Nicks Boots Post Break In Review

This is a review of Nicks Builder Pro Steel Toe boots after break-in and 2 months wear, conditioning the boots and a review of Nicks Work Belt.
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[@harshad2351]

This might be the most informative yet wholesome boot review i've seen. Subscribed :)

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@joshbenalcazar12367]

Thank you for the helpful information friend. I’ve had mine for about 6 months now and I gotta say they hold up amazing.

[@ozarksethic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@19drss83]

Thank You for taking the time to make this video!

[@ozarksethic]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching! If you're in the research phase, I link to specific videos from Nicks and Rose Anvil on the Builder Pro boots in the description of my previous Nicks video.

[@jeremyl.7563]

Thank you for this honest video. I believe it popped up in my suggested feeds because I have been exploring taking the plunge and going for my first pair of Nicks. And thanks to you, I do not believe the builder pro will work for my line of work, possibly a different model. After wearing Redwings and Thorogoods for many years, I find it challenging to make the financial push needed for Nicks. Thank you again.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching and you're welcome. Nick's are pretty much the same cost across their line but they have a wide variety. It was difficult for me to settle on a pair to try but, because of what I spend a lot of time doing, I decided to start with the Builder Pro. My next pair will be something like the Overlander or Ranger with a smoother sole, possibly a wedge, to provide more comfort on hard surfaces and easier cleaning. Good luck on your selection. It was difficult for me to make the investment but now that I have, I think they're worth it given what I was spending on other brands annually.

[@kso808]

Great audio! Watching care videos like this is very therapeutic for me.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@bigredginger2956]

Never seen any video by you before. Seen a lot about nicks boots though. You make me want to buy a pair so much more. You’re honest and fair. Thank you for your review. Seriously.. also the audio sounds good to me.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! My channel is relatively new. I have been watching KZbin since it came online but have only been posting videos since October last year. I appreciate the compliment. I try to be fair and honest when giving my opinion. I don't want to waste my hard earned money and don't appreciate it when someone blows smoke up my skirt about a product, especially if they are being paid to "review" it. Integrity is important to me so I won't say something is good if I don't think it is. I was spending $200-$400 a year on what were considered to be quality boots but they weren't rebuildable. I'm hoping the additional money spent on Nicks will pay off in a long lasting pair of boots that aren't disposable.

[@michaeljohnston4167]

Audio is great! Boots look great too! Its good to see how these are wearing from someone who uses them! Been seeing way too many get into nicks for fashion and too scared to get a little dirt on them. Great content

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! I'm trying to pass useful information on the channel. It irritates the fire out of me to buy something thinking it is going to work for its intended purpose only to find that it doesn't.

[@Rupert9692]

Great video! My builder pros are to arrive on Friday. Can’t wait to start the break in process.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! You'll be happy when they're broken in.

[@TheEman301]

This is the first video I've seen. Enjoyed it. The audio quality was very good.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching and the feedback! I hope you peruse the other videos on the channel.

[@Elon_Trump]

First time here. Thanks for the review. Audio is great. Been thinking about a pair of nick’s for a while. I walk 8 -10 miles a day.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! You're welcome for the review. If you're walking that much, I would call Nicks and tell them what you are doing and see what their recommendation would be. I am not walking that much in mine daily so I can't comment on whether or not the ones I have would be good for it. I suspect they would be fine with sufficient break-in based on my past experience with combat boots.

[@gregmartinez5836]

Just ordered mine last night. Probably explains why I sat and watched this 30 min video and enjoyed it! Hola from SoCal, amigo! ❤

[@ozarksethic]

Glad you took the time. Hopefully I provided some useful information. The waiting is worse than the break-in. I spent quite a bit of time in the Mojave but not anywhere else. Hope you avoided the flooding. Thanks for watching!

[@sir.reelcinema]

Absolutely enjoyed this video. Just sitting and having the conversation on the front porch was awesome. You should do more like this. I had to hit your big red button and give you the thumbs up. I look forward to getting my next boots in September, I’m on the waiting list. I will be doing a video sort of like this as well. Thank you again my new friend

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching, subscribing, and the compliments! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and am sure you will enjoy the boots.

[@a.l.newsome7395]

Enjoyed the review and the demonstration of cleaning 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 Much luck beating to next pair 😃

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! It's looking like my next pair will be the third in the house, after my wife gets her first.

[@danwood5491]

I have a pair of Nicks coming in 6 to 8 weeks, I can't wait. Nice video.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching and congratulations on the purchase!

[@nateand3]

I enjoyed seeing someone else who takes care of their stuff. I got a kick out of the end where you said, "boot pron" and finished the scene one a big red deck lol me and my obscene since of humor. Sound quality was great at the end. I really don't remember paying attention to it in the beginning

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for the feedback. I figure it's better to take care of stuff than trying to fix or replace it when it breaks at the worst time. Plus, resupply is never on time! I'm glad you enjoyed how I closed out the video. If you're interested in the deck, I did some videos of the build from sawmill to finished project. Thanks for watching!

[@orbitaljellyfish808]

Thanks for the video, info, and quality audio

[@ozarksethic]

You're welcome and thanks for the feedback. Audio is a constant fight since most everything I do is outside.

[@ozzynmyrtle]

my builder pros are on the way. i ordered composite toe with cap, linemans shank, and fire resistant thread. i cant wait....like the video hope mine and yours last as long as they say

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! I hope so too. Based on my experience with different OTS boots, I think these will last a long time. Congrats on the order. I think you'll be happy with them.

[@averyj.steele1074]

Great video. Boots look great too. I'm gonna pick up my first pair of Nick's soon. Also, quick tip for your lacing re: your ankles: Nick's has a video on their channel about the 2-1-3 lacing method, I think it's called. This technique supposedly takes a bit of pressure off the top of your ankle, where you mentioned. As you say, your mileage may vary!

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! I think you'll be happy with Nicks. I've been glad I made the purchase. As for different lacing methods, I've tried several over the years and have found what I show in the video inset to work fine for me with these boots. The bite wasn't bad, just a minor irritation. I've had insulated boots in the past that really pinched in the same spot so I would skip an eyelet to give the tongue room. You just have to try different things until you find one that works with the least amount of hassle.

[@SgtPUSMC]

I love my Builder Pros. When the time comes, I'll likely get the honey sole. The black lug sole is pretty tough on my feet after a day on concrete, but that's not normally what I use them for so it's not a huge deal. I stopped using leather laces because they kept breaking. Now I use paracord. Paracord isn't as comfortable because it doesn't stretch like leather, but it's never left me stranded with a flat either... I would recommend that anyone use the leather laces during the break in period though.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching. In the dirt the lugs are great, not clay or mud, but on the concrete I don't like the hard sole. I ran 550 cord on some of my boots in the Army. It was OK. I like the leather laces from a comfort and fire resistance perspective. Paracord doesn't hold up well to weld spatter or torch slag but the leather laces will. It's all about personal preference and application.

[@hawkdom5160]

love your review very concise. Hopefully these will work well, considering I work with a lot of aluminum!

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! My wife would disagree though, she thinks I ramble. LOL! If you mean welding, they seem to be fine but, like any leather, spatter marks them. I've been welding in mine but haven't gotten large gobs of slag on them. Also, the Red-X soles were a selling point for me since I figured I'd be stepping on rod ends, cut offs, etc.

[@PineyWoodsHomestead]

The audio setup sounds good. I've always worn Danner's. That is, the American made ones anyways. Mink oil has always been what I've used. I may have to give your setup a try. Looks good.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for letting me know. I've worn a lot of Danner boots in the Army and have had OK luck with them in that environment. I've worn all kinds of work boots and have not had great luck with them lasting. I figured if I could spend more money and get something that lasts and is rebuildable, I would give them a try. Like I mentioned in the first boot video, I've been spending $200-$400 per year on work boots since I retired.

[@oliversmith1411]

Spenco insoles that I got with the builder pros helped me out a lot. Definitely would suggest it if you're on concrete and have the heavy duty vibrams sole. Currently in the process of breaking in my 2nd pair with the steel toes for my factory work. Bit longer of a break in than last time.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for the input. Spencer seem to be a popular insole. I usually wear different boots when I know I'm going to be on concrete all day. I got the Nick's mostly for outside work like brush clearing, fencing, etc. Thanks for watching!

[@marklyon2633]

I went from regular work boots to a pair of Builder Pros. They're amazing when it comes to comfort and quality. I can't imagine wearing anything else. I do need a pair of wedge sole boots for when I'm on concrete all day vs dirt and whatnot.

[@ozarksethic]

Yep. I'm trying to decide if I want wedges or the V-bar. I think the lugs on the honey soles would pick up too much gravel and I don't need the traction on hard surfaces. Thanks for watching!

[@barrydneedham]

Great review, thank you! I'm about a month ahead of you in my Nick's Rangers. They aren't slippers but I:m not in a big hurry to take them off.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! That's good to know. The Rangers are what I'm looking at for my second pair. Though I like the look of all of the classic boots so it's hard to make a decision.

[@bsh724]

Great audio and I appreciate it being so, if I can't understand what people are saying I stop watching. I have a pair of Hooligan motorcycle boots from Nick's and they are like a tank. I have worn nothing but Danner boots for over 30 years( I'm 67), but the quality of Danner has gotten to the point I went to Nick's. Still a avid bowhunter and I am looking to buy another pair for hunting. First of your videos that I have seen, good format and very enjoyable video.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! I've worn Danner's quite a bit and agree with the sentiment about quality. It seems that something happened around the second year of the GWOT so I haven't bought any lately. I definitely cannot complain about Nick's quality. I'm glad the audio was good for you. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, the audio in some of my other videos is not as clear. The wind this spring has been crazy.

[@ThomasSteed]

Great video man! Love the boot's!

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@ThomasSteed]

@@ozarksethic yeah, I learned something from it! I didn't know there's a black and white tin of that saddle soap. I've got the yellow. I haven't noticed any discoloration on my Frank's from it, but I'll have to get that neutral for my redwing's for sure!

[@ozarksethic]

@@ThomasSteed Glad to be of help. The yellow may not have "dye" in it but I have noticed that it seems to add a golden tone to browns. On black you might not notice it at all, I just prefer the neutral of the white. It might not be an issue at all if you rinse it off well enough.

[@xochj]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@ozarksethic]

You're welcome and Thanks for Watching!

[@sburton223]

Very indepth video....I have a pair of Nick's pair of older Whites and a pair of JKs on the way and I like all of them

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! I thought folks could use the information if they're thinking about dropping that much money on a pair of boots. My experience prior to the Nicks was Danner, Carolinas, Red Wings, etc. Hands down, the Nicks are a superior boot. Thanks for watching!

[@jamesedwards6269]

First comment The audio is excellent. Second comment thanks for the video I have been looking at these boots for the last 5 years just can’t pull the trigger. Third comment The red cedar deck looks amazing.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! Do it! Thanks again! I had to do something with it. I've taken out a few thousand cedar trees.

[@65strad]

Fantastic review, I can't believe the level of American craftsmanship. I'm going to get those builder pros! Thanks for your justified enthusiasm for this extraordinary quality American company and products.

[@ozarksethic]

Thank you! They are well made. I have been completely happy with them. Now is a good time to buy as they have expanded selection and usually do pretty good sales leading up to the holidays. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@qazmko22]

Good video, I am glad these boots work as advertised

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! They are great. I've been extremely happy with my purchase. The price is hard to swallow but, as I explained in my first Nicks video, I was spending that much per year on other boots that were not rebuildable.

[@Condor1970]

I find the Tacoma or CA9833 (used by Carolina) lug sole tends to be just as grippy, but the gaps are wide enough to make it easier to kick off mud and dirt.

[@ozarksethic]

I've had those soles on Carolinas before and found them to be pretty good. When I ordered my Builders, I got the Vibrams because I was replacing a pair of boots with similar soles and have had good luck on longevity. Everything is a tradeoff. Grippy soles hold stuff that gets tracked in and smoother soles don't have the traction but are easier to clean. Clearly, I need another pair with some wedges! (provided I can convince my wife I already had them) Thanks for watching!

[@rexradar9297]

Good review and perspective. One other issue with Nicks, particularly at these prices is that non of them are certified. This means there are many worksites where you would not be allowed to wear them. As noted heavy lugs can hold a lot of dirt, to the point that the boots get 2-3 lbs heavier, and considerable traction loss. At lead that's my experience when working in thick clay.

[@ozarksethic]

That's a good point about safety certification. I hadn't given it any thought as I don't work in an environment requiring it. The clay is true as well. I have been wearing Muck Boots a lot lately on the farm since we're in mud season. Thanks for watching!

[@dirtyblueshirt]

My BuilderPro steel toes are ASTM F2413 I/75 C/75 certified. It's a $15 option that locks you into the steel toe and red X sole and they sew a certification tag into the boot.

[@ozarksethic]

@@dirtyblueshirt That's good information to know. I didn't check into certification as I am not working in an industry where it's required. I'm sure someone else can benefit from the knowledge. Thanks for watching!

[@jaymartinrealtor7736]

Thanks for this excellent review. I have been waiting for a good detailed review of Nicks. I am ordering my pair today. What watch are you sporting in this video?

[@ozarksethic]

Thank for watching! The watch is a Citizen Eco-drive. I like the size as it's more comfortable to wear when working. It's held up pretty well and has kept good time since I bought it in '19. I just scrape the weld spatter off and occasionally scrub it and the band with a toothbrush and dish soap. There's a link to it and the band at the bottom of the Clothing section in the description for the video.

[@stonewintjen505]

I’ve had my nicks for almost 6months now and I’ll say this. They are amazing. I loved my redwings and they were the iron rangers which are the heritage series they make. And these are 100 times more durable and better built and more comfortable. The only thing is that like the redwings they are cold in the winter

[@ozarksethic]

@@stonewintjen505 I haven't worn Redwings but I have worn what are considered higher end off-the-shelf boots and I agree with you 100%. If I get 2 years out of my Nicks before rebuild, I've almost doubled my money based on what I was spending. I do wish they had a little insulation some days but, if I start warm and stay moving, they're not too bad.

[@ozarksethic]

@@stonewintjen505 When I start out with warm boots and keep moving I'm OK. Wool socks are a must! If the boots are cold or I'm standing still they are COLD! Makes me wish they made an insulated pair...

[@stonewintjen505]

@@ozarksethic if I’m moving a lot they aren’t bad but when it get down to the single digits or if I have to stand still they get frigid. But I wear my muck boots when it’s that cold and they do me fine.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Agree with his review completely. My Builder Pros have been great boots, but as I work on concrete floors all day if I had it to do over I would have gone for the Wedge Workers. The balls of my feet take a bit of a beating in the Builder Pros. Otherwise, they have been very comfortable and very versatile.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching and the info on your experience! I'm sure others doing their research will find it useful.

[@QueerdoLoc]

Should get a pair with extra rrooomm to fit an insole, that would give you cushion and support 💯🥇

[@corneliuscrewe677]

@@QueerdoLoc I actually do use Spenco insoles in them, and the footbeds have since conformed better to the soles of my feet, so they are much better now. I still think I would prefer the wedge soles on the Wedge Worker boots or maybe the Travelers. Some days they are a bit much still on concrete.

[@rl6319]

I have the builder pros pretty much the same I work in maintenance I’m on concrete and asphalt all the time I have the Spenco inserts which makes it more comfortable on concrete and asphalt

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching and the suggestion. I haven't heard used that brand. I have diabetic inserts in my other boots (recommended by a nurse as something she used and they are great) but my Nick's are not roomy enough for inserts. I've only noticed a problem when standing in one spot. If I'm walking around I notice it at the end of the day but it isn't a miserable experience. Usually I'm on dirt so no big deal. Lately I've been wearing different boots though since I've been doing a lot of work in sticky clay building our house and it's been crazy hot. Lug soles are hard to clean and all the laces are a PITA just to go inside for a few minutes and cool off. This winter I'll be back to daily wear...

[@ryanhuser774]

I got my thorogoods and oiled the shit out of em and that was the wrong move it took a month for them to dry out and break in proper so they didn't hurt my feet soo bad where th uppers are attached to the lowers I appreciate the knowledge you shared there I plan to get some nicks in a few years when these giv out on me

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! Sorry to hear about your experience. I've accidentally gotten a ton of oil (hydraulic) on boots in the past and had the stitching let go and the leather basically lost all of its structure. Hopefully all works out with yours. As you can tell from my video, I recommend the Nicks and think they are a quality product.

[@picolascage8123]

I’m a few months into my Nicks builder pros but mine have the honey vibram sole which is softer on concrete

[@ozarksethic]

I'll definitely go with a softer less lugged sole on my next pair. Options are good!

[@rickc4317]

You mentioned you downloaded the paper work from Nicks to decide on size. You also mentioned you originally ordered 1/2 size too big. Did you originally order the size your foot was on the paper work wearing boot socks or did you originally order 1/2 size down from what that showed on the paper? Thanks!

[@ozarksethic]

Originally, I ordered the size indicated on their paperwork wearing the socks I normally wear with boots. When I received the first pair, I tried them on per instructions and they seemed a little too wide. After speaking with Nicks CS and sending them photos of the boots on my feet, we decided to keep the same width and drop a half size. When they came in they fit perfectly. It was worth the additional wait. Thanks for watching!

[@rickc4317]

@@ozarksethic Thanks for the quick and well explained reply.

[@ozarksethic]

@@rickc4317 You're welcome!

[@mikemorse8592]

Just finished up saddle soaping my nicks rangers . Mine get a steady diet of grease and oil from working on big trucks. I loved the vibram mini lug sole my rangers came with, they didn’t track in mud and grease and had good grip but I wore them out in just under a year. So I had nicks re sole them with the honey lug sole it’s been great and soft on cement! Great video

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for the info. I'm sure somebody is looking for a first hand account of mini-lug vs honey.

[@panamabrad]

I'm going to go with the honey softer sole in the near future. After working many years on concrete floors for the airlines that was my first thought Even though I'll be outside on sawdust most of time at sawmill now I think the softer sole has good durability also from other reviews.

[@Buzzcutt1]

@@panamabrad I would have gone with the honey if I spent a lot more time on concrete. I was just afraid that they would get torn up pretty quickly on rocks and rough terrain.

[@ozarksethic]

@@Buzzcutt1 This was my logic for choosing the Red-X. Next pair will have softer soles for shop days.

[@rickc4317]

@@ozarksethic Yes, I've been looking for someone that could compare both directly. Thank you Mr. Morse, too.

[@zippolover5385]

I purchased a pair of overlanders and you know, the breaking wasn’t bad at all either. It was my first pair of nicks and the only thing was the insole, it was just hard because it’s leather but other than that they’re great! Another thing that I find a bit exaggerated is when people say they fit like a slipper. They are comfy but I just feel like it’s an over exaggeration. Your mileage may vary though. Thanks for the review

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! They are getting more comfortable every day. I can see the slipper description for a wedge sole but my experience with the Vibram lugs on combat boots has been that the soles are worn out when they are slipper comfortable.

[@zippolover5385]

@@ozarksethic You know thinking about what you said here about the wedge soles, 100% agree with you there. I bet those would be very comfortable!

[@ozarksethic]

@@zippolover5385 The biggest complaint my buddy has with them is that they do wear quickly. He's a big guy and tends to round them over. I had a version of them (black) on combat boots in the 90s and they were very comfortable but I didn't wear them in the field only in garrison.

[@rickc4317]

What leather did you choose for your Overlanders? I just ordered a pair, too, and went with the 1964 brown. They mentioned it could be a little softer and easier to break in than their other leathers.

[@zippolover5385]

@@rickc4317 I went with the 1964 leather as well. I heard in a video that someone mentioned that leather being softer. Honestly I don’t know if it’s true being that this is my first pair of Nicks. But they’re amazing boots, I’m sure you’ll love em!!

[@cjanquart]

Nice belt for inside/outside waistband tool with extra batteries ;)

[@ozarksethic]

You never know how you'll need to carry your tools on the jobsite or how heavy they will be...

[@boomstickpd79]

I just received my nicks 4 days ago. The break in is brutal, but I know it will be worth it. You’re absolutely correct. Nicks customer service is excellent. They really go out of their way to make sure you order exactly what size you need.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! Once you get past the break-in, your feet will be very happy.

[@nicholasmapes]

You made this comment 5 months ago, any updates? Have you had a chance to really break them in? Any issues?

[@boomstickpd79]

@@nicholasmapes I wear them every day for a hour or so through the week and 8-10 hours on the weekends and that thick piece of veg tan leather still isn’t broken in. It is very slow for me.

[@nicholasmapes]

@@boomstickpd79 well keep on trooping, hopefully they break in for you. I think it will just be putting in the hours. Keep us updated!

[@TheRealEricRose]

If anybody has not tried Nick’s boots. I understand that they are pricey BUT I can’t honestly say that they are 100% worth it! They have lasted me wayyyy longer than any other brands (Red Wings, Danners, etc…) that I have went through. Give them a try!

[@ozarksethic]

Based on the build quality, I expect them to last a lot longer than the brands I've been wearing. (Danner, Carolina, etc.) Plus they are rebuildable not disposable.

[@isaakmclean5271]

Audio is stella!

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnvelas70]

how's the toe leather holding up? my new job requires a steel toe & I don't know if I should request a toe cap

[@ozarksethic]

It is holding up fine. Though I haven't been dragging it on stuff. If you're someplace where it gets cold, you might want to look at the composite toe. The steel gets cold in winter. Thanks for watching!

[@c2l1e6]

Personally I don’t care for wedge soles. I prefer a heel. I had a pair of thorogood moc toes which are said to be one of the best around, and I didn’t love them. So I sold them and bought a pair of nicks hot shots. Can’t wait to get them. Only bad thing is they they are not made to order but I paid considerably less than MTO so I can’t complain to much. I’ll update later on after break in :)

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! I like a heel as well when I'm walking around in the brush. I have had wedges on shop boots before and found them to be OK. It's hard to find something that is "perfect" for all the environments I work in. Everything is a compromise. My Builders aren't MTO. I didn't want the expense or the wait. I haven't had any issues with fitment since I got the smaller size. I haven't been wearing mine during the heat of the summer and working in clay but am about to go back to them for the fall/winter. I think you'll be happy and congrats.

[@orlog3343]

How well does it form and mold to your foot? Is it still (comfortably) snug after the break in?

[@ozarksethic]

Mine have conformed very nicely to my feet. I can control the snugness easily with different sock thicknesses and tightening or loosening the laces. That, however, was not the case with my first pair. They were the wrong size and were too wide and a little long. As I mentioned in the video, Nicks customer service was excellent and helped me figure out the correct size to solve the problem. It was worth the wait for the second pair.

[@petersaczko6192]

I put oil on my leather laces and they break. Possibly they would have broken anways but I thought that making a soft, supple leather lace is a weaker lace. Of course I don’t want a hard cracking crusty dried out lace either. In the future I’ll try to be more careful not to over condition them.

[@ozarksethic]

Too much oil/grease breaks down the bonds between the fibers and weakens the leather. I usually apply and wipe/buff off excess to ensure they do not become soaked. I have spilled hydraulic oil on boots and had them come apart at the seams since the leather will no longer hold stitching.

[@kevinwest3709]

Good video. Spot on. I’m three pair deep in the problem and can say you’ve made a wise investment, especially with your Maintenence program.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks. I agree on the investment. I definitely will be acquiring another pair. As for the maintenance, I try to take care of all of my expensive tools! Let me know if you have any tips I missed.

[@RizetoPower]

Very nice looking boots

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks, and Thanks For Watching!

[@RizetoPower]

@@ozarksethic my pleasure I like the dog too lol

[@ozarksethic]

@@RizetoPower That's my work partner. She loves to work the cattle almost as much as eating and laying on the couch. LOL! I was trying to get her to stay in one spot but she lost interest pretty fast.

[@two-wheels7397]

I really like mine!

[@ozarksethic]

Glad to hear it! I'm very happy with my purchase.

[@Scarywoody]

I don't have a pair of Nick's so please excuse the question: What does the screws do on the soles?

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! The screws are just a way of attaching the sole to the boot like nails or pegs. I've had other boots, military and civilian, that use screws to attach the outsole around the edges.

[@AshEndDust]

Can of compressed air might work instead of buying a air compresser. Same can as the ones that clean computers.

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching! I agree, that would be an option but I'm not sure there would be enough pressure to dislodge really stick stuff like clay from the soles. For cleaning around the tongue it would probably work great and easier than using a brush.

[@BOOGiNS]

Imagine that. A boot that's sized correctly fits better. Would have never guessed that was possible.

[@ozarksethic]

That correct sizing=comfort is self evident. The more important part of that anecdote was the great customer service and their willingness to provide service to the customer and a commensurate great product. Thanks for watching!

[@bryanduchane2371]

Would you buy them again if given a redo?

[@ozarksethic]

Yes, absolutely. They are quality boots and are extremely comfortable. I would, however, reconsider my sole choice. Given that I am spending a lot of time working in muddy conditions while building our house, I would be better off with a less lugged sole for ease of cleaning. Also, as I said in the video, the Red X soles are a less comfortable option when spending long stretches standing on concrete. Thanks for watching!

[@simonsays5979]

All of my nicks are the hotshot. I don't ever use the leather laces that they send out because they stretch and break I use obenauf's boot laces

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks for watching and the tip. I've had good luck, so far, with the Nick's laces. I'll keep the Obenauf's in mind if I have problems.

[@simonsays5979]

@@ozarksethic they are durable. When you first take them out of the package they are a little messy because they are saturated in the boot grease but that goes away pretty quickly. I just lace my boots and rub the obenaufs into my hands

[@ozarksethic]

@@simonsays5979 Good to know. I agree on the Obenauf's "hand cream". This time of the year it's great for my dry and cracked hands.

[@taylorbailey1932]

is this the 1964 leather or their maxsupport leather?

[@ozarksethic]

They're the Seidel- Maximum Support Work leather. Thanks for watching!

[@aaronmclean8671]

How often do you oil your boots.

[@ozarksethic]

I don't have a set schedule. I base it on how they look/feel, how much I clean them, and exposure to water. Thanks for watching!

[@petersaczko6192]

Over time, with repeated wetting, drying, oiling, conditioning and use leather will both stretch and shrink. Leather shrinks by about 10% so long as your foot isn’t stretching it. I would vastly prefer to buy a boot too big and let it shrink to size than a boot too small and risk my toe pushing through the leather in a few years time.

[@ozarksethic]

I've never had a problem with boots shrinking, I find that they stretch over time so I start with them a little snug. When I received my original pair of Nicks, they were too wide and my foot was swimming in them. After the exchange they fit perfectly.

[@QueerdoLoc]

@@ozarksethicI think he literally means wetting them to the point of soaking them so that they shrink artificially. 💯🪄

[@ozarksethic]

@@QueerdoLoc I've never experienced that. I have, with combat boots, soaked them and walked them dry so that they stretch and conform to my feet to avoid future hot-spots and blisters. After repeated wetting in field conditions I've found them to stretch to the point they are like wearing your Dad's boots as a kid. Thanks for watching!

[@stevie9361]

When i pull my urban loggers off in afternoon after wearing for 12 hours; my flip flops feel like I'm walking like a newborn baby deer on the moon

[@ozarksethic]

That had me laughing picturing it! Thanks for watching!

[@oldcashregister1906]

Honey vibram makes standing on concrete a lot better

[@ozarksethic]

Thanks! I thought that would be the case but wanted the longevity of the Red-X. My next pair will be a softer/smoother sole.

[@wecanjump7512]

They’re not really made for concrete, that heel is just too high for flat surfaces. I would recommend not wearing them everyday if you want them to last. Especially if it’s really hot/wet. They need to dry.

[@ozarksethic]

I change out boots depending on what I'm doing and where. Right tool for the job. I was wearing them daily because of what I was doing and to break them in. The heel doesn't really bother me but the balls of my feet do on concrete. I agree about the hot/wet. I normally let my boots dry between wearing if they're wet. That's why I need another pair of Nicks! Thanks for watching!

[@wecanjump7512]

@@ozarksethic Yeah, ball of my feet is where I get sore too. I just meant that the heel pushes my weight forward. Great reviews 🤙

[@jakewalden771]

Oh my goodness you put it around the eyelets and the boots are gonna fall apart

[@ozarksethic]

I would agree with you if it wasn't the first application to new boots. The leather will hold up fine if it's not saturated like constant application of oil. (Unless you were kidding. Sarcasm is hard to detect in text form. LOL)