Compelled to be Domed
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Maker
Nicks Handmade Boots
Model
Ivan Boot
Leather
Last
Sole
Heel
Purchased from
Nicks Handmade Boots
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Why did you choose this item?
I really like the clean, minimalist design of the Ivan boot. While Nick’s is better known for their rugged builds, having a light-duty pair is more versatile as a daily wear. Add to it a supple leather like the light natural Dublin along with a leather sole and you have a boot that can dress up or down for just about any occasion.
Use & wear
This pair made for a great casual boot, fitting in smartly with my time away from work. They’ve spent most of their life indoors, away from the harsh elements. Most of all they’ve become a comfortable old friend, always dependable to be ready for daily life.
Leather
I could not be more delighted by this Horween Light Natural Dublin. The soft temper made for an extremely comfortable upper almost immediately. More so, the natural markings of the hide added a beautiful character as the color evolved over time. I enjoyed how simple the care was, only a brushing after each wear to keep them looking fresh.
Fit
The fit of this pair was spot on, which definitely added to the comfort. Just a simple increase from a D to E width allowed for perfect fit for the toe box. The modest arch of the HNW last works well for flat feet. I don’t ever remember feeling the need to get out of them, even after the longest of days.
Craftsmanship
I truly appreciate the simple design of the Ivan boot. The non-gusseted tongue made for easy on and off while the matching leather provides a clean, consistent look to the boot. Nicks did an outstanding job in the construction of these, even accommodating a request to add some character when clicking the leather. The way the leather was selected for the vamps shows a deliberate pride in craftsmanship with an eye for style.
Sole & heel
My first leather sole from Nicks, and they are robust. They were without a doubt the hardest part of the break in. However, once they began to yield their rigid nature, they became as comfortable as any sole I’ve experienced. Unfortunately our snowy winter made them a less than ideal choice for traction.
No surprises here, it worked fine. Would I have preferred something else, yeah. But since the Quabaug lift is no longer available, Nicks has been using a variety of makes with no option to select for them.
Final thoughts
My favorite thing about the Nicks Ivan boot is that it provides the durability of a PNW style boot, with the clean look of something more refined. Casual yet capable. Perfect for me.
