Is there really a tougher boot out there?
See specs
Maker
Nicks Handmade Boots
Model
Palouse
Leather
Last
US Men's Brannock: 103
55 Last: 10E
There were no customizations.
It felt like a cloud upon initial pull onto my feet. Stand by till April to find out more on this.
Sole
Heel
Purchased from
Nicks Handmade Boots
Order info
Cost: 670 USD
Availability: Stock Model
Lead Time: 7 months
More about this item
The natural characteristics in the hides are impeccable. With PO over walnut bull hide this boot is designed with shit kicking strength and durability while looking absolutely stunning at the same time.See background
Why did you choose this item?
I’ve always love a good pull on boot. When Nicks came out with this duel leather selection I had to have it.
How did you determine your size?
I went through trials and tribulations during the 23/24 and 24/25 work domes ironing out the perfect last for me. This has lead to the 55 last.
What was the ordering process?
This is a patient boot purchase. This boot is a true work of art and that doesn’t happen over night. Once the build is finished it’s worth every second of the wait.
Use & wear
I used to only wear a slip on boot, it all changed a few years ago. I have been fortunate enough to be able to find the toughest slip on to date. I wore this pair every day build, maintaining, constructing, and restoring power across the North East. As you can see a chainsaw in the bottom of my bucket tore the bullhide up, yet it’s just a surface scratch as that’s how tough this boot is.
Leather
To my surprise the evolution of patina with an upper in PO that wasn’t lasted has a naturally darker note, which only got darker with wear. The flexibility of the PO has been extremely comfortable for a 15” pull on. The uppers have loosened up in about 2 month to the point that it was almost like walking in a sneaker. I brushed them after every wear and if they were caked in debris I would rinse them clean, wipe the off and let them dry. The breathe ability is mind blowing as my feet were rarely hot or cold even in sub zero temps, standing in or on inches of snow and ice.
For the leather that blew my mind. This bull hide has been by far the toughest leather to date on my feet. Yet its mobility and flexibility took no time at all to feel as though I’ve had this pair for decades. As far as the color change, it’s gotten lighter in areas of abrasion and lightened where scratched. It’s a breathable leather that helps regulate your thermal output through your feet. Thus allowing for a comfortable 16hr work day.
Fit
As far as a slip on boot I would say I size this pair perfectly. As this pair broke in and the temps started to drop below freezing for weeks on end; I put a Nicks Thermo insole in to help keep the frozen ground temps from dropping my body temp through the sole. This filled in and completely eliminated any and all heel slip. The 55 it’s a must have last for my body and I’ve become accustomed to it.
Craftsmanship
The design of this boot was exactly the reason I own this pair. I absolutely love the contrast between PO and Walnut Bullhide. The durability is unmatched!!! This boot was truly constructed to do all and take names as your doing it.
Sole & heel
This sole is flexible yet durable. It provide the just right amount of traction while not tracking dirt or debris.
This heel cap is soft. It’s a solid heel for those whom don’t walk miles and miles on asphalt or concrete daily. I’m already due for a new heel cap or I’ll be creeping into the heel stack at just 6 long hard months of wear.
Final thoughts
I truly love this pair. It has been a boot that I grab if I know I’m about to get into some sticky stuff. I know I can rely on this pair to carry my past the finish line and I’ll look great doing it. I truly can’t say enough about Nicks and the craftsmanship of each and every product I have from them. If you work hard yet show your tools the respect they deserve through quality care, then this is a MUST buy if you love a slip on boot.
