Why I No Longer Wear Redwings. [Nicks Handmade Boots] Worth The Money?
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- In this video I unbox my new pair of Nicks Builder Pro boots and have a discussion about Redwings and Thorogood boots and why I will not be buying them anymore.
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Music By:
Lobo Loco
Great review! Thanks so much. Your math was close on the lead time 😉
Holy cow!!! I can’t believe you guys checked out my video, I’m just tickled sideways! Thank you!
@@evergreenorganics Haha! We watch them all 😉
Will be awesome when a 501c6 is set up to standardize all the handmade boots lasts. So they are the same size as sneakers. And it looks like I am going to have to do this..
Dear Nicks Boots: I love my Builder Pros Also...
Union Electrician here. I wore Thorogood moc toes for awhile, once we hit 6-10s on a job for a several month stretch, they started to kill my feet. To the point where I had to play with my 2 year old while laying on the ground or sitting. I went with Franks Highlander boot. After break in, they have been amazing. I eventually added Spenco insoles to improve comfort on concrete surfaces and they were a game changer. Pain in my feet, knees, hips and back have gone away thanks to these boots. Ive worked, hunted, fell trees and fished in these boots and they have held up like none other. I will still alternate between Thorogoods but I have my eye on Nicks moc toe..Hope Nicks works out for you!
Thanks for your comments! I’ve heard really good things about Frank’s boots. I think Frank actually used to work at Nick’s as a cobbler. Don’t quote me on that but that’s what I heard. I’ve been eyeing up a pair of the Nick’s moc toes myself. Once I get them I’ll definitely do a review! Also my Builder Pros are just about 6 months so I’m going to do another review on them soon. Thanks for checking out my little channel. Stay safe friend.
Did the spenco insoles not change your sizing and make the boot too small?
HI- It took 29 weeks to get my Builder Pros w/honey lug outsole. I followed the sizing guidelines. However I did not size down in width - I probably should have. But the boots fit great not too tight nor too loose - but I can wiggle around a little in the boot... I was worried about going with the high heel stack and arch - it is amazing how comfortable and stable these boots are! Been wearing Thorogoods with a wedge outsole before the Nicks...I only wear the Thorogoods when I need to get dirty...LOL. I work for a manufacturing company and safety toe boots are a requirement...I walk on concrete and asphalt about 60% of my day (Sometime up to 3 miles)... these builder pros are worth every Benjamin. No Issues with break-in... I'll be ordering Nick's Riverfronts next - then maybe the Tanker Boot - those look really cool!
Hey Nick's - when are you going to upload my review?? LOL!
Thanks for a great review, and addressing everything that a boot guy would need to know. I don’t do construction, just wear boots every day. I’m usually wearing iron Rangers, and I don’t know why anyone would use them for work. I also have some 8” Carolina’s that are more suited for work. I’m thinking about Nick’s Rangers, and like the fact that they are 8” and would probably last forever. I think you made an educated decision, and a great choice. Once you get them broke in, they will be awesome. It’s nice to see someone else who is excited about a new pair of boots.
Hey thanks for your comment. I too own iron rangers but I wear them as dress boots, they are definitely not suited for doing construction but sure are beautifully made boots.
I really enjoyed this video! Those are some real sh** kickers, double mid sole and steel toe! Man they are so nice looking, your not crazy for spending that much money as they are well worth it in quality and USA built, I have a pair of Builder Pro and love them, I don't like taking them off because they are so comfortable, they can be heavy but you get used to it, people who don't buy a high quality boot don't know what they're missing, you seem a good candidate for two pairs, wearing a pair while another pair is being resoled! Thanks again!
That’s funny you mention the two pairs of boots. I plan to do just that so I always have one pair ready to go. I’m really glad you enjoyed the video, it’s been a big learning curve for me figuring out how to film CZcams videos so thank you so much for your feedback.
Got my first pair of Nicks and working on breaking them in now. I have to say the customer service with Nicks is by far the best ever. They worked really, really hard to make sure I had the right pair and that they fit correctly. I can't say how accommodating they were and just really made buying no stress.
I remember buying a pair of redwing loggers and realizing the first day I wore them that one boot was narrower than the other boot. I took them back to the store after wearing them for less than an hour and the manager tried to make me feel like an idiot who didn’t have a clue what I was talking about. I ended up going out to my vehicle and grabbing a tape measure to show him the difference in the boot widths. They even have a 30 day no questions asked return policy and the guy was still a dick about it. Customer service creates lifelong customers and Nicks definitely has my business from here on out. They have been really polite and helpful to me.
Just ordered my builder pros based on recommendations from just about anyone that has tried them. I was able to find some In-Stock boots that hopefully are the right size. I’ve been working in some Sorels all winter and they’ve been absolutely wrecking my feet. Can’t wait to finally feel that legendary Nick’s arch support
Right on dude. You’ll love them.
Great video, Sean. Incredibly thorough- you addressed everything I would want to know if I were considering investing in a pair of high end work boots like these. Also, your production quality continues to be first rate. Nice job!
Chris! Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. This video turned out better than I expected it to.
I also opted for the thicker sole. I’ve had mine for a couple years. I didn’t find the break in that difficult but that might be because this is the first time I actually have boots wide enough for my feet. Good luck with yours. Hope they work out.
Thank you! I already like the extra thick soles. Spent the day today breaking concrete and shoveling out rotten cast iron pipe, they worked great.
I’ve heard of you have extra wide feet Nicks is good at accommodating that.
@@evergreenorganics mine are a 5F in nicks sizing. It’s really tough to find shoes that fit.
I ordered my builder pros in march and they are in the mail on the way to me now
All I can say after wearing them for about 40 hours is they are a bare to break in but at no point have I had to change boots halfway through a workday which says a lot about their shape and quality. You’re gonna love them. Thanks for your comment.
One thing about it when you wear out the front toe and you send them back they can replace the lowers and keep the upper and you have a brand new boot. 👍
I bet the break in process is much easier too.
Thanks for content. .
Not digging the big heels but that’s what makes the world go round.
Redwings are the perfect entry level into the boot world. .
I totally agree. I wore redwings for years and years. Love them. There aren’t too many guys in construction that like the tall heel. I like them because I do a lot of tree cutting and digging. For standing on concrete all day I think a wedge sole is a bit more forgiving on the feet. Thanks for your comment!
Nice review and good looking boots man. I’m late to the party since you reviewed the boots but I’m sure you now know you’ve entered a whole different world with Nicks. No mass produced boot can compete with the likes of Nicks JK and Franks. Those who wear custom boots know. I’ve retired my first pair of Whites after close to 40 years and have moved to Nicks. A few resoles and a rebuild and I’m still ahead dollars to donuts. Treat them like an investment and they’ll likely outlast you. Take care!
Thanks for checking out my little channel! Yeah ill never be able to go back to mass produced boots and I’m totally ok with that. I’ve looked into Franks and l really am impressed with their boots but I’m so satisfied with my Nicks I may have to stick with them for life. 40 years out of a pair of boots? I’d say you got your money’s worth!
Sweet boots. Just got my 2nd pair of jks yesterday and can relate to guys thinking you're crazy for buying 600+ dollar boots. Well worth it though. And it's cool to see a fellow Milwaukee union guy. Glaziers 1204
I’ve heard very good things about JK’s boots. I was actually on the fence between those and Nicks. Thanks for you’re comment brother I greatly appreciate it!
@@evergreenorganics same, I was on the fence between the two and ended up going with JK because of lead times. I don't think you could go wrong either way. You're absolutely welcome, have a good weekend.
@@GriZzLyScOpeZz thank you friend. You too.
Just got mine broken in, I have bad feet and work in Oil and Gas I have literally tried every non-handmade boot out there after a long day living in bad boot I would carry slippers in my truck to wear home because I was in pain, last month I bought a pair of "ready ship" from nicks from the moment I put them on I knew I had made the right choice these are hands down the best boots you will ever own... I have 2 more pairs being made
The care and craftsmanship is unparalleled. I will never buy another boot.
Thanks for checking out my little channel.
I'm looking forward to your one year review. I feel like you will give them a proper hard use review.
Thank you friend! I’ll be sure to give you guys some updates as I wear these boots in. I’ve got about 300 trees to fall this winter so they will be seeing some good use.
If u thought those redwing were comfy your in for a treat I just threw 3 pair in the trash when I finally broke my 2nd pair of nicks in they take a month or so to really break them in but it’s worth it I’m 3 years in my first pair ready for a resole but the boot is still great
I’m glad to hear you got 3 years out of yours. It’s definitely a big investment. I may end up getting a second pair in a year so I always have one to wear while the other is being rebuilt. I love these boots but they have been a real bitch to break in, far worse than redwings.
if you're on your knees a lot as a plumber, then a leather toe cap is nice to have with that steel toe. The extra leather allows for the toe to wear through, and get replaced before the vamp is ruined.
Thanks for the tip. I’ve used the KG’s toe guard in the past with pretty great success. I’m not sure if that would effect the ability to resole or rebuild.
I spent today wearing my Nick's Builder Pros for the first day, and, gotta say, after 10 hours, it wasn't as bad as I expected. It's probably because I nailed the sizing. I love them, though. They look like something you would wear out on the town lol, such a beautiful boot.
How did you get your sizing correct if I may ask?
Stay healthy and have a good walking!
Sunny greetings Lobo😊
Thank you friend! And thank you for the incredible music. I’ve used your music in nearly every one of my videos, it’s just wonderful.
Thank you that makes me very happy to hear!
💚
Good review and info. I watch a lot of boot channels, Rose Anvil, Trenton and Heath, Brian the Bookmaker, but I like reviews from real workers.
I appreciate your feedback. I’m STILL breaking these boots in believe it or not so I’ll be posting an update soon.
Just got my first pair of Nicks after wearing whites for a few years. Can’t beat a handmade stitch-down logger
I’m really excited to put these boots to good use. Thanks for you’re comment!
This is a great video. I am in the process of breaking in the same pair of boots. Really love Nicks boots!
That's awesome. Be safe in them boots brother!
Haha, yes the break in process is a nightmare! Love my Nicks! IF you still find yours to be a tad big, get a pair of spenco rx thin insoles and put em in. Nicks sells these but you can get them elsewhere. They will snug up the boot just a bit. I ordered mine with them. Nicely produced video.
Thanks for the tip, I may just do that, I’ve not used insoles before but I’m definitely open to giving them a try.
Those looks awesome! And glad my interest in boots lead me to your channel. You’ve got some great content. Keep it up!
Well jeez that’s so kind of you! I really appreciate that. I’m still new to this whole content making thing so I get extra excited when people say nice things about the videos I make. Thank you.
You got it! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and lifestyle with us!
If it makes you feel any better, my Builder Pros came to about $700ish USD… but with shipping and the exchange rate, they cost me a hair over $1300, so $600 isn’t too bad haha
Holy cannoli dude! Where the heck do you live?
@@evergreenorganics right? 😅 I live in Australia, so shipping was like $150 something US, it’s honestly just the exchange rate that did me in
There have got to be some good cobblers in Australia right?
Great video. Those laces will stretch and the shaft too as they break in and give you more room to tie around your leg. Mine also have the thicker sole and boy they took a long time to break in but have not worn anything else since I got them.
Thanks for checking out my little channel! I’ve been wearing mine for 4 months and they are finally broken in to the point where I don’t think about them when they’re on my feet anymore. They are amazing boots though I gotta say. I’m a fan.
Hopefully you'll make a follow-up video. Once you wear a broken in handmade boot you'll never want to wear a mass produced boot again.
I definitely will be making a follow up video. I’ve got about 40 hours of them on my feet and they’re not even close to broken in. I think after about 200 hours in them I’ll make an update video. Thanks for your comment.
Completely agree about the Thorough good boots. I bought my first and only pair of them about 6 months ago and they are junk. Just thin leather. Heel came apart inside in about 1 month of wearing them. No support. I am currently saving money to buy Nick's boots myself.
If you’re going to buy Nicks do yourself a big favor and go get your feet sized from a shoe store first. I wish I had done that. I ordered my boots a size smaller than my redwing size and I wish I had gone 1.5 sizes smaller.
@@evergreenorganics will do, thanks
It looks like you have the heritage series Thoroughgood. IMO, they are light/medium duty for like warehouse, technicians that put hours on flat, hard surfaces.
I own 6 pair of whites boots 3 different styles a few of my boots are over 20 years old and have been rebuilt once so I have 900 dollars in those 2 pair in 20 years that's not bad whites nicks Frank's and JK boots can't go wrong with Either oh and 1 pair of Wesco boots they are also excellent boots good luck with your boots
Sounds like you’ve got quite the collection. Very cool. Thank you for your comment friend.
I’m just waiting for my nicks boots can’t wait to get them I’m currently wearing redwing 3504 there okay I’m use to getting Dakota boots but last year I didn’t even get 5 months on them and they where garbage so I’m pulling the trigger on these hopefully they last longer haha
Just make sure you get your sizing right and you won’t be disappointed.
Man, I thoroughly enjoyed this boot review! Great video.
Hey thank you very much! I think I’m going to do a few more reviews since this one seems to be doing well.
@@evergreenorganics Most definitely!
Those boots are a good investment, good luck with the break in
I absolutely agree. I’ve spent $600 on far dumber things many a time.
I’m on day 8 on my builder pro’s! Starting to get some flex! The struggle is real!
Yeah the first couple weeks are rough. I’m on month 4 and they’re STILL breaking in a bit.
Thanks for checking out my little channel!
Not only more cost effective but more comfort and protection in the mean time
I totally agree. All around a better value. Thanks for watching!!
I could see Thorogoods not being good for timber type work but I like them for standing and walking on concrete all day at an oil refinery. Mine are about 14 months old and the wedge is still as comfortable as ever. Great in depth review though, had my eye on either Nick's or Whites for awhile. Like you I'm tired of overpriced south east Asian boots. For the money thats why I tried Thorogoods but I feel Nick's could make 10x the boot for only about twice the price.
I gotta agree with you. I was a bit harsh on the Thorogoods. For doing work on concrete all day they are great. I suppose if I were a framer or an electrician I would have had a different experience with them. The ones I own I still wear regularly just, as you said, not for logging. I believe @Nicksboots does make a wedge sole moc toe if you are on concrete all day. Their Vibram honeycomb sole I have also heard is better for concrete since it’s a bit softer. Thanks for your comment!
Good video mate
Keep up the work
Thank you so much.
I’m glad you enjoyed the content.
now after this video there lead time is 9-12 months Thanks man !! LOL
Ha! Yeah the wait keeps growing but it’s worth it. Just make sure you know the size to order.
I trusted them and ordered a half size smaller than my Brannock measurement. Fingers crossed.
Also I ordered “cutters choice” no preference on color so it’s going to be a surprise, what color they are. The lead time on that was only like 6 weeks.
I saw that promotion and damn near ordered a second pair. Unfortunately I’m married to a woman who doesn’t enjoy me wildly spending $600 on boots I already have one pair of!
That will be cool that you get your boots in 6 weeks though.
@@evergreenorganics yeah that’s really awesome that Nicks has that option. My Timberland’s are just about totally worn out. Not choosing the color is fine, I’m actually looking forward to finding out what color they are.
I did the cutters option in March and my boots showed up in exactly 3 weeks. Also got my first color choice (walnut) so no downside. Love my boots.
I own 2 pairs of Nicks, and I can attest that they are solid and godzila will have a tough time breaking them in 😂. Great boots and will outlast me.
That’s awesome friend. Thanks for checking out my little channel.
I ordered a pair of quick ship composite toe builder pro’s in tan rough out they should be ready in about a month super excited about getting them. I also have thoroughgood moc toes as well and they are crap. They are too damn narrow like Chuck Taylor’s. My feet spill out of the side of them.
I have had a few pair of Georgia boot FLX and loved them but unfortunately can’t find any to buy.
Red wing still makes a waterproof, steel toe logger boots that's made in the USA with imported materials like the thorogoods there the 2217 I got a pair of them I like Nick's but just can justify paying that much for a pair yet but hopefully soon I'll get me a pair of em
Thanks for your comment friend. Unfortunately the 2217’s are made in Vietnam now and have been for at least the last 6 years that I’ve been wearing them.
@@evergreenorganics I know the 4420s are but I bought my 2217 like 6 months ago and they say assembled in the us with imported materials like most of anything now a days
@@noaha2430 You are right, I just checked their website and on the 2217 under “materials used” it states made in USA with imported components. Thank you!
Late to the video, but I personally just straight up don't need steel/composite toes so I don't buy 'em. I go soft toe when I can but usually celastic toe judt because they form more to the foot and get more comfortable, though it's a subjective comfort not everyone will like softer toes in their boots.
Great video you have to have a good pair of boots definitely worth the $$$ remember you only have one pair of feet and legs for life so why cheap out on yourself those rough out boots are beautiful good luck in the break in over and out
Thanks for watching over and out
Nice review. I do not need any thing that robust although I want a pair . Run 4 pair of boots . Street boots Redwing 1907, Chippewa 17" cut to 16" snake boots (Snow & Used to hunt in the Low Country in SC water almost up to my knee) Vibram soles, 15 year old Chippewa Moc Toe w/Vibram resole & Wolverine 8"+ Hunting boots.
Thanks for watching. Sounds like you’ve already got quite the boot collection going!
when a man wears a stormy kromer to review work boots, i listen.
Ha! Thank you friend that gave me a good chuckle. I love their stuff, they’re made not too far from our neck of the woods. I may just have to do a review of some of their items if folks would be interested.
I think that Linemans Shank was a mistake. The standard leather shank is very stiff to start with. Breakin goes from "will this ever end" with the standard to "please someone shoot me" with the Linemans. When they say only order if you are on spikes the majority of your day they are not exaggerating.
Haha I agree. I thought I knew better than the guys who make the boots. I was very wrong.
Great honest video. I will subscribe.
Thank you! I appreciate it.
Went in to their store to make sure I was fitted correctly. I was looking for the builder pro. They gave me a boot to try on that had a composite toe which I wasn't looking for. I felt it was much to big and said so so she found me a smaller boot to try that on that was called a heritage Chelsea. A weird boot with no laces. It was way to small I could barely get my foot in and she told me the original boot she gave me was the right size. Since it was a composite toe I couldn't show her where my toe was, almost two inches to the end of my toe to the boot. I didn't want a composite toe or a Heritage Chelsea. I said thanks and went to JK Boots 10 minutes away. JK Boots did me right
If I went to a shoe store I would be making the decision myself on whether a pair of boots fit or not. I definitely would not leave that up to a shoe salesman. Whether it’s a Chelsea, or a builder pro, depending on the last, the “size” would be the same if it was built on the same last. So a builder pro on a 55 last would size differently than a builder pro on a 67 last. And a Chelsea on a 55 last would size the same as say a Forester boot, as long as they were built on the same last. I have no experience with JK boots so I can’t speak to them, however I did email them recently with some questions and they never even bothered to respond to my email so I will not be buying anything from JK.
@@evergreenorganics I totally agree. Their size is not the brannock size so I wanted to know what size I was in their boot. Not if they thought it fit. I told them it didn't and she tried to convince me that that is the size I should order. Since I'm the one who decides if it fits, I left. Both styles were different styles and neither of them what I was looking for. One to big and one to small. I couldn't prove to her it was to big because the only boot they gave me in that style had a composite toe.
I absolutely refuse to wear steal toe boots. I’ve never worn a pair that were comfortable. I’m self employed and don’t have any company policies demanding I wear them though.
Hey man to each their own. I work on large jobs that require it and also have a dear friend who lost 4 toes in an accident that, had he been wearing steel toes, he would still have his toes. I guess I’ve always worn them so I have no idea how they feel compared to non safety toe boots. Thanks for checking out the video. God bless.
Fuck I just ordered some last night. Half a size smaller than my RW’s. I hope they aren’t too big still 😅 my printer doesn’t work on my computer I couldn’t print that foot measurer paper thingy.
If I were you I would cancel my order, go get your feet measured at a shoe store, and reorder your boots. Half size down from your brannock measurement is nicks true size.
Beautiful boots!
Thank you! And also thanks for your comment, I greatly appreciate it.
Also, please give a short update about once a month if you have time. Thanks.
I’d be happy to do an update once these puppies are broken in. Thanks for your comment.
Ok, update video is posted.
Great job man really enjoyed the video
Thanks for checking out my little channel. I’ve got a second video posted on these boots post break in if you’re hungry for more!
American made 👍🏻 Look Sharp!
Thank you!
I own 2 pairs of nicks boots best work boots I have ever worn.
I guess once you got Nicks you don’t go back.
Thanks for the comment!
good video brother
Thank you! I’ve got a 6 month review that’s coming out later today or tomorrow. Just have a bit of editing to finish up.
Keep the leather oiled and they should do fine
I will definitely be oiling them regularly.
Wesco timber boots I wear
I could be wrong but I think Wesco stopped making them.
They still make them
You’re right, it was Viberg boots I was thinking of. They don’t make the logger boot anymore, that’s why Buckin’ Billy Ray switched to Nicks.
Whites or Nicks for me. Gotta treat your feet right, first and foremost. Nice boots, bro.
There is a place not far from my town that sells whites, I may have to look into a pair of them.
Did you put an insole in them?
I did not. I have not actually ever used insoles in any of my boots. Do you prefer insoles?
How much do those Nicks weigh?
I think about 7 lbs
Thorogoods arent made in America. They are parted together in America if even that is true. I am going on a limb and saying that Throogoods are built overseas and they put a stitch in there and call it made in America.
They have many boots that are made in America with globally sourced materials. They are an employee owned company in Wisconsin. I’m not personally a fan but I’ve also only tried one pair of their boots.
I did almost the exact thing as you sizing my boots. They're ever so slightly too long in the toe, but heel-to-ball is good. I feel like they could be slightly better, but I'm going to go with it for now. I got an 11D and I think next time I'll go 10.5E. They are still breaking in, and Nicks has said that after break in they will be slightly shorter and wider. I got mine about the same time as you so lots of break in to do and they feel good already. Nice video.
Thank you kindly for your comment. I bet you if you ever have those boots rebuilt you could get them in a half size down.
@@evergreenorganics Yeah probably! I'd like to see how they feel after they're broken in before I decide. They feel pretty good, maybe I'm just being picky.
How long from order to receipt?
Six months
Well worth the wait though.
mine were made 9 22 also
What kind did you order?
I wear Thursdays, Nick's, Grant Stone, Trickers, Parkhurst, Truman, ect.. Doesn't matter to me
Thanks for watching!
Well I think three pairs of boots to one pair of Nicks raises the question...One pair of boots not rotated isn't going to last as long.
So what’s the question?
@@evergreenorganics Is it worth it have one expensive pair or three pair to rotate...sometimes it's a more practical thing to have multiple pair.
Still have red wings made in USA. You can just get tuff toe for your caps. At least be honest
The super sole and the heritage line are the only ones still made in the USA
@@evergreenorganics and the dynaforce. It doesn't even look like you cared for the leather of your red wings at all nor got any epoxy for your toe caps.
Thorogoods are fantastic, you're wrong!!!
They’re just ok. They’re not fantastic.
They look big on you..
I have another video discussing that.
you've made alotta assumptions about a boot you haven't worn yet
Thanks for watching