u/Fickle_Photo2768

Happy Anniversary to the entire team at Nicks! Incredible company & culture. Simply delivering a great product, outstanding customer service and engagement, and showing accountability & offering solutions when things go wrong. Looking forward to future leathers, builds, and whats next. I have a few things in the process and look forward to getting them over the next few months.

Looks like the rain we have been missing all Spring is coming the next 4 days, so not likely to be the best conditions for shooting a "family photo". Instead, here is a little gallery of my first year with Nicks in my life. My feet, knees, and back thank you!

My rotation of boots in the order that I received them over the past year along with my growing collection of belts. Every pair of boots and belt I have received have arrived without any issues. Built and finished with the highest attention to detail, all clearly handmade by people that truly care about what they do.

5/25 - Urban Loggers in Predator Orange (the gateway pair)

8/25 - Shackleton Black, my beat the hell out of boots that have taken everything I have asked and always delivered.

9/25 - Dome Pros in Natty Dub Light, leather just keeps getting better and the T55 is a nice break sometimes.

12/25 - Tan Waxed Flesh x 2, the Daddy Daughter boots. The TWF is awesome and I know my daughter loves her boots, they've been her daily drivers since Christmas.

2/26 - W&C DS Grey, sample sale pickup that I have zero regrets with, first try with the 67 last and the leather soles. Both recommended, especially the leather soles for something quieter and great for causal / office wear.

2/26 - W&C DS Sienna, nothing quiet about this pair! They always get noticed and get the most compliments and comments. The DS leather is really special when it warms up and molds to your feet.

4/26 - Roanoke Denim, this leather was love at first sight and then a quick DM to u/BigStetson who spoke with u/smowe and they made this pair happen. Thank you again!

5/26 - Shackleton #8, already knowing how supple the Shackleton leather is, couldn't let this opportunity to get the awesome #8 pass. These along with DS Grey will be more "dress up" type boots, though the Shack 8 will be for less than ideal weather LOL.

My belt collection is growing as well...

- 64 Tan

- 64 Mahogany

- W&C English Tan Brindle

- W&C Oiled Tan Latigo

- Predator Pacific

- W&C DS Black

- W&C DS Navy

Well, it’s officials we have a college graduate in the family!!! Ceremony was awesome and not too long, I even got to shout out our daughter’s nickname when she got on stage.

Went with DS Grey today, and my girls decided to get in on the boot pic as we are having a pre dinner cocktail to celebrate!

Have a great Sunday!!! Very proud moment for me as her dad. Not gonna lie, the pollen in the auditorium was high when E got to the stage LOL.

This morning I noticed that my W&C DS Grey boots felt a little dry and boardy, especially compared to my DS Sienna. Decided to give them a little love and do their first conditioning using Smith's Leather Balm. Removed the laces, gave them a good brushing, and then applied a light coat of Smith's using my fingers. I also applied it to the edges and heel stacks. I let them sit for a little over an hour before brushing them well with the horsehair brush and then a final buff with the Smith's shop rag. They feel much better post conditioning. Smith's is great stuff, and my hands feel great after using it, the fact that it smells like chocolate doesn't hurt either.

Similar to my Roanoke Denim pair, I wanted to get this DS Grey in both direct & indirect sun. The first 4 pics are before, the rest are after they were conditioned, in direct sun and followed by the indirect light shots in the kitchen.

I know there were only two pair available back in November as part of the sample sale. I haven't ever seen the other pair anywhere, though I am pretty sure they are out there. Really like the leather soles on these, likely will order another pair of boots with that option. They are quiet, and very comfortable underfoot. The DS Grey is breaking in nicely, and is just a bit behind the DS Sienna simply due to wear time.

Been wanting to try and capture some images of this Roanoke Denim leather that shows it as close as I can to what my eyes see. Figured a nice slow Saturday would be the perfect opportunity to give it a try, especially now that it is available for boot builds and potential "denim heads" will be searching for what it looks like in the wild on here.

The boots were just brushed well before I took the pics. The first two in direct sun were taken with my iPhone 16Pro, the rest were taken in the kitchen, using indirect northern light from the windows, shot with my DSLR.

You can definitely see the faded denim look to the pull up areas as well as the character that the Roanoke leather has already developed in the few weeks that I have had them in my rotation. The surface of the leather has an almost specular, metallic paint type of appearance to it.

Specs: Roberts, 11.5E, 55 last, 8", Roanoke Denim, standard top, brass hardware, soft toe, 4 row toe cap, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, Dr. Sole half sole. The laces are unwaxed Generation Laces in Blue Steel.

It’s Friday… starting the weekend a little bit early trying to dial in a spicy / dirty martini recipe. A little R&D if you will while I watch some of the PGA Championship which is being played about 20mins down the road from me.

Raising a glass to all of the great NBD builds, RTS scores, NBDs, and all of the new Nicks “denim heads” Roanoke that is…

Cheers!!!

Specs: Natural Veg Tan Stomp Coaster, Kettle One Vodka, Crisp & Co. Spicy Dilly Beans, generic ice cubes

These were my first pair from Brave Star that I got back in late November 2025. They probably have around 40 or so wears and around a dozen washes maybe. I almost always wash them on a gentle cycle cold water & low spin and then dry them in a low dryer. Really happy with how these are breaking in, the fabric is nice & soft after being really stiff at the start. They are just comfortable to wear. They have been hemmed to allow for cuffing and what turned out to be minimal shrinkage so far.

Please excuse the high contrast belt, just got it and wanted to start breaking it in LOL. Hope you all have a good Friday and great weekend!

T-Shirt: Generic Graphic T, in 4XL

Jeans: Die Hard Double Knee Tapered Leg 14oz 'Onyx' Double Black, 42x36

Belt: Nicks Handmade Belts, Classic Work Belt, 1964 Tan / 42'' (Belt size 46)

Boots: Nicks Handmade Boots, MTOs, in Tan Waxed Flesh, 10", 11.5D

Bailed on shooting sunrise this morning due to low & thick cloud cover and just headed to the store instead. Of course, by the time I got home and got the stuff in and put away, the sun was starting to make it's appearance. Weather looks fantastic till at least Monday, though I could do without the 90's showing up Sunday LOL...

Went with the TWF this morning... these have broken in nicely, including the footbeds. Since Christmas when I got them, they have only ever been brushed and that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. While at my barbers this morning, had the opportunity to do a little preaching the good book of Nicks to another guy who was in there. He noticed my boots up on the foot board of the barbers chair and asked me about them. Always happy to talk about my boots.

Have a great Friday!!!

Specs: MTOs, 11.5D, 55 last, Tan Waxed Flesh, 10", standard top, pull loop, brass hardware, soft toe, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, 430 mini lug sole. Kilties are Cinnamon Waxed Flesh from Dale's Leatherworks, laces are 92" unwaxed Generation Laces in Dark Green

Busy week… this is the first night this week I’ll be home. Just chilling out and watching the Phillies & Red Sox game. Hopefully Friday goes smoothly, probably go shooting in the morning, then knocking out the shopping, and visiting my barber to get my beard in order before the weekend. Our daughter’s graduation is Sunday afternoon.

Have a nice evening!

Specs: MTOs, 11.5E, 67 last, 7”, W&C DS Sienna, standard top, pull loop, brass hardware, soft toe, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, Dr Sole half soles. Laces are in-waxed Generation Laces in Espresso

Something other than Brave Star Die Hards for today...

I ordered these last August and I think I received them after about 6-8 weeks if I recall correctly. They are built to order and normally come with a knife pocket on each thigh, but I requested that they didn't include it. Really well made, I did have them hemmed to allow for any shrink and cuffing. They aren't too heavyweight at 14oz so they work just fine in most weather. I think their straight leg fit works for me. This particular denim is not currently offered on their site, I checked before posting.

Anyone else have experience with Grease Point? They are definitely well made, though I am not sure they are well made enough to justify the price premium over my Brave Star pairs. I mainly ordered them for the Olive Drab color, and I wouldn't hesitate to order from them again, it would just have to be for a pair that I couldn't get anything comparable anywhere else.

T-Shirt: Nicks Handmade Belts, Belt Logo T, in 3XL

Jeans: Grease Point Work Wear, Work Trouser - 14 oz Nihon Menpu Olive Drab Selvedge Denim

Belt: Nicks Handmade Belts, Heavy Duty Work Belt - Wickett & Craig Medium Brown English Bridle, 1.5”, Waist Size 42 (Belt Size 46)

Boots: Nicks Handmade Boots, MTOs, in Shackleton #8, 11.5E, 6"

Put on the new Shackleton #8s to go out and shoot sunrise this morning. Turned out to be more shooting the moon rise, and then waiting for the sun to eventually break over the far side of the water.

As expected, the Shackleton leather just let any water, dirt, or cut grass, slide right off it's beautiful surface. I didn't stand in the water with this pair yet, but I am sure that will happen at some point. This #8 is such a deep & rich burgundy color, the sun really brings out the magic in it. Pretty sure it'll go with just about any color of denim or khaki that I have. The 430 mini lugs provided plenty of traction, no surprises there.

Comfortable, supportive, and secure underfoot is about all you can ask of a pair of boots. Add to that the fit & finish of this pair, just thankful I didn't pass on the opportunity to get some Shack #8 in my rotation.

Have a great Hump Day!

Specs: MTOs, 11.5E, 67 last, Shackleton #8, 6", standard top, pull loop, brass hardware, soft toe, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, 430 mini lug sole. Laces are 56" un-waxed Generation Laces in Night Blue.

Marsh Creek State Park - May 2026
Spring Moon Rise

Well before sunrise, a waning crescent moon rises above the lake. The lack of recent rain is evident from the low water level. Shot with the Sony A99II and CZ 16-35 f/2.8 lens using a Lee100 GND filter. Camera mounted on a RRS tripod & head with a 3 Legged Thing universal mounting plate.

Got home to find a pleasant surprise on the front porch... UPS dropped off a new belt to add to my collection. Work belt in 64 Tan. Beautiful work by the Leather Goods Team, leather is more supple than I expected and I think it'll pick up patina fairly easily. Can't wait to start breaking it in and getting some wear on it.

This pair is probably my favorite of the Die Hards I have in rotation so far. They are the lightest weight denim that I have from Brave Star and even with the double knee panels still feels really lightweight. I can definitely see wearing these over the summer when shorts aren't allowed. This pair has a tapered leg instead of the normal Die Hard straight leg. They have been hemmed to 31" to allow for shrinkage and cuffing. They have only been washed and dried a few times, with cold water, low spin, and low heat. Overall really happy with these and they are just comfortable to wear. Looking forward to seeing them fade over time.

T-Shirt: Generic graphic T, in 4XL

Jeans: Brave Star, Die Hard Double Knee Tapered Leg - 12oz Woodsman Cone Mills Selvage Denim

Belt: Nicks Handmade Belts, Stitched Classic Work Belt in 1964 Mahogany, 1.5”, Waist Size 42 (Belt Size 46)

Boots: Nicks Handmade Boots, MTOs, in Shackleton #8, 11.5E, 6"

Kicking off the week wearing the Sample Sale Shackleton #8's... Wanted to wait till the laces arrived, and Matt at Generation Laces had them to me really quickly after returning from vacation. Being Shackleton leather, there will be little to no break in, except for the foot beds. Just like my pair in black, these are really supple.

I am very interested to see what kind of patina the #8 may pick up over time as my black pair really doesn't show any at this point and I have definitely not babied them. Even in the overcast, flat light, this version of #8 really pops!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Specs: MTOs, 11.5E, 67 last, Shackleton #8, 6", standard top, brass hardware, soft toe, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, 430 mini lug sole. Laces are 56" un-waxed Generation Laces in Night Blue.

Any chance that the wizards at Nicks could come up with a Nicks level rugged moccasin? On the deck, grilling for Mother’s Day and it’s just a little too toasty for boots. A Nicks level shoe like this would be awesome and an immediate order from me!

To stay somewhat loyal, I do have a pair of Cognac Yellowstone Bison insoles in these that Luke sent me months ago to test out. They work perfectly in these, like a little foot massage with every step.

Okay, request over, carry on. Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms on here... and a reminder to everyone else in case you forgot what day it was LOL!

Still trying to capture the "denimness" of this Roanoke leather. You can see it in the rolls, on the backstay, and the few scuffs on the heel. It is much more faded blue that the phone camera captures it. Will definitely try to find the time to try and shoot these with my camera in some different lighting to see if I can capture it more true to life.

Was out very early for sunrise, which turned out to be just foggy. I did manage to catch the heron stalking some breakfast in the shallows about 30min before sunrise.

Hope you all have a great day celebrating the Moms in your lives!

Specs: Roberts, 55 last, 11.5E, 8", Roanoke Denim, standard top, pull loop, brass hardware, soft toe, 4 row toe cap, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, Dr Sole half sole. Laces are un waxed Generation Laces in Blue Steel.

Marsh Creek State Park - May 2026
Happy Mother's Day!!!

At least I think that's what the heron was saying... heavy fog this morning before sunrise, caught the heron stalking along in the shallow water by the shore. Shot with the A99II and Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 lens, camera mounted on a RRS tripod & head with 3 Legged Think universal mounting plate.

Wife and I picked up our daughter this morning from school and moved her back home. Wasn’t too bad moving wise, weather was overcast with showers. Both really happy to have her home for a bit as she figures out what’s next. Graduation is next weekend.

Decided to wear the Denim Roberts today, they are so comfortable.

Specs: Roberts, 11.5, 8”, Roanoke Denim, standard top, pull loop, soft toe, 4 row toe cap, classic dogger heel, beeswax edge, Dr Sole half sole.

Dinner prepped, just waiting for the egg to come up to temp. Grilling a couple of heritage bone in pork chops and having it with a spicy Caprese salad. Sippin an adult beverage, glass securely wrapped in the Oxblood sleeve, still wearing the Natty Dubs. All day comfort in these boots. Gonna be watching and rooting on the Sixers and Phillies tonight.

Have a great Friday night!