Seidel Max Support Smooth

Max Support Smooth has a weight of 7-8 ounces, with each ounce of leather translating to approximately 0.4mm thickness. The leather is sourced from cow hides and processed using chrome tannage methods at Seidel's facility in Milwaukee. The leather undergoes oil tanning after the initial tanning process, where it is soaked in oil to create a protective coating. Typically, 10 to 15 percent of the leather by weight consists of the oil it has been soaked in.

Nicks offers Max Support Smooth with no price upcharge, positioning it as an economical yet durable option compared to premium leather alternatives. The leather's 7-8oz weight makes it twice as thick as industry-standard work boots and three times thicker than dress shoes.

Max Support Smooth is the driest and stiffest leather in Nicks' lineup, providing maximum structural support for boots. Unlike Seidel's 1964 leather, which has heavy infusion of oils through hot-stuffing processes, Max Support contains less oil content, resulting in a firmer and more rigid temper. This reduced oil content contributes to the leather's exceptional stiffness and support properties.

The oil-tanning process makes the leather more supple than chrome-tanned leather while maintaining a semi-soft and semi-flexible temper. The smooth finish provides a clean, uniform appearance, and the protective oil coating increases water resistance and durability. The leather develops a natural patina over time as it ages with wear.

Nicks designates Max Support Smooth as their most heavy-duty leather option, specifically engineered for the most demanding work environments. The leather is made for wildland firefighters who work in extreme heat and rugged terrain, foresters and loggers who navigate rough outdoor conditions, linemen who climb poles and work at height, and any workers requiring maximum foot support and protection.

The leather's exceptional stiffness provides superior foot and ankle support, reducing fatigue during long work shifts. The thick construction offers protection against abrasions, punctures, and impacts common in industrial and outdoor work settings. The oil-tanned finish provides natural water resistance, helping boots maintain integrity in wet conditions.

Seidel Tanning Corp. produces Max Support Smooth at their facility located at 1306 E Meinecke Ave in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company was founded in 1945 and has operated continuously through four generations of family ownership. Seidel specializes in full-grain and suede leather using chrome tannage processes and primarily works with cow hides to supply the footwear and leather goods industries.

The tannery holds Leather Working Group certification with URN SEI101, valid through February 21, 2026. Seidel's leather production demonstrates strong physical traceability at 76.77 percent, and the company maintains environmental certification through the Leather Working Group. Frederick Seidel Jr. currently serves in a leadership role at the family-owned business.

All of Nicks' 7-8oz oil-tanned steer hide leather is sourced exclusively from Seidel Tanning Corp., maintaining a consistent supply relationship between the Milwaukee tannery and the Spokane-based bootmaker.