Seidel Max Support Roughout

The leather represents the roughout version of the Max Support leather that Nicks has used for decades in its work boot construction. The roughout finish provides enhanced resistance to scuffs and scratches while naturally developing patina as it absorbs dirt, oils, and environmental elements during use.

Seidel Tanning Corporation produces Max Support Roughout exclusively for Nicks Handmade Boots. Seidel was founded in 1945 by Irwin Seidel and operates near the banks of the Milwaukee River. The tannery is a fourth-generation family-owned business with over 75 years of leather production experience, currently led by Fritz Seidel Jr., who has been involved since high school.

The tannery is the only Milwaukee leather producer that has continuously operated since World War II. During the mid-19th to mid-20th century, Milwaukee was home to several dozen tanneries and served as one of the world's largest leather sources.

Max Support Roughout retains the full grain top layer but is constructed with the smooth grain side turned inward and the nappy flesh side treated with waxes and oils and turned outward. This construction creates a rough, textured surface that excels at hiding scuffs and scratches due to its inherent texture. The leather naturally takes on dirt, oils, and environmental elements, which enhances its appearance through patina development over time.

The roughout finish provides resilience to water and scratches, making it suitable for exposure to water, snow, and mud. Roughout leather has been used extensively for riding boots, hunting boots, and military footwear due to its resistant qualities and ability to withstand highly abrasive environments.

Max Support Roughout measures 7-8 ounces in thickness, which translates to 2.8-3.2 millimeters. Each ounce of leather equals approximately 0.4 millimeters of thickness. This measurement is approximately three times thicker than typical dress shoe leather.

Nicks uses exclusively full-grain leather and sources all leather from American suppliers. The company creates 1.75-2 pairs of boots per hide compared to competitors who typically produce 5-6 pairs per hide, ensuring the use of only the highest quality sections of each hide.

Max Support Roughout is relatively low-maintenance leather. Natural oils from feet provide sufficient moisturization for the interior side of the leather. For cleaning, loose dirt should be removed with a soft-bristled brush, followed by gentle wiping with a damp white cotton cloth.

If the leather becomes wet, it should air dry overnight without exposure to direct heat, as heat can cause the leather to shrink. For conditioning and protection, saddle soap can be applied for cleaning, boot oil for conditioning, and leather grease for maintaining water resistance. Some owners prefer conditioning the inside of the boot rather than the exterior, as conditioning the roughout surface can darken the leather.

The rough side out construction has traditional applications in riding, hunting, and military footwear due to its resistance to abrasion. The fuzzy, rough-around-the-edges appearance of roughout leather can withstand highly abrasive environments, which explains its historical use in demanding applications.

Max Support represents the traditional Seidel work leather that Nicks has used for decades. The leather requires more break-in time compared to softer leather options but provides maximum support and durability for heavy-duty work applications.