From mountains and rivers to dance floors and work.

The Palouse boots were with me everywhere for the first 4 months, so much so, I had to replace the heel caps around that time. Work namely around then was at a hat shop, so lots of standing and all my walking was before and afterwards. I went to lots of shows and they were great for that! Obviously lots of camping, fishing, and hunting. Traveling all around New Mexico from Taos down through Albuquerque and everywhere in between led to some sleeping on the side of the road in either a camp ground or rest area, and its a quick reminder why I first bought pull on boots when you gotta get dressed and undressed in a quick fashion and sometimes in a tight area. Cleaning the aceqia last month was not too dirty, but pushing the wheel burrow up and down the incline into the ditch was hard, V-bar has shown it is a solid sole and easyvmy favorite out of all the ones I've tried with heeled boots. The weather here has been mostly dry as we haven't had much for moisture, but on the most recent camping trip, we had to cross a canyon creek a few times, and the stitch down construction with the work leather took on ankle deep rock hopping over the creek. About half way through, I used some Sapphire cream, and its quick to turn these boots into something much dresser if need be! Would hiking boots have been better on these trips? Absolutely, and I took them on actual hikes, but the Palouse were my all around adventure boots!

The break in has been super easy and reminiscent of the original Seidel walnut leather. They hold their shape very well at the ankles and even slightly got the desired X shape at the ankle bone kn the left side! They bend well with the ankle and it it feels supportive, well as supportive as a pull on boot can be! Patina has brought them closer in color, but the upper double shot has more of a red/burgundy color as opposed to the lower being more of a purplish brown. The colors are exactly what I wanted in a cowboy boot, not flashy but certainly classic looking!

Care routine has been mostly brushing them 2 times a week, and I've only had to condition them one time after going through some snow and salt. They were conditioned when I them in to get recapped, so unfortunately I dont know what was used. Durability is in Nicks boots DNA, PNW boots have a reputation they uphold everyday and i feel confident everywhere I go in them. The heel counter was surprisingly not supportive, but that hasnt shown to be a week spot and actually makes them really comfortable! The lower leather and sticking in the sole and upper meeting lower is certainly water resistant as I crossed a stream recently in them. My feet have not felt over heated in the slightest, but cold weather boots they wouldn't really be, and they really shouldn't be either. They are perfect for most scenarios ive found myself in. Creasing in the toes was done naturally, not encouraging straight lines or anything like that amd they came out very old west looking, like a comfortable boot should look.

I've had a few Nicks now, and from the get go, they got it great. I've only had issues with the heel as a daily driver, and had that resolved with my engineer boots with a lowered heel. I asked for that with these boots, and I got them, the original heel must be a riding height cause even with everything good, they are still jist a tad too tall for my liking. Outdoors, that is not an issue at all as the heel is a nice tool in uneven terrain. Foot placement from heel to toe is exactly what I wanted and expected. They fit like a good boot should and look like a good boot should!

Nicks had just gotten back into western pull ons and seem a bit apprehensive from where I stood about making them. This boot has truly been an excellent execution of this style and reminds me why the cowboy boot is my favorite style of any footwear. Do they need the heel counter? Possibly, but I'll let the working cowboys decide that one, as this boot was designed for those earning a wage in the saddle. I'm just someone that loves living the southwest lifestyle and the fashion is tops for me. The toe bug is beautifully done and the side seam looks solid as can be. Only critique I'll over on craftsmanship is to possibly consider an option for a liner or an edge for the top of the boot. It hasnt been a major issue, but I got eczema and one or the other does me well to avoid a rare rash at the top of the boot. Very minor as these are work boots, but it also adds to them feeling like a finished boot. Think of getting a stetson or a custom hat of good quality, and there is no liner on the inside. Will it affect a beaver felted hat? Probably not on the slightest, but that liner makes the hat feel like a truly finished quality product. Very minor, and if any criticism was thrown to the side, I'd be fine with this one.

V-bar is my favorite sole of any heeled shoe variety. Traction hiking has been fantastic, durability it tops, and they have this beautiful old world feel and look that is this boots vibe. Best compliment I can give is I forget its there.

Heel cap is a different story. I admittedly have walked a lot in boots where that isn't the main focus, but I've replaced them once and seemingly will have to again before owning them a full year. Luckily it isn't too expensive, but thats just sort of the thing with them I suppose. I wish there was the vbar heel cap as an option, though I doubt they come in the size for a western heel

I am in my Arthur Morgan era. These boots are my favorite boots I've purchased and wear them that way. I would have been happy to do this without a competion, but this is the cherry on top. Nicks makes so many cool boots, and one day when I'm rich enough I'll get them, but I'm ready to start trying different PNW brands or other makers as well. These have risen the bar still and I have 3 other pairs that have done it as well. Nicks is doing a great job from everything I see and hear and I like the willingness to try something that really truly could not work on any level, that risk taking attitude is why Nicks has been my favorite from the first time I laced up my Packers to taking my pictures this morning for the final month of this competion. They are expensive, but you're getting something not many people will have or even understand.