How It's Made: World's Toughest Hiking Boots - Nicks Urban Drifter

[@scottt4136]

My urban drifters just arrived! They are the nicest boots I've ever owned! I'm in the process of breaking them in and it's going great. The quality is is outstanding 👌

[@Comrade134]

They look great but they're not always kind to your feet.

[@brianwarner44]

That's awesome! I ordered mine a month ago...can't wait....how long did it take for yours to arrive?

[@scottt4136]

I received mine before the 8 week lead by 3 or 4 days.

[@scottt4136]

I didn't have any size issues. I wear a 12 in most shoes but 11 in some boots. I split the difference with 11.5 and it worked out great.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

This process has always captivated me, , thx for puttin' in the time

[@joejoeV88]

Nice to see you Buckin stay kind

[@gwarlow]

And now we see why we should pay what we do for quality. I had an idea of the time effort and craft that go into making great boots, but this is a real eye-opener! Thanks for sharing this video.

[@KolchakXI]

I’ve watched two of the boot-making videos three times each, it’s just super fascinating to watch these be handmade. Definitely want to get a pair of Drifters… hopefully rough-out. Glad to support a PNW USA business.

[@markmilan01]

All the details, quality leather, handmade, incredible craftsmanship👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@witnessrevelation]

just a thought.. you guys should start doing a weekly livestream of different aspects in the shop.. I think it would be cool to see what goes on through out the day in a boot factory. call it live fridays or something and highlight different areas of the shop each week.

[@nicksboots]

That's a great idea!

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@achille5]

I live in my urban drifters. I rarely wear anything else. Durable, comfortable, aesthetic, one of the best investments I've made.

[@matttherrien9608]

How long have you owned them?

[@Raigoth]

Man, if I had the money I would definitely buy a pair, these things look amazing!

[@timothydewees]

I have a pair of Urban Drifters in this same configuration coming in two days. I can't wait!

[@apoffs]

Ive ordered my very first pair early May this year, can't wait to receive them. The craft in the team making these boots is amazing !

[@danmcarthur8077]

How are they

[@severoromo640]

I’ve been enjoying mine for over two years now. Thank you!

[@nicksboots]

Great to hear!

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@AnonYmous-be9vw]

You folks make Spokane proud ❤

[@austinconley9234]

Thanks for this. I should have my Drifters in a few weeks if lead time is accurate. Can’t wait.

[@austinconley9234]

My Drifters are everything I thought they would be. Couldn’t be happier. Money well spent. Thank you Nick’s for a superior product and a testament to US craftsmanship.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Man.... I have the exact same boots on order right now. Can't wait for them to arrive!

[@mikem9612]

Same here! I'm excited!

[@78sharpshooter]

How are you liking these boots so far?

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@78sharpshooter They're awesome. They're the boots I wear to work daily. I will say that the break in is pretty rough (particularly the soles and footed) but once they're broken in they're great.

[@ThompsonAtomicRanch]

These are such great looking and functional boots! Well done Nick’s!

[@nicksboots]

Thanks so much!

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@Crackers2549]

Love watching these Nicks videos...! Love to watch the skilled guys and girls Artisans at work...! Like I've said before, American bad asses, skilled and dedicated to make you the best boots that are made today.... Gorgeous pair of boots that will last a lifetime if properly cared for... America at it's best, because you are getting the BEST......! Love this...! Greg...IN

[@Subie-Driver]

Looks like a great boot…that sure explains the hefty price tag though.

[@beagler4234]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[@bluelude2001]

Awesome. Thanks for making these kinds of videos and also thanks for making high quality boots!

[@derekddanderson1]

I am saving money to buy a pair of nicks boots can’t wait to own a pair

[@scottdavenport1833]

Impeccable work.

[@FernandoPerez-ts5xm]

Hola saludos A todos, prácticamente todas las botas que fabrican quedan ecepcionalmente muy bien, gracias por compartirnos el trabajo que hacen, son totalmente expertos.

[@CarlosGarcia-lh5jh]

Excepto los 5 millones hechos en China que usa el 98% de las personas!!!

[@jasonbradley9256]

Dam…!! Your an artisan..!! Never get bored watching those craftsmen….and women..!!

[@bquick80]

What leather are you using for these boots? I love it.

[@gncc600]

The glue cowboy is awesome.

[@R.J._Lewis]

The stitches holding lugged soles on are always the first thing to go on any pair of boots I have with serious tread. Would it help to cut a channel in the lug pattern before they are sewn down, so that they aren't what you're walking on?

[@bigvisk1125]

they are also nailed/screwed and glued on

[@CrimFerret]

@@bigvisk1125 Thus the glue and screws in addition to the stitching. I am a little surprised they don't channel them for the stitches though.

[@ndane2]

the stitches are coated in a proprietary substance that actually acts as a bonding agent, so even if the stitches are cut, the stitches will not pull out. each stitch is also individually locked and wont cause other stitches to unravel if one were to (which wouldnt happen)

[@Sturnburn772]

whats the point of lasting the toe for example at 8:49 and then removing the nails you hammered shortly after?

[@michaellaun]

Like to see this an inch shorter with a padded top. Also add the new 1276 sole..:)

[@Freedom89984]

My dream boots! And it will be a dream unfortunately. But still a true craftsmanship to build these boots.

[@byoken]

A wedge sole would look great on these.

[@your_favorite_commissar2008]

Whats the difference between these and the urban longer? Pardon my ignorance.

[@raulvaldes5158]

A los maestros zapateros de NICKS, talento, virtuosidad y pasión; hermosas botas chee.

[@OdinAlgeron]

should not the soles have a recessed channel for the thread to prevent wear while walking?

[@Totemparadox]

Why? The thread will wear out eventually no matter how deep you recess the thread. Also the thread does not need to be intact to do its job. Imagine it like this. A rope is tied around your hand and you squeeze it. Just because the rope is cut doesn't mean you need to stop squeezing it. The rubber sole still squeezes the thread a LOT.

[@austinjuarez]

This is the model I am most interested in. Do you have any pictures of what this model looks like with a honey vibram sole?

[@Totemparadox]

Nobleman's Xchange on youtube has Urban Drifters in waxed flesh with honey vibram soles. They look very good.

[@Wildeskraut]

Which color/leather is this boot? Predator orange?

[@bruceramsier5011]

what leather was used on these ?

[@user-il9ze9py8c]

Damn lady, how are you doing that with those nails? Killing it!

[@DisturbedBrains]

Is it possible for the thicker sole to be added to this model? The non stitched through.

[@nickmail7604]

I watched a similar film a week ago about hiking boots made in South Korea, same claims as well.

[@adamkreuz9068]

I cannot figure out, when does the mold come out of the boot? It looks like you tack a lot of the boot to it and then all of a sudden later on it's gone.

[@Totemparadox]

The last has has metal plate that bends the nails back into the leather creating a hook like attachment. The last bends in the middle so they only have to bend the boot down and pull the boot off the last and do the same to out it back in.

[@peterankin8928]

From an earlier video of the Urban Logger, a very similar boot, just after the heel stack is attached: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYrPgqmYpp15jqs

[@adamkreuz9068]

Thanks y'all!

[@jerrysmith4855]

The lighting is perfect in this video. To whom ever is recording...

[@nicksboots]

Thank you!

[@nikitapoletaev3629]

Хорошая работа.

[@fredmertz1791]

Are they comfortable ? And durable ? Can you use step in crampons without the sole coming off ? These are the questions

[@chrishatton1176]

Hi, if anyone from Nicks reads the comments, I’d like to ask that you consider making a 6 and 8 inch full grain leather backpacking boot, with the sole stiff enough for carrying a pack. If you want to also make a winter version of this backpacking boot, consider using a closed cell foam between an outer an inner layer of full grain leather. There’s a Swedish company, Lundhags, that makes these handmade boots, but it’s not full leather uppers.

[@todtalk3912]

It must really be awesome to work here. If I was the business owner. I would say, once a year you have 4 hours, or however long itd take to design and make a new looking boot (not like complete design, but more of the color combos, heel, thread colors) id let my guys design a pair of boots. Then, we all put the boots, with no names on them in a line. Then we invite the other people who work there to judge them. No one who made a boot will be a judge. Then, that boot gets a limited run and the boot makers name attached to it. Nick's/ S. Johnson boot or whatever the craftsmans name is. To the people who lost, we have them make them in the number 1 selling size to begin with. Then auction those 1 of a kond never to be made again boots for a local charity. Once a year. Maybe future events can bring together other manufacturers. It would be an epic event 5 years from now, id bet my life on it. To the point where you would probably have to host it in an arena or something lol. I really think it could be a super cool culture thing that attracts tons of people. The handmade tour, or event or whatever. Then for that event just have craftsmans of all walks of life getting their names out there (paying Nicks ofcourse since they thought of it, from me) and being able to sell their products. This could be an amazing idea, that may already exist somewhere. I think this is it. I'd love to help anyway I can. Much love from northeast pa. Take care guys.

[@Antoine5498]

Beautiful !

[@yanlucky7]

Anyone wonder if all the nail length is carefully calculated?

[@alexhamon9261]

The last they're built on has a steel sole that causes the nails to bend over and clench the layers together, if you feel one through the insole anyways you can take it to any cobbler and they can give it a tap against an anvil and bury the end a little deeper into the stack.

[@andigonzalez6346]

What is the name of that glue? Thanks!

[@rajeshkrtewari2543]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from AYODHYA, INDIA Bestest job seen ever. But what's the cost of this and how can I get one, please.......? Thanks.

[@TheBlueCollarConservative]

Has ANYONE seen a real good review of these hiking boots? I have a pair of Nick's steel toed Travelers for work and I love them but they're definitely not for hiking. I've seen one young lady give a review but that's its.

[@sidonaldson]

I don't understand how the stitching through the sole doesn't wear through immediately, please explain!

[@Totemparadox]

On hard surfaces it does. However the rubber still grips the thread very tightly so the thread in conjunction with the glue and screws hold the sole in place. The thread isn't even necessary since nicks offers boots that have only glued and screwed soles.

[@elibrown9442]

What leather is this made of? 1964?

[@АлександрГорбатюк-с5ы]

Ох и молодцы эти ребята!

[@dr.bormental7780]

нитки перешоркались и хана ботам!!!

[@IvoryOasis]

Dang those are some long nails to be working with the hands haha. Props to her for managing that.

[@troyheffernan1261]

How much ?

[@garyh4458]

Nick's Urban Drifter for the Urban Hipster

[@matttherrien9608]

You have something against hipsters?

[@garyh4458]

@@matttherrien9608 Nothing more than other people who are tired of hipsters.

[@matttherrien9608]

@@garyh4458 I own Iron Rangers but these are like Goddamn!

[@PhaedrusFell]

Does anyone know when the last is removed from the boot? After what step?

[@titantree4193]

Once they finish the heel stack.

[@Glenfilthie1]

Can you guys do a vid of your moc toe builds?

[@StolenAlias]

They have

[@chris681975]

Do they send boots 👢 to UK 🇬🇧

[@АлександрКузнецов-ш1г]

Сколько стоит ?

[@grtchrs]

How much

[@adelkharisov]

World’s toughest hiking boot should be whole cut, with the one and only seam on the inner side, like on Limmer Standart boots.

[@williemurphy2421]

BLACK BOOTS ARE KING!

[@chrisrau4239]

What is the difference between the urban logger and the urban drifter?

[@EvanK2EJT]

I believe they're basically the same boot built on two different lasts. The Urban Logger is on the 55 last, and the Urban Drifter is on the HNW last

[@chrisrau4239]

@@EvanK2EJT oh great, thank you!

[@lukelafave5300]

Urban logger will also have a taller heal.

[@peterankin8928]

Logger has the taller traditional heel. I think it may default to thicker gauge leather, but of course one can choose any of their optional leathers.

[@paulthompson8642]

I love these

[@Awlson-leather-craft]

WOOOOOOOOOW Amazing What a good job 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ericberger4511]

How does this Nick's style hold up to foul weather? As an everyday boot that means rain, puddles and some snow in winter, tho i would promise not to go strolling through rivers with them :)

[@Totemparadox]

Very well if you treat them with oil and grease. I stepped in a very deep puddle and my boots didn't even get wet. The surface dried completely after 5 mins.

[@sadiqakbartaranwal]

amazing 👏 🙀 😯 😮 😲

[@nicksboots]

Thanks!

[@igorgoga7985]

guys, pls recommend boots for electric UNICYCLE RIDING (NO SEPARATE HEEL), PLS!

[@HarpreetSingh-qg1is]

Wouldn't the threads wear out quickly? Say walking on hard concrete floors, tarmac etc?

[@bigvisk1125]

the glue and screws/nails last a bit longer

[@michaellaun]

What are they spraying the sole with before stitching and why?

[@jakev1972]

Water so the needle goes through more smoothly

[@jwrappuhn71]

Very nice.

[@АлексейГурьянов-х1ш]

Beautiful 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@kevinfoster926]

Awesome.

[@trevdustin6357]

whats the differnece between urban drifer and urban logger

[@Totemparadox]

Herl height. Urban logger has a high heel (55 last). Urban Drifter has medium heel (HNW last).

[@MrSpider182]

Where could a guy find one of those lasting Jacks?

[@StolenAlias]

I want a black horsehide Americana with a brogue cap toe

[@geemeff]

My favourite is the Danner Mountain lite. Any thoughts?

[@vcjhunt999]

Why are most of your boots shaped like that at the heel?

[@dylanlockler1039]

Make cordovan builder pro

[@alphaTrader.oo1]

Demnnn.. I like it

[@qqroywu]

Is it the leather 1974 brown smooth?

[@nicksboots]

This is British Tan CXL!

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@nicksboots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@donald9413]

I love your boots, please can you send me a pair size 8, thank you so much 😊

[@LUNARWIL3441]

💯💯✌️👢 ❤️NICKS

[@alexanderjamieson7971]

Love it

[@sladelewis2421]

I’d love to be a fly on the wall and see other peoples expressions for when the guy at 13 min shares that he sews for a living.

[@xandercollins2110]

I love your videos, I just want to know, what happens next with all those nails??

[@bigvisk1125]

they stay in there. the boot is on a metal last, the nails hit the metal piece and bend over flat, which helps them stay in place.

[@salvatorelisi5465]

Bellissimi scarponi quanto vengono a costare in euro

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

Nicks boots will you guys make pull on/cowboy style boots, that can be used for wild land firefighting ?

[@tonyromero3793]

I’ve asked the same question pull on

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@tonyromero3793 right they need to make one for people who want that pull on/cowboy boot style for wild land firefighting ,I would 100% get them ?

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

@@emmanuelawosusi3276 wood ya fella think ya wood lose the ankle support tho ? I sure wood

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@BuckinBillyRaySmith They could out a way to add support

[@emmanuelawosusi3276]

@@BuckinBillyRaySmith nick boots could find a way too add more support for the pull on style boot ?

[@EDHBlvd]

So is the Urban Drifter a taller Urban Logger?

[@erwanbosh3246]

No it's a urban logger with a block heel, that's the only difference

[@jtee5957]

@@erwanbosh3246 and the block heel is about a quarter inch shorter...so drifter is not taller but shorter

[@EvanK2EJT]

It's basically the same boot built on a different last

[@carljohndivino4295]

that's a very strong shoes your foot will break first before even scratching the shoes

[@even1313]

I always imagine the nails and pins and such they use to put the soles on are going to poke through the rest of the shoe.

[@Totemparadox]

They won't. They're clenching nails. They hit the metal last and turn back creating a round end

[@even1313]

@@Totemparadox I see, that makes sense.

[@todtalk3912]

Wwll, ur certainly not melting this thick af leather lol, thats for sure. I am infatuated with this company and process.

[@hsandv70]

I hike a ton and I have never seen or heard of anyone using these for hiking. They look stylish and the quality of the production is evident, but they look very unstable with that high heel. They look very heavy too for any kind of serious distance. Just my 2 cents. I would rock a pair in the city though.

[@nicksboots]

The high heel and the high arch are actually very good for hiking, and are a part of the history of PNW Logging. The high heel gives more stability walking on higher slopes, and proper arch support more than makes up for the weight of the boot, by reducing fatigue, and even having posture benefits!

[@hsandv70]

@@nicksboots I hike primarily in the South East with ver little mountains. The slopes are something I haven't dealt with often. I plan on doing some of the Appalachian Mountains in the near future, so which one do you suggest?

[@hsandv70]

@@nicksboots Also, are they waterproof or do you need to treat them with something to achieve this ?

[@Totemparadox]

@@hsandv70 That heel isn't even high for PNW boots. I own Urban Loggers that have a higher heel and I haven't once felt unstable going uphill, downhill, through snow or vegetation. These are just leather so they are not waterproof. You can make them very water resistant with Obenaufs LP, beeswax, water proofing sprays, etc. If I wanted a dedicated PNW hiking boot I would go with the Overlander. It's basically this boot, but with a 8" high shaft rather than the 6" on these. Also you have to consider your own capabilities. These boots are heavy and stiff out the box so if you want light hiking boots that are instantly the comfiest ever, these aren't for you.

[@lukelafave5300]

Nick's really aren't for your average "trail hiker" they were more intended for back country type terrain.... if you don't think you can wear them 100hrs before they see any trail miles miles then they probably are not the right boot for you.... these will take a significant amount of time to break in vs the ready to wear offerings commonly available.

[@Levi-de3qn]

Anyone else get anxiety watching them put in the hooks and eyes? They're so certain putting them in, considering you can't re-punch holes like you could maybe correct stitching.

[@johnhebert3855]

Unless you go this route, it is practically impossible to get boots with sewn and nailed in soles. Everything is cheaply glued. After a number of years, they will fall apart whether you wear them a lot or not. They can't be repaired.

[@chad10006]

Crazy that work boots exist that I literally cannot afford to buy. Work boots...

[@bigvisk1125]

dont look at the cost of a work truck these days :)

[@marvindaugherty5989]

Why is there no padding around the collar? All my boots used for carrying a pack has some form of padding. Even my combat boots had it. I know it's a weak point because the leather is thinner, but you are Nick's, you can figure it out...lol.

[@bigvisk1125]

they have at least 1 model now with padded collar if thats your jam

[@marvindaugherty5989]

@@bigvisk1125 don't be jelly of my jam..lol

[@linedog19delta]

Good boots but turn the music down. Okay .

[@EjwiiiMoviesLowvilleNY]

To have a custom shoe last made in Italy it costs over $4000.00, and you don't even own the last.