It wasn't long after discovering heritage footwear that I came across the myth that is Pacific Northwest boots. The legend was strong... Boots made tough enough for jumping out of airplanes to fight wildfires, arch support that made otherwise stoic folk wax poetic, all built, and even REBUILT, by generational craftsmen. I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. 

Alas, I could tell the 55 lasts with the higher heels and narrower toes were just not going to work for my feet. I admired from afar for years... Until Nicks introduced the Munson inspired Thurman last and suddenly the Metatarsal Mafia was invited to the party! 

I went with an MTO build modeled on a 6" Traveler. ThurmanNW last with unstructured toe for comfort, Tan (definitely not tan) waxed flesh for durability, and 2021 wedge sole for a squishy ride. I added ember waxed flesh kilties and a waxed brown waxed flesh belt to the mix because what's better than a waxed flesh triple threat !?!

 

I bought these for three reasons... 

1) I needed to personally understand if PNW footwear was myth or reality. 

2)  I simply wanted boots that I did not have to worry about. I'm a hobbyist furniture maker, I get bugs my arse and decide to build sheds in the backyard, and I have two children and a spastic dog. I wanted boots that would slip on and come through the chaos unscathed. 

3) I wanted to support CRAFT. In a world of the uninspired, the disposable, and the mass produced I wanted something crafted. 

I was affirmed on all points. The boots are in a category all their own, bombproof and overbuilt even in "heritage" leather, and the very definition of craft. 

Adam Savage has a book called "Every Tool is a Hammer." These are the boots you buy when you consider your footwear a tool. And yes, I wear them with shorts 

First Nicks - Tan (Not Tan) Waxed Flesh MTO