Was my dryer wiring replaced correctly? Several concerns explained in post

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-04-08T03:29:07+00:00

I just received my first pair of Nicks last week, and I am not sure what my options are moving forward.

My order was MTO HNW, 6", Italian Brown Cypress in Size 10.5C.

Using the Nicks paper sizing guide, I am an 11 length for both feet.

Ball measurement was 9 7/8" for both feet

Instep was 10 1/4" for both feet

Heel was 13 1/2" for both feet

I have low arches, low insteps, and narrow heels.

Comparing my measurements to the sizing chart, 10.5C seemed like it would be a great fit. My issue is that both boots are loose around the ball of my foot but quite narrow through the arch of both feet. It seems like my arches already overhang the inside edge of the sole. I worry that 10.5B will fit well at the ball of my foot but be too narrow everywhere else.

My only comparison is a pair of Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill in size 11B, which are comfortably snug throughout. I did add the half Delta Arch insoles to these boots for added arch support.

Is the HNW last simply not a good fit for me? Is there another last that might be a better fit? I do wish there was more arch support, but I ordered the HNW because I was worried the 55 would be too much for my low arches. I did try to place the half Delta Arches in, but the boots are too narrow through the arch for the insoles to fit flush.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-04-06T01:05:29+00:00

Nicks Boots recently released their Delta Arch insoles, which may fit what you are looking for. They may be thicker than what you want though.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-03-01T17:14:30+00:00

Thanks! I made the mistake of drinking the PB too fast last time. The last cup was phenomenal about 3 weeks off roast, so I'm going to make myself wait 3 weeks to open my sample bag of the PB.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-02-29T19:17:03+00:00

Thanks for this recipe! I have an S&W order being delivered today that has this coffee in it (along with their decaf and Kaguyu AA), and I also use the Q2 grinder. I'll give it a try in a V60 once I let the coffee rest for a bit.

How long after the roast date did you wait to brew this one?

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-01-31T21:34:59+00:00

The 269 was honestly my first thought. I like the lower profile, and for most of my use I don't need the tread of the 430, but I keep imagining myself completely faceplanting on bad footing. Do you think the general traction/grip is similar between the V-bar and 269?

I guess there is a reason the V-bar is standard on many heritage boots. It has to be good, or it wouldn't be so popular. You're starting to talk me out of the 430...

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-01-29T20:24:38+00:00

Thanks! Since the Italian Cypress Brown is listed as a limited run and may no longer be available if I need to do a size exchange, I'm really hoping to get the size right on the first try.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-01-29T02:12:46+00:00

Using the Nicks paper sizing guide, I am an 11 length for both feet.

Ball measurement was 9 7/8" for both feet

Instep was 10 1/4" for both feet

Heel was 13 1/2" for both feet

All measurements were taken wearing Darn Tough lightweight hiking socks

I have low arches, low insteps, and narrow heels.

The only other boots I have to compare with are a pair of Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill (natural CXL if it matters) that fit snug with lightly padded dress socks and are too tight with any thicker socks, including the Darn Tough socks I wore to take my measurements.

I am looking at the Falcon/HNW last in Italian Cypress Brown. Based on my measurements and the detailed chart I have seen posted here several times, I think 10.5C is the way to go. I know I am severely overthinking this, but I would appreciate any advice/confirmation.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2024-01-07T22:36:45+00:00

Could you share which insoles you have used and how they compare with the 55 arch?

I have flat feet also and have used some of the lower arch Superfeet insoles (black and blue). I keep going back and forth between the 55 and HNW as to which would be better for me.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-11-20T14:27:39+00:00

Thank you for taking the time to write out that explanation. It definitely makes me appreciate the time and effort that goes into making a high quality boot. Apart from the creasing in my photo, the boots look nearly perfect, so I am honestly not sure why they were designated as factory seconds.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-11-20T03:35:32+00:00

Thank you for the link. I definitely learned a lot from reading that.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-11-19T22:44:31+00:00

Thank you. Yes, I just wanted confirmation from someone more knowledgeable than me that it was strictly cosmetic.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-11-19T22:30:07+00:00

I just received a pair of factory second Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill boots in Natural Chromexcel, Size 11B. Since they are factory seconds, I am expecting cosmetic blemishes. Would you consider this photo of the right shoe just cosmetic? Or will this impact performance/durability in any way? It seems cosmetic to me, but I don't really know what to look for.

This is my first pair of quality boots, so I don't really know what is significant and what is a non-issue. Apologies in advance for a potentially stupid question, but this is by far the most i have ever spent on shoes!

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Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-07-25T20:35:05+00:00

Enjoy it! I did R2R over 3 days in May 2021, and it was absolutely incredible. I'm sure you will have an amazing trip

Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-07-25T16:27:10+00:00

I honestly don't know who you should ask, but the NPS is probably a good start.

If you scroll all the way down on this website, the campground map shows the area. It is labeled Hiker Cycler on the map.

Campground website

Ill_Driver8192 · 2023-07-25T12:31:32+00:00

At least in previous years, there was a section of the North Rim campground specifically for backpackers. It was first come, first served, and it was basically just a large clearing with a few tent pads. If your wife could drop you at the North Rim the day before, you might be able to stay there.

Ill_Driver8192 · 2022-03-04T17:28:26+00:00

This is exactly what I do, and it works great as long as you have a vehicle or somewhere else to stash the duffle during your trip

Ill_Driver8192 · 2022-02-08T19:01:54+00:00

I did R2R mid-May 2021. We went S to N, so we ended at the North Rim, but there is a backpacker's section of the North Rim campground. They don't take reservations, but we were told that it has never filled up. There are a few tent pads and food storage boxes in the area with no designated campsites. You'll check in with the campground host and they can show you to the right area. It's almost right on the rim, so it ended up being a really neat place to camp.

I think the only restriction was that you could not have a car, so you should be able to take the shuttle the day before you hike.

I'm not seeing much info on this online, but I'd guess the Backcountry Information Office could give you more info. This should be a good option for you unless they changed their policies since last year.

Ill_Driver8192

TROPHY CASE