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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.

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Trades 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.

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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!.

About Fire Boots

Nicks Boots understands the demanding nature of wildland firefighting, where every step counts in the battle against raging infernos. Our EMS and duty boots are crafted to meet rigorous NFPA standards—handmade from premium materials and certified for firefighting use.

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Red Card Program

We honor the bravery and sacrifice of wildland firefighters with a special discount for red card holders—plus fast shipping and support to keep you mission-ready.

NFPA Certified

All Wildland Fire Boots are fully NFPA certified so you’ve got trusted protection on the line.

Station Boots

Built to the same quality standards as our fire boots, with zipper access for quick on/off when seconds matter.

FireTrooper

Our 365® Stitchdown construction delivers a lighter, more water-resistant option for harsh, wet climates.

About Heritage Boots

What began as lower-profile versions of our BuilderPro and Ranger for weekend wear has grown into pull-ons, wedge soles, and more—casual boots built to the same quality standard as our heavy work boots.

A Heritage Boot is made for daily wear with all-leather construction that’s built to last—the craft you can rely on is core to Nicks Handmade Boots.

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Leather Options

Nicks deliberately crafts ~1.75–2 pairs per hide (vs. 5–6 elsewhere) to use only the highest-quality sections—prioritizing durability and long-term wear.

That careful selection delivers strength, comfort, and a timeless look that stands up to years of use.

Robert Boot

The First PNW Heritage Boot

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Service Boots

Modeled after early-1900s leather boots—lower block heel with plain toe or toe cap; classic everyday wear.

PNW Boots

Taller curved logger (woodsman) heel with durable lug outsoles—heritage DNA from the Pacific Northwest.

Engineer Boots

Pull-on stovepipe top with instep/calf buckles—railroad-ready roots, motorcycle favorite, everyday workhorse.

About Hunting & Hiking Boots

Built for the rugged PNW: durable uppers with more water-resistant, flexible construction for all-day support on any distance—lighter than traditional PNW styles.

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Sole Tech

Our Nicks MaxWedge hiking sole is lab- and field-tested for durability, with dual-density comfort and superior tread for long days on the trail.

365™ Stitchdown

All-season durability with an 8IR rubber midsole stitched 360° to seal out water and debris. Full-length veg-tan leather insole conforms to your foot and is removable for custom insoles.

Polarthin XP

Aerogel fabric delivering up to 4× the thermal performance of traditional synthetics; insulates even under compression <1 mm. Boots tested and rated to 0°F.

About Western Boots

Western boots are more than just footwear—they represent rugged tradition and modern style. Handcrafted with unique design and premium durability, they’re for cowboys, outdoor lovers, and anyone who values classic fashion.

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Western Boots

Available in pull-on and lace-up, with options like Spur Shelves and pointed-toe lasts for easier stirrups. 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

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.

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Heritage 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.

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W&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.

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Shrunken 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.

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Limited 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.

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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.

ARCH PROFILES

Arch Height Comparison

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***

Thurman vs 55 Last

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!

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Height Options

Top Styles

Toe Styles

Sole Graphics

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.

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