I have worn these from Florida to Missouri to Washington to New England. They never fail to perform. The recent very cold weather in Washington want great, but I didn't really feel like I needed insulation. Standing outside in 30degree weather for six hours wasn't entirely unpleasant. I wonder if the lace to toe double vamp helped with that. Rain, snow, heat, nothing is uncomfortable.
It's not super easy to get the surface to break and reveal the brown underneath. It's slowly wearing through and giving a peek-a-boo kind of patina that is subtle. Even where it is work it still doesn't look shabby. Not yet anyway. I'm actually not a huge fan of the lace to toe pattern. There's is a ridge just below the first eyelets that tends to fold in and rub my big toe. It's not exactly painful, but more annoying. I'm also not a fan of the ridge caused by the dream going right up the center of the toe, but this isn't a sleek boot, so I'm not going to complain. The leather doesn't give. When tied tight it is like wearing a cast, but sometimes that's what I want, so I like having the option of lacing tight or a little loose for different activities. I have brushed them a couple times and I've sprayed the dirt and sand off periodically. That's it.
The Thurman last gives a nice amount of extra pinky toe room which is nice. It also is a little tighter in the waist and heel, which is also nice. It didn't offer much in the way of arch support though. Practically zero arch. I used a Dr Scholls orthotic insert and it's better. I'm not fond of the toe shape. I wouldn't buy this last for anything like a casual not, but for a work boot or hiking boot it's fine.
The finishing is standard Nicks finishing. It's good. It's rugged. It's not "fine" it's chunky and durable and it looks like it. Stitching is nice and straight, everything is where it should be. Seams and sole stitching are rock solid, best in the business. Absolutely tough as nails. The angular heel counter is cool, the lines of the lace to toe pattern are striking. The boot is overall "badass" without question.
I love this sole. It's perfect for hiking and working. Nice amount of squish but still has the rubber that won't wear out in two months. Traction is awesome, easy to spray clean. And it looks good on a hiking boot. The Sierra sole is easily the best hiking sole in my opinion.
This has to be the best of the ND series. I sincerely hope this boot comes back next year. Nicks better be prepared for massive sales if they do.