Introducing Nicks x Division Road Collaborations
Following the excitement of our annual Residency event, it felt right to formally introduce Nicks Handmade Boots to Division Road with exclusive developments that highlight the fresh collaborative creativity and refinement you can expect from our partnership with this premium Pacific Northwest bootmaker.
For over 60 years, Nicks has upheld a core principle of doing things right from start to finish, utilizing proven stitchdown construction, exclusive high-quality materials, and a strong dedication to quality and work ethic. Designed to perform in tough conditions on the jobsite, in the forest, or wherever life takes you, each pair is handcrafted by skilled artisans who understand that a boot is more than just footwear – it’s a tool, a companion, and a reflection of the wearer.
To spark excitement and boost collectability in the utilitarian boot scene, we introduce two make-ups crafted with rare Horween Leather tannages, exclusive stitching configurations, and carefully refined specs for the Division Road take on the traditional. Starting with unique leathers and vintage influences, we went back a decade or so to capture an industrial street feel, using everything we’ve learned since then, to bring you the Nicks x DR Color Theory pack.
The shared specifications of flex notched eyestays and the HNW Last with a workboot toe and snug waist and heel from military-styled Lasts creates a sleek profile for an accommodating front and a gripped back fit, designed to complement a variety of feet with a blend of form and function. Finished with custom Division Road collaboration false tongues and woven labels, these make-ups feature unique personalities that are highly sought after for any limited edition.
Nicks x Division Road Black Cherry Workman Moc Boot
One of the pattern iterations from Nick’s that we were most excited to explore was their Moc Toe Boot, a rare offering in the premium stitchdown category, combined with a unique Color 8 Cypress Leather that has a deep purple hue blending into a brown base, with a natural undyed tea-core to create a warm layered color profile. Cypress is Horween’s progression of their vegetable tanning process, similar to Cordovan, resulting in rich colors and a tight natural grain that maintains high character and a clean, structured break.
A hand-waxed finish enhances pull-up, durability, flexibility, and intense patina potential, resulting in visible depth from finish to color, like a fine antique. The Black Cherry Workman Moc features a natural thread machine-stitched moccasin toe with a gathered roll, accented by antique brass eyelets that coordinate with the natural leather core. We used a black leather fully gusseted tongue, a black leather midsole, and a black Nicks Christy wedge workman sole to ground this color palette. Crafted with a balance of precision and durability through stitchdown construction with a black outsole thread, this style offers bold character with subtle nuances, perfect for those seeking something unique and personalized for their journey.
Nicks x Division Road Jungle Jump Boot
Inspired by a military style popularized during the Vietnam War, we selected Horween’s waterproof Shackleton in the rare Greener Pastures forest-olive color. We combined a variety of utility and style from sole to shaft. The Shackleton features the time-honored Chromexcel and Oil Tanning processes, enhanced with new methods to preserve the natural qualities of the hides while increasing flexibility in an inherently waterproof upper. This leather is intensely flexed while hand-stained and oiled during tanning to achieve these qualities, with a natural grain enhanced in color, pull-up, and a soft finish.
Complementing this deep, dusty forest green grain-dyed hide with a natural undyed tea core, we incorporated antique eyelets and Nicks' proprietary 360-degree stitchdown, which reveals the leather’s warm brown undertones. Adjusting counter pockets and stitching details to stay true to the original while improving it, we used the modern military sole with excellent traction and durability. Embracing its military roots, the Jungle Jump Boot has black upper thread, a fully gusseted black leather tongue, and a black Vibram Sierra outdoor hiking sole, assembled with black outsole stitching—ready to handle both the outdoors and city streets with proven resilience.
