Figuring out what is what with a highly customizable product can be overwhelming sometimes! Nicks buying guide is here to make deciding on what boots to order a bit more simple. Check out our help center for more information, or use our handy chat tool to narrow your options down by answering a few questions.  Just click on the chat after the jump.  

 

Still don't know what boot is right for you? Check out nicksbootslineup on Instagram.

Suggestions

If there is a style or configuration that you are looking for that we do not currently offer on our website feel free to fill out this questionnaire and let us know what you would like to see from us!

1. Sizing

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. For more sizing advice and our DIY at home Sizing Guide Click Here

2. Leather

We offer more leather options than most boot companies out there, coming from three different U.S.A. tanneries each with at least three different leather types. Check out the different options below. Some leathers are only available in limited quantities and will not be shown below. 


Classic MaxSupport


Our flagship work leather. MaxSupport leather is our stiffest and most supportive leather. While it comes with the longest break in period, it will provide maximum support after years of wear!

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks Builderpro black smooth over roughoutNicks Builderpro black smooth over roughout
Nicks Hot Shot black smooth over roughout worn by a wildland firefighter on dutyNicks Hot Shot black smooth over roughout worn by a wildland firefighter on duty

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks TankerPros Walnut smooth over roughout on build rackNicks TankerPros Walnut smooth over roughout on build rack
Nicks Travelers in walnut smooth at job siteNicks Travelers in walnut smooth at job site

1964 Easy Break-In


A Nicks exclusive leather, we work directly with Seidel to produce this leather. 1964 leather is packed full of natural oils during the hot stuffing process, which in turn makes the leather more supple and easier to break in. 

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks Tactical Boot in 1964 black smooth hiking in woodsNicks Tactical Boot in 1964 black smooth hiking in woods
Nicks Aldert in 1964 Black roughoutNicks Aldert in 1964 Black roughout

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks BuilderPro in 1964 Tan smooth leatherNicks BuilderPro in 1964 Tan smooth leather
Nicks LTT Work Boot in 1964 Tan RoughoutNicks LTT Work Boot in 1964 Tan Roughout

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks Packers in 1964 brown smooth being worn on the ranchNicks Packers in 1964 brown smooth being worn on the ranch
Nicks Alderts in 1964 brown roughoutNicks Alderts in 1964 brown roughout

WeatherShield 


Nicks WeatherShield leather is impregnated with silicone during the tanning process. This silcone infused leather causes water to bead off of without soaking in. 

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks Waterwork in Weathershield Black Smooth wading through a creekNicks Waterwork in Weathershield Black Smooth wading through a creek
Nicks Waterwork in Weathershield black smoothNicks Waterwork in Weathershield black smooth

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Nicks Waterwork in weathershield BrownNicks Waterwork in weathershield Brown
Nicks Waterwork in weathershield brownNicks Waterwork in weathershield brown

Tannery: Seidel

Thickness: 7-8 oz

Tactical Boot in Coyote Brown smooth leatherTactical Boot in Coyote Brown smooth leather
Tactical Boot in Coyote Brown roughout leatherTactical Boot in Coyote Brown roughout leather

Chromexcel®

Horween® Leather Company's Chromexcel leathers are tanned using a method of hot-stuffing with an oil and wax blend and is then hand-stained on the smooth side. CXL is well known for its rich pull-up, natural leather grain and softness.


TANNERY: HORWEEN

THICKNESS: 5-6.5 OZ

Nicks Blackout Series BootsNicks Blackout Series Boots
Nicks Robert Custom Configuration in Black CXLNicks Robert Custom Configuration in Black CXL

TANNERY: HORWEEN

THICKNESS: 5-6.5 OZ

Nicks Boots close up of Brown CXLNicks Boots close up of Brown CXL
Bird's eye view of Nicks Roberts in Brown CXLBird's eye view of Nicks Roberts in Brown CXL
Nicks Roberts in Brown CXL well wornNicks Roberts in Brown CXL well worn
Nicks Urban logger in Brown CXLNicks Urban logger in Brown CXL
Nicks Boots in Brown CXL going through productionNicks Boots in Brown CXL going through production

TANNERY: HORWEEN

THICKNESS: 5-6.5 OZ

Nicks Becca in British Tan CXLNicks Becca in British Tan CXL
Overlander in British Tan CXL well worn and dirtyOverlander in British Tan CXL well worn and dirty
Overlander in British Tan CXL well worn and dirtyOverlander in British Tan CXL well worn and dirty
Nicks Becca in British Tan CXLNicks Becca in British Tan CXL

Waxed Flesh

Tanned using the same method as Chromexcel only on the flesh side of the leather. This makes for a more water resistant flesh side out leather that still maintains is cut and scrape resistance that rough out leathers are known for


Urban Loggers in Brown Waxed FleshUrban Loggers in Brown Waxed Flesh
Urban Loggers in Brown Waxed FleshUrban Loggers in Brown Waxed Flesh

Predator 

Predator is a combination tanned leather that blends the durability of a chrome tanned base with a heavy vegetable re-tannage. A rich blend of waxes is then incorporated to create a tonal appearance of the leather, which will burnish over time and create a rich patina.


TANNERY: HORWEEN

THICKNESS: 5-6.5 OZ

Nicks Predator Orange Boots worn outdoors with denim jeansNicks Predator Orange Boots worn outdoors with denim jeans
Predator Orange Nicks Boots being finished in productionPredator Orange Nicks Boots being finished in production

English Bridle

Labor-intensive and incredibly appealing, English Bridle is a traditional leather with a variety of uses, from classic equestrian gear to high-end leather goods. Drum dyed and hot stuffed, English Bridle is smooth, flexible yet durable.

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Wickett & Craig english bridle medium brown leatherWickett & Craig english bridle medium brown leather
Nicks Roberts english bridle medium brown Nicks Roberts english bridle medium brown

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Wickett and Craig english bridle tanWickett and Craig english bridle tan
Nicks Overlanders in English Bridle Tan leatherNicks Overlanders in English Bridle Tan leather

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

wickett and craig english bridle chestnut leatherwickett and craig english bridle chestnut leather
Nicks Renegades in english bridle chestnutNicks Renegades in english bridle chestnut

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

wickett and craig english bridle burgundy leatherwickett and craig english bridle burgundy leather
Nicks Charley in english bridle burgundyNicks Charley in english bridle burgundy

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

wickett and craig english bridle dark brown leatherwickett and craig english bridle dark brown leather
Nicks Traveler in english bridle dark brownNicks Traveler in english bridle dark brown

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

wickett and craig english bridle black leatherwickett and craig english bridle black leather

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image coming soon!

Oiled Latigo

Strong, pliable and fully conditioned, Oiled Latigo is hot dipped in a special mix of oils, waxes and tallows. Reinforced to withstand the elements, the lighter colors have a rich pull-up and display strong character. Crafted in both a firmer and softer temper, the leather’s high concentration of oils could cause leaching.

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Nicks Roberts in Oiled Latigo TanNicks Roberts in Oiled Latigo Tan
Nicks Prospectors in Oiled Latigo Tan being worn with cuffed canvas pantsNicks Prospectors in Oiled Latigo Tan being worn with cuffed canvas pants

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Nicks Robert in Oiled Latigo ChestnutNicks Robert in Oiled Latigo Chestnut
Nicks Robert in Oiled Latigo ChestnutNicks Robert in Oiled Latigo Chestnut

 

Images Coming Soon!

 

Images Coming Soon!

Double Stuffed

Using an exclusive blend of waxes, oils and tallows, we hot stuff these leathers to bring out their inherent beauty. Through a traditional process called jack glazing, oils are brought to the surface to create a glossy finish that never mask the leather’s natural grain. The leather is then additionally hot dipped in a special mix of oils, waxes and tallows. Reinforced to withstand the elements, the lighter colors have a rich pull-up and display strong character. 

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Close up of natural double stuffed leather, showing off it's amazing pull upClose up of natural double stuffed leather, showing off it's amazing pull up
Nicks Officer in Natural Double StuffedNicks Officer in Natural Double Stuffed

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Close up of Buck Brown double stuffed and the color variation from light to darkClose up of Buck Brown double stuffed and the color variation from light to dark
Nicks Falcons in double stuffed buck brownNicks Falcons in double stuffed buck brown

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Nicks Roberts in double stuffed burgundyNicks Roberts in double stuffed burgundy
Close up of double stuffed burgundy's rich colorClose up of double stuffed burgundy's rich color

TANNERY: Wickett & Craig

THICKNESS: 6-7 OZ

Nicks Falcon in DoubleStuff SlateNicks Falcon in DoubleStuff Slate
Nicks Urban Drifter in DoubleStuff SlateNicks Urban Drifter in DoubleStuff Slate

3. Last

The last is what gives a boot its overall shape and size. For Nicks it also determines the level of arch support in the boot. We offer three different lasts, with two different arch profiles. 

The 11067 and 55 lasts both have our "classic arch" which has a oaktanned leather arch piece. The HNW last is our moderate arch.

Due to the shape of the HNW last, it is only available with our moderate heel height.

 

Nicks arch profile options include the 11067 sprung toe, 55 classic arch, and HNW moderate arch.Nicks arch profile options include the 11067 sprung toe, 55 classic arch, and HNW moderate arch.

4. Toe Shape

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 ***

 

Nicks arch profile options include the 11067 sprung toe, 55 classic arch, and HNW moderate arch.Nicks arch profile options include the 11067 sprung toe, 55 classic arch, and HNW moderate arch.

5. Boot Height

Deciding on how tall you want your boot is typically just a matter of personal preference or requirements based on profession. We offer a number of different boot models with varying boot heights, however if you do not see a silhouette in the height you are looking for, you will likely find it configurable in the custom configuration section.

Our heritage boots range from 3" up to 10" and our work boots are offered from 6" all the way up to 16" in some cases. Anything taller than a 10" boot will come with an extra cost and in some cases require leg measurements from you.

4" 

Nicks Aldert 4" boot sits ankle high and is a great casual bootNicks Aldert 4" boot sits ankle high and is a great casual boot

6"

Nicks Americana is 6" height. The classic height for all bootsNicks Americana is 6" height. The classic height for all boots

8"

Nicks builderpros in 8 inch height. Great for better ankle support and everyday work.Nicks builderpros in 8 inch height. Great for better ankle support and everyday work.

10"

Nicks Hot Shot fire boot in 10 inch height. The industry standard for NFPA fire boots.Nicks Hot Shot fire boot in 10 inch height. The industry standard for NFPA fire boots.

6. Hardware

Top Style

Our boots come with a range of different top styles. While most are for aesthetic preferences, the padded collars provide a bit more comfort at the top of the boot. 

Toe Style

Toe caps are a secondary piece of leather that are stitched to the toe of the boot. This provides more durability in the toe, along with a classic look for casual boots. These come in options of two rows of stitching and four rows of stitching

 

Our Moc Toes are a purely aesthic row of stitching, providing the classic look of a moc toe without the durability issues of having a seam at the toe of your boot

Toe Structure

All of our safety toe boots are ASTM certified.

Composite safety toes are a bit more lightweight and eligible for EH rating.

Steel safety toes are a bit heavier but provide more space in the toe box.

Celastic Toes provide a "toe puff" that keeps the shape of the toe. They are not considered safety toes and do not meet ASTM requirements

6. Outsole

Each boot model has a flagship outsole associated with it, and many times is the differentiating factor between boot models. Travelers always get wedge soles, Builderpros always get lug soles, Rangers get none lugged, heeled soles. If you like everything about a boot other than its sole, there is likely an identical boot model that comes with the sole you want.

Nicks Wedge work options available for the waterwork, and wedgework bootsNicks Wedge work options available for the waterwork, and wedgework boots
Nicks work boot sole options feature three vibram lug stylesNicks work boot sole options feature three vibram lug styles
Nicks heritage sole options feature durable yet sleek vibram outsolesNicks heritage sole options feature durable yet sleek vibram outsoles

Buying Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Boot Buying Guide

How do I ensure a correct boot fit?

To ensure a correct boot fit, measure your feet with a foot-measuring tool or visit a shoe store. Remember that sizing can vary between brands, so consult size charts and customer reviews for guidance. Additionally, consider the thickness of the socks you plan to wear with the boots when selecting your size.

 

Are all boots waterproof?

Not all boots are inherently waterproof, but some are designed to offer water resistance or come with additional waterproofing features. Pay attention to the boot's materials and construction, such as waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex.

 

How long do boots typically last?

The lifespan of boots can vary depending on factors such as quality, materials used, care, and frequency of use. High-quality boots with proper care can last anywhere from a few years to over a decade. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, conditioning, and conducting necessary repairs, can help prolong their lifespan.

 

Can I wear boots in all seasons?

Boots can be worn in different seasons, although certain styles may be better suited for specific weather conditions. Consider factors such as insulation, breathability, and traction when choosing boots for different seasons. Lighter, breathable boots may be preferable for warmer seasons, while insulated and waterproof boots are ideal for colder seasons.

 

Which boots are best for hiking?

For hiking, look for boots specifically designed for outdoor activities. These boots should offer proper ankle support, traction, and durability. Generally recommended are  hiking boots with sturdy construction, strong outsoles, and features like waterproofing and toe protection.

 

What is the best boot brand?

Reputable brands like Nicks Boots offer high-quality boots known for their durability, craftsmanship, and performance. Research customer reviews, seek recommendations, and explore brands with a reputation for excellence in the boot industry.

 

What is boot shaft height and why is it important?

Boot shaft height refers to the measurement from the bottom of the boot's sole to the top of the boot's shaft. It plays a significant role in determining the style and functionality of the boot. Factors such as ankle support, protection, flexibility, and coverage vary depending on the shaft height.

 

Do I always need to try boots on before buying?

While trying boots on before purchasing is generally recommended, it may not always be feasible, especially when buying online. If unable to try boots on, consult the brand's sizing guide and customer reviews for guidance. Pay attention to return policies in case the boots don't fit as expected.

 

Are there boots specifically for men and women?

While some boot styles are unisex, others are tailored to fit the anatomical differences between genders. Men's boots tend to have a wider fit and larger sizing range, while women's boots are typically more narrow and offer a smaller size range.

 

Can I wear orthotic inserts with boots?

You can usually wear orthotic inserts with boots, depending on the design and fit of the boot. Orthotic inserts can provide additional support, cushioning, and comfort, especially for individuals with specific foot conditions or specific arch support requirements.