Side by side
Nicks Boots vs Carmina
Nicks Boots
18 positive (78%) · 4 mixed (17%) · 1 negative (4%)
Trust + time weighted: +76%
AI summary — not a quote
Nicks Boots is highly regarded as a top-tier Pacific Northwest (PNW) bootmaker, frequently praised for its rugged construction and "buy it for life" quality. Enthusiasts often position the brand as a significant step up from entry-level heritage boots, noting its heavy-duty build and extensive customization options, though it requires a substantial financial investment.
Pros
- Exceptional durability and build quality, often compared favorably to other premium PNW makers like White's.
- Extensive sizing range, including very large sizes (up to 16FF) and multiple width options.
- Highly customizable through Made-to-Order (MTO) programs, including 360-degree stitchdown construction.
- Superior performance on job sites and in rugged outdoor environments compared to lighter-duty brands.
Cons
- High price point, with users noting costs typically range between $500 and $800.
- Utilitarian aesthetic that may not suit "smart" or formal dress requirements.
- Standard lasts can run narrow, often necessitating MTO for those with wider feet.
Top excerpts
PNW makers like White's and Nicks make wider widths through MTOs
For their retail you could get like 4-5 pairs of the real deal from White’s or nicks or 2+ pairs in exotic leather, all better made than these
Because I feel like damn near every time someone has questions about Thursday or seeks opinions they're usually hit with a wave of "Just save your money and buy Nicks" or whatever other brand that cost 500 - 800 dollars a pair.
Addict, Clinch, Zerrows, John Lofgren, Nicks, and some of the good Indonesian MTO brands if you want to take a bigger chance with sizing.
For PNW like Whites or Nicks I would send in for factory.
Carmina
37 positive (76%) · 7 mixed (14%) · 5 negative (10%)
Trust + time weighted: +64%
AI summary — not a quote
Carmina is a highly respected Spanish shoemaker frequently cited as a top-tier option for those seeking high-end construction without the extreme price tags of elite English makers. The brand is praised for technical details like beveled waists, high stitches per inch (SPI), and quality leather, often positioned as a significant step up from brands like Allen Edmonds or Meermin. However, sentiment is occasionally split regarding their specific shoe shapes (lasts), and some users have reported rigid customer service policies regarding returns and defects.
Pros
- Superior construction quality including French binding, high SPI, and beveled waists.
- Excellent leather quality and clicking, with some users noting exceptionally soft leather on specific models.
- Strong value-to-quality ratio, often compared favorably to more expensive brands like Edward Green and Crockett & Jones.
- Availability of factory seconds (often via eBay) provides a high-quality entry point at lower prices.
Cons
- Polarizing shoe shapes; while many find them refined, some users find the lasts unappealing or 'terrible.'
- Strict and potentially expensive return process, with reports of fees even when users claim sizing or specification issues.
- The 'glossy' high-shine finish is sometimes characterized as a 'finance bro' aesthetic that may not suit those seeking a rugged or artisanal look.
Top excerpts
Carmina (Spain)
many of the European dress shoe makers make wider MTOs (e.g. TLB Mallorca, Carmina on some lasts, Edward Green, ...)
I am an 8 in Red Wing and Grant Stone, and a 7UK in Carmina.
I don’t love Carmina’s shapes.
My favorite chelseas are my Carmina and meermin