Aldert Strider

Introduced as part of Nicks' expansion into more lightweight work footwear, the Aldert Strider draws inspiration from the classic Chukka style desert combat boot developed during World War II for enhanced mobility. The boot features customizable construction options built on various lasts, with the company's signature stitchdown construction method that allows for resoling and lifetime durability. Available with extensive customization options through the company's build-your-own program, the Aldert Strider is priced starting at $564.

The Aldert Strider utilizes a 4-inch height design that provides faster lacing and increased ankle mobility compared to traditional work boots. The boot is available with multiple last options, including the standard HNW (Moderate Arch/Standard Toe), ThurmanNW (Moderate Arch/Natural Toe Splay), 55 (Classic Arch/Standard Toe), and 11067 (Classic Arch/Sprung Toe). The soft toe configuration eliminates the steel or composite toe found in safety boots, reducing weight while maintaining flexibility.

Construction follows Nicks' traditional stitchdown method, where all layers are hand-stitched together without an exposed welt. This approach provides superior strength compared to other construction methods and creates a barrier against water and dirt penetration. The McKay lockstitch method secures the connection to the sole, contributing to the boot's resoleable design that supports multiple rebuilds throughout its service life.

The boot features a wedge sole construction as standard configuration. Customization options include multiple sole types and configurations, with leather choices spanning the full range of Nicks' available materials. The thick leather construction, typically 7-8 ounces in weight, conforms to the wearer's foot over time for a personalized fit.

A variant of the Aldert Strider incorporates Nicks' first-ever zero-drop technology, built on the Thurman-ZD last. This design eliminates heel elevation, placing the heel and toe at the same level to promote greater comfort, stability, balance, and support for workers who spend extended periods on their feet. The anatomical toe box provides improved foot alignment while maintaining the boot's durability standards.

The zero-drop design represents a departure from traditional Pacific Northwest bootmaking, which typically features substantial arch support and heel elevation. The Thurman-ZD last removes the normal leather shank and arch insert to create a flattened footbed while preserving the structural integrity required for work environments. Available sole options for the zero-drop version include Vibram Honey Unit Lug, Voyageur Outsole, and Kletterlift Outsole, though only the Kletterlift and Sierra soles maintain complete zero-drop geometry.

The Aldert Strider offers extensive customization through Nicks' build-your-own program. Size availability ranges from 4.0 to 15.0 with width options spanning from B (Narrow) to EE (Wide) and beyond. The company recommends ordering one-half size down from Brannock device measurements for optimal fit.

Customization extends to sole configuration, lug pattern, eyelet type, and leather selection. Available leather options include the full range of Nicks' offerings, from vegetable-tanned options to weatherproof treatments. Construction details such as edge color, stitching color, and hardware finish can be specified during ordering. The extensive customization options contribute to production lead times of up to 35 weeks, reflecting the hand-crafted nature of each pair.

The Aldert Strider emerges from Nicks Handmade Boots' 60-year heritage in Pacific Northwest bootmaking, established in 1964 in Spokane, Washington. The company's specialization in Goodyear-welted and stitchdown work boots for the logging industry has evolved to include heritage boots, fire boots, and specialized work footwear. Each boot undergoes individual craftsmanship, making every pair unique while maintaining consistent quality standards.

The company's commitment to American-sourced materials and handmade construction in their Spokane facility continues with the Aldert Strider. The boot represents Nicks' adaptation to modern ergonomic understanding while preserving traditional construction methods that enable multiple resoling and rebuilding throughout the boot's service life. This approach aligns with the company's focus on producing durable footwear designed for lifetime use rather than replacement.