Nicks Handmade Boots is known for two things: unmatched quality and crucial customization. Since the brand’s founding in 1964, those two pursuits have helped it establish its place as a beloved, trustworthy footwear operation few can compare to.
As proof that this work is never finished, the brand launched the Nicks Handmade Boots Strider, the outfit’s first-ever zero-drop work boot.
Flat-footed, sort of
The Strider is built on the brand’s innovative, WWII-inspired Thurman-ZD last, which offers a wider toe box for more ergonomic comfort. For the first time, that’s paired with a zero-drop sole (meaning there’s no difference in height between the toe and heel.
It’s a technology widely used in athletic sneakers, especially running and barefoot shoes, over the last decade or so. The idea is that it promotes a more natural, ergonomic alignment for your feet. This gives the wearer better overall comfort, stability, balance and support than footwear with a taller heel.
There are some potential downsides to athletic zero-drop sneakers. They include an increased chance of foot and calf pain and the potential for Achilles injuries. However, that’s far less of a factor in work boots. This is because the wearer tends to have longer stationary standing periods and less consistent, significant kinetic impacts with the ground.