Comstock

The Comstock embodies Nicks' philosophy that heritage footwear should be "built as durable as a boot" while maintaining the refined aesthetic that contemporary wearers demand. This approach reflects over six decades of construction expertise, where traditional handcrafted techniques meet modern design sensibilities.

Built on the same last and heel height as the popular Falcon boot, the Comstock offers familiar fit characteristics for existing Nicks customers while introducing newcomers to the brand's construction quality in a more accessible format.

Every Comstock is crafted from thick, 6.5-ounce USA-tanned leather, providing the substantial feel and durability that distinguishes heritage footwear from mass-produced alternatives. The antique brass hardware adds authentic period detailing while the classic rounded toe design ensures timeless appeal that transcends seasonal fashion trends.

The construction philosophy extends far beyond surface materials. The insole and midsole are entirely constructed from oak-tanned leather, known for its sturdiness, support, and ability to become more comfortable during the break-in process. This approach means that aside from the Vibram boot sole and brass hardware, the Comstock is entirely leather construction—a rarity in contemporary footwear manufacturing.

Nicks employs a sophisticated combination of Blake stitch and stitch-down construction for the Comstock. The Blake stitch secures the vamp liner to the insole, while the stitch-down method ties the vamp welt to the outsole. This dual-construction approach locks all layers together, preventing the upper portion from separating from the outsole and ensuring structural integrity throughout years of use.

Each Comstock is lasted by hand and hand-bottomed using traditional techniques that have remained unchanged since Nicks' founding in 1964. Every pair is pulled by hand around the last using lasting pliers, with nearly 100 nails driven in by hammer during the construction process. This labor-intensive approach ensures precision fitting and durability compared to machine-lasted alternatives.

The Comstock addresses individual fit requirements through multiple Last options, each offering distinct arch support and toe shape characteristics:

This extensive customization capability allows wearers to select the precise combination of arch support and toe shape that best accommodates their foot anatomy and comfort preferences.

The Comstock follows Nicks' traditional sizing approach, running approximately half a size larger than typical athletic shoes. This reflects the brand's heritage in work boot manufacturing, where proper fit accounts for the substantial leather construction and the natural settling that occurs during break-in.

For optimal fit, Nicks recommends selecting a half size smaller than your normal athletic shoe size. For example, if you typically wear a size 12D in mass-produced footwear, an 11.5D in the Comstock would provide the appropriate fit. The moderate arch will settle slightly as the oak-tanned leather midsole conforms to your foot during the break-in period.

The Comstock's rebuildable and resole-able construction reflects Nicks' commitment to creating footwear meant to last a lifetime of regular use. This isn't merely marketing rhetoric—the company backs this claim with their willingness to resole and rebuild shoes upon request for a reasonable fee.

This approach to construction represents a fundamental departure from contemporary footwear manufacturing, where planned obsolescence often drives design decisions. Instead, Nicks has created a shoe that can be professionally maintained and rebuilt, making the initial investment in quality construction economically sound over the long term.

At $529 for the base model, the Comstock positions itself as a premium heritage oxford that delivers genuine substance behind its classic styling. The price reflects the labor-intensive construction methods, premium materials, and the comprehensive customization options that distinguish handcrafted footwear from mass-produced alternatives.

For those seeking a heritage oxford that combines authentic construction methods with proven durability, the Comstock represents Nicks' successful evolution from purely work-focused applications to heritage footwear that maintains their uncompromising standards for quality and longevity.

The Comstock demonstrates that the same techniques capable of creating boots for loggers, firefighters, and construction workers can be applied to refined footwear suitable for professional and casual environments.