I wore these boots everyday for everything I did. From conducting airborne operations to dancing at the club on NYE. I moved from the US to Europe, and visited a fistful of new countries. I went to Tiesto, Nicki Minaj, and Vivaldi concerts. I explored, hiked, hunted, went to the field and to the range, jumped out of airplanes then brushed them off and went out for dinner and drinks. I wore them every day for everything except running and the gym, although at least once I did squat in them because I forgot my lifting shoes
It's a beautiful leather, it is thick and durable. When the boots showed up I was a little worried about how they would break in, when the leather is cold it feels a little unforgiving but quickly warms up and is surprisingly supple. I have been amazed and how well it holds up, I would not have thought of waxed flesh as a utility or work leather but would not hesitate to use it on work or hunting boots. I love how the rough out looks contrasting to the dark finish. They really didn't start to pop until the last couple months. For care I mostly just gave them a quick brush and went on about my life. I cleaned them with saddle soap 3-4 four times when salt stains started showing on the leather and conditioned them once with Obenauf's oil after one particularly wet week spent in the German woods.
I have never had a pair of boots that fit as well and was as comfortable out of the box. They have only gotten more comfortable every day, I would have said they were broken in after the first two weeks but they just keep getting better. I never added insoles because the instep area was just a bit to snug, I probably could now but don't see a reason to. The thurman last is great, gives plenty of room for your toes, but is snug at the heel and ball of the foot. I used the Nick's fit guide and it came out great. I am curious to see if I could wear a half size down, but definitely don't think these were too big.
Everything was stellar they have held up great, and these won't be my last Nick's boots. Two things I would change. 1 I wish I had gotten no speed hooks with the 5 inch height it doesn't make much sense and I will be getting the hooks replaced for eyelets at some point. second the 5 inch height doesn't quite work, I want them to be either an inch higher or an inch lower. With how sturdy and robust they are I would get a 6 inch if I was to do it over. But those are both build choices that I made on a MTO pair and not a reflection on Nick's at all. And all in all love the boots.
I have worn a few versions of wedge sole boots over the years. The redwings that these replaced had been through 3 resoles. And every other wedge sole I have worn was the vibrant Christy sole. I think the Nicks wedge is a little more robust, stiffer, a bit heavier, and wears slower than typical wedge christy soles. It felt a bit more stable especially on rougher terrain and gravel. My preference would be the Vibram Cristy sole because I would prioritize the slightly softer more flexibility they have.
I had a great time competing this year and watching everyone else's boots evolve. Already thinking about next year's pair. I would 100% recommend Nicks and everything about these boots, best pair I have owned and will be wearing them for years to come.