- What are Nicks Contenders (McKay Construction)?
- What are Welted Boots?
- Why the arch?
- What toes or soles can I have on my boots?
- What heels can I have on my boots?
- What are your "Lacing" and "Correct Fitting" recommendations?
- What is the 2-1-3 lacing pattern?
- How do I break in new boots?
- What is your recommended care for my boots?
- What does NFPA or Non-NFPA mean?
- What is the cost for custom fitting or specialty features?
- What is your Warranty?
- What do you charge for shipping?
- Deposits, Returns, Available Colors, Other Charges and Refunds?
What are Nicks Contenders (McKay Construction)?
Nick's Contender line of boots use McKay lockstitch construction, and are triple stitched. First, it is stitched through the leather liner, the ten iron insole, and the twelve iron middlesole with one row of McKay Lockstitching. Then the vamp (the toe piece) is turned out and double stitched (two rows) to the middle sole and the outsole. Custom patterns and fitting are not available in this type of construction. Nick's makes every effort to ensure that you have the best fit available. The Contender is only available in stock sizes. If you have special or unusual fitting requirements, we suggest you consider a welted boot.
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What are Welted Boots?
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Why the arch?
Nick's boots are designed to closely simulate the natural form of the foot and to distribute body weight evenly among the heel, arch, and ball of the foot.
In a vast majority of customers, this feature helps minimize foot and leg fatigue as well as lower back pain attributable to inadequate foot support.
Your boots must be more than just foot covers. They must be strong enough to support your whole body, especially during strenuous work.
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What toes or soles can I have on my boots?
Cowboy Styles (1 & 2) / Work Styles (3 & 4)
Frequently, our customers ask to mix and match heels, toes, and soles to provide the custom look, need, requirement, function or feel you desire.
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| V-Bar | Leather | 430 Mini Vibram | 269 Western Comp | |
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| Honey Vibram | Composition Nitrene | Replacable Calks | Vibram Lug regular and oil resistant | Vibram Fire-Red Compound Sole |
What heels can I have on my boots?
** Please Note: You may choose a different heel for most boot styles.
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| Buckaroo Heel Packer Cap | Dogger Heel 430 Cap | Lineman Block Heel Vibram Lug Cap | Logger Heel 430 Cap |
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| Logger Heel Honey Vibram Cap | Logger Heel Vibram Lug Cap | Packer Heel Cap | Packer Heel with Spur Shelf |
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| Unit Vibram Lug Heel | Vibram Crepe Wedge Heel | ||
Heel wear varies with each persons use of their boots ie, if you drive a lot or how one walks or if walking on side hills etc., also ones physical body characteristics ie, bow legged, one leg shorter than the other etc. When you notice uneven heel wear such as one side of the heel is wearing lower on one side than the other, if more than 1/4 inch, have just the rubber heel cap replaced, no need to replace the heel base unless you have worn into the leather base itself. This will keep the upper part of the boot, the leather around your leg, from distorting or leaning over to one side. The distortion or lean sometimes cannot be fixed, even with a rebuild, it may twist and stretch the leather to the side and if the stretched distortion or lean was bad enough when rebuilt with a new bottom on the boot, it may not be possible to straighten the upper in that case. Rest assured... if it can be saved and repaired Nicks will do that for you.
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What are your "Lacing" and "Correct Fitting" recommendations?
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What is the 2-1-3 lacing pattern?
Keep the boot snugly laced. It's important that the boot be laced tightly over the instep and around the ankle, which allows the leather behind the anklebones to seat properly. Snug is good, snugger is better.
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How do I break in new boots?
Break-in takes roughly 80 to 100 hours of wear. It can take another week for your feet to adjust to the transition.
Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol & water. Spray the mixture on the boots every time you feel them getting tight or stiff. Spray enough of the mixture so that you feel the leather relaxing around your foot. Sometimes walking a minute or two can be helpful to gage if you have used enough of the mixture. While wet, friction-rub them with your hand as if your were polishing them. This helps the alcohol to penetrate.
Lacing - It is important to lace the boot tightly over the instep and around the ankle , which allows the leather to seat properly. As you will notice the sole is very stiff and as the sole starts to bend based on how you walk. Your heel may slip up a little in the heel at first, if it does, stop and re-lace the boot so it is snug once again. By re-lacing the boots tight, you will train the leather to not slip in the heel making for a much better fit after break-in occurs. (Snug is good; snugger is better)
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What is your recommended care for my boots?
First, get through the 80-100 hours with the alcohol and water break-in...
THEN, grease your boots with the only product we recommend - Obenauf's LP Leather Preservative, which Nicks private labels under Nicks name. Leather needs to breathe, and Obenauf's (Nicks) Heavy Duty LP Grease and the LP Boot Oil will keep the boot from becoming crusty, mildewed, or foul smelling. Obenauf's (Nicks) is a mixture of beeswax and propolis which provides a high level of protection to the leather, keeping it soft and supple, while resisting water and chemicals.
Yes... care for your Rough Out Leather the same as you would smooth out leather. The Rough Out is just the tougher side of the hide and is much tougher and resistant to cuts and scrapes than the smooth out leather. It still needs to be cleaned and cared for with the grease and oil boot care products. The Rough Out leather is much harder to polish though.
Regular Boot Maintenance and Care educational information
One of the biggest obstacles to getting long life on your footwear is knowing and understanding the proper care that is needed for your footwear.
Nicks provides the below information in the belief that if we can help you to properly care for and extend the life of your footwear (investment)... you may purchase our products and footwear and may even tell a friend. Making a sale is relatively easy, creating a customer is not. Thank you for shopping at Nicks.
Always treat leather, naturally. It is skin, with fibers and pores that requires proper natural lubrication and needs to breathe. We wear leather because it breathes and we stay comfortable. Never seal it off. When pores are sealed it cannot breath and you will sweat like when you wear rubber. Sealed leather is uncomfortable, stinks and body acids, bacteria and salt rot it from the inside out.
The key to extending the useful life of your leather is restoring it with the proper oils. But, not all natural oils are proper. Unfortunately, many products claiming to be conditioners or preservatives are not. They contain harmful chemicals, animal fats, mink oil, petroleum, pine tar, or alcohol to soften or waterproof leather. They soften by weakening or decomposing the fibers and they waterproof by sealing the pores. They are low priced but definitely not economical when you consider the damage done to the fibers, stitching and glues. They actually shorten the useful life of your leather. They also give no consideration to dry rot, mold, mildew, bacteria, chemicals, salt (sweat), water, cracking, heat, and loss of proper oils.
DRY WEATHER RUINS LEATHER
Leather is damaged more by dryness, loss of oils, than by water. True, water washes leather oils out fast and it dries stiff and hard, but not often are you getting your boots soaking, dripping wet. But leather oils also dissipate everyday when it is dry, even when not being used. Like your skin, it simply dries out. Wind, warm air (truck or car floorboard heaters) dust, chemicals, mud and normal wear (flexing) increase the rate of oil loss.
Dry fibers scuff easily, wear against each other, get brittle, and break prematurely causing cracks in your leather. Dry leather cuts stitching and is prone to dry rot.
SOLUTION: Do not let the fibers dry out. Keep them lubed with proper oils. Frequency depends on your usage, conditions, age and type of leather, environment you work in, etc. Get used to looking at your leather. If it appears dry and scuffing, it is past due. If it is going to get wet, or you are going to store the boots for a few months, oil it ahead of time.
Nicks leather preservative is the only industrial strength Leather Protection recommended and used by boot companies, hunters, firefighters, construction workers, loggers, horse and cattle ranchers, farmers and thousands of satisfied users. Natural oils are suspended in a Beeswax/Propolis formula. In the leather these oils gradually seep out of the Beeswax/Propolis as a time release lubrication restoring the fibers. If exposed to heat or constant flexing, the oils are released faster; so instead of getting parched, your leather gets oiled when and where it needs it most.
Propolis is a durable barrier against chemicals, and resists bacteria, most and mildew. It repels water better and longer than regular water repellents. It reinforces the surface against scuffing. Yet the leather still breathes.
In a nutshell... here are the basics for boot care....
Clean-When the leather feels dry or becomes muddy and/or dirty, scrub and wash it off with water and Saddle Soap, Ivory Liquid or Dawn. The dirt will draw out and remove the natural oils in the leather.
General Care - Approximately every six to eight weeks, grease your boots lightly. Increase, if in extreme weather and/or environment such as a very dirty environment.
Rub Nicks Heavy Duty LP Grease into damp or dry leather with your hands. It is natural and temperature sensitive so body temperature will melt it. Or, melt it first with a hair dryer or microwave for easier application. It will not separate. For maximum protection over a longer period impregnate leather with a double application of LP. Apply and go over with a hair dryer. Then do a second coating the same way.
Use Nicks Leather Oil especially during dry conditions to resist cracking, dry rot and scuffing.
If darkening is a concern, test an inconspicuous area, and allow six days for migration and true color to show.
To clean the inside of your boots, mix well, a heaping tablespoon of baking soda into approximately 12 ounces of water. Slosh the mixture around inside the boot, making sure to wet all inside surfaces and then poor the mixture into the other boot and do the same, then dump it out, don't let it set. Allow the boot to completely dry as the drying action will leach the acids, caused from sweat, out of your boots. This process should eliminate any musty smells that may have developed over time.
Nicks Recommends, to NOT USE any product on your boots that has pine tars, petroleum, animal fat, chemicals or silicon in them.
Additional Helpful Hints
Be Careful with silicone!
Water-based silicone can be sprayed on leather, as well as fabrics, for additional water proofing. It will not harm it, but it will not help preserve it. You still need to restore proper oils int eh the leather and then you can spray over it periodically.
Be careful to AVOID silicones with harmful chemicals as carriers, including aerosols. (Please see the Obenauf's Water Shield information below)
If the product has a warning label, it is your first indication it can harm leather and fabric, and is also harmful to you and your environment. You do not need those hazards in your house or on your feet.
Tips if you need to Polish your boots
For a Spit Shine The follow information is from US military.about.com
Spread a thick layer of paste polish over the leather to be spit shined.
Wrap a soft, clean cloth around your index finger so you have a smooth area on the end of your finger and dip it in water so it is thoroughly wet but not dripping.
Using a small circular motion, buff the dried polish with the wet cloth until a shine starts to develop.
Note: if the polish is dried out to much, you may take a match and light the polish on fire (small fire) to form a pool of liquid polish, then blow the fire out and proceed as described.
Still using the damp rag on your finger, apply a fine layer of polish in a circular motion and keep on rubbing lightly until a hazy shine develops.
Keeping the rag damp, build up the shine with thin layers of polish applied in circles with light pressure until a glossy shine develops.
When sufficient shine has developed, use a clean, dry, soft cloth to give it a final buff and remove any last haze.
Please note: Polishing does not treat or replenish the natural oils in leather and remember, Nicks Leather Oil Preservative is fast and easy to use and you can polish over it and then you can buff to a shine while maintaining your investment.
For your Nicks Hand Made Military Grade Brass Lace in Zippers, one should use a spray on lubricant such as W-D40 every couple of weeks to keep the brass zipper lubricated.
HEEL WEAR
Heel wear varies with each persons use of their boots ie, if you drive a lot or how one walks or if walking on side hills etc., also ones physical body characteristics ie, bow legged, one leg shorter than the other etc. When you notice uneven heel wear such as one side of the heel is wearing lower on one side than the other, if more than 1/4 inch, have the just the rubber heel cap replaced, no need to replace the heel base unless you have worn into the leather base itself. This will keep the upper part of the boot from distorting or leaning over to one side. The distortion or lean sometimes cannot be fixed, even with a rebuild, it may twist to the side, if the distortion or lean was bad enough when rebuilt with a new bottom on the boot.
To Water Proof Your Footwear use:
Obenauf's Water Shield (sold in our web store) applies a water based emulsion with over 16 percent silicone in a safe, odorless (when cured), fine mist non aerosol spray. It is especially developed with high silicone content to last longer without flammable or health hazards. With no harmful chemicals, it is safe for leather and our environment and is easy to use.
** If you should have any questions please call us at 800-824-2685 or you can contact us by email here on our contact page.
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What does NFPA or Non-NFPA mean?
Nick's Custom Boots makes both a NFPA and a Non-NFPA version of our Hot-Shot boots worn by many fire fighters and others. The NFPA version meets the UL classification for the NFPA 1977 standard on protective clothing and equipment for for wildland firefighting 2005 edition (NFPA 1977-2005 3HVW). The Non-NFPA version is the same boot except some components like the sole and threads used in stitching may be different. The wear cycle of these two versions may vary slightly. Please select carefully based on your needs.
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What is the cost for custom fitting or specialty features?
| Custom Fitted to measurements (foot) | $125.00 |
| Special Upper Hand Cut to leg patterns | $75.00 |
Please note: Any boot taller than 12" must be built in the Nick's Rolled Welt construction and must have hand cut leg patterns.
Custom fit (made to measure) boots are Non-Refundable.
You can request a fit kit here on our contact page.
SPECIALTY FEATURES
| Steel, Composite, Fiberglass or Double Celastic Toe | $30.00 |
| Please note: Only Steel and Composite Toes are ASTM Safety toe rated and must be built with Toe No. 3 | |
| Metatarsal Guard (Requires Steel or Composite ASTM Safety Toe) | $39.95 |
| Single Celastic Toe (Like a Cowboy Boot Toe) | $19.95 |
| Leather Toe Cap (Unless specified) | $30.00 |
| Wing Stitching on Boot Uppers | $25.00 |
| Exotic Leather Inlay on the Boot Uppers (Available only with an exotic boot order) | $50.00 |
| Double Mid Soles | $20.00 |
| Lineman Patch | $20.00 |
| Lineman Shank(Also good for ladder or shovel work) | $20.00 |
| Add a Padded Collar (Unless included in the style ordered) | $30.00 |
| Toe Bug Stitching | $30.00 |
| 2-Tone Boots | $15.00 |
| Insulated | $35.00 |
| Top Buckle on Nicks 55EL Slip On Engineer Boot | $30.00 |
| Spur Shelf | $18.95 |
| Mis-Mate (Two Sizes, width or length) | $15.00 |
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What is your Warranty?
Nick's Custom Boots will repair any breakdown in our boot that by inspection indicates negligence in our materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from original date of purchase. We do not warranty boots damaged by fire, or other natural elements. An assessment of repair shall be made by inspection and the responsible party determined thereafter.
*Sole wear is not a warranty item. Sole wear is not covered under warranty because soles wear at different rates depending upon the environment, type of use, and personal habits.
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What do you charge for shipping?
| Item | Price | |
| UPS on purchases of up to $20.00 (Not Hawaii or Alaska) | $8.00 | |
| UPS on purchases of $20.01 up to $50.00 (Not Hawaii or Alaska) | $10.00 | |
| UPS on purchases of $50.01 and up (Not Hawaii or Alaska) | $17.95 | |
| USPS POSTAL PRE-PAID Ground (Not Hawaii or Alaska) | $17.95 | |
| ALASKA & HAWAII (3 Day Air USPS) | $24.95 | |
| UPS 3 Day Select | $34.95 | |
| UPS 2nd Day Air Select | $54.95 | |
| UPS Next Day Select, Call for Quote | $110.00 |
Note: Shipping prices will always be adjusted to reflect actual shipping costs if the shipping costs are more than our listed shipping price.We are sorry for any inconvenience in determining shipping rates but, with the fuel service charges changing constantly we, along with you, will have to adapt. Please call us at 800-824-2685 for current rates.
Also, there is no tracking or insurance provided when Nicks Boots ships by USPS unless specified and set up at the time of purchase. Additional fees, if any, will be calculated and charged at the time of your boots or product being shipped.
Please Note when shipping UPS: UPS will not deliver to P.O. Boxes. Please provide a physical street address and if it is a commercial address please provide the name of the business it is going to as well. When Nicks ships to our customers using UPS a $100.00 insurance coverage and tracking on your shipment is included at no charge. If you wish to insure your shipment for more, please let Nicks know before we finalize your order.
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Deposits, Returns, Available Colors, Other Charges and Refunds?
** A minimum 50% deposit or payment in full is required at the time of ones order.
** Prices are subject to change at any time without notice.
** Shipping charges apply each time a boot is shipped from or to Nick's Custom Boots unless included with a special offer or has been pre-authorized in advance by Nicks Custom Boots Management. All shipping and taxes, (including all excise and import and export taxes) and all Domestic and International Tariff and/or Duty fees or charges are solely the responsibility of the end user under all circumstances.
**Nicks Custom Boots is not responsible for any fees incurred by the end user.
** Shipping and Handling charges are not refundable.
** Returned boots will be subject to 15% restocking fees.
** Special Built to order boots are non-refundable.
Please Note: The shading of colors can be slightly different from boot to boot ie, the chocolate and walnut leather.
AVAILABLE COLORS (Cowhide not Exotic)Top
BL=Black
WA=Walnut (Dark Brown)
CH=Chocolate (Light Brown)
BS=Black Strap (polishable)
DS=Desert Storm (Special Order)
** Unless specified, add $15 for Two Tone.