5-Year Viberg Service Boots Review | Are They Worth $860?

[@djswany85]

The factory is in Victoria, British Columbia, the third most expensive city in one of the most expensive countries in the world. So yeah, labour is a huge factor.

[@Matt-mh5us]

Yep I live right around the corner from Viberg, I can’t afford any of their boots. I do buy their off cut leather to make wallets out of but that’s about as close as I’ll get.

[@FadeAway3s]

Parkhurst should get a mention as an alternative! Half the price of Viberg with leather insole and midsole, great QA, finishing, and customer service from my experience.

[@Stridewise]

excellent addition! i've been trying to get a new pair of those stitchdown parkhursts but to no avail, I'll tell Andrew that I'll put em in a vibergs alternative video maybe that'll make him send them haha

[@scott88]

I own three pair of Parkhurst boots. One of my favorite boot makers. Great customer service great boots.

[@edgarjauregui6238]

I too nominate Parkhurst. Great build, qc, looks, and very comfortable last (602M). I need to get my hands on a stitchdown model.

[@liljuanito123]

@@FadeAway3s Parkhurst 602M for the win

[@bladerealm124]

Parkhurst are my favorite boot. 602/602M last is perfect. 618 last fits me slightly less perfect but still better than Grant Stone and other boots. The way the tapered heel locks my foot in straight out of the box eliminates any potential heel slip. They use some of my favorite leathers like kudu, moose, rambler, etc. My most recent pair is some oak rambler I picked off on ebay and they have become my every day boot this fall.

[@drzaius844]

Worth it? Yes, if you have experience with White’s, Grant Stone, Alden, Redwing, Carmina, Parkhurst - Viberg stands alone. I have a pair of service boots on 2020 in English Tan Cypress, a Division Road makeup from 8 months ago.. Viberg last options, arch support, build quality, material quality, durability, and aesthetics are unfortunately unmatched. I wouldn’t pay that much for CXL but for a more exotic leather, no question.

[@kingofthenoobs]

Last options: Alden is easily the best. None of the common Viberg lasts (2030, 2040, 1035, 310) are that great for wide feet and their EE width releases are very rare. Arch support: Don't think they stand out here. If you need arch support go PNW. The other categories I agree with for the most part. Aesthetics has been real hit and miss lately with more misses. 9 eyelets on waxy commander is a no from me dawg.

[@M1_u]

Finally another Viberg video!

[@Stridewise]

i legit feel my whole channel has been leading to this video

[@Bfettrules]

Viberg to me just has the X factor. My favorite boots are Viberg. I own boots from other brands like oak street and RRL. While I like them and they fit great, Viberg is just on a whole ‘nother level in terms of comfort. I just recently attended bootcamp in Brooklyn and purchased some custom shell boots from Role club since Brian the bookmaker was there to personally measure my feet. I’m hoping his boots are as good as Viberg. The last of the service boot is just so great. I have a fat foot yet for some reason their 2030 last fits me like a glove. Their back stay is mad strong. I have oak street field boots and the top of boot is so thin and back spine is flimsy. But so with any of my Vibergs.

[@88sstraight]

I had a pair of Vibergs that I bought and then sold about 10 years ago. Awesome boots but I lied to myself that the 2030 last worked for my feet. Nope, I needed something more along the Munson line. Years later I discovered the Moorby line from Canada West. Obviously not the same quality but they are great and fit me well. Thanks Nick!

[@drzaius844]

@@88sstraight 2020 is your friend, if you like Munson.

[@88sstraight]

@@drzaius844 According to Viberg themselves the 2040 is the closest thing to a Munson.

[@billystpaul8907]

Congrats on 100,000 subscribers. Enjoy your channel very much and I always garner a lot of info from your reviews.

[@NogGonnaMakeIt]

I am your same shoe size. I prefer a boot with a toe cap as to not appear elongated with a size 11. I hope you do a sequel review of the truman and unmarked boots.

[@Brajin1]

Viberg does use GOod year welt on some some service models as well. But they are using the OG hold fast style, the welt is stitched directly into the insole vs the gemming used most GYW boot brands. So either way you went a high quality good. Not many brands doing that. It is a plus you can buy viberg a and the essentially ship out. Let’s not sleep on Nicks, built like tanks, cools leathers, lots of lasts, and recently launched a premium line (the lead time is rough). On the Mexican brands, take a look at Christian Daniel boots! I just ordered a pair, reviews by boot-tubers is real good.

[@liamvincent8066]

Something rarely talked about is viberg's use of brass tacks as opposed to steel.

[@franciscomacias4392]

Parkhurst boots are a good alternative to viberg there the ones that look more similar and the quality is on par ..

[@Stridewise]

oh that's a good option too! i'm working on a 'red wing alternatives' video now and I think I might just do a proper viberg alternatives video too now that you've reminded me of a boot I should have included!

[@renangaidheal1320]

There are plenty of alternatives but none of them are quite Viberg in quality or appearance, that's my experience. I think you nailed it with the 'you can dress them up (almost to tailoring) or dress them down (how low you wanna go?) and they look and feel right.' Clicking is better than most others who use the "same" leathers but QC can be...uneven so look carefully when they arrive. Also, I prefer true to size with the 2030 last, much depends on what you prefer.

[@Nodecaf198]

I don’t know the reason but Viberg doesn’t make my knees hurt after a whole day of wearing them. White’s and Nick’s do.

[@Crackers2549]

Nick, I don’t own any Viberg’s and I never will purchase any….. They think Alden is overpriced, lol… Viberg’s prices are off the charts, are you kidding me….. ? 7 eyelets and no speed hooks…? And I’ll guarantee you and I know you know this Nick, there is no way they are as comfortable as an Alden Indy boot….! This’ll “old timer” tried everything, no boot compares when it comes to comfort at least for me… You had a lot to do with that because I bought the first pair because of your information here on KZbin…. For that I thank you Nick…. Greg….P. S. Oh I have 3 pairs now of Indy’s because they are so comfortable!!!

[@olgi2068]

Hi Nick, The combo of the wider jean an the Viberg shown ar 2:41 is excellent! Suits you real good!

[@Stridewise]

Hey, thanks! I’m finally coming around on straight leg / wide leg

[@diablolrm90]

I'm actually deciding between a pair of Viberg 2030 or trying out Iron Boots TCO . Surprisingly, the Iron Boots are going to be 100-200 cheaper than the Vibergs after shipping if I go for a more normal leather like Seidel Doubleshots.

[@scuba_tron5332]

What’s the straight leg denim you’re wearing? Nice to see you branch out from the sharper tapers!

[@Stridewise]

Thanks! It’s been fun, I just order based on thigh measurements these days. These are extra wide though, left field’s smoke stack

[@shortyipper]

I'm happy that they are making work boots again. Though they are not electrically rated with is a bit of a let down. But if they get that CSA rating that would put them on my goals list for getting a red seal.

[@dhanslee]

Thank God I got my 2 Viberg service boots 4 years ago.. They're so expensive now 😧

[@Stridewise]

Is there really that much of a difference between $700 and $860 though, I mean once you're paying more than $500...

[@liljuanito123]

At rivet and hide they used to be 725 and now if you buy from the viberg site it's just about 1k. It's hard to throw down 1k for a pair. Yea 700 is still a lot but it's easier to stomach. Used market is good to find some pairs.

[@dhanslee]

@@Stridewise The difference of $160 a pair is a lot. If I bought 2 pairs of viberg now, that will cost me $320 more + tax than what I have paid 4 years ago for 2 pairs. 😆😆

[@Bfettrules]

Viberg always had an annual sample sale here in NYC. Alas no longer. I was only able to buy Viberg at the discounted prices because I don’t make enough to pay retail. Luckily I’ve obtained several pairs to pretty much last me for life. The sales were great. I spent about $600 for shell boots and here’s the real steal. Only $300 for the CXL service boots. Needless to say I bought 3 pair or service boots (natty, brown, and black) and bourbon shell boots in the 1035 last. Spent $1800 for 4 pairs of Viberg boots. I think one pair of Viberg shell these days is $1800. Point of the story is I lucked out. Viberg still does a sample sale but it’s online. Kinda sucks because it’s final sale whereas the physical sample sale, u could try on the boot for fit and check for any blemishes. Anyway. Great job, Stridewise. Keep up the good work.

[@dhanslee]

@@Bfettrules Yea this is true, my buddy used to buy 3-4 pairs when he went to the sample sale event, and sold it slightly more for profit 😆

[@keithnorman6468]

I’ve never paid full price for a Viberg. They don’t often go on sale, but they do. My last pair I paid $670 for Maryam TPR col 1060 on Ridgeway.

[@JakeSmith-jy1kx]

I would love to get Vibergs, but I have too much experience with sizing issues to pay that much on a purchase over the internet.

[@countryman3460]

Have not been able to progress above the RM Williams myself.. have 4 pairs and most are over 20 years and been resoled a few times one is close to daily use.. Three of the pairs ,the leather looks as good as the day they were bought. I suspect they will see me out.

[@BB-gl7zt]

The reason why to my eye the 2030 looks so good is Viberg gets the proportions just right, in that the heel counter, the quarters and the vamp all make up perfect thirds of the whole boot. Most makers miss this and that's why to me they don't look as harmonious as Viberg's service boot 2030 pattern

[@BB-gl7zt]

Finally! Been waiting for this one!

[@josie2056]

Also if I’m not mistaken Viberg gets the leather tanners tier 1 or 2 at worst. Hence they only choose their best they make for their boots and shoes.

[@JoshuaSlosser]

My vibergs have one boot that is grainy and the other really isn’t. I like them and they definitely work for me for now, but I feel the end all be all would be a pair of bespoke boots like kreosote or an independent shop.

[@cjanquart]

Pull up at 6:50 mark; what no pistol squat? Yeah another boot for the list but don't even have a pair of Iron Rangers yet but a few pair of Beckett Simonon and Thursdays as well as Nicks and Truman's so I'm good for a long time.

[@jimmccoys5778]

I have to say in my extensive boot collection of 30 plus pairs, of great bootmakers, my Vibergs are my favorite! I can’t pinpoint what it is! The shape, the leather or the last! I do not know what it is. They really are different. It is up to you whether or not they are worth the money! Depends on your disposable income

[@AdamJones381]

I didn't think you could convince on this one, I wouldn't buy them myself but I could understand the price. Other than Doc Martens, which boos do you think are overrated?

[@elephantricity]

I have these vibergs.. my first pair of vibergs.. love them so damn much.

[@Stridewise]

the brown or the burgundy?

[@elephantricity]

@@Stridewise colour 8 :)

[@romanarem]

How about a video about your watch collection?

[@skeeter2136]

I bought mine in 2023 during the viberg archive sale. $480 + shipping for a brown cxl 2030 service boot. I think I got a great deal but I would be hesitant to pay $860 for them.

[@Stridewise]

damn that's a good find! love to hear about guys beating retail price

[@Bfettrules]

@@StridewiseViberg used to have sample sales in NYC. Typically would last 3 days Friday-Sunday. As the sale progressed, the prices would go down. If u were lucky, u would find a steal on Sunday. Got one pair of shell boots and 2 pair of shell derbies over the years. Each for $600. Got cxl and various other leather service boots for around $300.

[@mikekirby2085]

I definitely dont begrudge anyone who buys them because they do seem like nice boots, but theres a degree of the brand saying ‘well we are premium-er so we charge more’. Not answering about if its hand or machine is a bit sketch just because i don’t see that swaying peoples opinions one way or the other.

[@AdamJones381]

I think this point was explained in the 8th reason, it kinda feels like you are buying into a club.

[@MrJoseMaria15]

Hello bro quick question which cream or Balm do u recommend to take care of crazy horse leather ?

[@Blueguci]

One thing I noticed about Vibergs is how slim the waist is compared to say Grant stone or Truman (both of which I really like) it’s more like a dress shoe. That probably doesn’t count for much with most boot guys but it makes for a very comfortable boot. Also you can get them a lot cheaper if you ever get to their shop in British Columbia, I haven’t been there but I have a friend who lives there

[@liljuanito123]

Waited 5 years for this

[@Stridewise]

i swear i'm on the verge of tears posting this, it's like the most important boot in the niche! of the over-$400 niche anyway! took all my powers to bring this together

[@sunnyrachelsson3169]

Im glad i live in Victoria I've gotten 2 pairs that are pretty much brand new for a total of 750$ canadian

[@Matt-mh5us]

How? I live here too. I have EEE feet, they never have deals on my hobbit feet sized boots.

[@sunnyrachelsson3169]

@Matt-mh5us i found them on marketplace pretty much brand new for less than 400$ per pair

[@MemphisCorollaS]

On a scale of 1 to public mental breakdown, how much do you think that boot people will lose their minds at the new Thursday black label collection with PNW stitchdown quality for Red Wing Iron Ranger price?

[@wheelsupbardown]

I made the mistake of buying Thursdays once. Never again.

[@brunobalducci1781]

I wear iron ranger in US 8EE and John Lofgren size 8, which size viberg 2030/1035 should I get UK size 7.5 or 8?

[@PurposefullyProcured]

Some are gusseted and some have speed hooks.

[@Uncle.Max009]

I hope you'll feature new line of Thursday boots 🥾 especially with the black label line.

[@hemantishwaran5741]

Is it still the Apex? I’ve “heard” that the quality has decreased just as many other companies

[@Stridewise]

sure, people say that, it just still remains that peak combination of price, quality, availability. ***IF*** you're someone who values the kind of elements viberg provides!

[@kingofthenoobs]

For ready to wear boots some Japanese brands can match or exceed the quality depending on what you're looking for, but they are harder to get and don't have the same volume output.

[@booleann___]

I wish the 2030 last wasn't so narrow :(. I think I am cursed to never own a pair of vibergs.

[@AdamBrinson]

I'd suggest the Parkhurst stitchdown line as a good alternative. Low $400s for the most part.

[@AdamBrinson]

nevermind, I should've scrolled down. There's at least two folks who mentioned Parkhurst before I did! :)

[@Stridewise]

@@AdamBrinson haha guess i should pin a comment! i'll film a proper 'alternatives' video i think so i can include them

[@harrybrown7680]

Unfortunately Viberg Boots look a bit short🤔

[@Bluerig-qf2xc]

Didnt know Vibergs weren't even made in the US.

[@sundayscaries11]

Grant Stone makes a boot that cannot be beat for my money. An ideal last for my foot shape, outstanding build quality, and very striking aesthetically.

[@CatalystOfFire]

Heeled boots are like a push up bra for your spine.

[@beerbreath27]

Value is my issue. I've had Thursday (meh) and I just get so much for double (~$400USD) that I just can't get past another doubling of price. Even though they look incredibly well made.

[@zach1978]

I’ll never buy another Viberg at retail for these prices. They’ve lost their minds

[@certainstrength]

I personally find viberg akin to common projects. For someone as persnickety as me, it’s the only thing that scratches the itch. I wish viberg put out more boots in the 1035 last

[@dhruvd8953]

Doing pull ups whilst being dressed to perfection with a pair of vibergs, that’s impressively sexy.

[@bernardrr]

The reason you "size down" is because Canada uses UK sizes. Just order your usual UK size.

[@american_psycho1147]

I can't justify these boots when Whites MP boot is better in every way and cheaper (but also overpriced and rising)

[@kevinorr6880]

No. $870 for a pair of boots is crazy.

[@arindambasu9850]

Ridiculously overpriced boots. Grant Stone and Parkhurst give me the same or better quality at half the price.

[@tom23245]

Objectively? Definitely not unless you're wealthy.

[@Stridewise]

"it costs that much to make" isn't the same as "you should feel comfortable paying that much"

[@spenserkent]

Vibergs qc has been garbage lately. It's not worth the price anymore unless you buy cxl, which is only really worth it if you hate that wrinkled grain break.

[@eddharbin3966]

Give me my Oak Street trench boot in Maryam Natural reverse horsebutt all day long . And my Trumans in waxed flesh ( made in Pennsylvania) are hand stitchdown first runs so they are easily as well made .

[@Stridewise]

i do love the nice wide toe on oak street!

[@Bfettrules]

@@eddharbin3966 I have oak streets to “kick around”. For some reason, I feel the back stay on oak streets are too flimsy. Don’t get me wrong, they’re awesome boots. I have quite a few pair of oak streets but I do prefer Viberg by a margin. Oak street oxfords are amazing. It’s like wearing boots without wearing boots.

[@mrpoizun]

Well, no boots are worth $800. But even less worth it is having to deal with Viberg to even get the boots. They don't care, at that price, whether one particular customer gets a pair or not. Impossible to work with.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Viberg is basically a glorified “Red Wing” type of boot from Canada.

[@waterfordrs22]

I like Red Wing, they are a good value, plenty of boot or shoe for most anyone. My Viberg are on a completely other level. Far more refined, more comfortable. There are several options between Red Wing and Viberg that find a great balance between quality and cost.

[@salsa83]

Rather get Nick's at a cheaper price, or Japanese boots for the price of Viberg.

[@williamkelly1519]

No. No. Hell no.