I own the patriots and the type One commanders and you’ll notice that the type one Commanders and the Nicks builder pros have a 1 inch thick sole, Whereas the patriots are 3/8 thick which also makes a difference in break in. I agree I wish Nick went with a stain-based finish instead of the water base, but they feel that it keeps it easier from ruining carpet and other things. Lincoln wax has a good black stain for boots that isn’t water-based. You’re right about them using from different areas of the hide. So with the patriots some pairs you might see scars or other imperfections from the cow But the commanders will be the higher end of hide and still be the same thickness
Also I wear a 10 D in normal boots and got a 9D in the patriots and the fit is perfect I also went with a 8.5D in the Type 1 and it also fits perfect I was nervous with the sizing, but Frank is also a 10D in boots and talking with him he assured me this would be the right size, I don’t have a wide foot either and in the #4 toe I didn’t have to go to the E width like the website shows.
I forgot to mention the type one commanders come with the McKay lockstitch and the patriots do not. Frank is the only PNW Bootmaker who still uses that kind of stitching mix used to use it, but they’ve recently quit.
I hear Frank's uses thicker leather than the Nick's, so does it seem like a significant difference apart from the sizing issue? Casts for sure, but break in after 8 months should be about done, right?
They don't seem to offer these in my size at that price, tho. I think that's why I passed on them back in December or January already and Nick's was running some special on a leather that I didn't end up getting either or something. I always end up paying extra or something but at least the boots came well ahead of delivery schedule by two months or something.
Not sure if much cheaper than buying third pair with shipping cost, but if you're using them only at work where you wish you had steel toes....................
I finally bought steel toe boots at a job where I probably should have been using them all along for a couple years and didn't find them as horrible as most people warned. I imagine they had never worn steel toes before, but they had insulated shaft that didn't do diddly for keeping the feet warm in winter, tho. I'm not in a very frigid climate, tho, so only an issue for a month or so in January most years.
They are full leather. No actual cushion. It’s uncomfortable at first, but breaks in within a week or so for me. The leather insole will form to your feet making them comfy. Hard but comfy. They open up more than you’d think. Easy to get on and off. Do they get caught? On like stuff? Maybe a bit. Gets caught mostly on those cross beam things on chairs. Not too bad.
No. They’re easy to put on and off. Maybe a bit harder than a 6 inch boot. But they open so wide it’s not too bad. You’ll sweat in the heat for sure. Never been uncomfortable. But noticeable. If that makes sense. I did have to get a boot dryer to keep the sweat down. I was sweating so much I was getting salt stains on the outside of the boot.
Frank's brother is named Nick, and Frank's brother Nick was primary owner (Frank minority) for many years, but Frank's brother did not start Nick's. Different Nick.
