About Work Boots
For over 60 years we have prided ourselves on building the world’s toughest work boots. From our origins in building heavy-duty logger boots, we’ve expanded our work boot offerings to service some of the toughest jobs: electricians, linemen, plumbers, foresters, EMTs, firefighters, and many others. If you need a boot that works as hard as you do, look no further than Nicks Handmade Boots.
SHOP NOWTrades Program
At Nicks, we recognize the dedication and challenges faced by trade professionals like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and others. That’s why we're proud to offer special pricing, free shipping, and expedited lead times on select models, as a token of our appreciation for your hard work and commitment to your craft.
SHOP TRADES PROGRAM
BuilderPro HD
SHOP BUILDERPRO HDASTM
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!
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 lightweight more water-resistant fire boot option for those who need quality footwear that can withstand the elements in places such as Canada and Alaska.
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 major types of heritage pull-on boots, often worn for riding motorcycles or as a daily boot that can be relied on as a workhorse of a boot.
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 0°F to keep the cold from penetrating your boots while exposed to the elements.
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.
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. Nicks 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
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Leather
Work Leather
Our work leathers are all 7-8oz full grain leather sourced from U.S. Tanneries. Our leather is twice the thickness of industry standard workboots and is among the most durable leathers in the world. We offer options in both smooth and roughout with various color options.
SEE ALL LEATHERSHeritage Leather
Our heritage leathers are sourced from multiple tanneries in the U.S. We take multiple trips to each of the most reputable tanneries in the country to hand-select our Heritage leathers to ensure we have unique and timeless options that will get better with age. Even our heritage leathers are spec'd out to be thicker than the industry standard, ensuring your boots will be both durable and good looking.
SEE ALL LEATHERSW&C Vegetable Tan Leather
Founded in 1867, Wickett & Craig is a world-premiere vegetable tannery. A labor-intensive method that requires skilled workers, veg tanning is a natural, eco-friendly process that produces durable, exquisite leathers recognized for their depth of color and rich patina. Simply put: W&C leathers not only endure but get better with age.
SEE ALL LEATHERSShrunken Bison
Our 7-8oz Big Horn Shrunken Bison comes out of Law Tanning in Milwaukee. Big Horn is a premier shrunken bison featuring a pull-up with a polished surface grain. Additional details are added by hand in the final stages. As with all bison, the grain will vary within the side and from side to side. This unique grain pattern is characteristic of American bison that provides some natural bend points in the leather making for an easier break-in.
SEE ALL LEATHERSLimited Run Leathers
At Nicks Handmade Boots, we prioritize quality and uniqueness in every pair we create. As a result, some of our leather options are available only for limited periods throughout the year. These limited-run leathers showcase distinctive textures, colors, and characteristics that add individuality to our boots. Due to the nature of these materials, sourced from select suppliers or acquired in small batches, their availability may be restricted to specific seasons or until supplies last. This approach ensures that each pair of Nick's boots remains truly special, offering customers the opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind piece of craftsmanship that reflects our commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
VIEW GALLERYWhat 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.
ARCH PROFILES
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.
Build Your Own Boot!
Not finding exactly what you are looking for in our standard offerings? We offer highly customizable boot models in our Build Your Own category where you can decide on everything from boot height, outsole, to hardware color and whether or not you want a pull loop! Check out our Build Your Own section to get a one of a kind pair of boots!
SHOP CUSTOMIZABLE BOOTSHeight Options
Top Styles
Toe Styles
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
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.
SHOP IN STOCK BOOTS