1925

The 1925 features stitchdown construction with approximately 30 percent higher stitch density than standard Nicks work boots, Italian heel stacks with an integrated brass plate, and a three-day lasting process. Production is limited to 20 pairs per month with an eight-week build timeline, starting at $1,200 for vegetable-tanned leather options.

The 1925 boot emerged from over a year of sourcing, sampling, and development led by Shuyler Mowe, owner of Nicks Boots and creator of the Brandle line. The design intentionally departs from Nicks' rugged work boot aesthetic, targeting a more elegant, refined, European style suitable for formal wear. Mowe's guiding principle for the project was creating the best possible boot from aesthetic, materials, and construction standpoints.

The pattern was designed by a fifth-generation Hungarian bootmaker, contributing to the boot's European character. The team developed a custom MM1925 last specifically for the model, featuring a relatively wide forefoot while maintaining a sleeker, lower profile compared to Nicks' standard work boot lasts.

The 1925 uses stitchdown construction with a close-trim single row featuring approximately 30 percent higher stitches per inch than comparable Nicks work boots. This exceptionally high stitch density on the stitchdown welt distinguishes the boot's construction quality. The boots spend three days on the last during manufacturing, compared to one day for standard Nicks boots, allowing the glue, stitching, and leather to settle properly and minimize wrinkling or warping over time.

Italian heel stacks incorporate a three-eighths inch brass plate meticulously fitted mid-stack, serving as one of the boot's most distinctive features. JR leather outsoles are affixed with brass nails, while JR leather midsoles and a solid steel shank provide structural support. The boot features a two-piece heel counter with a slimmed design and leather toe puffs, both made from JR leather.

Seven small eyelets are standard, with an optional rolled top available. The smaller eyelet size compared to work boot models contributes to the dress boot aesthetic. Every component on the 1925 is unique to the model, from the brass hardware to the custom last.

The 1925 offers three primary leather categories. Four shades of vegetable-tanned Double Stuff leather from Wickett & Craig, a Pennsylvania tannery founded in 1867, serve as the base options. Four calfskin varieties from Gallun, a revived Wisconsin tannery, provide premium alternatives. Horween Bourbon shell cordovan represents the top-tier leather choice.

All boots feature full calfskin lining for interior comfort and finish. JR brand leather, sourced from JR Leather Company in Germany, provides all structural components including insoles, midsoles, heels, leather toe puffs, and outsoles. One whole hide is used for each pair of boots to ensure quality consistency throughout, in contrast to competitors who typically produce five to six boots per hide.

Multiple additional finishing steps achieve superior surface quality and enhanced shine from the factory, distinguishing the 1925 from standard production boots.

The custom MM1925 last features a relatively wide forefoot while maintaining a sleeker, lower-profile design compared to Nicks' standard work boot lasts. Sizing reportedly aligns with standard Nicks lasts for customers familiar with the brand's fit. The three-day lasting process allows the leather to conform more precisely to the last shape, contributing to better long-term fit and reduced break-in issues.

Nicks manufactures approximately 20 pairs of the 1925 monthly, with production limited to experienced bootmakers within the facility. The eight-week production timeline reflects the intensive hand-finishing and extended lasting process. Orders follow a first-come, first-served monthly release schedule, with buyers receiving a dedicated advisor throughout ordering, leather selection, customization options, and build progress updates.

Pricing starts at $1,200 for standard Wickett & Craig vegetable-tanned leather options. Gallun calfskin upgrades add $300, bringing the price to $1,500. Shell cordovan models cost approximately $2,000, reflecting the $800 leather upgrade over the base price. The make-to-order model includes individual sizing consultations to ensure proper fit.