Leftie tighty righty loosey. -a love story.

fjaagewaageApril 3, 2024
  • Nicks TravelerSeidel 1964 Brown
  • Timeline photo 1
    Worn 5 months
    Timeline photo 2
    Worn 4 months
    Timeline photo 3
    Worn 3 months
    Timeline photo 4
    Worn 2 months
    Timeline photo 5
    Worn about 1 month
    Timeline photo 6
    Worn less than a day
    Timeline photo 7
    Not yet worn

    Maker

    Nicks Handmade Boots

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    Model

    Traveler

    Leather

    Last

    Thurman Last

    US Men's Brannock: 12E

    Thurman Last: 11EE

    Sole

    Purchased from

    Nicks Handmade Boots

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    Order info

    Cost: 882.4 USD

    Availability: Custom

    Lead Time: 7 months

    Why did you choose this item?

    Availability: Custom

    I knew I wanted some boots from Nicks. This year I have tried to be honest with myself and my feet regarding sizing and last. I like to choose leather that is iconic and exclusive to the maker. The 1964 also had a history to it. I wanted to try a "flatter, heel less" sole to feel better controll during heavy lifting in stairs, with I find myself often do. The lack of lugs was a point after using much time removing gravel from soles last year. I have a relatively wide forefoot and mild bunions. Its fine as long as I'm conceous about it. The width, last and soft toe are choices made because of this. Besides this, choices were made to make them simple, true to the makers standard design in a minimalistic way so they could be worn everyday.

    How did you determine your size?

    Online Guide
    Circumferential Measurements
    Compared to Other Lasts
    Other

    I tried the printed measuring guide from Nicks's site, looked alot at discussions on reddit. I also had a second-hand pair of builder pros in 11E earlier that was too pointy and tight for me. I initially ordered the travelers in the HMW last. When he Thurman last got released I reached out to Nicks and asked about the width drifference between the two.

    What was the ordering process?

    Purchased from Nicks Handmade BootsTotal cost: 882.4 USD Lead time: 7 months
    Online Store
    Customer Service

    I like all the possibilities on the MTO ordering. -Finding something that works to my usage and liking. Also mid processing I changed the order to the Thurman last. I am so thankful that Keith at Nicks made that change possible for me as the shape fits better.

    Use & wear

    Wet Conditions
    Snow
    Travel
    Outdoor Activities
    Physical Work
    Office Work
    Leisure

    I have used them for just about everything. First week i aerated the lawn with a pitchfork. I regret two things: getting my new boots muddy and not wearing gloves. Helping friends and family with car maintenance, oil change and repairs. I still ride my moped to work everyday in rain, snow and salted ice roads. Clerking, moving boxes, pallets, assembeling, transporting and repairing different disability equipment. They have been worn in the woods and on lighter mountain hikes. Walking around my local city and on vacation in London taking film photographs.

    Leather

    Seidel 1964 Brown
    Care Routine
    Break-In
    Color Change

    I really enjoy the 1964 leather, it is supple, fast drying and good smelling with a wonderful colour. The leather got soft fast, did almost noticed any break-in. The colour have deepened with some darker areas where they have seen more wear and lighter areas with fresh wear. I usually have brushed them a couple times a week. Conditioned almost once a month after periods with heavy rain or snow.

    Fit

    Toe Box
    Comfort
    Socks
    Arch
    Volume Feels Right
    Ball Feels Right
    Satisfied with the Fit
    Toes Too Roomy

    I have not measured my feet with an actual Brannock device. The right one have been feeling just a little too roomy and actually looks both wider and longer. The left one had a better fit, a little tight. They got better after every month thats past though, but I still expected a straighter shape from the MTP joint to the toe with this last. With that said the toe shape have been great out of the box. I can feel the edges without any sqeezing and there is some wiggleroom. The under foot experience is amazing. Hard, smooth surface almost perfectly contured to the arch and overall foot. Appropriate heel drop but a tad much toe spring for me. Toes get strained after pushing down when walking a day.

    Craftsmanship

    Nicks Traveler
    Design
    Construction
    Clicking

    Function over form to a degree. They looked big at first, with the sole and Thurman toe, but don't mind the shape at all. I frown when I see unnatural pointy footwear. I have to admit I was dissapointed when the right boot creased a lot looser than the left one. The diffeneces between the two have been noticeable from out of the box, both size and feel. The left toe is more rigid with tighter feel and creasing than the right one. I like the overall design, quite refined and substantial, I think.

    Sole & heel

    Traction
    Comfort

    The sole have been easy to keep clean, springy under foot, slippery through winter and more inflexible than expected.

    Final thoughts

    Would Recommend

    I do not necessarely need a heavy duty boot like this, but they fit. They fit really comfortable and I never felt the need to take them off.

    Written by fjaagewaage
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