Buying Guide
ASTM
For those working in environments that demand enhanced protection, Nicks offers ASTM-rated safety toes in both steel and composite variations.
EH Rated
Many of our work boots can be EH Rated. All of our wedge sole options have been tested and approved for Electrical Hazard certification with a soft toe or comp toe. For an EH Rated boot with our classic BuilderPro construction, see the WireCutter boot.
Insulation
One of the key features that sets our boots apart is our innovative Polar-XP insulation technology. Polarthin has been specifically engineered for use in performance clothing and cryogenic applications. This feat of scientific innovation does not require loft to insulate & maintains thermal insulation even when compressed to thinner than 1mm thick!
Benefits & Links
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Red Card Program
Our commitment extends beyond just creating exceptional footwear: we honor the bravery and sacrifice of wildland firefighters by offering a special discount to red card holders. Nicks is proud to support these heroes in their noble endeavors, ensuring they have the utmost protection and comfort as they bravely face the flames.
NFPA Certified
All of our Wildland Fire Boots are fully NFPA Certified to ensure you have the footwear you need to overcome any situation
Station Boots
Built to the quality standards of our NFPA fire boots, our station boots come with a zipper for easy on and off so that your boots don't hold you back when you need to move to action.
FireTrooper
Built with our 365® Stitchdown Construction, our FireTrooper is built as a lighterweight more water-resistant fire boot option for those who need quality footwear that can withstand the elements in places such as Canada and Alaska.
Benefits & Links
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Leather Options
At Nicks Handmade Boots, the commitment to quality is evident in our meticulous selection of leather for each pair of boots. While many other boot companies might extract 5 to 6 pairs of boots from a single hide, Nicks Handmade Boots deliberately crafts around 1.75 to 2 pairs per hide. This approach ensures that only the highest quality sections of the leather are used, prioritizing durability and the overall longevity of the boots. By carefully choosing the best parts of each hide, Nicks Handmade Boots guarantees that every pair meets their rigorous standards for strength, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. This dedication to superior craftsmanship means that customers receive boots that not only look exceptional but also withstand the test of time, embodying the true spirit of artisanal quality.
Service Boots
A type of boot modeled after traditional leather boots worn during the early 1900's and seen on the feet of many military service members in WW1 and WW2. Service boots typically have a lower block heel and either a plain toe or a toe cap.
PNW Boots
Popularized by Nicks and a small number of other boot makers who are based in the Pacific NorthWest of the U.S. Most easily identifiable by their taller curved logger heel profile, also sometimes referred to as a woodsman heel. PNW Boots also typically sport a durable lug outsole. PNW Boots have a strong resemblance to traditional Logger Boots.
Engineer Boots
A pull-on boot, typically with a straight cut 'stovepipe' top and buckles at the instep and calf to adjust the fit. Engineer Boots got their name when they became the standard type of footwear for Railroad Engineers. Engineer Boots remain as one of the most popular types of heritage pull-on boots, often worn for riding motorcycles or as a daily boot that can be relyed on as a workhorse of a boot.
Benefits & Links
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Sole Tech
Our Nicks MaxWedge hiking sole was tested in the lab and in the field, proving to be among the most durable sole options for hiking while still offering all-day comfort with its dual-density compound and superior tread.
365™ Stitchdown
Our innovative "365 Stitchdown" construction redefines all-season boot durability by enhancing flexibility and water resistance. This technique incorporates a high-grade 8IR rubber midsole that is meticulously stitched 360 degrees around the boot, effectively sealing out water and debris. Inside, the boot features a full-length 6-7oz vegetable-tanned leather insole, designed to conform to the unique shape of your foot over time, similar to our classic all-leather construction. For added convenience, this insole is removable, allowing for easy replacement or the use of a preferred custom insole, ensuring long-lasting comfort and adaptability.
Polarthin XP
Polarthin-XP is a cutting edge aerogel fabric with up to 4 times the thermal insulation performance vs. traditional synthetic insulation materials.
Polarthin has been specifically engineered for use in performance clothing and cryogenic applications. This feat of scientific innovation does not require loft to insulate & maintains thermal insulation even when compressed to thinner than 1mm thick!
Our boots are tested and rated down to 0ºF to keep the cold from penetrating your boots while exposed to the elements.
Benefits & Links
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Western Boots
Nicks Western Boots come in pull-on and lace-up options, with selectable options like Spur Shelves and more pointed-toe lasts for getting into stirrups easier. Our Western boots are the perfect blend of PNW durability and western style.
Spur Shelf
Toe Bug
Packer Lasts
Benefits & Links
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Sizing
In the realm of footwear, finding the perfect fit can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. Sizing can vary not only between brands but even within different styles of the same brand. When it comes to Nicks Handmade Boots, understanding the sizing nuances becomes even more crucial. Nick's Handmade Boots are known to run a half size down compared to popular mass-produced boot brands like Thorogood, Ariat, Thursday Boots, and others.
Length: Nicks Boots will fit a bit large compared to your mass-produced footwear. We recommend going 1/2 size down from your Brannock size. Example: If you normally wear size 12D, we'd recommend a size 11.5D in your Nicks.
Width: In addition to length, consider the width of your feet when selecting boots. Most brands offer boots in standard D width which is also the most common in Nicks although we have widths A-FF available in many of our lasts.
Lasts: Sizing is not affected by the type of last. Here at Nicks you will want to choose the same size regardless of last.
Slip-on boots may experience heel slip, where the heel lifts slightly during walking, often due to the absence of laces for adjustment
If you are still uncertain about what sizing will work for you, we offer our Buy With Confidence program! All n For first-time buyers we recommend purchasing one of our Quick Ship boot options for expedited lead times and a free size exchange if you get the boots and decide that they do not fit quite right.
For our DIY at-home Sizing Guide Click Here:
Sizing Guide
Quick Ship Options
Leather
What is a Last?
In the world of footwear manufacturing, the last is a fundamental tool that shapes the final form and fit of a shoe or boot. While often overlooked by consumers, the design of the last has a profound impact on comfort, style, and functionality. The history of boot lasts is a fascinating journey that reflects not only changes in fashion and technology but also the evolving needs and preferences of wearers over centuries.
Nicks traditional toe shape is iconic in the PNW Boot industry. The standard toe provides a sleeker toe shape without being too narrow for work applications.
Nicks Thurman toe shape is inspired by the historical Munson last, which provides a wider more natural toe splay compared to the traditional PNW Boot lasts. The Thurman toe shape is available on the 55 and HNW arch profiles.
***Thurman lasts are not compatible with Moc Toes, or Safety toes due to the difference in toe shape. It is also only available in B-FF widths ***
What Works?
The last of a boot decides several things, including what kind of sole and toe options can be available on the boot. Here is a quick run down of incompatibilities with specific lasts:
Safety toes are only available on 55 and HNW lasts.
Wedge soles are only available on HNW and TNW lasts.
Classic heel stacks are only available on 55, T55, and 11067 lasts.
Moc toes are not available on 11067 lasts
Lead Times
Boots
Standard Lead Time: 18-35 Weeks
Quick Ship: 8-15 Weeks
Size Exchanges and Warranty Replacements: 2-8 Weeks
In Stock Boots: 2-4 Business Days
Repairs
Resoles: 3-10 Weeks
Rebuilds: 8-16 Weeks
At Nicks Handmade Boots, nearly every boot is handmade to order. However, our ready-to-ship boot section is an exception, with products that ship out within 2-4 days. If you need boots quickly, we recommend checking out this section or exploring our quick ship options.
Small Leather Goods
Classic work belts: 2-3 weeks
Heritage work belts: 4-8 weeks
Any stitched belt: 4-10 weeks
Travel Bags: 4-10 weeks
Tool totes: 2-10 weeks
Billfold Wallets: 1-5 weeks
EDC Cases: 1-4 weeks
Delta Insoles: 2-10 weeks
At Nicks Handmade Boots, nearly every boot is handmade to order. However, our ready-to-ship boot section is an exception, with products that ship out within 2-4 days. If you need boots quickly, we recommend checking out this section or exploring our quick ship options.