(Unboxing) Can a work boot brand make dress boots?

[@RoseAnvil2]

Don't miss out on the Jim Green African Ranger Barefoot restock here - bit.ly/44GobIi

[@rmoffettutube]

Mine (Walnut) just came in last night. Wearing them now. I love the color!

[@graemegourley7616]

Any way to get these shipped to Canada?

[@ch00p]

Been looking for a quality, zero drop boot for years. Just ordered a pair in the walnut color. This will be my 2nd pair of barefoot ARs!

[@RedditSupport]

Can the barefoot boots be resoled by anyone? I need some advice. Most cobblers I’ve checked in with don’t offer resoling for barefoot boots. They’ll put a wedge or whatever other type of sole I want, but not what the boot came with.

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

I wear the original A. Rangers regularly, & plan to try the AR8's this year. I'm waiting for them to come out in Green. Barefoot AR8's?

[@dougcarlson4159]

A sharp looking boot. However, after going to the website and looking at the photos, all I can see is the raw unfinished edges of the leather. For this price, those edges should be at least dyed and burnished. Don’t get me wrong though, I’d still love a pair!

[@rhythm618]

Those unfinished edges are on intentional and it’s to show off the leather used. If you want black edges you can probably get it with different leather.

[@dougcarlson4159]

@@rhythm618 I think that if you’re forking out this kind of money, there should not be one unfinished aspect of the product. Those edges do not match the boot price in my opinion.

[@rhythm618]

@@dougcarlson4159 it’s a character of how the leather was tanned. It will also show light color where it’s scratched overtime. It’s a leather that some people desire and want to show off. If it’s not for you they have plenty of leathers where the edges are color matched.

[@bmdubdub]

Quality ≠ preference. Finished or unfinished edges don’t reflect quality. It’s a style choice, a preference. Every genre of product works like this. There are obvious standards for what’s considered a quality product, but a preference is just a preference, and that’s yours. Nicks appeals to their target audience-wildfire fighters, construction workers, and casual boot enthusiasts. (You can actually choose a finished edge from Nick’s. All their boots are customizable). For example, I don’t prefer finished edges. I much prefer a natural edge. I even dare to say that many cheap bookmakers dye their edges to cover over a poor product. And I feel that many boot enthusiasts would agree. Dress shoes are completely different however. A raw edge is more difficult to dress up. A dyed edge is more appropriate for formal and business attire. If that’s your style, cool. Go buy some Carminas. But don’t dog on the quality of a product when it was never designed to appeal to your style.

[@sunnibird]

$1600-2700?................ is this for hedge fund managers?

[@Twilson_Vtwin]

Definitely not for everyone

[@cradd7108]

Yes

[@shirayasha]

def not for most people. Maybe the 1-3%ers

[@Mr.CellophaneHart]

😆🤣

[@kinkyslayer]

it's for the same people who buy RoleClub boots; definitely way out of what I would ever spend

[@ForTheLoveOfSuits]

I live in the city and wear suits so I'm a dress boot guy. But I love all the videos about Pacific Northwest boots like Nicks. Finally they have made a boot I could actually wear. That new boot looks beautiful. Love the brass insert.

[@ash36230]

My judgement on the appearance of the black ones in this video, the contrast of those materials makes it too flashy to be a dress boot. Smart casual maybe. But not as a dress boot. That said the line up of their 1925s in other colours looks really sleek and nice imho. But even by well constructed hand-made heritage brand boots, in the UK £961 is damn expensive. That's their cheapest one, adding Horween Cordovan bumps that up to £1,600. Even for premium, luxury materials made-to-order that feels ridiculously expensive. You can get three pairs of Trickers, Cheaneys, anyone else who makes a damn good boot for that price.

[@barnham9388]

I’ve got a pair of Nicks ordered from the UK (the officer boot which I think is a great, comfortable, smart casual boot, with an indestructible feel to it) and I know exactly what you mean mark to market with Trickers/Cheaneys/other that you can buy in the UK high street - but indisputably they have a quality which is just unobtainable - and by that I don’t mean they’re better quality, which is sometimes quite hard to actually compare, but if Russian marines hit the beaches in Norfolk and the UK ended up scraping the barrel and drafting the 50+ I know which pair of boots I’d put on to go to war…….

[@heycidskyja4668]

@@barnham9388 Yeah, I know what you mean. I'd go for the Tricker's too.

[@claytonberg721]

I actually prefer tricker's town shoes to their boots.

[@toneohm]

961?? in the US you can buy new Nick's for $550 - 650 USD ... where are you getting these numbers?? the average Nick's boot is like 600 usd... so that's like idk, 520 pounds.. you must have crazy import tax there cause in the US... Nick's is one of the cheaper PNWs.. Viberg is the pricey stuff.. then White's .. Nicks, Wesco, JK, Franks are generally a little less at their base models

[@MemphisCorollaS]

@@toneohmI’m pretty sure they’re all talking about the Brandle sub brand on its own website separate from Nick’s. It says $1200usd starting price for footwear for me as of 2/25/2024. Haven’t looked at other products or how the cost changes for customization or leathers yet. Not really my jam. These are getting up to Kreosote price levels as grail boots instead of just nice boots. The same thing happens with collectible vintage tools and high end custom made woodworking tools. Hand planes that were $50 or less equivalent even in their pre-wwii heyday can go for $1000+ now for the pleasure of showing off.

[@kinderwaff]

Glad to see Wes still so passionate. Keep it up man

[@TheGardengroove]

Hey, I designed those stickers at around 06:00! Nice to see them on my favorite KZbin-Channel, however briefly :)

[@ChrisBrown-cg2by]

Great work

[@TheGardengroove]

@@ChrisBrown-cg2byThank you! There is probably some new shirt design coming up on Nicks, too!

[@stalinschicken3432]

Nice

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

The White’s Stevens boot is much dressier. Even the White’s Semi-dress boot is dressier.

[@dagttv]

Short answer: Yes. I've had my Red Wing Beckmans that I bought the year they re-released them (I want to say 2011 or 2012). I've had them resoled three times and they are still my most worn boot of all time. They are built like tanks, are super comfortable, and still look dressy enough to wear during important events. They are my all time favorites.

[@johnmead8594]

Those brass inserts are absolutely gorgeous

[@jls1337]

very nice looking boot... not sure about those laces for the "dress" look but that's a very easy thing to fix.

[@googeluser7098]

Hard Pass. That price is fine for Role Club, Kreosote, or White Kloud where one guy is making the entire boot but its really not offering much more than a Viberg or a White’s MP or Stevens. I guess its just a boot for guys that REALLY love Nick’s

[@geebeaux]

I think its a smart idea for these high $$ brands to offer cheaper boots from the same last, so you can figure out your exact size before you commit to their expensive line.

[@OntarioBearHunter]

But styles fit different, so that 9 in a PNW traditional may be a 9 or 10 in a dressier

[@teekue]

​@@OntarioBearHunterwhat? How would that be possible? The pattern is literally on the last.

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

I wear the original A. Rangers regularly, & plan to try the AR8's this year. I'm waiting for them to come out in Green.

[@felix.delrubio]

The last they are using makes them look like Grant Stones. If you want a dress shoe, you should just buy a dress shoe. Also, if Nick's wants a dressier look, they should stitch the welt to match the leather instead of contrasting white stitching.

[@Maitreya0208]

Agreed. That white contrast stitching adds visual interest, but detracts from the dressier aesthetic. Plus white stitching can be tough to maintain.

[@JRRob3wn]

I personally like dress boots, I wear them with suits (I have a couple of pairs of English branded boots for this purpose). These do not look even remotely dressy enough for a suit though IMO. To me they don’t look substantially different than the collab they did with Parkhurst at half the price.

[@AdamBrinson]

The new pattern and brass accents do look really good. That special cordovan will make a super unique, special boot, please do a video when you get them!

[@666Necropsy]

the toe shape does remind me more of a cowboy boot. interesting look. i would like to see some of these out in the wild.

[@Carlostheaggie]

Love my Red Wing Willistons. Bought them as a splurge to wear for my wedding. They are my new dress go to boots, love em!

[@Mr.CellophaneHart]

Man, that brass insert is chef's kiss!

[@techismycologne]

Had to buy the all-black pair of African Ranger Barefoot boots - excited for my pair to come through. Should be the perfect combination for me. I work in an office environment, but it's on a large construction site so I'm required to wear boots - but I also will be driving a manual transmission vehicle and the flat/barefoot sole will make operating the clutch much easier.

[@eggmansizzle]

Got my barefoot rangers in recently! Super impressed with the quality.

[@SeriousMist]

Very nice boots and video (as always). One thing I’d like to discuss is the sound when Wes puts them on. Sorry but it has nothing to do specificaly with pacific boots. It is the sound of really nice lasts perfectly fitting the foot. It is a real good sound but my finest english made shoes do exactly the same. It is a compliment !

[@aaronminkenberg8386]

The description of the ship and russian leather, is I think referring to the famous russian reindeer leather That is primarily reproduced by Jfj Baker in England And as far as I understand it this company imitates the original tanning just on cordovan skins

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Actually J&JF Baker use oxen skins. The original tanning recipe for Russian leather (which used to be famous back in the 18th and 19th centuries) was I believe lost but they analysed a sample recovered from the recovered ship's cargo and tried to recreate the recipe. You can get a pair of shoes made from the 240 year old original leather if you are prepared to get a bespoke pair made by George Cleverly and have close to ten thousand dollars to spend but Carmina or Crockett and Jones will sell you shoes made from the J&JF baker version for considerably less.

[@Kratos-bf2jg]

Dayton now known as Wohlford has the same last for their service boots and the mto is only $995 cad

[@robertsandgren9389]

Super cool idea! I really hope that they succeed in making fantastic dress boots in nicks quality!

[@evangonsalves4347]

It would be awesome to get a video comparing similar boots to see what kind of value proposition the House Brandles have. I love Nicks and I never questioned their prices before but starting off at $1200 that’s interesting. I love the brass detail, the new last, the JR sole, and the slower, more refined, crafting, so that might be enough for me to justify it.

[@Kelsmith2]

Ooh I like the look of this last. Looks closer to a whites MP last or a Viberg service boot last. I’m hoping they eventually offer this last with their more traditional leathers at a price point closer to their work boots. I would be all over this boot in CXL

[@JRRob3wn]

Looks very similar to the Parkhurst collab they did recently…which were half the price.

[@pressp69]

REALLY LIKE THE MOCK UP VERSION! Kinda reminds me of my Whites MP boot but this version have the pull loop, brass eyelets and a rolled top.

[@louisdebenedictis2584]

I have a couple pairs of nicks. Please let me know when they launch . Thank You

[@HahaDamn]

You should do a deep dive on the Alden embezzlement- I wouldn’t be surprised if quality dropped with the guy that stole the $30 mil

[@Diego.E.D]

I like these boots, they look like the Falcons but with elongated toes.

[@JRRob3wn]

That was my thought and double the price.

[@earlmcmanus194]

I've been eyeing some Nick's Americanas for a few years but these are even better. The only nickpit I can think of is the brass in the heel stack is a bit loud, though I would think they'll offer a more subtle nickel plated version.

[@JRRob3wn]

I think it’s a cool unique feature, but yeah a bit flash for my taste. More in line with what I’d expect from a haute couture brand worn by new money / euro trash types.

[@jameslarue2878]

That's a pretty sharp looking and rugged boot. I'll be interested to see it in the new leather.

[@wendigo8118]

I wore my origin maine boots for my wedding and was happy on how they looked.

[@Angel-AbC9]

Hello , do you have any plans to try the parkhurst boots ?

[@Javierm0n0]

the idea behind them seems premium. My mind went to de-lamination though when u mentioned the brass in the heel stack. I'm assuming they're not just glued together but regardless, the concepts and mockups in the video inserts you got look great.

[@barryrahn5957]

I'm not a dress boot guy, but .... these boots really look sharp!

[@MCFCTheMadHatter]

4-threaded (stitch lines) cap toe on those would def dress them up. Of course, I’m not too sure what the additional leather would do on the toe box since it wouldn’t simply be aesthetic

[@mmMariannemm]

Here I was, sitting at my desk, smelling my piece of Metta Catharina shell and thinking that the wood tar smell is so strong it would be great as boots and not wallets(what I bought it for). And then I clicked on this video. What a coincidence.

[@jameslarue2878]

Looks sharp. Almond your, boot a longer last. Officer boot does seem a better description then dress.

[@PONO-go3ee]

I Like these 1925 Last even the Heel I don't have anything with JR, Leather I see it on Tring Cobbler

[@keithpadgett5527]

Nicks does send that build tag with all boots. It has come with all of mine.

[@johnswanson6790]

Does this new boot have a celastic like toe? There is a subtle outline suggesting a layer of support in the toe. I think some kind of structure in the toe is critical.

[@mic-wh3le]

As a fan of the redwing flatbox I have been looking for something like this!,!

[@morogers3318]

1:22 Nailing on the heel blocks with a roofing hammer.. Yeah, that’s pretty badass..

[@penngwinn]

I have a pair of Nicks work boots on order. I can't wait to finally get them!

[@RirtyDascal]

11:04 those heel accents look *great* !! I just might have to get a pair of those now lol.

[@terrymayerful]

Gallun Leather Tannery originated in Milwaukee, Wi., along the Milwaukee River, which provided an abundance of water in the tannery process during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries..

[@toneohm]

please review Frank's n Drew's : ) they're the only PNWs you haven't tried..! or Drew's US vs Drew's Made in Mexico.. that would be neat to see

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

You can still buy leather goods, including shoes, made from the original 240 year old Russian reindeer leather but it is extremely expensive and supplies are now very limited and it is only available from a couple of bespoke manufacturers. English tannery J&JF Baker have recreated a close copy of the leather (after analysing the original) but use skins from oxen instead of the original reindeer. This leather is used by brands such as Carmina and Crockett & Jones. J&JF Baker also produce oak bark tanned shoe soles that are considered superior to JR soles and are used by upmarket shoe manufacturers. Their leather is tanned in pits that were originally thought to have been dug by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago.

[@xx_HI_xx7]

I just got my all black barefoot African rangers today.

[@FTheRef27]

I signed up for the wait list on these boots when this video came out 4 months ago. I am still at the same spot in the wait list. Do we know if these boots are being produced yet?

[@mickaelbissec7178]

Love your channel ! Those boots are not dress shoes as for my standards (i live in Paris ) I think of jm Weston, crockett and jones, tod’s etc… i wish you can review some european brands!

[@Brajin1]

That last looks similar to the parkhurst collaboration they did.

[@jimmccoys5778]

They are beautiful and probably amazing. I just think in this economy this is not going to be easy to sustain. But I imagine as few as they make it will do ok. I make what I consider pretty good money and am a boot fanatic but I can’t justify the purchase. Only if I could really customize and it be a one off could I consider this. Good for those who can give it a go though!! I assume there is an element of this to compete with Viberg. The shape looks similar, but the price is just a bit steep.

[@kellyb9432]

My Jim Green Barefoots arrived today and are better than advertised. After a lifetime of squeezing into disposable junk with EE feet I'd like to say thank you for the introduction, not that it has anything to do with this video. Go Nicks! I'll be a Washington resident soon, is there a discount for locals?

[@edwins2396]

Own a pair of contractors rogue smooth, they are excellent and I prefer them over my Wesco Hendrik

[@davepaek5014]

I wonder what the last difference is between this versus Parkhurst 602 last. It looks very similar which is why i picked up their collab boot. I'm not a big fan of PNW lasts that are typically wider than dressier boots.

[@JRRob3wn]

Looks almost exactly the same to me.

[@7f5.8-Uq6_Lp]

I really like those brass heel inserts

[@RyTrapp0]

11:50 - Since you aren't familiar with them, it could be interesting to get some leather from Gallun and give your thoughts on it in a video, maybe whip together a new project with it on the Builds channel. These should be interesting, looking forward to seeing what Nicks/House Brandle has to offer with these. I like the idea of a PNW-style dress boot.

[@gariejoyce5263]

I don’t mind white stitching on brown boots, but white stitching on black boots seems to cheapen the look just a smidge. Still a great looking black boot.

[@davidburns8113]

I heard about these and have been following them. I'm glad you got the last not that I'll be able to afford these any times soon... but man do I want a pair

[@lgroves336]

Nick's has the expertise to make anything out of leather.... They are just sharing the gift / talents. These boots are in the 1200 - 2000 range. For this amount of money I'm staying with Viberg. (just saying)

[@skeeter2136]

Shit vibergs look better than these anyway

[@skaterman1112foru]

I'd love to see you bring back the 1000 miles in a boot series!

[@JJ-zr6fu]

That’s not a dress boot at best that’s a casual boot.

[@JRRob3wn]

There’s no way I would wear those with a suit, even a sports coat would be pushing it IMO.

[@GinSoakedBoy]

Holy moly, that's a good looking boot.

[@SparkyP320]

They send QC check lists yet they still have screwed up my last 2 boot orders 😆

[@edipisreks5535]

I mean, sure, they can. But for that money I would get St. Crispins. Which is what I bought. I’ll let you review the St Crispins as long as you can wear a UK12 and you don’t cut them in half and you get them back to me before July. They are *gorgeous* boots.

[@TheLazyTitan]

Honestly the real missed opportunity is Nicks not using this last as an option with the standard line up.

[@Rider.WhiteHorse]

This, and not investing in Nicks to improve things like lead times and qc

[@pubcollize]

i assume you'll be doing a vid about the new couple of styles JG had released recently

[@theneverman]

I didn't get a worker check off list with mine. We'll see if my pair on order comes with a check off list.

[@michaelzakas4055]

Great video, but it makes me nervous for the boots. You gonna keep ‘em or cut ‘em? Also, the “Sound of the Pacific Northwest”= Truth

[@BigBoyLies]

oh..god damn... thats a gorgeous looking boot!

[@TheRockofGodsLove]

Looks similar to their officer boot. Just 6”. I like their officer boot. My only issue is I ordered a B width. Next time I need more width in Toe box. The last of this boot looks like it may fulfill that need

[@FrankieJizking-js3yv]

I thought he was acting about his excitement for the unboxing, but no. His hands were really shaky. He was genuinely excited to see them. Cool.

[@MrKinghuman]

adderall

[@brighammmer]

So... I thought $800 for some customized Semi-dress(in horsehide) was unreal for a "work" boot.(I have a pair. I actually love them) Was wild. Starting at $1200? They better tie themselves too.

[@Charcoal._.]

I LOVE ALL OF THIS!

[@bradleywoody2624]

Are you sure this is the 1925 last and not the Parkhurst 602 last collab? The butt on this boot and every aspect of the pattern is different than the product shots on the brandle site.

[@saxman7131]

Good looking boots.

[@ianhendry9301]

Check out the rm williams rigger commando lave up boot. Very similar concept and style

[@steveshipkie1624]

Great looking boots

[@tony_r_pierce]

That try on pair looks really good. I like the look of the last. As far as the real deal Brandles are concerned, I’ll wait on early adopters to find out the truth of them. The prices my God. In my opinion, Viberg has shown that a work boot maker can also make awesome dressy boots. Maybe Nicks can do it, maybe not.

[@richards6431]

Review Carmina and Parkhurst boots!

[@bipolargods509]

They just started doing the ticket, as far as I know. I live in Spokane, and own a pair of Nick's for 3 years. I didn't get a ticket with my boots

[@StoneysWorkshop]

those iim green barefoots better be good. I have some of the green color due in today!

[@MillieMoses]

Give them 1-2 weeks for the leather footbed to break in, but they're excellent

[@robertvazquez7806]

I'd like to see those boots after a year of wear. I bet it'll have a great patina.

[@rickybaruah]

Can you do Craft&Glory?

[@MichaelGames19]

Cmon man, Im still waiting to order, the production line is going to be busy now...

[@KurniadiPrathomo-sp5zd]

Speed hook for dressy boots? 🤔

[@teekue]

Leather laces for dress boots? :🤔

[@fidegall]

Truman has a good boot!!!

[@JAKesler]

Honestly I would be happy with those try on boots 🤣 they look so nice 😍

[@WhiteNmild]

Nice video, can you do some nike foamposite please

[@LegBuilder]

i did not get the checklist in by 2 pr so far.

[@jansing327]

Very nice boots

[@gqfiend]

I've NEVER received a qc checklist.

[@ndefiore]

KINGDOM OF GIANTS!!

[@Freco1967]

Beautiful!

[@Bluerig-qf2xc]

Virgin pointy toe shoes vs Chad wide to boots

[@richyclubsport5155]

Wonder how they compare to English brands like Trickers and Crockett and Jones long term because that's the price point they're at in England and in my humble opinion Trickers and Crockett and Jones are the best a man can get

[@joshuachapman4280]

These brandle boots feel closer to EG pricing but I doubt they're anywhere near, given EG are some of the finest English rtw, I have the Galway and it's my favourite boot aside from some work boots I had made for me when I was eighteen.

[@paullavergne2477]

That. A. Pretty. Boot. Like. The. Black. It’s. Sharp