Timber Roanoke, Builder Pro's. The Supple Veg Tanned Leather That Could...

Setting poles, pulling wire, bringing electricity into folks homes are the required duties asked of all my work boots. But these endured so much more than that. Several weeks of either wet conditions and/or frozen temperatures kept this pair in check day in and day out. Calcium Chloride was the ultimate boss battle, as it worked its way deeper into the vulnerable vegetable tanned leather that Roanoke is. Several light duty cleanings were needed just to maintain the integrity of the boot. Once winter broke the scars of battle were evident but the Builder Pro's still stand strong.

The Timber Roanoke is a much more refined vegetable tanned leather when compared directly to the Natural Dublin I wore last year. With that comes pros and cons. Break in was an absolute pleasure, as this leather is among some of the most supple I have worn to date. A glaring con, especially under the harsh conditions they were subjected too, is its lack of ability to repel moisture. Add road salt and Calcium chloride to the mix and you have a recipe for disaster on you feet. Roanoke doesn't carry over the heavy waxed finish like the Natural Dublin, acting like a dry sponge, ready to absorb everything that comes its way. I felt once the time was right to condition, a much lighter application would be the safer result. The horse hair brushing was able to spread the Venetian Leather Balm in a more even fashion. One of my favorite pro's to the Roanoke was its teacore and burnishing effects. When new, the Timber colorway is an almost scarlet shade of reddish brown with the roughout interior showing a more salmon color. With friction and scuffs, a blend of highlights and dark spots begins to bleed from the uppers down. After month six, Timber is the perfect color name as the evolution reminds me of tattered pine bark. I can not wait to see what another six months has in store for these bad boys.

The T55 Last, with its Munson inspired toe box provides the perfect balance of arch support and vamp wiggle room. My favorite last by far. I added Buffalo Wool Company insoles to combat freezing temps and I still had plenty of room with my normal Nicks size 10 E

I designed this pair of builder pros with symmetrical attributes in mind. I went for all antique eyelets to not have the hooks break anything up while looking from the front. Looking at the boots from the back, I opted for no pull loop for a cleaner more continuous look. When this pair was new the Natural Edge paired perfectly with the Interior salmon color that begun popping through with scuffs and scrapes As for construction and finishing. Everything was fantastic. The Nicks crew really knocked these out of the park.

I continue to opt for the honey lug as I've found the comfort, durability and traction is the right combination I need on a day in, day out basis at work.

The Heel Cap has been wearing down on a slight angle as I tend to chop when I walk. They will definitely make another six months or more though.

I went into this years dome with a vision on how this pair of Builder Pro's in Timber Roanoke would end up and they have honestly shattered my expectations. By far one of the most comfortable pairs of boots in my collection. Time and time again I am impressed with both the quality of materials used and detail to construction provided from Horween and Nicks. Most if not all of their offerings can handle some of the toughest conditions on this planet. Who knows possibly beyond...🌍🪐 Cant wait to see yall next October! Shiny out!!! 🫡✨️🥾