Wickett & Craig Slate Double Stuffed

The leather is available in Nicks Americana, Falcon, and made-to-order boot styles, with standard production lead times of 18 to 22 weeks.

Wickett & Craig manufactures Double Stuffed leather using a two-stage hot stuffing process. After initial vegetable tanning that takes approximately six weeks, the leather undergoes hot stuffing in heated drums containing waxes, oils, and tallows. Double Stuffed leather returns to these drums at the end of the finishing process for a second application, doubling the saturation of conditioning materials compared to standard hot-stuffed leathers.

The vegetable tanning process uses natural tannins derived from tree bark and plant matter, sourcing hides exclusively from North American cattle. The leather receives drum dyeing, fat liquoring, and hot stuffing treatments before air drying.

Slate exhibits color-shifting properties that change based on lighting conditions. Under studio lighting the leather displays bluish tones, while daylight conditions reveal olive undertones. The distribution of fats and oils creates variation across different boot areas, with lighter coloring in the heel counter and darker tones on the vamp.

The leather develops patina rapidly during wear. Within the first weeks of use, the grey slate color transitions toward brown tones. Extended wear reveals combinations of slate, brown, and red coloring as the surface develops character. The pull-up effect causes lighter-hued areas to appear when the leather flexes or stretches, as embedded waxes and oils shift within the material.

Slate Double Stuffed is available on multiple Nicks boot models. The leather measures 6 ounces in thickness, lighter than Nicks standard 7 to 8 ounce work boot leathers. Boot construction includes solid brass hardware, 6-inch shaft heights, and Vibram sole options.

Nicks builds these boots on their HNW or 55 lasts depending on the model, with the Americana and Falcon using the HNW last and the Robert using the 55 last. The boots are constructed in Spokane, Washington using Nicks stitchdown construction method. Surface scratches can be brushed out due to the high oil content, and the leather requires minimal maintenance.