The Niagara

The Niagara utilizes traditional Goodyear welted construction, the same process used to make high-quality footwear since the mid-1800s. The construction includes a split reverse welt style that provides water resistance, with the welt sewn through the uppers underneath the insole using waxed thread. The boot features natural cork filling in the welt channel for comfort and insulation.

Hardware consists of five brass eyelets and three brass speedhooks for secure lacing. The construction incorporates both waxed round and flat laces, with the toebox lined while quarters remain unlined to enhance breathability. The build focuses on natural breathability and shock absorption through leather components rather than synthetic materials.

Upper leather options for the Niagara include full grain Spanish vegetable tanned leather with black dye and wax treatment, providing durability and weather resistance. Additional leather choices feature waxy commander article from Charles F. Stead tannery, which combines shrunken fiber construction with heavy wax application for enhanced performance in wet conditions. Some models use weathered henna and natural vegetable re-tan leather options.

The insole and midsole are constructed from vegetable tanned leather, while the sole and heel utilize rubber construction for traction and durability. The moc-toe design provides a casual aesthetic suitable for heritage footwear enthusiasts seeking traditional construction with contemporary styling.

The Niagara is built on Parkhurst's 602M last, which provides a roomy fit with natural instep contour. The last features slight extra room in the toe region compared to traditional D width lasts, accommodating various foot shapes comfortably.

Sizing recommendations typically suggest going down 0.5 to 1 full size from typical sneaker sizing. For Brannock device measurements, customers with D width feet should size down half a size, while those with narrower feet may need to size down a full size. Wide width customers should take their normal wide width numerical size for E and EE widths, though EEE widths will not accommodate properly.

The roomy design allows for natural foot movement while maintaining the structured support expected from Goodyear welted heritage boots. The last design balances comfort with the traditional aesthetic preferred by heritage footwear collectors.