About
Seidel 1964 Smooth is a chrome-tanned steerhide leather developed exclusively for Nicks Handmade Boots by Seidel Tanning Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The leather takes its name from 1964, the year Nicks Boots was founded, and was unveiled in 2021 after a two-year development process to replicate characteristics of vintage work boot leather. Tanned with extra oils and waxes through a hot-stuffing process, the 7-8 ounce leather offers easier break-in compared to traditional work leathers while developing rich patina over time.
About
Seidel 1964 Smooth is a chrome-tanned steerhide leather developed exclusively for Nicks Handmade Boots by Seidel Tanning Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The leather takes its name from 1964, the year Nicks Boots was founded, and was unveiled in 2021 after a two-year development process to replicate characteristics of vintage work boot leather. Tanned with extra oils and waxes through a hot-stuffing process, the 7-8 ounce leather offers easier break-in compared to traditional work leathers while developing rich patina over time.
Development
The development of 1964 Smooth began when Nicks Boots approached Seidel Tanning to produce a leather that would replicate characteristics observed in vintage boot rebuilds from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The collaboration between the two companies took two years and multiple iterations before the leather was finalized and unveiled in 2021. Originally available only in brown, Nicks subsequently expanded the color range to include black, walnut, chocolate, and tan variations.
Specifications
Tanning and Construction
1964 Smooth is chrome-tanned steerhide processed at the Seidel Tanning facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The leather undergoes heavy infusion of oils through Seidel's hot-stuffing process, where fats and waxes are incorporated into the hide using heated equipment. This oil-stuffing technique yields leather that is less dry and stiff than traditional work leathers despite its substantial thickness.
Physical Characteristics
The leather measures 7-8 ounces in weight, approximately 3 millimeters thick. Despite this thickness and an initially dense, rigid temper, the material becomes significantly more pliable during break-in. The heavy oil content allows the leather to soften without excessive effort, earning it the designation as Nicks' "Easy Break-In" work leather. The grain side faces outward, providing a smooth finished surface.
Performance Properties
The oily nature of 1964 Smooth contributes to its ability to develop patina as oils redistribute within the hide during wear. The chrome tanning base provides flexibility and durability characteristics typical of chrome-tanned leathers, while the hot-stuffing process adds richness and suppleness. Lighter color variations show more distinct aging and patina development over time.
Available Colors
Seidel 1964 Smooth is offered in five color options. Brown was the original color introduced when the leather debuted in 2021. The expanded palette includes black for a traditional work boot appearance, walnut with greyish-brown tones, chocolate for a darker brown option, and tan which shows particularly pronounced patina development. All colors feature the same 7-8 ounce weight specification and hot-stuffed oil content.
References
"Work Leather Page". Nicks Handmade Boots. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
"Nicks Handmade Boots Since 1964". Seattle Fashion Collective. December 20, 2021.
"Seidel Tanning Company - Milwaukee, Wisconsin". Oak Street Bootmakers. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
"Seidel Tanning Corporation". Leather Working Group. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
"Overlander Boot 1964". Nicks Handmade Boots. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
