Still very comfortable, for the most part. This is my first Nicks lace to toe boot and I'm honestly not a big fan. It seems like I can never get the lace tension just right over the forefoot. The biggest issue is the tongue over the forefoot. The horseshoe comes up to the same location as regular non-LTT boots, but the facings start much lower. The tongue is still connected to both the side of the horseshoe and the inside of the facings which wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for having too much excess tongue material to fold in such a narrow gap. The result is that under the first two eyelets there is a roll of tongue material on both sides that has nowhere to go but into your foot. It eventually smashes down, but they're still there. You can't really get these tight because you'll just drive those two ridges into your foot. That problem is compounded by the rose anvil lineman patch because now you have this prominence that is even more pressure over the ridge on the inside. Other than that, which is getting better as they break in, these boots are crazy comfy. I'd love to get the maxwedge or Sierra sole on another pair of boots, too bad it isn't really attractive for packer styles and heritage styles.
Taken on November 2, 2024
Nicks Handmade Boots
x Rose Anvil ND3
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
Cost: 628 USD
Availability: Limited Edition
Lead Time: 5 days
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