Nicks Handmade Boots
MTO
US Men's Brannock: 12B
HNW Last: 12B
Composite toe
Very snug with thick socks. Doubling up for break in has my feet losing circulation at times. Right foot is a bit more snug. It is snug around the top of my foot where the arch is or at the bottom of the tongue. Entire boot fits perfect otherwise.
Nicks Handmade Boots
Cost: 780 USD
Availability: Limited Edition
Lead Time: About 2 months
Needed safety toe and non slip for work. Chose leather based on style.
Used Nick's size guide and completed red wing sizing in-person to help validate sizing
Ordered online. Had customization completed with costumer service on reddit, phone, and email.
I've not worn these at all outside. Have only been wearing a few times after work to break in. Have been wearing thick darn tough socks and removed false tongue to speed up the break in before needing to wear for 10+ hours each day.
The break in has been fairly quick given i haven't worn them outside and mostly have just been lounging around. The boots have become form fitting. Im already starting to see little yellow spots around the threads from bumping them on furniture.no care routine so far as it's not needed yet. I do have cedar shoe trees i put in them.
They initially were very hard to get on. I had the same issue with my military issued boots. I have high arches and the black webbing for the tongue barely stretches enough to get my foot in. This gave me some pause initially as I was worried they wouldn't fit. They are very snug at the bottom of the tongue as this it's the thickest part of my foot apparently. By wearing thick socks and Doubling up on socks, tightening these as much as possible and removing the false tongue. They have started to fit a lot better. The tightness isn't noticeable anymore and I don't need to double up on socks any longer. The padded collar is still pretty tight but I haven't been lacing the final eyelet which could be delaying this part of the break in. The length is perfect and there is some wiggle room with the composite toe.
Zero issues. The padded collar is full leather from what I can tell. Definitely can't see it deteriorating. The pull loop is firm and feels good to utilize it. I can see some yellow around the laces and can tell these will patina nicely.
Oil and slip resistant. Definitely very comfortable and don't see myself having any issues with traction when I start wearing them st work. Will see how they hold up over time.
Nicks has great costumer service and there subreddit is a great resource for first time boot owners. Part of why I chose this boot. I can't wait to patina and learn about how to take better pictures of my boots.