Carmelization Further Intensifies...

January was brutally cold not only here in the Mid Atlantic but the whole eastern half of the country. The Natural Dublin took almost daily abuse of snow, sleet, mud, and road salt. On one occasion we set poles next to a farmers horse farm runoff ditch, M mmm good...

The Natural Dublin has been on going through what I refer to as a " carmelization " process high friction areas are burnishing quite well. A fee slices were opened wounds when new but have since gone to a much more scar like tissue. I brush dirt and debris off as needed and wipe of mud and clay wipe a damp rag. A final horse hair brushing moves the waxes and oils around enough to get it to shine until the next day.

The Thurman 55 last is still my go to favorite last snug in my heel and waist. Lots of lateral toe wiggle room. The 55 high arch provides comfort throughout the day and is complimented well by the Honey Vibram Outsole. A Buffalo Wool Company 4mm insert was added to try and combat the cold from weeks on end of below freezing temperatures. They are comfortable and aid in the sweat wicking properties of my Paul Bunyan, Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks.

Nicks is definitely my go to company so I may be a little biased but design, construction and finishing was right on track for what I'd expect from one of the legendary PNW boot maker's like Nicks. One notable improvement has been an improvement in Nicks stitch lines, which are cleaner than they were just a couple of years ago.

The initial wear of the Honey Vibram heel caps was quite fast but it has since begun to wear more evenly. The softer compound seems to do a little better in the colder conditions adding slightly more grip in slick spots.

The Classic Dogger i have found to be the most natural walking heel for myself personally. YMMV figuratively and literally.

This boot I feel has entered a stage of metamorphosis. I am highly anticipating the final product. All of my Nicks have aged in their own very unique way. These are no exception.