Patchwork goodness :)

I did not wear these all day everyday, I made sure to give them a few days of rest each week and just wore them casually and to work (retail). I didn't expect to get them as best up on the toe as I did but it did bring the teacore of the black CXL through so I'm not gonna complain.

The CXL was a breeze to break in and is butter on my feet at this point. The only complaint I have about it isn't even about the leather but the fact that it's a celastic toe. While the teacore of the black CXL is only beginning to show, I have no doubt that it's going to develop into something beautiful in a few years!

The medium brown harness on the heel counter scuffed up nicely.

Not much patina development on the burgundy compared to the Tan side, just a bit of burnishing towards the toe where my pants would sit. Break in wasn't an issue with either the burgundy or tan, though it wasn't as supple as the CXL. The Tan side on the other hand developed some burnishing and creasing that I like enough that if I had the chance I'd like to have a boot made entirely out of it!

I liked the HNW last though it's not my favorite last from nicks. The toe box was roomy but not as roomy as their thurman lasts which I prefer. Arch support was nice for long days on concrete and asphalt while not being super overbearing like their equivalent 55 lasts. I have a higher instep and didn't have any issues there. I did try and put some rose anvil insoles in for a while (~1 month) and it took up a bit too much room so I removed them.

Craftsmanship is great on these. There was really only one thread out of whack but it's barely noticeable. Built like tanks. The most standout feature is obviously the patchwork design which was made by an employee at Nicks named Lily I believe. I know that it's considered taboo to have more than 1 or possibly 2 different colors of leathers for boots but these just work. I've gotten so many compliments from people while I'm at work.

Just your standard white wedge sole. Held up well and was comfortable enough. Only issue I can see is that it's starting to crumble a bit on the left boot but it's not bad and I'm assuming it has more to do with my gait then it does with the quality of the sole itself

I loved wearing these and watching how they've developed over the past 6 months. While I doubt I'll be winning and rewards I still look forward to seeing how these develop over the next few years and seeing the black CXL come into its own truly.