The PU foam in a tac boot heel makes total sense - nothing to do with weight saving but the impact absorption is totally worth it. Even if that heel may not last 20 years it will last the 0.2 seconds it takes to destroy your back in a real-life tac situation. And the minimal break-in is a huge bonus. If I was 30 years younger and had these boots I’d make a lot less noise getting off the sofa than I do today. Great vid, great product Nick’s 👍
@@R3D_Lantern it would be that if he was doing it in private. but he's sharing that with like thousands of viewers (maybe potential buyers) to see what's inside and if it's worth it buying it don't seem like a waste at all to me :)
Can't hide anything if you cut the thing in half. You've been open and honest about these kind of sponsorships so don't worry too much about it. I'm happy your channel has found enough success to be able to partner up with Nicks. You guys are awesome 👊🏿
@@valar_euphoriants5898 thats why i like that he shows his methodology, you see the cut in half product yourself so if you have a discerning eye on the subject you can make your own opinion, while more of us lay people that dont really know much can start to learn through repeated testing and evaluation
Agree please do more tatical boots. Hundreds of thousands of police, corrections, EMTs etc spend 12+ hour days in their boots and are constantly spending good money trying to find something that works.
I feel like a puncture test would have elevated the video. I feel like a boot that is marketed as tactical should have an above average puncture resistance. It would also have been cool just to see how the new soul construction compares to a more classic one.
@@MatthewJBD they didnt claim to be a boot for soldiers, imo its just a boot woth higher rebound, more flexibility, suited towards running, or thats how i understood it.
@@WesPerry for $600 id at least expect a custom fiberglass/composite shank to at least further help with the rebound, idk a thing about boots, but the way i see this is just a running shoe for a heavy person...
These look great. I might try to get my eventual pair of wedge workers with the 360 stitchdown. Have you seen the whites chore boot yet? looks like it just released. Will this series also have regular military boots? Id like to see the Danner RATs cut in half.
To everyone who feels bad about boots and shoes being cut in half: some manufacturers in England do it to show their customers what’s inside. I always found that very interesting 😊
It may seem like a conflict of interest to have Nick’s sponsor a review of their boots on your channel but if the makers can stand by their craftsmanship and quality of materials,I actually find that admirable. So I don’t have a problem with that. It’s nice to see Nick’s try out new things in the company’s evolution. Thanks again for your videos.
Having used "tactical" boots in a tactical environment, I'm not sure I'd want to spend this much on my boots because they get trashed! If they got issued to me, I'd be happy enough. My favourite boots so far have been my altberg defenders (currently issued to the British Army) and my 25 year old Danner Matterhorns for colder weather. Both fantastic.
They look great, only critique is an option for warm weather environments. A set of vents on the instep would make a perfection option for people serving in hot and humid weather as well.
For hot and humid, you wouldn't want full leather anyway. Look for something more akin to the jungle boots or desert boots for that. Canvas and suede do much better for hot and humid environments.
I find it borderline criminal that Nick’s is charging what they are for a boot they essentially cheapened with rubber and foam and then called “tactical”. This is a $270 boot
Lol. Substituting 25 dollars worth of leather for 20 dollars of rubber and sowing on a padded collar means this boot is almost criminally overpriced and should be almost half its retail price.
@@AveryH7your joking right, The highest quality cow leather you can get can range from $200-400, plus the work and precision it takes to make just one pair of boots
@Hoguera yes. I'm being hyperbolic. I'm responding to someone who doesn't respect the craftsmanship that went into the boots in this video. Also, $400 for the high end of cow leather is insanely high. Horween, Cfstead, Seidel, Maryam, and Badalassi are all selling hides at 200-260 for 13-22sq.ft each.
The construction is known as Veldtschoen. Very durable. I have some country shoes made in the same way. The bellows tongue also adds a lot to how waterproof the shoes/boots will be.
I've owned many pairs of boots. My journey started with Wolverines. That lead me to Red Wings (Which I still say is an excellent boot, especially for the money). After that I went down the PNW brand rabbit hole ( I have three pairs of White's and despite some minor quality control issues, I love them all. Great Boot!). Then I finally landed on Nick's. I have to say that Nick's makes the most overbuilt boot I've ever owned. Their fit and finish is locked in as well. They have great quality control and honestly? Nick's makes the best boot in the world IMO. I'll still always love Red Wing and I will still buy Whites in the future. But to me? Nick's is the most robust and consistent boot brand I've ever had the pleasure of purchasing.
Great video! Like to see Nicks trying to diversify and try out different products. I would love to see a review on “Whites Line Scout boot” For wildland firefighting at 370 I am interested to see them cut in half and what kind of durability they are selling at that price point. Sometimes your boots blow out right before the season like mine just did and you are stuck looking for something you can ship ASAP. It’s been hard to pick a boot in the 250-400 range
I just went through a pair of the whites line scout and they were not worth the money based off the durability of the leather thickness they used. Blew holes in them no problem and they don’t have the capability of being rebuilt when there is a hole in the tow box. Spend the extra 100+ on the Nicks. I kick myself for not doing so last year even though I was kind of in a pinch for a pair of boots. The break in period was quick and they are comfortable but that’s the best I can say for them
Interesting take on Goodyear welt - and wrong. You described a Blake/Rapid, essentially, although true B/R is a bit different still. On a true Goodyear welt and handwelt the welt is not stitched through the insole but on a feather or a linen strip (gimped GW construction) that is either carved or glued onto the insole. Storm welt, Norwegian welt etc. are then deribates of the Goodyear welt/hand welt. This combat boot (that looks cool) is made on so called weldtskoen construction, used often for hunting and wet area boots.
You’ve compared winter boots and work boots now, among others. I’d love to see a similar comparison for tactical boots, including entries like this one, Rocky S2V, maybe Danner and Lowa.
Have you considered doing a collaboration with a Podiatrist? I think it would be interesting to see how the blend of good construction and science effects gait, posture, pain etc. Whether a Boot is good or not is clearly not as reductive as being solely a matter of what it’s made of and how it’s made. I think it would be valuable to look deeper into that.
I've been wearing standard military Belleville for years now...generally can find new or near new on ebay or local military surplus for $30-$100 and new they are much less than these Nicks. Generally a pair last me around 4-5 years and I wear them EVERYDAY...7 days a week...as much as I love Nick's and would die for a pair of those RoseAnvil boots you guys made a while back...not sure I could justify buying these new combat Nick's over the Belleville.
yep belleville user here. surplus hot weather model. ive been using them daily for the past 5 years and even for hiking trips on a rocky and mountainous area and they have lasted me and on top of that are comfortable. cant beat surpluss
@@darkcorsair247 Absolutely agree...I live in Idaho and have used them almost since I got out of the military in the 90's...but everyday wear, hiking and hunting the desert and the mountains, fishing, camping, work around the homestead...doesn't matter...and they hold up for a long time...I generally wear out the tread before the boot...lol...every 3-5 years I get a new or slightly used pair for $50 and go go go...
I ordered the coyote tan yesterday! Kind of wish there was an option to keep the leather midsole, as I need the boots for a uniform requirement, but have essentially zero need for water resistance. A rubber midsole isn’t as attractive to me as a boot that would mold to my foot with use. Would be nice to have the option for those two little vents like you showed on the jungle boots, too, to add some breathe ability.
I have worn 90s style combat boots for the vast majority of my life because of my time in the Army. Up until 2 years ago, this was the exact boot i was looking for, but couldnt find locally. I ended up changing to Redwing 8" mocktoes. The only thing I dislike is the way black took Kiwi so well and veg tan leather takes nothing well except leather cream.
People need to keep in mind that this isn't going to be every Nick's boot. Their boots are generally tools, and these are just a tool intended for a different task than their other boots. I watched the video where they made these and it's very clear they were designed with purpose, they are a solution to a specific problem. As a heritage boot enthusiast, and you say you won't wear a pair of rubber wellingtons or muck boots ,waders, or gaiters ?
Needs to be lace-to-toe. Individuals who actually need this sort of footwear for "aggressive contact" as it were need the lateral support. Until then this is really for deskchair operators and the hipster trendite types. I would like to see a cut in half comparison between these and the Danner Ft. Lewis boot.
Nick's tactical boots are probably the best made boots in their category but the only way to prove it is to cut all the rest in half as well. I look forward to watching those videos.
Those are Actually Corcorans, they're owned by the same parent company. I have the historic version in brown, and honestly they aren't that great. Worth the money and they seem relatively hard wearing, but theres a lot of synthetic substitutes in it. The cost shows in these boots, you get a heritage construction but not heritage materials. The leather is stiff, and the midsole is some kind of hard synthetic material as is the welt. They are hard on the feet too. Maybe the tactical type is better ?
They look awesome, I would love if they would be easily available invthe UK for a bit lower rice though 😃 Anyway, is there any chance you would do (ie cut) the bundeswehr (German army) boots made by haix? They are popular in Europe as they are decent ones
Could you imagine driving your foot into a rubber boot all day? As soon as I saw all the rubber the first thing I thought was 'your feet are going to sweat & stink'. Rubber doesn't breath. I think the Arcadia are the standard for a reason and I don't see anything about these Nick's that out perform the Arcadia. I personally wear Danner Super Rainforest for hunting. They're great.
How about Garmont T8’s, or Meindl Desert Fox’s. Both awesome boots (as are the Danners mentioned) and are all approved for use by the Australian Defence Force. Can’t go wrong with any of them
I have a pair of 90’s era Basic Training Combat Boots almost in perfect condition (DXed them right when I got out in 2000). They are surprisingly water resistant and crazy rugged. I wish I would have kept the worn out ones because breaking them in is insane.
I wish I would have kept and resoled mine. They felt like mocassins. Best pair that I've owned. Tossed them for another pair of issued boots that were terirble. I can't find that first type anywhere online.
I am of the opinion these will be the best for me. They accomplish what almost all other tactical boots don't. Nicks has extra wide boots and offer the wide toe box. They are very water resistant without sacrificing breathability by adding a membrane. As soon as I get my first pair I'll plan for the second so I can rotate them.
I just love America's obsession with the word @tactical@. Tactical pens, is that really a thing?? Tactical key holder?? Tactical boots?? We call them army boots or just boots! today I went shopping and used tactical shopping bags to hold my tactical milk and bread
One thought is that the lacing might make them a bit more situational for emergency tactical situations. Probably great for shift work but a zip might be helpful when the wearer needs to don them in a hurry. Though I'm otherwise less a fan of zips and appreciate they make full waterproofing more tricky
No. Zippers are garbage for military boots. You can get these boots with speed hooks. I would have preferred a speed lacing system like on Danners, but jooks are the second best.
What I like is that Nicks made a dedicated video about these boots, where they go through why they did the changes that they did. For what they are suppose to fulfil duty wise... I can agree with these changes, as the core idea of easily resolable and rebuildable tough boots are not removed with this design. They are still rugged, they will still last a lifetime if taken well cared of.
Sometimes it hurts to watch such nice footwear being destroyed like this even if it's for a good cause. The time you cut a pair of Nick's Robert boots in half, I felt so bad I ordered a pair. I almost feel as bad about these boots. Almost. Excellent video, as always! Thanks and keep up the good work!
My biggest concern is the use of that vibram Sierra outsole. I'm not sure if there's variations in them but I've always found them to not be hard enough to make resoling them again worth it, the heel wears out to nothing in a month and starts to eat into your foam midsole so I ended up having to pay more on resoles every time. They should have gone with something like the bifida
I believe they opted for the sierra for flexibility over robustness. Maybe they'll come out with a boot with a more durable sole. Then again, you can customize with your next resole with whatever you like, granted you have access to a good cobbler.
One day I'm hoping to have the Vibram Sierra soles in a Nick's engineer boot with maybe an extra piece of leather near the toes of the left boot for my Harley. I'm saving up. lol
Great video. I’d like to see you cut and review the Danner Acadia 400g insulate. I’m on my second pair, breaking them in now. My first pair lasted 10 years with one resole wearing them 5+ days a week while at work. They are incredible, totally waterproof, extremely comfortable, warm and unbelievably durable. Thank you.
if you're gonna "sell out", do it with the best. at the end of the day, many of us have some loyalty to one brand or another...so why not get supported by a brand you respect? now, if you were shilling for carhartt boots, my eyebrows would be raised clear off my head.
That is awesome! They remind me of the old 1960s GI issue boots that I loved so much and really worked so well for my feet. These look to be a great choice for me except for the PU heel, I wear my boots so intermittently that the PU fails before I were the boosts out so I avoid that material, maybe an all rubber heel (yes I know that i will be stiffer, I lived with it before and can live with it now because those old boots really worked for me for many years without that PU). These look awesome, great review!
@@irnavas Because I have had many boots with PU and they all fail too quickly in my use, a full leather or rubber heel is just fine for me. PU fails under heaven use so that makes no sense to me.
Ok rubber is a synthetic material. Well at least the rubber used in these. And I have no issue with you saying that them using rubber in these isn’t a step down in quality. I do have an issue with you saying when RedWing did it, that it was “the end of redwing” and “cutting corners” and “them making a lower quality boot”. Foam, just like anything else, can be made high quality and poor quality. Some of these videos do really sound biased towards the brands that pay you. Obviously redwing doesn’t sponsor you but let’s try and keep things even when it comes to opinions about the quality and craftsmanship of these boots. Besides that I love the videos.
Spent months in mud, snow and cold in my Matterhorn boots and I have nothing but glowing praise for them. They were stupidly comfortable, warm, 100% dry. Best boots ever had.
I had matterhorns and thought they were great and they were good but nicks all leather boots are on another level. Nicks aren't as water resistant as matterhorns but comfort/durability wise they absolutely crush matterhorns. I've been wearing nicks for a year doing heavy construction and they're incredible. My feet never hurt, never smell and neither do the boots, I've never had to use footpowder to keep them dry from sweat
Great content. Nicks have the confidence to try 'new' ideas because of their core values being so strong. Great partnership with Rose Anvil and the integrity of the players is clear at all times. Great job - I prefer boots to sneaker content anyday!
What about doing a comparison between all the best tactical boots, lake Bates, Danners, and other, to really define if Nicks make the top quality boots? I’ll put in the mix also an outsider like Crispi and Beretta boots and HagWang, Low and Meindl from Italy and Germany. Summer tactical matchup. How does it sound? By the way, your videos are a pieces of art. Impossibile not to watch. Thank you for doing it
Will the rubber eventually cause squeaking? I've been wanting a more traditional tactical boot like this for the longest time, but I think I'd just assume it have the regular leather inner construction.
Honestly, it’s leather on leather that squeaks over time. The rubber should actually prevent it since in theory it will not burnish itself like leather does.
@@delawaresace They are very close too! If the outsole was the right color (the collar can be changed to leather) then they would be passing. The eyelets look fine from the site too.
Darn you! 😉 Now I need to figure out how to order a pair of those boots. Those are just what I need (or at least want) to use for riding my adventure motorcycle where I ride on road, light off road and to hike up popular trails. This will be my first high end (to me) pair of boots. Thanks for your reviews!
I am loving your content, sat here in my £55 super grade 1 German Para Boot (mk5) wondering if you could pop the bonnet on a pair please because for the money they seem as good if not better than these tacticals?
@@Totemparadox but... They don't though... The stitch that goes to the inside just goes through the welt. But stays hidden behind the outsole. The welt is attached to the outsole with stitching, but that stitch doesn't go to the inside. Am I reading those images wrong?
@@warpduck The stitch goes through the welt, vamp and a rib on the insole. So while it is not visible from the inside of the boot, it's a direct route for water to get into the boot.
I really appreciate this video... recently I've been on a kick of replacing/upgrading my prepper/shtf kit, but have yet to settle on a good new boot that I feel might be able to outdo my Danners. I'm feeling like these might be just what I'm looking for.
They look like a very well made set of traditional army boots, however I’m not sure how they would compare with more modern lightweight breathable combat boots for “tactical” use
They aren't great for actual tactical use would be my guess. And especially not when compared to Haix, Danner, Salomon and other dedicated brands making dedicated combat boots. Also the price is way to high again for actual tactical application. Salomons come at around 50% of the price. 530 is a lot considdering tactical boots typically doesn't last that long. Aka very nice boots, looks fantastic, but not suited for actual professional tactical application.
@RoseAnvil, have you checked out the Bata M90 boots? They are the ones formerly used by the Dutch army and are 95% the same. Price is only 90-ish dollars.
I have a question. Just got my Nicks builder pro with an HNW last. They are not broken in yet,they feel snug all around,but the heel counter seems too big for me ,my heel lifts a little when i walk. I read somewhere that a good fit ( snug) would let you walk with boots unlaced ,and heel should stay in place. Can anyone tell me if i am wrong,i am asking around before i call Nicks. Boots feel great so i would hate to send them back . I am aware that i can use inserts or spacers for the heel counter,but tgat is for later.
Please cut in half the Danner MEB they are $400 boots I think one of Danners most expensive boots they are a tactical boot and I wanna see why they are so expensive and the quality of them
My brother told me about how back in the days, I believe it was the Mongolians who went to war over rubber. It’s just the way it’s recycled and allocated in the industry products nowadays. Maybe that’s why there’s vibram and Goodyear vs other brands. Yk?
I doubt it. I own a pair of Rocky boots with that same or similar foam. I've had for years and resoled once and didn't notice them wearing out any faster than anything else I have.
I'm in LE so these will definitely be my next pair of boots, I've been looking for years for something similar. I think the stiffest competition would be from the Danner Acadias. They're great boots, unfortunately Danner lasts don't work well for my feet. I think it would be great to cut those in half to compare them to these Nick's.
Rough out Coyote, 10" shaft, leather stack instead of foam ( I understand why folks would want the foam )...spike resistant layer on the foot bed. Bottom 5-6 eyelets then quick lace studs up the shaft. Liking where they are going though. Massive fan of the overbuilt workboot. Roughout natural Builder Pro with some add-ons. Honey sole at this time but if they did the tan sole from this vid I would go with that.
