What others say about NICKS BOOTS

We receive a lot of letters and emails telling us how much you like our boots. Here you will see just some of them. Let us know how you like your new boots, too!!

Rob Bennett of Clarkston, WA writes, in part; I have been able to get four resoles out of these boots. I am a walking salesman for Nick's Boots.

Pat Reynolds says; The boots arrived Monday. They are really nice. Serious cool! ...I would recommend your workmanship to anyone. Finishing is important for both physical appearance and durability. Proper finishing takes time, skill, and patience.

And Scott Mulvihill of Skagway Alaska said; You will find in this box, my absolute favorite footwear. I'm afraid I've treated them badly but they are worn nearly every day. I will miss them while they are in your care. Please refresh and revive them. AND MORE....

Hi there, I just wanted to let you guys know that I got back from a trip to Mt. Everest. I hiked from a small Tibetan town 65 Kilometers to the base camp in four days. During the last day of the trek I covered 20 kilometers. It started out at 16 thousand feet, dropped down to 14 thousand and reached 17 thousand at the end. i had to cross icy slush filled rivers, shimmy up shale, and grind away on long slopes. There was only one boot I would have taken to ensure the comfort and safety of my feet, you guessed it, Nicks Hotshot. I have used the Hotshot for quite a few years while working for an IHC in southern California and I don't trust any other brand. I just wanted to say thanks for making the best boot out there, and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
K. Simpson,
Berkley, CA

I have been using a pair of your boots in Iraq for over a year in some very nasty conditions and they have survived the abuse well. Looks as though I will get at least another years use out of them, if not more. Thank you for producing a very good product.
J. Detwiler,
Columbia Falls, MT

I own the Nicks 25V 10" Hotshot boots.I work for the U.S. Forest Service and use these boots pretty hard at times. They are the best fitting, most comfortable boots I have ever owned, and I've owned a bunch.
D. Cottle,
Yampa, CO

Perhaps the BEST ONE YET!! Dear Mister Boot Maker, I may look in tough shape now, but I know that under your expert hands and craftsmanship that I shall live again. I have performed without flaw for nearly FIVE YEARS now and look forward to many more.
When I am better. . . Please send me back to:
S. Collins in Wendell, Idaho
With High Regard,
The BOOT

I am a Task Force Leader for the State of Arizona's Dept. of Forestry and a Loyal customer of Nicks Boots for over 10 years now. My most recent pair was purchased on a fire in 2000. These are the finest and most comfortable boots I've ever owned. In the past five years these boots have been on more fire incidents than I can remember and have walked what has felt like hundreds of miles. Thank you all, for all the hard work and craftsmanship that helps folks like me get our job done.
J. Walter,
Surprise,AZ

Thank you! I received my custom boots, of which I have worn every day since they arrived.
The boots have been on a cattle roundup and helped process two fields of hay so far. I am very pleased at the quality, craftsmanship, and eye appeal of these boots.
Thank you again.
Devin Rood
Coos Bay, Oregon

Hey, my name is Tim Keener, I'm a Forest Ranger / Firefighter for the Florida Division of Forestry. I've walked through nasty swamps waist deep, cruised and marked timber, walked on hot rocks and ash, and have climbed mountains fighting fire on western fire assignments. I have punished your boots for seven years and they're still going strong. I wear them every day at work and just kicking around in the woods. There is no way any other boot could hold up to the punishment I've put them through. Thumbs up to you guys. You are the best boot makers in the world, but I believe it is time for a rebuild. Please let me know what I need to do to get them rebuilt.
Thank you,
Tim Keener

I just received my boots back from you and wanted to say thanks for the fast service. The fit in the left boot that you worked on is great! Overall, I'm very impressed with your workmanship. I've had Wescos, White's and many Danners and would rate my Hot Shots as the best of the bunch. Definitely a quality boot that I would buy again and recommend to anyone in the market for a heavy duty boot.
Thanks Again,
Reid Larson

This email is a follow-up from our conversation this afternoon regarding the quality of your product. I was sized via mail approximately four years ago and purchased a pair of the Ranger style boots with a twelve inch top. I broke the boots in and kept them greased with your products, wearing them only seven to eight times per month. The break-in process was slightly difficult and I somewhat gave up on the comfort level too early.
For the past seven months, I have been suffering with foot pain, finally diagnosed as Plantar Fasciitis. During this time, I have tried numerous orthotic inserts, night splints, stretching techniques, icing, and even considered surgery. Remembering how my Ranger boots felt somewhat like standing on the rung of a ladder barefoot during the break-in process, I decided to try them once again to see if this arch design could provide relief. I simply was not willing to try surgery.
For the past month, I have been wearing my Ranger boots almost exclusively (work and home) and I would like to tell you they have significantly relieved the foot pain I was experiencing. I also realized that I had not been patient enough with the break in process almost four years ago. The boot has really "formed" to my foot and the "rung ladder" feeling is completely gone. I use the "2-1-3" lacing method to deal with the in-step "bite." In fact, while wearing the boots, I have zero problems with the Plantar Fasciitis condition. Additionally, combined with stretching, I can manage the pain in the mornings when getting out of bed. Prior to wearing the boots, it was difficult to walk across the room first thing in the morning. Now, the pain is there, but it is almost a non event. Once again, I have only been doing this for one month and it gets better every day. I anticipate that with more time, the problem will continue to get better - as long as I keep wearing your boots which apparently do not aggravate the condition.
Due to my success with the Rangers, I have ordered a pair of Forester boots with ten inch tops to wear at work. I would also like to buy another pair of Rangers in black leather with eight inch tops for daily wear when my budget allows. I am a law enforcement officer assigned to the largest airborne law enforcement aviation unit within the State of Texas and historically wore Danner Acadia boots. These boots performed well, but presented a fire hazard within the helicopter cockpit due to the synthetic materials used during the construction. The Danners also did not provide relief with the Plantar Fasciitis, even when worn with expensive orthotic inserts. The missions of our unit involve criminal law enforcement, search and rescue, and assisting with the management of wildfires and there is simply no comparison between ANY machine produced boot when compared to a handmade boot from Nick's.
I would just like to say thank you once again for building such a solid product, especially to the craftsmen who are actually doing the hard work that must be involved with building a boot such as this from scratch, and encourage other customers to consider the boots and be patient with the break in process.
Once broken in, Nick's Boots will be the best pair of boots you ever buy!
Thanks again and I can't wait to get my Foresters!
Clay Lacey,
Rockwall, TX

I had to write and tell you a story about the safety, quality and value Nick’s Boots provide. I currently own three pairs of Nick’s Boots. Two for wildland fire fighting, and one pair for working around the house. We heat our home with wood so I split 3 or 4 cords a year and I keep my tools extremely sharp which can be good and bad. While splitting I took a good swing at a piece sitting on a chopping block. It split way too easily and the 3 ½# head of the axe went clean through the piece, didn’t even touch the chopping block and went directly for my right foot. The axe head hit the top of my Nick’s Packers with full force and sliced the leather on the top of my boot. I looked at my boots and was shocked that my foot was still in one piece and the only thing that happened was a slice cleanly into the toe of my Nick’s. Amazingly the axe just barely sliced through the leather and the axe didn’t make it the skin. My toes were bruised but other than that fine. If I were in ANY other pair of boots I can only imagine the damage that would have occurred to my foot and toes. The quality of the leather and workmanship of your boots saved my foot from certain extensive damage. Without a doubt my Nick’s Boots are by far the best long-term value in a boot available today!
Jim Wheeler,
Tonasket, WA

To Whom It May Concern: I would like to thank you for accommodating the three members of our crew who had a problem with the Vibram soles on your boots. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. We had a very busy season and it was made more enjoyable by having boots that actually survived the rigors of the season. The following is a brief synopsis of the areas, terrain and duration we spent using these boots while employed in firefighting:
1. Wyoming: steep, relatively soft soils, timber, two weeks.
2. Idaho: extremely steep, relatively rocky soils, timber, two weeks.
3. Wyoming: moderately steep, soft soils, grass/timber, one week.
4. Montana: moderately steep soft soils, grass/timber, one week.
5. Idaho: steep relatively rocky soils, timber, two weeks.
The boots that you sent us held up fine for the conditions that we experienced. My only concern is that they missed the extremely rocky terrain of the desert southwest and Great Basin areas where the soles would truly be tested. One very good word concerning your boots; they were extremely easy to break in and comfortable as HELL!!! I personally look forward to wearing Nicks Boots in the future and recommending your company to anyone interested in fire boots. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Steven J. Eakin
Craig IHC

March 11, 2010
Dear Frank, I wore my new pair of boots all day every day from the very 1st day that I got them. I could not have even considered that with my Whites boots.
My Nicks Boots make my feet feel the best they have in years.
Please ask your owner to keep the custom fit option available FOR EVER!! My pair of Nicks felt better out of the box than the Whites felt after months of wear them in.
Thanks for doing a great job.
Hap M. Butler

December 15, 2010
I gave away or sold every other pair of boots I owned. Nick's Custom Boots made it possible for me to leave the care of the podiatrist. They are less expensive than the combined costs of prescription orthotics plus a lesser boot. I have put five years of nearly daily wear into two pairs of Nick's. Previous boots lasted about 6 months or didn't have the support that I need. One pair of my Nick's is ready for a resole. I expect to get 20 plus years from these boots with overhauls and resoles, probably more considering the fact that I know I'll buy another pair. I wear the Hotshot LTT and the Ranger.
Long Live the Bootmakers!
Wade Patton
Rural Tennessee

December 26, 2010
To: Gary Scott and All Nick's Employees
Thank you gentlemen for a pair of the "Finest Handmade Boots possible... Your Rough-Out Hot Shots, this is my third pair. I've had a pair of Whites smoke jumpers, but between you, me and the lamppost, Whites Don't even come close. You guys have nailed it! When you have these pair of boots in your hand a look at the Craftsmanship that went in every stitch, and you smell that new leather, it's exotic, or just cool! I Slipped my left Foot in, laced 'em up and it felt broke-in, not tight, and I said "Oh Daddy" these are the Kind....
I don't know how quite to describe it, but when I look at those boots, its like looking at a bitchin' "Vette" or a nice looking handgun. You just know they can't get any better...
You gentlemen should be proud, I know i am when I'm wearin' em.....
My Hats off to you...
Dwight Riggs
Ojai, CA

2-9-2011
I have been wearing Nicks boots for at least 10 years now.
I had previously worn all of the, big name, NW breeds of boots from Portland, Scappoose,
and Spokane when I stumbled on Nicks by accident. I could not go back now!
From California to Washington, Texas to Montana my Nicks boots have been faithful companions.
They will grow on you like a good horse or a faithful hound.
Rip Logan

3-29-2011
Six months or so ago I purchased a pair of Nicks Hotshots, Lace to Toe model 25LTT, my first custom pair. Prior to my purchase I spoke with a number of people (all wildland firefighters) about custom boots, their costs, their comfort and years of service. Everyone I spoke to assured me that if I ever purchased a custom pair, I would never want to go back to the store bought ones. Each discussed the positives of custom boots and ease in having them resoled and rebuilt. Although there were many different brands that folks wore, each were convinced that custom was the way to go. So I began to research which pair I would want and from where. Again I went back to some of the same people that I had talked with and discussed brands and types. Having had a store bought pair of lace to toe, I was sure this was the style for me. I got on the internet and looked at boot sites, at their boot styles and read about their service and prices. Each time however I always went back to the Nicks site. Why? Because I was very impressed with the emphasis Nick's took on boot care and comfort. There was so much information on taking care of the boots (leather) to make them last for years and ways to keep them comfortable for the wearer. From the break in period to a different style of lacing the boots for more ankle strength. All for the sake of the customer. It seemed that you were not just trying to sell boots, you were making sure that the customer got their moneys worth through good quality care ideas and products. This was the deciding factor for my purchase.
I have been so happy with my first pair that I ordered a second pair for daily switch out adding longer life to the boots. The care products that you recommend truly keep the boots in great working shape. The more I wear my current pair, the more comfortable they are. The arch, something new to me took about a week to really get used to, and now very seldom do I have a back ache at the end of the day.
Thanks for a great boot, it has been well worth it.
Sincerely,
Julian Priest

November 2011
Dear Nicks, these boots have been great over the last year. They have helped me build over 15 miles of fence in Southern Idaho's most rugged terrain. I purchased these boots in November of 2010 and was going to try to get through hunting season but the stitching started to come apart. Please repair and resole.
Thanks for building a Great Product.
Scott Hellwege

January 2012
I am the owner of Hells Canyon Outfitters. I cannot thank you enough for your quality product. Your boots have held up better than any other and the comfort day after day is incomparable. I hope you can rebuild these boots. They are 1 1/2 years old but Hells Canyon is very hard on footwear - or anything else you use in there for that matter. I hate to part with them for any amount of time but they need some TLC. If you can not repair them I will buy a new pair and I always promote your product to my clients.
Thank you again for an American Made high quality product made in the Pacific Northwest!
Sincerely,
Russell Gilmore
Hell Canyon Outfitters
Orofino, ID

June 2012
About the first week of June 2012, I sent my pair of Nicks Hotshot boots in for a re-build or resole and was told if it is a rebuild it would be an approximate 12 week turn-around!
Well today June 28 I just received them back and ANOTHER EXCELLENT JOB!!!!!!!!!! As good as Brand New!
I always think no matter what, a compliment should always be passed along!
THANKS and I Always enjoy doing business with you all!
Enjoy the Summer and Stay Safe!
Jim
James K. Parker Sr.
N.J. Forest Fire Service
B7D5

November 2012
I purchased these boots in 2010 and am very happy with them. These boots have been through three great fire seasons, a combined 3,170 hours of overtime over the past three years. Only two minor patches, not to bad. Being on the a hotshot crew int eh southwest, these boots were worn on some very rough terrain. If you take care of them, grease them, then you can expect your boots to hold up.
Again, thank you for making a excellent product.
Scott Brooks

November 2012
Hey I just wanted to send a quick email to let you guys know that I appreciate the product and effort you guys put into the boots I purchased in 2010. I've taken them all over the country and put them through some rough conditions and any issues I've ever had with them have been fixed promptly. You've earned a lifetime of business from me.
Thanks for what you do, NICKS BOOTS ROCK!
Andrew Blakley
Tonasket, WA

November 2012
I just purchased a pair of your handmade Nicks 25V 10" Hot Shots and WOW! Ive had Danners, Georgia, Whites and Carolina boots, and all I can say is these boots are as tough as they come. They are comfortable and don't take forever to break-in. And, the customer service at Nicks is awesome Too!
Thanks for making a bad$$$ boot!
Justin Bevans
Spokane, WA

It Just keeps gettin' better. Let us know how you like your Nick Boots, too!!