About
Seidel 1964 Brown Smooth is the original color offering of Seidel 1964 Smooth leather, an exclusive collaboration between Nicks Handmade Boots and Seidel Tanning Corp. Brown was the first color unveiled when this chrome-tanned, hot-stuffed leather debuted in 2021 after a two-year development process. The medium brown tone combines the signature characteristics of 1964 Smooth—easy break-in, rich patina development, and substantial durability—in a versatile color that deepens and develops character with wear.
About
Seidel 1964 Brown Smooth is the original color offering of Seidel 1964 Smooth leather, an exclusive collaboration between Nicks Handmade Boots and Seidel Tanning Corp. Brown was the first color unveiled when this chrome-tanned, hot-stuffed leather debuted in 2021 after a two-year development process. The medium brown tone combines the signature characteristics of 1964 Smooth—easy break-in, rich patina development, and substantial durability—in a versatile color that deepens and develops character with wear.
Characteristics
Brown 1964 Smooth exhibits a medium brown tone that darkens with use and exposure. The leather shares the full specifications of the 1964 Smooth base: 7 to 8 ounces (approximately 3 millimeters) thick chrome-tanned steerhide, heavily saturated with oils and waxes through Seidel's hot-stuffing process. This intensive oil infusion creates distinctive pull-up characteristics, where the leather lightens in areas of stress or flexing as the oils shift within the fibers.
The smooth grain surface maintains a full-grain construction that preserves natural grain patterns. As the leather ages, the grain character becomes more pronounced and the overall tone deepens. The brown shade develops moderate patina compared to lighter tans in the 1964 family, showing distinct color evolution while remaining less dramatic than natural or tan variants. Permanent scuffs and marks accumulate over time, contributing to the lived-in appearance characteristic of well-worn work boots.
Break-In and Maintenance
Despite the substantial 7 to 8 ounce weight, brown 1964 Smooth breaks in without excessive effort due to the heavy oil content throughout the hide. The leather becomes noticeably more pliable after initial wears, transitioning from an initially dense and rigid temper to a comfortable suppleness. This easy break-in property motivated Nicks to develop the leather with Seidel, seeking to replicate characteristics found in vintage boot rebuilds where old leather had softened naturally over decades.
Regular brushing represents sufficient maintenance for brown 1964. The high oil content means additional conditioning is rarely necessary. Heavy-duty conditioners will cause the brown to darken significantly, so minimal treatment preserves the intended color development. The pull-up effect and natural oils provide inherent protection against moisture and wear.
Applications
Nicks Handmade Boots uses brown 1964 Smooth across their boot lineup, including the Overlander, Robert, BuilderPro, and Urban Logger models. The leather suits work boot applications requiring durability combined with comfortable break-in, as well as heritage boot builds where patina development is valued. The brown color provides versatility for both work environments and casual wear, making it a popular choice among Nicks customers seeking the performance benefits of 1964 leather in a traditional work boot color.
References
"Work Leather Page". Nicks Handmade. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
"Nicks Handmade Boots - Since 1964". Seattle Fashion Collective. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
"Seidel Oil Tan Leather". Oak Street Bootmakers. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
"Overlander Boot 1964". Nicks Handmade. Retrieved October 19, 2025.
