Here's the secret to breaking in new boots ...... wear them. It's that simple. There is no real secret, and there is no short cut. Nick's recommends approx. 100 hours of wear to break in their boots. The thicker the leather, the more sturdy the boot, the more time you need with your feet in them to soften the leather and have it form to your personal foot size & shape.
@@KimballCody Thanks, yes, I'm aware of that - but there's a big difference between what Nick's suggest as a way of dealing with pinch points, and what you're doing. Ask them if you don't believe me. lol If the pinch points are so severe that one feels the need to soak their boots in water, I would consider the possibility that ones feet may not have been measured properly to begin with. A custom built pair of boots, made to the customers personal foot specs, should never need to be soaked in water. Just sayin'.....
I'm confident the 5 mins the boots were in water don't even come close to the amount of moisture these type of boots get when on the feet of the guys in the forests of the pacific northwest. These boots can take it and a lot more. I'll put them side by side after 100 and even 1000 hours to any other pair and I'd bet mine are in as good if not better condition.
@@KimballCody Guys in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, aren't wearing Urban Loggers. lol But this was never about if you are ruining your boots by what you did, it was about your claim of this method being the "best" way to break in boots. Coming from someone that has been wearing boots for 50+ yrs in the Northwest of Canada, it's not.
KamfaKing I agree with you. First of all you should never soak leather in water. Second, KimballCody’s boots are waxed so there’s not going to be much penetration, thus refuting the argument that soaking them will loosen them up. Alcohol penetrates which is why Nicks recommends this method. Also agree with you that if your Nicks don’t fit, you probably effed up the foot measurements on the fit sheet. But then, the fit boots they send wouldn’t have felt good either, and Nicks would have adjusted after the phone interview. Never soak beautiful leather boots in water. Makes no sense.
I talked to them about it and they said it is a really bad idea for a variety of reasons. The guy ticked off a few reasons and said it's advice some other boot companies used to give without understanding the leather and break in process. He also said if they are so uncomfortable that you can't break them in normally then they are not sized correctly.
Hey I've been meaning to ask you at to how long your pair of Nick's took to break in. Mine is a bug bear , I'm really looking forward to working in mine and wearing them outside, unfortunately it's been a slow month trying to break in the shaft of my builder pro's. I can see the light at the very far end of the tunnel,but this has been a positively crazy experience for me and yeah I've worn every work boot in the market over the last 15 years.
@@kartikchary I would speed home so I could take them off, they hurt so bad. I could only wear them for 2-4 hours at a time. It was like that for weeks, maybe months. But now they are form fitted to me and very comfortable, even after wearing for 8 hours.
Just a word of caution. I live in a desert so the only time my White's (I also have Nicks) got wet was when I was washing a car or something else and some off and on in the winter (I'm a farmer). Anyway, around 2.5 years in I started noticing a squeek coming from both pairs with every step. It got super annoying and I needed a resole anyway so I sent them in. Turns out some of the nails had rusted on both boots which was causing the squeek. White's took them apart to resole and said they wouldn't be able to do a simple resole because of the rusted nails so I ended up having to do a full rebuild. That cost me almost $400. So, probably not the best idea to consistenly get them wet. Just my experience. In my case, the White's were definitely not worth the money considering I only got 2.5 years out of them before having to spend another $400.
Years ago my parents bought me a handmade leather holster when they went out west. The maker recommended soaking it in water to break it in, and it worked! Very nice boots and video...
The method I used, was same method I used for my snowboard boots, which is using 2 long tube socks, fill with rice (or beans), heat for about 10 minutes in the microwave, and place in the boots (no insole) for 10 mins. Then remove, put insole back, wear your boot socks, and put the boots on tight and step on the front half of your boots on a 2x4 and lean back and forth for about 10-15mins, and repeat. Heat and stretching with your foot will quickly break the leather in to the shape of your foot. If after multiple tries you still have pain in certain spots, go on Amazon and buy a good boot stretcher (not the plastic ones), and stretch out the specific spots where you feel pain over night. Imo this is the fastest method, I never had that painful 100 hr break in.
This or their Robert’s are probably the closest to a backpacking or hiking boot. I have worn my 10” Hot Shots for hiking, but I have friends that are ultralight backpackers that would probably faint in shock if they added this much weight to their feet haha. So it really just comes down to what you are looking for and how much weight you are willing to carry. The arch support and comfort might be worth the extra heft, or you might want to just add some insoles to a hiking boot to get some more support. I have both and wear both.
@@ZachBie I think a 6" or 8" boot would be fine for my needs. I'm not an ultra light weight hiker for sure. I'd rather have something well made than cheap out for the sake of saving weight.
@@TommyNitro I love my 6" White's Bounty Hunters and hopefully will pick up a pair of Nick's Roberts in natural or brown waxed flesh (but with a 430 mini-lug sole) and use them as a pair of hiking boots. I go back and forth between a mini-lug and the deep-lug soles. My Hotshots have thicker lugs and they pick up many rocks and mud when I take them on the trail. This last weekend I wore a pair of hiking boots that a sole similar to the 430, and I found that it was perfect as long as I wasn't walking up a mountain, off the trail, and in wet conditions (the thicker lugs perform quite well in these situations).
Everyone complains about this but this is exactly what we did in the army basic issue boots are painful and my feet had blisters before I went on a ruck march in the rain, one day of soaked boots will not crack the leather it will not rust the nails or shank and it will not give you trench foot, yes you can break in boots by just wearing them and soaking them alone will not break them in but soaking them does speed up the break in process
I learned this trick years ago in basic training from a dude in my platoon from New Zealand. Can't tell if it helped or not, eventually the boots broke in ok. My new Nicks don't have any hotspots (I'm glad). I'm eye balling a pair of Urban Loggers, guess I'll wait for another sale :)
Hi mate, Big fan of your channel, especially enjoying the journey of your Iron ranger 8111 boots, its wonderful to see it aging so beautifully, absolutely best I've seen :) Nice to see your new Nicks ! May i please ask, is this 'Nicks Unban Loggers' in same size as your Iron Ranger 8111? if not, what the differences in fitting ? Cheers :)
I got my Urban Loggers just over a month ago and I've just been wearing them to break them in. They feel about there. I don't think they need quite the amount of time to break in as the workboots or wildland boots as the leather isn't quite as heavy. I thought Nick's said not to submerge them? I guess if it works for you though.
Consider it a fact that there will be resistance. The fit is tighter to the foot than other brands, including Red Wing. Your foot will have to stretch the leather. There is also a difference between a cork insole and an oak bark leather insole. Although the flex points have only about 2 layers, not 5+. You won’t flex much in the heel or arch.
I use boot oil on the inside of the boot. Then put them on and wear them. Everyday for the first week I use small amount of boot oil on the hot spots inside the boot. That usually works for me
Great stuff man! Love the channel. Just ordered my first pair of Nick's. I have three pairs of whites and love them so I'm hoping my new Hot Shots in the rough out black are everything my whites smokejumpers are
I put on a pair of wool socks that are a little damp, rub a bit of saddle soap on the socks, then slip them into my boots, and wear them a few hours. done.
This is no worse then wearing them out in rain or snow where they will get wet or perhaps your job may have wet conditions. Boots get wet all the time during normal wear so for those that are shocked by this , it's not really that bad at all . And yes it does take time to break in new boots......LOL
Have you given anymore thought to dancing for our LGBTQ group. We here feel an affinity with you through your videos, especially our trans men who have had a hard transition 💜 . Look forward to hearing from you again, thanks for your continued support.
@@KimballCody I am not sure if this is a joke or something. Your response made laugh. Strange comment. Good video, I would not do this to a pair of boots. I would honestly just go for a short hike. That does the trick for breaking in a pair of boots for me.
This is useless, wear them with wet socks an go for a 2 hour hike if you want them to break in quickly. Mink oil on the outside will help also to make the leather more supple.
I prefer just to pee in them and leave it overnight. Wash thoroughly after, if you wish to avoid the hobo vibe. I will say the stand in a water tub holding a baby has merit too.
@@KimballCody why would you advise this? It's terrible on the stitches and leather? It's destructive to an expensive boot. only time I've ever blown a seam it was on wet leather gloves. The company literally has given instruction not to do this to your boots.
Oh my gosh people. It's leather, the world isn't going to end because he put his EXTREMELY DURABLE WORK BOOTS which are made of leather in water lol. Drop the elitist mindsets. The fact is, leather can get wet and be ok (even if the leather kind of looks like a shoe). All one has to do is labor tirelessly and ferociously before the boots explode from being so dry the molecules heat up and cause the atoms to split inside of the leather and explode for 2 minutes to rub some oil back into the shoe lol. Oh and, praise the Lord boys! God has not abandon us even though mainstream society wants us to be mindless zombies and think God isn't real. I'll tell you what isn't real, this fairy tale world we live in lol. God bless and be nice to other people, even if you don't agree with them. It takes a bigger man to not continue in futile debates and keep your mouth shut to let someone else have their hell bent opinions even though you know the truth. Love your neighbors boys and God bless.
![⭐ฮิตในTikTok!! ( มะมะมะหมูเด้ง MooDeng ) Ver. แดนซ์ ReMix BY [ ดีเจกิต รีมิกซ์ ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4noyAoMa7bQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Here's the secret to breaking in new boots ...... wear them. It's that simple. There is no real secret, and there is no short cut. Nick's recommends approx. 100 hours of wear to break in their boots. The thicker the leather, the more sturdy the boot, the more time you need with your feet in them to soften the leather and have it form to your personal foot size & shape.
Nick's also recommends spraying them with water/rubbing alcohol.
This 5 min soak softens up the pinch points and make it a little more bearable.
@@KimballCody Thanks, yes, I'm aware of that - but there's a big difference between what Nick's suggest as a way of dealing with pinch points, and what you're doing. Ask them if you don't believe me. lol If the pinch points are so severe that one feels the need to soak their boots in water, I would consider the possibility that ones feet may not have been measured properly to begin with. A custom built pair of boots, made to the customers personal foot specs, should never need to be soaked in water. Just sayin'.....
I'm confident the 5 mins the boots were in water don't even come close to the amount of moisture these type of boots get when on the feet of the guys in the forests of the pacific northwest. These boots can take it and a lot more. I'll put them side by side after 100 and even 1000 hours to any other pair and I'd bet mine are in as good if not better condition.
@@KimballCody Guys in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, aren't wearing Urban Loggers. lol But this was never about if you are ruining your boots by what you did, it was about your claim of this method being the "best" way to break in boots. Coming from someone that has been wearing boots for 50+ yrs in the Northwest of Canada, it's not.
KamfaKing I agree with you. First of all you should never soak leather in water. Second, KimballCody’s boots are waxed so there’s not going to be much penetration, thus refuting the argument that soaking them will loosen them up. Alcohol penetrates which is why Nicks recommends this method. Also agree with you that if your Nicks don’t fit, you probably effed up the foot measurements on the fit sheet. But then, the fit boots they send wouldn’t have felt good either, and Nicks would have adjusted after the phone interview. Never soak beautiful leather boots in water. Makes no sense.
Nick’s care tags that literally come with the boots: dont soak boots in water to stretch leather
Cody: hold my dish soap
😆🤣😂
I talked to them about it and they said it is a really bad idea for a variety of reasons. The guy ticked off a few reasons and said it's advice some other boot companies used to give without understanding the leather and break in process. He also said if they are so uncomfortable that you can't break them in normally then they are not sized correctly.
Slow and steady wear in for the best results. Rome wasn't build in a day, rush anything and you get rushed results.
Hey I've been meaning to ask you at to how long your pair of Nick's took to break in. Mine is a bug bear , I'm really looking forward to working in mine and wearing them outside, unfortunately it's been a slow month trying to break in the shaft of my builder pro's. I can see the light at the very far end of the tunnel,but this has been a positively crazy experience for me and yeah I've worn every work boot in the market over the last 15 years.
@@kartikchary I would speed home so I could take them off, they hurt so bad. I could only wear them for 2-4 hours at a time. It was like that for weeks, maybe months. But now they are form fitted to me and very comfortable, even after wearing for 8 hours.
Just a word of caution. I live in a desert so the only time my White's (I also have Nicks) got wet was when I was washing a car or something else and some off and on in the winter (I'm a farmer). Anyway, around 2.5 years in I started noticing a squeek coming from both pairs with every step. It got super annoying and I needed a resole anyway so I sent them in. Turns out some of the nails had rusted on both boots which was causing the squeek. White's took them apart to resole and said they wouldn't be able to do a simple resole because of the rusted nails so I ended up having to do a full rebuild. That cost me almost $400. So, probably not the best idea to consistenly get them wet. Just my experience. In my case, the White's were definitely not worth the money considering I only got 2.5 years out of them before having to spend another $400.
$400 on a full rebuild?
Years ago my parents bought me a handmade leather holster when they went out west. The maker recommended soaking it in water to break it in, and it worked! Very nice boots and video...
What type of gun was it for?
KimballCody S&W 686
The method I used, was same method I used for my snowboard boots, which is using 2 long tube socks, fill with rice (or beans), heat for about 10 minutes in the microwave, and place in the boots (no insole) for 10 mins. Then remove, put insole back, wear your boot socks, and put the boots on tight and step on the front half of your boots on a 2x4 and lean back and forth for about 10-15mins, and repeat. Heat and stretching with your foot will quickly break the leather in to the shape of your foot. If after multiple tries you still have pain in certain spots, go on Amazon and buy a good boot stretcher (not the plastic ones), and stretch out the specific spots where you feel pain over night. Imo this is the fastest method, I never had that painful 100 hr break in.
I've heard of guys putting their boots in the oven
@@KimballCody lol, idk about that, I try to avoid anything that can potentially mess with the exterior 🤷♂️
Does Nicks make a good hiking/backpacking boot? I see most stress work boots and they also have a heritage line.
This or their Robert’s are probably the closest to a backpacking or hiking boot. I have worn my 10” Hot Shots for hiking, but I have friends that are ultralight backpackers that would probably faint in shock if they added this much weight to their feet haha. So it really just comes down to what you are looking for and how much weight you are willing to carry. The arch support and comfort might be worth the extra heft, or you might want to just add some insoles to a hiking boot to get some more support. I have both and wear both.
@@ZachBie I think a 6" or 8" boot would be fine for my needs. I'm not an ultra light weight hiker for sure. I'd rather have something well made than cheap out for the sake of saving weight.
@@TommyNitro I love my 6" White's Bounty Hunters and hopefully will pick up a pair of Nick's Roberts in natural or brown waxed flesh (but with a 430 mini-lug sole) and use them as a pair of hiking boots. I go back and forth between a mini-lug and the deep-lug soles. My Hotshots have thicker lugs and they pick up many rocks and mud when I take them on the trail. This last weekend I wore a pair of hiking boots that a sole similar to the 430, and I found that it was perfect as long as I wasn't walking up a mountain, off the trail, and in wet conditions (the thicker lugs perform quite well in these situations).
Everyone complains about this but this is exactly what we did in the army basic issue boots are painful and my feet had blisters before I went on a ruck march in the rain, one day of soaked boots will not crack the leather it will not rust the nails or shank and it will not give you trench foot, yes you can break in boots by just wearing them and soaking them alone will not break them in but soaking them does speed up the break in process
Great video Kimball Cody ! I just ordered them .. Are those the moderate arch or the 55 medium arch Last ?
They're on loan from boothunter on IG. I'm not sure which arch they are but the heels seem lower than Carl's
All Urban loggers are made on the 55 last
The 55 last is the medium Arch but still considered a high arch boot Nicks says!
How do you like them so far? I'm im AZ as well, wondering how are they when 120F outside?
I learned this trick years ago in basic training from a dude in my platoon from New Zealand. Can't tell if it helped or not, eventually the boots broke in ok. My new Nicks don't have any hotspots (I'm glad). I'm eye balling a pair of Urban Loggers, guess I'll wait for another sale :)
Good looking boot. All my Nicks and White's boots are 8" and I have one 10" pair. I like the look of the 6"-7" Urban Logger.
This looks so much like my old neighborhood in Peoria AZ that it's making me feel like I'm back in my old front yard.
Opposite side of town. This is in Mesa
@@KimballCody The valley and it's damn cookie cutter developments lol.
That’s some badass boots!! Can’t wait to get mine
im thinking about getting a pair myself. they look like they will last forever
Hi mate,
Big fan of your channel, especially enjoying the journey of your Iron ranger 8111 boots, its wonderful to see it aging so beautifully, absolutely best I've seen :)
Nice to see your new Nicks !
May i please ask, is this 'Nicks Unban Loggers' in same size as your Iron Ranger 8111? if not, what the differences in fitting ? Cheers :)
I'm a 10.5D in Iron Rangers and a 11E in Nicks.
@@KimballCody Thank you so much for the reply :)
I got my Urban Loggers just over a month ago and I've just been wearing them to break them in. They feel about there. I don't think they need quite the amount of time to break in as the workboots or wildland boots as the leather isn't quite as heavy. I thought Nick's said not to submerge them? I guess if it works for you though.
They state that the water could lead to the nails rusting
Really lovely boots! Going to buy these when my iron rangers wear out I think.
How's the fit did you half a size down?
These are 11E and I wear a 12D in Nike.
Been following your channel since I got my iron rangers two years ago. Also just ordered the same pair of nicks last week!
Stop being a sheep
@@nwa187 What does that mean? You’re weird.
Does this help you to be able to wear them all day from the get go?
I see and immediate results in softness and comfort
It’s a great shortcut
For some people that my grow impatient with a long grueling break in
it’s a game changer!
Oh and rain wet conditions happen
I don't know if this is the correct method judging by the comments, BUT HOLY moly those boots look good. Can't wait for mine.
1st point on the breakin tag attached, DO NOT soak the boot.. pinky toe and big toe rub is normal
Nick's Boots literally says "Don't do this"
I personally would not do this. A little toe rub is normal during break in.
Nice! Those are sweet. My Hotshots took a few months to wear in. Nicks are the best imo.
They're nice boots
Very informative vid too. Thanks a lot!
After breaking in 5 red wing boots with zero pain...I feel like these might show me some resistance due to the 5+layer oak tanned leather insole.
They are definitely a different break in experience from the Red Wing boots.
Consider it a fact that there will be resistance. The fit is tighter to the foot than other brands, including Red Wing. Your foot will have to stretch the leather. There is also a difference between a cork insole and an oak bark leather insole. Although the flex points have only about 2 layers, not 5+. You won’t flex much in the heel or arch.
How do you prevent the leather stacked heel from deforming? All of my leather heels buckle when they get wet.
Don’t get a leather stacked heel if you deal with water a lot. Btw you have a badass name.
"What works for me." = your input on my methods is not required. Great video. Keep doing your thing your way.
I'm all for input but the majority of what I get is "you're doing it wrong" from a bunch of limp wristed cubicle jockeys
Hydraulic fluid in the 90s
Most amazing boots i ever owned
Great video! & you are blessed with a cute kid. All the best!
I use boot oil on the inside of the boot. Then put them on and wear them. Everyday for the first week I use small amount of boot oil on the hot spots inside the boot. That usually works for me
Breaking bad location?
Kimballcody's a lumberjack and he's OK!
I really dont know if this is such a good idea. Nicks specifically says not to do this. I think the best way to break in boots is to just wear them.
It’s precisely what they tell you not do to.
A truly beautiful boot!
Cool boots! Neat tips
Thanks
What size and width are these?
11E
Are those moderate of medium arch?
Medium I believe
Great thanks I’ve got some on order just like those.
This is not good break-in advice.
600-800$ boots, ten dollar pants. Teasing… Great looking boots man.
Noooo! I can’t watch! 🙈. Tell me when he’s done
Still going strong. Check out my other boot videos
STF - Shrink-to-Fit Nick’s boots 😉
Great stuff man! Love the channel. Just ordered my first pair of Nick's. I have three pairs of whites and love them so I'm hoping my new Hot Shots in the rough out black are everything my whites smokejumpers are
Cute baby!! 😍
Please don't soak them in water. Just wear them in the right way.
I put on a pair of wool socks that are a little damp, rub a bit of saddle soap on the socks, then slip them into my boots, and wear them a few hours. done.
SIX KIDS! HOW THE HELL DO YOU AFFORD BOOTS LIKE THIS?
TH-cam
This is no worse then wearing them out in rain or snow where they will get wet or perhaps your job may have wet conditions. Boots get wet all the time during normal wear so for those that are shocked by this , it's not really that bad at all . And yes it does take time to break in new boots......LOL
Have you given anymore thought to dancing for our LGBTQ group.
We here feel an affinity with you through your videos, especially our trans men who have had a hard transition 💜 .
Look forward to hearing from you again, thanks for your continued support.
What?
@@KimballCody I am not sure if this is a joke or something. Your response made laugh. Strange comment. Good video, I would not do this to a pair of boots. I would honestly just go for a short hike. That does the trick for breaking in a pair of boots for me.
Wish I had a pair of loggers. Don’t get them where I live
This is useless, wear them with wet socks an go for a 2 hour hike if you want them to break in quickly. Mink oil on the outside will help also to make the leather more supple.
It was useful for me
I prefer just to pee in them and leave it overnight. Wash thoroughly after, if you wish to avoid the hobo vibe. I will say the stand in a water tub holding a baby has merit too.
Looks fun ha ha
Various TH-cam Recordings (9 @ 9 Segments from WGN Morning News Only)
What?
I just ovenaufs them up and put them by my heater
Ugh just wear your freaking boots people
Looks like a bunch of nonsense 🤣
You are more polite than me
empty
Don't do this.....
I did
@@KimballCody why would you advise this? It's terrible on the stitches and leather? It's destructive to an expensive boot. only time I've ever blown a seam it was on wet leather gloves. The company literally has given instruction not to do this to your boots.
Are you definitely coming to dance for our LGBTQ GROUP ???
We will massage your sore feet.
Thanks for supporting us x
What?
@@charlesbronson240
What do you mean, 'what' ?
Just a random word ?
Boots can totally rott inside doing this.
I've done it with 4 different pairs. Totally zero rott.
What NOT to do during a break-in...
@@JC-kv1vn how do you figure?
OK...What if our LGBTQ group came to dance for you ???
How would that be ?
Oh my gosh people. It's leather, the world isn't going to end because he put his EXTREMELY DURABLE WORK BOOTS which are made of leather in water lol. Drop the elitist mindsets. The fact is, leather can get wet and be ok (even if the leather kind of looks like a shoe). All one has to do is labor tirelessly and ferociously before the boots explode from being so dry the molecules heat up and cause the atoms to split inside of the leather and explode for 2 minutes to rub some oil back into the shoe lol. Oh and, praise the Lord boys! God has not abandon us even though mainstream society wants us to be mindless zombies and think God isn't real. I'll tell you what isn't real, this fairy tale world we live in lol. God bless and be nice to other people, even if you don't agree with them. It takes a bigger man to not continue in futile debates and keep your mouth shut to let someone else have their hell bent opinions even though you know the truth. Love your neighbors boys and God bless.
DO NOT DO THIS!!!
I just did. And I'll do it again
@@KimballCody well sorry you hear you're a moron!!
Dude, use Hubbard Grease...I’ve used Hubbard Grease for years. Your just destroying your boots...
Check out my other videos