u/zoltantroll

I took my pair of nicks on a Hike today. These boots are the Marshall tactical boot in HNW Last. They are Weathershield black leather. Basically the same build as the Ridgeline but Blacked out with tactical heel.

These did phenomenal. So much support underfoot, this boot really gives you a nice platform with flexibility. The 6" height allowed me to run back down the last part of the hill but didn't have as much ankle support. The outsole is the nitrile sierra sole, it did great, better than I expected on the rocks once I really dug in. Not as grippy as the fire and ice force 360 sole. I think the change to that compound will really make this boot much more rounded.

I walked through about 100 yds of water no deeper than the boot and kept dry feet. It was absolutely amazing. These will be my go to boots for any hike that has extensive water crossings.

I felt sure of foot for the whole 6 mile 1400 ft elevation trip. I really liked the way the HNW last locked my foot into place in these boots. My outer toes were comfortably holding my foot in place in the boot. I wasn't real sure about this last because I have a wide toe ball and like to let the dogs breathe but it really gave great support right where I needed it.

In other news, my second pair of ordered boots hit the change order window! Maxwell in Pacific Cypress! I can't wait to take those on a hike!

Thank you Nicks team for the hard-work and dedication!

Let me tell ya,

I was worried about this purchase because these on flat pavement, concrete, or wood. Are frankly not super comfortable. (Not broken in yet but still) I took them on a trail, I took them off the trail, and they were nothing short of incredible.

The hike up the hill was normal, I walked at a pretty standard pace and stuck deep in the beaten path, after I got to the top is when things changed. It's just a big bed of rocks, pretty easy to walk on but necessary. It got me somewhat out of my deep rut mindset. Got some photos of myself then trucked up the creek bed. This creek bed is in picture 5 I believe, it got increasingly more difficult and required multiple creek crossings over rocks through the water. I finally stopped when it required me to climb through the thick underbrush to continue.

Let me tell you, the trip down was incredible. I had SO MUCH confidence underfoot. The force 360 fire and Ice sole grips the wet rocks fantastically. These boots have such a good balance of flexibility and support for the hike I did today, a 7 mile 700 ft elevation gain. I came flying down the hill, practically running and felt so sure-footed the whole way. Towards the bottom I really got adventurous with the water and went in a couple inches deeper than the canvas. They barely let any water into the boot but the canvas hung onto some of the water and helped cool my feet on the rest of the way down.

I may need to have the right boot resoled, the wedge seems to be a little thicker in the ball of my foot of my right foot than my left. It was not very noticeable on trail but on pavement it's pretty apparent. I have to think on this further whether this requires a resole or not.

Build: Safari - 9E - Weathered Oak - Olive Twill - Force 360

Product: The Safari

Size: 9E

Leather: Weathered Oak Timberjack

Outsole: 360 Force

Quarters: Olive Twill

Kilties: Rough out Weathered Oak Timberjack

Order Date: January 31st

They are beautiful, supple and are unlike any other shoe I've worn before. 

They fit about as I expected. I could have ordered a 8.5E, I felt an 8.5EE was what I wanted based on the information when I ordered but with no EE size available I went with 9E. They are a tad long but I expected it and will happily wear them as so.

I also got a set of sage chamois kilties, might try them later. 

Overall, I am happy with my purchase. I am disappointed in the lead time expectation. I expected these over 2 months ago because the website says 12-16 weeks for double vamp. I have a hiking trip in a week that I had hoped to have these broken in prior to. Please work on having more accurate lead time estimates. Please proactively communicate to customers when material delays happen. Other high end handmade boot makers can do it. There was no option for stock boots when I purchased these. I would have taken your stock configuration of a safari as long as it was available in my size with a smile. Implementing stock sizes with no lead times when customers have been waiting months additional after your given expectation without meaningful communication as to when they would show up is shameful. I understand material delays happen, communicate to impacted customers. Communicate what the expected delay time is.

Pricing, I wouldn't pay $150 more to have leather, quarter, and sole options. Would I pay the same price for 360, walnut leather, and Sahara quarters?(my assumption of stock safari) Yes, If my size was either available or there is an expedited lead time for stock built out of stock sizes. I would have to be able to place an order for a stock configuration in my size, not hope and pray I got the memo when a size restock happens and then have to beat the next guy in my size.

I just noticed this on the website while doing my weekend browsing. I didn't see any announcement about it, so I thought I would let y'all know.

I was curious about the price increases that were announced but the exact amount was not disclosed ahead of time. So I looked back at a screenshot from just a little bit ago when it was still the premier builds and compared that to their new heritage club prices. Just for the sake of anybody who wants to track pricing over time.

Flat $150 surcharge across the board, except the Oneida. It does seem a bit weird to increase the costs now that this new system is supposed to be reducing costs and overhead.

Model	Before	After (8/1)	Δ	Δ%
Oneida Moccasin	$450	$525	+$75	16.7%
The Safari	$735	$885	+$150	20.4%
Backcountry	$850	$1,000	+$150	17.6%
Gustin Bird Shooter	$900	$1,050	+$150	16.7%
Zephyr	$1,050	$1,200	+$150	14.3%

Has anyone tried these insoles from zip fit in their 365 SD boots?? They look like they would give the traditional cork and leather construction feel to those boots. I have ordered a pair and will update y'all once I receive them and wear them for a week or so.