First Dome W&C
See specs
Maker
Nicks Handmade Boots
Model
Urban Drifter
Leather
Last
US Men's Brannock: 11.5D HTB/11 HTT
HNW Last: 10.5EE
Went wider than usual for a more relaxed fit. Spot on
Sole
Heel
Purchased from
Nicks Handmade Boots
Order info
Cost: 720 USD
Availability: Custom
Lead Time: 8 months
More about this item
Sole stitching is best I’ve gotten. Wanted to try a darker color W&C in the dome with a tread that would survive winter.See background
Why did you choose this item?
Wanted a winter boot for the dome in W&C. Lots of snow where I am, so lug sole is required. Chose a slate as I wanted something unique. These should clear a metal detector, which matters for me at work.
How did you determine your size?
Previous sizing with Nicks. Went up to EE for something more relaxed. Probably won’t use the as work boots, more just general use.
What was the ordering process?
Online store. Website is getting better, but still not a live configurator. Overall pretty easy
Use & wear
Biggest worry for every ‘dome is salt. So much salt in the Lake Effect snow bands. Faithfully wore through the worst of it. Wet rag to remove the worst and a solid brushing.
Leather
As expected, these wore in and the colors weren’t some huge and dramatic change. Just a solid pair of boots that are formed to my feet. Gotta love veg tan. Brushed and either Smith’s Balm or VSC. Not sure if the colors really come out in the pics, but the hues of brown are starting to wear through.
Fit
Prefer 55 last, but too many nails. Formed to my feet. Everything I expected from Nick’s
Craftsmanship
Great boots. Bulletproof. Stitching is a bit wavy in a few spots. A couple threads broke. Minor. Thoroughly enjoyed wearing them.
Sole & heel
Avoid sheet ice and wet smooth concrete. Aside from that, they’re exactly what you expect from a lug sole.
No additional comments
Final thoughts
Great pair of boots. Now that spring is here, I’ll be rotating into my less winter facing boots. It’s time. These boots took everything I threw at them. Miles of walking, working on the truck, yard work, massive amounts of salt, trapsing into work through multiple feet of snow, etc. They shook it off and didn’t skip a beat. Nick’s makes a solid boot and these have earned their spot in my long term rotation. Ultimately the judges will decide how they did in the dome, but they won it all in my eyes. Best of luck to everyone, and my 2026 dome boots just went into production. See you at the next one
