Reviews
Boot and shoe reviews from real owners. Honest evaluations of quality, construction, sizing, fit, comfort, durability, and patina development.
5 months Hauling Home Heating Oil. Last month was church and camping/hiking
Nicks BuilderPro in Seidel 1964 Brown RoughoutBy chhh1984 • April 5, 2024"Great hiking boot Great daily work boot
I wore these through every weather condition winter can throw at you. The only thing I didn’t like was once saturated with water/melting snow it took 3 days of continuous wear to dry out completely. However after wearing them dry they molded completely to my foot making them the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. I reach for these instead of sneakers , dress shoes, just about anything...."Read the full review
Nick's is easy to order from and has great customer service.
Nicks MTO in Law Tanning Olive Smooth Shruken BisonBy amart32 • April 5, 2024"These boots are worn everyday for getting back and forth to my full time job. And they are my work boots for my on the side logging, firewood, tree work and stump grinding. And I even wear them for my casual wear...."Read the full review
Extremely happy with this pair and will be enjoying them for years to come!!
White's MP-Sherman Plain Toe in New Rosewood Waxed Elk UnicornBy shaking.boots • April 5, 2024"These have served as an everyday casual boot as I have teleworked and done various activities in and around my home. I wore them to the hospital for birth of my daughter. I have enjoyed them throughout...."Read the full review
Fantastic boots, overbuilt for what I do!
Skin Stitches MK 1 in Horween Black Waxed FleshBy TheBeginnerBootMaker • April 5, 2024"I've done everything in this pair from attending family weddings to hiking, but the bulk of my time I was wearing them for university, walking between lectures and (rarely!) going to workshops...."Read the full review
Self made pair of boots turned into a second skin after wear. Hope my next pair is even better!
CopperyFoil Service Boot in Horween Marine Field RoughoutBy CopperyFoil • April 5, 2024"These are hand welted with JR welt, insole/outsole/counter from Keystone Leather, first time using cork filler from Renia, single ply Ramie thread (5 ply for welt, 4 ply for outsole), homemade wax for welting/insole thread, cream cow lining for the vamp, hardware from Ohio Travel Bag and Danite heel cap.
I'm a pretty slow worker, but these were my quickest pair, clocking in at 1.5 months. I'm a hobbyist bootmaker so I work on these in the evening after work. Previously I have struggled with customizing the last to my measurements, but the fit turned out decently on these. There's still a couple tweaks I'd make on the insole to improve comfort and I might've been overly cautious with some of the measurements, but I'm generally satisfied.
The only machine I used (for now, I'd like a 5-in-1 and a bell skiver) was my Cobra 5110 Post-Bed. Recently, I replaced the motor for a quieter one and I've been getting a lot faster and more precise with my stitching. I tried closing the upper like they do in factory work (holding the piece in place without glue and going fast) and it did NOT go well. Fortunately I was able to salvage the upper and unless you look really hard, you'd be none the wiser!
The edges are dyed and waxed dark brown, my first time doing anything other than a natural edge. The wax/edge iron combination turned out really well, they're very smooth and compact. Maybe one day I'll put a rubber sole on these, but a leather sole is way nicer to stitch and they look classy. Granted, I'm notorious for wearing through the toe, so maybe I'll put some taps on.
The toe is unstructured, which is another first for me. I love how the toe box collapsed, but it was also nice because it preserved the original shape of the toe from the last. I have mixed success with the toe shape when I use a toe puff. The upper and the lining are glued together with Barge TF.
This pair of boots started stiff but turned into a second skin. Because I was careful about not compressing the insole with hammering while it was on the last, it took the shape of my sole very readily.
These boots mean a lot to me because I made and wore them for my wedding. I'm excited to make another pair with the things I learned from this one...."Read the full review
A Journey with my Perfect Pair
Nicks Becca in Horween Natural DublinBy sawdustandstitch • April 5, 2024"These boots have seen it all - the grind of home office days to the escapades of work trips and vacations. They've braved the chaos of DIY projects and the meticulous craft of woodworking projects. But the true test? The day they supported me as I welcomed my firstborn into the world. These boots hold memories I'll treasure forever...."Read the full review
Most Compliments I’ve Ever Received On A Pair of Boots
John Lofgren Donkey Puncher Boots in Badalassi Carlo Cognac MinervaBy wildcat98 • April 5, 2024"Wore them to and from work. Wore them on weekends. Wore them at Disneyland...."Read the full review
Absolutely Love these boots. Great Alden alternative.
BLKBRD Custom Fred Boot in Zonta Museum CalfBy ohheyboots • April 5, 2024"Mostly outside in Chicago winter. Held up very well...."Read the full review
These boots changed my life.
Oldspeed Service Boot 6” in Horween Tan LatigoBy davecorey • April 5, 2024"The vast majority of the time I spent in these boots over the last 6 months has been in the cobbler shop at Pilgrim Shoe Repair, where I’ve been refining this pattern and others, shaping new lasts, and of course repairing a lot of shoes. Outside of that these shoes have been through snowstorms, rain, sand, and even the X Ray machine at Philadelphia International. They have had no failures in this time...."Read the full review
Quality is a mix of ruggedness and refinement. Style is timeless and classy. Comfort is a commitment
Viberg Service Boot in Horween Natural ChromexcelBy PerHansa • April 5, 2024"Mostly casual around the house and around town. Occasionally wore for light chores around property...."Read the full review
Quan shoemaker boots
Quan Shoemaker Unknown Model in Maryam Black HorsebuttBy stepped_in_dookie_again • April 5, 2024"Break in was tough. Veg tanned Maryam horsebutt is dense leather that is defiant when you try to bend it. During the first month of wear, the boots creaked often from the sound of the upper leather moving around the tongue. They eventually softened up after 2 months to become comfortable but definitely caught me by surprise by the break in time..."Read the full review
Sturdy no frills boot with slightly dull leather.
Viberg x Himel Ammunition Boot in Comipel Brown HorsebuttBy Daniel.S.Latham • April 5, 2024"Mostly worn walking city streets and during work in restaurant kitchen...."Read the full review
I had lots of fun wearing these and were very comfortable.
Alden Indy Boot in Horween Brown ChromexcelBy Wes • April 5, 2024"For everything..."Read the full review
Great casual boot that can take a beating with interesting patina potential
Viberg Scout Boot in Horween Rowdy DachshundBy pesayerm • April 5, 2024"I’ve worn these boots in essentially every situation and environment I typically experience. I wore them to work/client meetings early on, wore them on hikes, snowy and rainy dog walks, stepped on my toddlers in the mud. They held up great throughout. Because of the extreme pull-up and patina Rowdy Dachshund takes on, I’d say beyond 2 months in, the leather wasn’t quite as suitable for more formal situations like client meetings...."Read the full review
