Nicks
Builder Pro, MTO
Thurman55 Last
US Men's Brannock: 10.5E
Thurman55 Last: 10E
None
The Thurman 55 last is exactly what i was looking for. I have some serious duck feet. ( Narrow in the heel with a really wide toe spread. ) The high arch from the 55 is a real back saver, and the Thurman toe allows my toes to roam where they naturally want to be. This is my last of choice from here on out.
Nicks Handmade Boots
I am a Journeyman Lineman by trade. I wanted to see the evolution of a vegetable tan boot such as Natural Dublin over the course of the dome. The Thurman 55 last works extremely well for my duck feet. Cut top on a 10 inch height has great ankle support and comfort in my line of work. The leather shank feels good and distributes my weight evenly while ascending, working, and descending wood poles when strapped into my climbing gaffs. I am excited to have this pair of Natty Dub beauties go through the challenge of the 24'-25' Stitchdown Patina Thunderdome.
I measured a half size down from brannock and came out with a 10.5 bumped down to a 10 Length. For width i measured with a taylors tape and cross referenced Nicks width sheet. I landed pretty firmly on an E width. The classic heel height and arch of the 55 last combined with the frontal toe space of the Thurman last is a godsend, that keeps me coming back to Nicks. This last works well for my duck feet. ( Wide forefront, more narrow heel )
Nicks released 25 pairs of Natural Dublin over the summer in a MTO, Quickship. I ordered a pair when there were only 10 left. I recieved the pair about 2 months after ordering. The process was smooth as it could have been.
This pair of MTO Nicks Builder Pro's started their journey traveling up and down the eastern half of the United States. First, the one two punch of Helene and Milton. Then, straight back home to regular work in Jersey, pulling wire for a reconductor. Then, moved an hour inland to work on some 12kv feeder tie points outside of a substation. Winter has quickly become more turbulent with drastic high and low temp swings that could bring in multiple storm systems. It shall be a long winter and rest of the Dome for these boots
These have held up extremely well, not showing signs that would be different than any other smooth leather I've worn previously to work. The waxy surface seems to melt into high friction areas such as the heel and instep and is starting to burnish nicely. The scuffs begin to caramelize with a good brushing. Break-in was relatively non-existent, seeing we were working 16-hour shifts in the South East for a month. Care is crucial for this leather. I brush them after each use with a horse hair brush. Wipe down if necessary and put on a 3 hour cycle on the boot dryer with no heat. Dublin leather basically only has a layer of wax on its top coat, and once it begins getting scuffed, it drys out fairly quick. So for touch-up maintenance, I've been using light applications of Smith's Leather Balm. Then, wipe them down with a clean terry cloth followed by more brushing.
The Thurman 55 last is my go-to feeling comfortable in the toe box and snug in the heel and instep. I've noticed that the Dublin leather has a good amount of stretch, especially once they warm up, so you can really cinch the laces down a good amount if you'd like. Once they have rested for the evening on the boot dryer, they return to a more snug fit again. There is nothing wrong with it, just something to note.
As for design, I was going for a pair that crossed lines to try and unite both work and heritage boot enthusiasts alike. I find myself torn in the middle sometimes, so a true hybrid this pair is, blending as much comfortability with as much durability as I could. The construction is as to be expected from an outstanding PNW boot company that Nicks is. The finishing is extremely well, with only minor variations between both left and right. I can tell that there was a passion when this boot went through each station in the shop, and that doesn't go unappreciated.
The V100 Honey Lug is soft under foot and add a layer of comfortability that I had not felt in the Black V100 Lug. It does seem to have been wearing down a tad bit quicker though the comfort aspect is more important to me. If the need for a resole arises it could always be altered to something more suited for the tasks at hand if deemed necessary.
The Classic Dogger has been my go-to as of late, not only for it being less of a clunky walker but also looks better, in my opinion.
I am hoping by putting this pair through their paces, we may see more amazing builds with a wide array of leather choices enter in future work domes. I can honestly say it has been one heck of a blast these first two months cant wait to see where these bad boys end up.