7 month review
See specs
Maker
Nicks Handmade Boots
Model
Tactical
Leather
Last
Sole
Purchased from
Nicks Handmade Boots
More about this item
Use: Military Uniform wear, mostly office work. Hiking and traveling. Default rain boots. Nicks Tactical Boot - Custom Configuration SKU: TAC-MTO-FTKT-THURNW-CYTBRNRO-9.5SIZE-Dwide-DELTAINSERT-8-PL-PAD-CLT- Last ThurmanNW Moderate Arch Wide Toe (Some sizes unavailable) Leather Options WeatherShield Coyote Brown Roughout Length 9.0 Width E - Wide Delta Arch Insert? Yes +$40.00 Boot Height 8 in Pull Loop Yes Top Style Padded Collar Toe structure Celastic Toe Toe Style Standard Hardware Configuration Hooks and eyes - Recommended Sole Stitching Thread Regular - White Polarthin-XP Insulation? NoSee background
Why I own this
Wanted food tactical boots that I could wear with uniforms and also double as hiking boots
How I sized
Used Nick's sizing printout, reddit and customer support
Ordering process
Great customer service
Use & wear
The default HNW Thurman fits very well. The leather was the longest break in if any bit I had so far. I felt a nice arch support. The instep was pretty snug and adding a delta arch insole made the top of my foot hurt from the pressure on my instep. I had to sand down the bottom of the insole to get it comfortable and it still put pressure on my bunion and Taylor's bunion zones (no issue with the oak tanned insole that came with the boot). If I were to order again, I would size thurmanHNW one width up if I wanted to add delta Insoles. One mistake during breaking was over tightening the laces. The inflexibility caused constant pain in my deep poreneal nerves for both feet. That issue was exacerbated by the trifold I used for the gusset which formed a crease/hard point near my ankle. Things I learned regarding this: 1. Side tucking gusset feels better on my ankles and I need to pay attention more when making initial folds for gusset if using tri fold 2. Best for me to skip the first hook, then use 2-1-3 lacing 3. I don't need to tighten the eyelets as much, the tightening at the shaft and ankle is more important for shoe stability
Leather
Nice waterproofing, water just heads off. The leather feels soft and supple now that the boot is broken in, it was a monster before hand. Would recommend for a waterproof boot, just rough break in
Fit
Pretty much a perfect fit out of the box without any changes. Too tight to change the leather insoles for a delta insole.
Craftsmanship
Definitely one of the best made boots I own
Sole & heel
Pretty good so far is most conditions, only time it slipped was during a rope net climb when I didn't dig my heels in enough
Final thoughts
Nice waterproofing, water just heads off. The leather feels soft and supple now that the boot is broken in, it was a monster before hand. Would recommend for a waterproof boot, just rough break in
