride a desk for a living.
You need to keep updating this video and let us know just how long these boots last and keep feeling good. I have been thinking of ordering from Nick's and to be honest, $500 is not that bad if you get a good pair of boots that last years and are comfortable. It is easy to spend $200 on a pair of off the shelf standard boots that fall to pieces after two or three years. Also, how do they handle water, drying out and similar? (You say they let water in - did you season them with Mink Oil or Dubbin?) Also, I think 2 hours to dry them will ruin them, they need to dry slowly or the leather will harden and crack. If I could get 10 years out of a comfortable well made boot then I don't think $500 is excessive at all - nothing worse than painful feet if you have to wear bad fitting boots 12 hours a day. Good honest video by the way!
Love my Nicks!!! Have had mine for over 4 years now and only just sent them in for a resole. You’re 100% correct about the break-in time as I couldn’t start wearing mine the on daily basis until about 4-6 months of owning them which was pretty damn frustrating. However once they broke-in - I didn’t want to wear anything else and still can’t. I’m struggling right now as I wait for my resole to be finished. I work for a railroad company as a tech and do a fair amount of walking in uneven terrain and was pretty surprised that the soles lasted as long as they did. The lower and upper parts of the boot are still in excellent condition. I’m actually thinking about grabbing another pair so when I send a pair in for service - I don’t have to torcher myself by wearing anything else...
No need to torch yourself over a pair of boots....
Are they really that hard to break in
How much was the re sole?
@@realasscracka Extremely hard break in. Took me 5 months to have mine fully broke in. When I started wearing to work, I could only wear them for couple hours at a time.
Great to hear an honest review.
Price for a pair of handmade boots is relative. As the owner of a Liam Hoffman axe, you get what you pay for. It does not pay to cut corners.
My office used to be just down the street from Nick's, and I always wanted a pair, but never could justify the cost. They are definitely a quality product.
Thanks! I’m sold now too... as soon as my Danner Acadia duty boots wear out.
Btw my Danners are half the price, waterproof, I’ve had them 12 years so far, and they’ve been resoled 4 times.
Loved my Danners too; for 23 years. But my next pair will be Nicks.
Get 2 pair and alternate them every other day. Take care of your feet.
I have always rubbed new leather boots down with a heavy dose of mink oil. It has shortened and help the break in time alot. It really works.
As someone who did start off wearing my Builder Pros all day every day because I had no other viable options, it’s good to know that the numbness will eventually disappear, because even though I’ve done probably almost double the recommended 100 hours (if not more) in the two months or so that I’ve had them, I’m still having some issues that I’d put down to them being slightly too big
I’ll see how they’re going in another couple of months or so as to whether I need to send them back for resizing or not
Now that you know about the break in it's time to order another pair so you can break them in and wear them when those go in for a resole or rebuild! Pro tip! LOL
You've convinced me! Two things in life everybody needs are a good bed, and a good pair of boots. If you're not in one, you're in the other :)
I can't believe you actually said that.
Don’t forget tires, I’ve always heard them mentioned with the other two
@@KyleMeyer949 Yep. Tires are the cheapest performance upgrade(and life insurance) to your vehicle. A bad tire's stopping distance can be 20 feet difference, and 20 feet is the difference between you seated safely at the light, or ass out in the intersection. Always buy good tires, your life really does depend on them, "when the rubber meets the road."
and a good guitar
Bought a custom pair of Nicks boots a year ago. By far the best boots I have ever seen. They look big and clunky, but the comfort is like no other. I cant believe how comfortable they are. Only my sneakers are more comfortable, but I would rather wear my Nicks if I am on my feet for any prolonged periods. I also thought the break in period was pretty mild. Not many things are worth every penny, these boots are one of the few things that are. I'll be buying the Falcons or the Robert next. Nicks has made me a boot snob.
Considering the quality level and that these are custom fit and hand made, they are an incredible bargain. I take a strange size and almost always have to comprise on off the shelf footwear so I'm really looking forward to when I've saved enough to buy a pair of these. Paying for true quality (often not related to the pricetag) is usually the way to get the most for your money.
My feet must be made of iron. Wore my brand new Nick's Builder Pros (and darn Tough socks) for 13 hour days 3 days straight totaling around 33,000 steps on a oilfield jobsite according to my Garmin watch. Not a single blister and only mild discomfort at the insteps on day two which I alleviated by skipping the first set of hooks when I laced them up. walking on cement, gravel, mud and dirt, climbing stairs and ladders, crouching, kneeling, standing, driving a side by side. I did it all with no real issues at all.
Treat them with obenauf's and they'll be waterproof enough. Also keep from cracking.
my understanding is that they dont make the try on boot custom. they have a catalog of pre made boots, and use the fit sheet to determine which "last" or shoe form fits your foot the closest, and send you a pair of boots made on that form. then you wear them for a bit and call them to tell them what needs to change, and they modify your pair based on that test fit. then you send the try ons back, and they go back into the warehouse for the next time someone matching that size sends in a fit sheet.
Well, these had to be made at some point, right?
Good vid. I own two pairs of Nicks boots and one pair of older White's boots. Both are the best boots I've ever owned (I've owned Red Wing, Timberland Pro and Wolverine among others). The break in period is for real, but worth it given the fit and comfort after the break in period and that they can be rebuild and resoled many times over.
I have a pair of Nick's Homesteaders (I think...not on the website anymore). The 100 hour break-in is a bare minimum for a perfect foot...it took FOREVER for me. And I would echo all the other cons to their boots.
But now...oh my. I wouldn't trade them for anything. They're totally worth it. Love them...
The honey Vibram looks badass on the black Roughout.
You're definitely going on the right direction wearingthem for everything, personally if possible I like to buy a pair of work boots but use them as dress boats until they break in. Good boots aren't that comfortable or of the box and break-in can be horrible but all well with it in the years to come
Another plus to having the heal height that you have there is prevention of plantar fasciitis. Since I have started wearing boots with a little taller heel mine has gone away.
Boot will stretch widthways. But nothing beats getting the bootmaker to measure your foot in person.
Excellent! Just stumbled on your channel and love it. Looking forward to getting my Nick's and, to seeing more of your videos. Great job. You're a natural and very easy to watch. I appreciate it. Subscribing, ringing that bell and of course this is my comment. Take care buddy.
Sold. As soon as my redwings wear out..
The thing with RedWings...is that they last a long time...and they are uncomfortable for the whole time! Atleast for me. My feet have arches, something Red Wing doesn't seem to know about.
fredy gump get the insoles, I have a high arch and got the redwing soles for my 4200 and they feel like a slipper
@@S3xyTexan88 which insole? --they have 3
@@gregl2249 “revolution orthotics” I believe, check out the store they will custom fit them for you
Awesome review. I have been thinking about these.
When I bought my Nick's boots I had issues with my right foot rubbing like that. They are the hardest boots to break in and get comfortable in. However once broken in they are the most comfortable thing to wear. To quote cody wranglerstar you forget your even wearing them. even after a 16 hour plus shift I wouldn't trade it for the world. You get what you pay for with Nick's
I have had the Nicks Hotshots for around 2 months now the first 3 days I wore them as long as I.could around the 10 day mark I said eff it and oiled them(needed some water resisting) after that break in went quickly and now I wear them 12-16 hours a day
I'm lucky to have an easy to fit foot shape at size Euro48 with a superfeet green arch so off the shelf has always been great for my feet but I am still sorely tempted by a pair of Nicks LTT 64Bs
I have the Hot Shots and the Roberts. The Roberts break in was easy peasy but man o man breaking in the Hot Shots were something else. Once you win the break in you'll never give these boots up without a fight.
Wranglerstar had a video on their shop. I would very much like to buy a pair of boots from Nick. Wranglerstar is correct in that some people fork out a lot of money for a gun that sits in the vault most of the year and little on what they put on their feet. I am looking forward to a pair of boots with actual arch support!
I ended up going with Wesco simply because they gave me the option of paying more to speed up the build process and fire season was coming up fast. Several guys in my department wear nick's though and love them. I think they're probably pretty equivalent. Break in on the Wescos was a non issue.
That is some very cool boots you get there, and the price is at the right height for the craftsmanship there is put in them. very cool :)
I’ve been in the boiler making trade for nearly 30 years in Australia. I’ve gone through that many brands and boots over the years I forget them all. Mongrel boots in Australia are by far the best boots I’ve ever worn if you are after comfort and durability. I’ve never been one for boutique boots because of the ridiculous break in time and insane price. I sure would like to try them though.
I would recommend that you polish them once in a while just to protect the leather (your investment).
I also heard that you could use boiled linseed oil which he already has
@@jim-zb2kb Neats Foot Oil compound is great for waterproofing, softening and lubricating but I was concerned for the fire resistance of the leather. Boot wax would be better than an oil I believe but I may be wrong. Thanks for the information though Mike.
@@fella704 I'll respectfully disagree with you Sam. When I buy a pair of Nick's boots at $460 I'll be polishing them to protect the leather.
Patman Crowley you are incorrect and need to accept that. Rough side out can not be POLISH since it’s the rough side. He needs to condition the leather. Before you claim others are wrong might want to do some research first Hoss
@@Deaddriftbum Well DAMN, Justin! Don't tell my boots, or my polish applicator brush 'cause I don't want them to go out on strike.
I just got my pair of boots. Ignored the break in tips, wore them from 7am till 6pm at work, got home, didn't realize both my toes went numb. lol Fits like a glove tho. Can't wait for them to break in properly.
What was your exact build I want that except I want weather shield option. Thanks great video.
Nice review thank you.
My cousin wears White's and loves them. I always promised myself a pair, but know need now that I'm not working in construction.
I want a pair of nicks so much. But I don’t do a job that needs them, and the price is so high. I know they are very much worth the money, but I’m poor and redwings have worked well enough.
I have worn redwing logger boots for 15 years or so, but recently the quality just hasn’t been as good. Thx for the review I’m looking at nicks and whites this was helpful
I recently received my first pair of Nick's, the rangers. Two weeks into forming the boots and its going good. Hard to form the leather sole but it's understandable the leather is heavy duty.
You won't be disappointed with the quality from Nick's i can guarantee you. It's a treat to put them on, leather quality and the craftsmanship is top shelf
I bought a pair of Whites in the early 80's. I wore them in a commercial kitchen, very comfortable. The only downside was all the water on the floors, one hard on leather, two vibram soles and worth a damn on slick floors. I work the whites for 8 years, the soles were replaced twice. The uppers rotted out after the 8 years. I bought a pair of Nicks, not near as comfortable as the Whites, took longer to break in. I paid 375 bucks for this pair.
Great video liam
Custom well worth time and cost, been wearing a pair for about 15 years had resoled once and may need it again but the boot are still rocking. I never had a factory boot last 3 years before they start falling apart and they were about 60% the price of custom.(I work in a machine shop and farm)
Liam, obviously you have a taste for quality, if you ever want go to the barn dance dress boots check out Role Clubs from Brian the Boot Maker, the Liam Hoffman of leather “forging”, he is also kinda backed up, about a year wait.
How is the toe leather holding up?
I need a steel toe for my new job, & don't know if I should ask for a toe cap or not.
Not sure how you can relate long break in to having them a lifetime and also call the long break in a con. A work boot of that caliber from any maker be it Whites, Viberg, Franks, or Nicks will require similar break in time dependant on the "dutiness" of the boot (I wouldn't expect say Nicks Traveler to take as much break in as any of their heavy duty offerings). I can certainly see how not having to break in boots would be nice in the same vein as painless tattoos would be nice but the world isn't fair in that regard. Easy price to pay in my opinion and I'm on year 4 of my Nicks Robert boot working in a wood shop and they still clean up to still look good enough for a social outing.
Not trying to take shots at you I just think the break in and longevity go hand in hand.
Great review very throughout
Great review :)
You definitely need to do maintenance on your boots, all your leather boots & shoes. Use dubbin or similar with beeswax, paraffin or other leather treatment often used for saddles. This will also fill in all of the stitching holes & make the boots waterproof, as well as making the leather last much longer. It doesn't take much effort to look after your boots once or twice a week.
Great review. Those sure do look like the "high arch" model though, are you sure you ended up with the medium?
I have two pair of Nicks. No real break in time for me. Will be ordering another pair soon.,
Nice review. Agreed that those boots are nice and the price is pretty steep for just some handmade boots and the wait time too. You would be even more surprise on how much people would spend on an axe and wait years for them. Pretty wild huh?
My old White’s (2005) were perfect. My New Whites (2014) not nearly as good, so I got Nick’s. The Nick’s are great! But definitely follow the break in process.
Note: I’m as much from Spokane as anywhere, so I was able to go in person.
@@jackjmaheriii That helps for sure!
Bro, I have a bunch strong opinions, I’m super on Team Nick’s.
@@jackjmaheriii Welcome to the Team!
Another world famous thing about Spokane Washington!
Thank you!!!! One great city.
SpoCompton
@@bajamedic I was thinking the same thing, amazing that good products come out of that commie state.
I have wide feet and the price is not a big problem for hand made boots that fit and are comfortable. Thanks
You may "only" be 5'8" but you are VERY tall in character. I appreciate you.
Very honest, nice one. They look like they have a gusseted tongue, which makes me wonder why they're not waterproof. For rhe price, and for me, that'd be a sticking point, especially for hiking. This isn't my review though. 😉
Nicks and white’s the best period!!!
What kind of jeans are you wearing? They look comfy and great....
Do you feel like the double celastic toes compromised comfort in any way?
Hey man can i ask for a profile of that nick boots is it a 8inch or 10? I want to order the copy of that if you dont mind tnx man
That’s why they make boot grease for waterproofing
is there any treatment you can give them that would prevent wetness in rain/snow?
if such moisture cannot be prevented, then these boots are impractical in winter here in Minnesota as it can lead to frostbite and severe injury to the feet because of the extreme cold weather
re the toe irritation, did you wear wool or cotton socks? wool is more protective but some cannot use this material -
I think the double celastic toe might have been the issue but what do I know?
I have ANVIL envy. Oh yeah, cool boots too!
Do those soles wear out really fast, i have a set of whites and the soles go bald every six months. I do wear them everyday, and i work on concrete all day i wish they would last longer for the price. I would love to try nicks boots next time. Thanks for the review
Do you like high heel/arch? Would you change it?
Whites boots. All leather construction. Huge break in time as well. 100 percent waterproof. With arch ease. Whites smoke jumpers. Best boots. You can buy
being it was your first pair of properly fitted boots, your feet kinda needed a break in to them as well. the next pair wont take near as long. I wear whites but i think i'll try Nicks next time i want something different
I really wish I could rationalize getting some of these eventually... but I work in software
Coming from the military, the old method of breaking in full leather boots is wear them in the shower, wear them wet, let the leather dry over your foot :)
The break in of the boots, it's a right of passage in my mind haha
Anyone know are these slip resistant? Do they make something similar for chefs?
Hey what pants are those? Great review!
Bit gay.
@@moorshound3243 ur moms gae
@@takemechrome2291 cheers dude but my mum is dead.
How was the sizing? I hear they run big.
Great review. I followed the break in for my Builder Pro's and it was a bit painful at first, but these boots are made out of very thick leather and it does take time to break them in. I love mine and altho I don't need another pair, I plan to make a trip from Ohio to see their shop and order another pair while I am there. These boots are worth every cent.
How did they fix them when u sent them back¿
Did you just lose all feeling in your toes or did they finally just break in?
You can use snow seal to water proof it.
I've been wearing whites but danner bought them out so now they dont give a shit .... I'm going to try Nick's next time . I agree there is nothing better than measured and cut ! Thanks for your review dude !
I thought ABC Mart outta Japan owns whites now?
I just researched it and In fact ABC mart is the parent company to Lacrosse footwear who in turn owns Whites and Danner.... that's a bit depressing.
How are they when its 20 degrees outside
Whats the title of the first video discussing them?
500 bucks for a great pair of boots aint shit when your burning threw 3 pair of crap boots a year. When your my age young Man you will be thanking those boots after a 40 year grind. Wish I would have went with these type of boots 40 years ago when I got into my trade. My back and knees might be in better shape if I made the investment. Protect your feet, ears and eyes and of course never put your hands where you would not put your dick.
I feel like the width sizing is really touchy with these boots. I think people expect them to be more form fitting than they really should be and Nick's/White's kind of telegraphs that more than they might intend because they are trying to explain and, sort of hype, the fact that these are custom boots and will form fit around your foot and what not. So guys get them and think, oh they need to be tighter and then go one size too skinny sometimes. It's all good usually because the leather will stretch just like you've found. But I don't think they need to be uncomfortable for more than 50 to 100 hours and if they do feel like that then most likely you've gone one size too skinny. I have a pair of White's and a pair of Nick's. My personal experience is that there is a bit of room in the toe box and I prefer it that way. However, it is nice and snug around my arch, or middle part, of my foot. I tried the next size skinnier and I probably could have got away with it but would have fought them for months. My point is, it's okay if there is a little wiggle room in the front 4" or so (toe box and just behind I think) when brand new before break in. Both my pairs are extremely comfortable and definitely didn't become too wide.
My WestCo, (Scapoose, OR), boots cost $125 in 1974.
Thats about 659.94 adjusted for inflation.
@@opgaquatics5609 WOW! THAT IS A PAINFUL REALIZATION. THANK YOU.
They send a sample pair that they have made already. They have all shapes and sizes for this purpose
💪🏻 👀 those axe swinging arms
As regards the water, in this country years ago footballers used to use a product called dubbing, it had to be good because football players basically played in mud, not like today's pitches. I do not know whether this is a product still available you would have to research it. As for price let's face it you are in these fifty or so hours a week you have to have comfort so pay up.
So, Nicks has 1000000% satisfaction guarantee. That's good to know.