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 Having been able to extensively wear a variety of different outsole options over the last 3.5 years has provided me unique opportunity to see how each outsole performs both on and off the jobsite. I hope my findings will be able to shed some light for future generations of Nicks users.

**V100 Black Lug:**  

 **Pro's :** Tough as nails, this is the outsole you want during the end of the world type scenario. Providing excellent grip and traction in outdoor environments. Its thick lugs are hard at wearing down. 

 **Con's:** Might not be the best in sub freezing conditions as its harder compound might prove to be a quite slick. Can be hard on the body if you are on shop floors all day. Also carries plentiful dirt and debris from the outdoor elements.

**V100 Honey Lug:**

 **Pro's:** This is my outsole of choice when it comes to my line of work. Carrying over the extreme traction of its Black Lug cousin the Honey Lug's rubber compound is much more soft providing even more grip in sub freezing temperatures. We often are not only walking across uneven rugged terrain but also find ourselves standing in a flat bucket for hours on end. The added squish provided by the soft rubber is quite noticeable in such conditions. 

 **Con's:** The more soft compound wears down significantly quicker than the Black Lug Outsole especially on hot asphalt. You may find a resole may be in order sooner rather than later.

**430 Mini Lug:**

 **Pro's:** By far my favorite hybrid outsole. Decent traction is available while not tracking all the mud and muck from daily outdoor activities. It wears hard and can take a surprising amount of abuse for how much thinner it is than the V100 options. 

 **Con's:** You will definitely feel more uneven surfaces beneath your feet. Sharp terrain will let itself be known after hours of hiking and icy conditions are a solid no go as you will find yourself firmly on your rear in no time.

**V700 VBar:**

 **Pro's:** When compared directly against the 430 I have found it seems a bit more rigid and even throughout in its design. Jagged surfaces don't dig into your feet nearly as much. Flexibility underfoot is tightened up a bit for a more secure feeling when climbing on ladders or  kicking shovels.

 **Con's:** The V shaped pattern wears flat quickly and if ice isn't good for the 430 than it is the arch enemy of the VBar. Also even though they are the same thickness outsole for some reason I notice they can feel slightly more heavy than the Mini Lug.

 **V700 VBar Half-Sole:**

 **Pro's:** This is my baby when it comes to after work hours. Weight is reduced, and flexibility is added. Its sleek side profile is easy on the eyes and the lack of the outsole running through the heel makes walking long distances a breeze. All the pro's of the V700 just better.

 **Con's:** While my own pairs with this outsole will not see the light of day at the jobsite I do know these are not suitable for hard blue collar work. The half-sole has a tendency to begin to delaminate after kicking shovels or climbing over time. Such beautiful design should not be subjected to such conditions in my honest opinion.

 **269 Western:** 

 **Pro's:** Another visually appealing option, it reduces weight by slimming things up under the arch and heel while giving the user more thickness under the ball of the foot. Traction is initially exceptionally well with its fine horizontal lined design.

 **Con's:** The soft and more thin rubber compound wears down fast. The heel cap especially has a rough go wearing out. The same fine lined horizontal design picks up and hold particles of sand and doesn't want to let go until worn down flat enough.

 **Dr. Soles Super Grip Half-Sole:**

 **Pro's:** The most recent in my collection. With limited experience so far I have noticed traction is excellent in this half sole design and the outsole stitching is holding on better than in the VBar Half-Sole. Same weight reduction and flexibility is a welcome touch.

 **Con's:** As previously mentioned with the VBar Half-Sole this outsole should not be subjected to kicking shovels or climbing as delamination is likely to occur over time.

I f you have made it this far in the overview I hope it has been able to provide some form of insight on the different outsole options. Please do remember this is only one user's experience. I have worn all these pairs hard but also lovingly. 

 If there are any questions comments or concerns I am happy to answer them at any time.

🫡✨️🥾

The Soul In My Soles. A Brief Outsole Overview.