Nick's Boots
ActiveOverview
Nicks Handmade Boots produces handmade leather boots for loggers, firefighters, linemen, mechanics, blacksmiths, and other professionals, as well as casual wear. Based in Spokane Valley, Washington, the company uses US-sourced materials and focuses on custom and high-volume production for work environments. It has expanded from a local shop to serving customers across the US and internationally under current ownership.1234
History
Nicks Handmade Boots was founded in 1964 by Nikolai Blahuczyn, known as 'the Original Nick,' in Spokane, Washington, after his experience at White’s Boots, initially serving construction workers, loggers, and outdoor workers from a small store on Sprague Avenue.3 The business changed hands multiple times, including a sale in 1980 to Gary Myers due to Nick's health issues, followed by other owners, before Steve Mowe acquired it in 2013 with his son Shuyler.34 Under the Mowe family, it has grown into a globally recognized producer of handcrafted work boots, increasing production volume and customer base.34
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Logger Boots | Heavy-duty for logging and outdoor work | $600 - $1,000 |
| Firefighter Boots | Specialized for wildland firefighting | $500 - $900 |
| Lineman Boots | Protective for electrical and utility work | $550 - $950 |
| Custom Boots | Bespoke handmade options | $700 - $1,200 |
| Work Boots | General professional and mechanic use | $450 - $800 |
Manufacturing
All boots are handmade by skilled craftspeople in Spokane Valley, Washington, using US-sourced materials from start to finish.25 Production occurs in-house at their facility on 6510 E Sprague Ave, with a history of scaling volume under past managers like Mike Hil.13
Notable Products
- Drew's Boots (produced by Nicks) - Logger and packer boots made under contract for Drew's brand.
- Wildland Fire Boots - Boots focused on wildland firefighting, a key business area.
- Custom Logger Boots - Handmade boots for loggers and construction workers.
- Lineman Boots - Protective footwear for linemen and utility professionals.
Reputation
Enthusiasts and professionals value Nicks Boots for their durable, handcrafted construction suited to demanding work like logging and firefighting, with a heritage tied to Pacific Northwest bootmaking.134 The brand has gained global respect under current ownership for quality and expanded reach, though it lacks BBB accreditation.14 Some note its evolution from local custom shop to higher-volume production.3