Review of the Viberg 2030 Service Boot in Husk Oiled Culatta Steerhide

My first Viberg Service Boot - and I’m impressed! The Charles F Stead Oiled Culatta steer leather is super firm and hardy, and I love the overall design of the iconic service boot.
Viberg Service Boot Website bit.ly/3pGaxTn
Buy Flint & Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket bit.ly/45MbDAQ
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:32 The Viberg Service Boot
04:40 Styling the Viberg Service Boot
06:08 Viberg
07:59 Construction
15:22 Leathercare
17:15 Size, Fit, Comfort
21:26 Value
24:11 Summary
Who Am I?
I am a Management Consultant in real life but in my Bootlosophy channel, I make videos about boots and all things boot related. This channel posts reviews of boots, unboxing of new boots, and follow-up reviews, and in doing so, may explore the philosophy of the brands and makers as well as the collectors!
In this channel, I will give information found in my research about the brand, the construction, and the materials, but I will express my personal opinions about how I feel about the boots reviewed.
Full Disclosure
If any video is sponsored, I will declare it clearly in the video and in the description. Even if a video is sponsored, I will review the product openly and honestly giving you my personal opinion, warts and all, of the product.
The following links (and any links I place above) to products I regularly use may be affiliate links - buying from any affiliate links will not cost you any more, but I may receive a small payment from the platform.
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[@telemarktumalo6978]

There are so many reasons that Viberg boots have such a great reputation. I am fortunate to own two pairs of their Service Boots. They are truly boots that will last a lifetime and are worthy of the care that they deserve. Enjoy those gorgeous boots, Teik!

[@zackz1260]

they’re amazing 5-600 dollar boots for 800+ 😂

[@telemarktumalo6978]

@@zackz1260 They are indeed spendy. Certainly, the competition for quality boots is there, but not many quite compare head to head with Viberg. Certainly some that I have not tried. Viberg's leather selection is the best that I have seen. Stitch quality and construction are excellent. Given the high costs of labor in North America, I'm not sure that anyone can produce an equivalent boot for less money. While I applaud Grant Stone's quality of workmanship and materials, I would dare say that if their production was moved to the USA or Canada, their prices would be similar to Viberg.

[@DalesLeatherworks]

Love this!! Really appreciate your sizing perspectives, And love that jacket too!

[@Bootlosophy]

Thanks mate 🙏

[@stephenbaron5681]

I just bought a pair of Viberg Brown ChromeXL used (new) maybe worn once for $400 US and I and Ecstatic! They have larger shoe lace eyelets so a leather lace fits fine. My second boot after my Thursday Captain’s which I love and use on my classic Norton Commando.

[@zackz1260]

now that’s an acceptable price, these 880 dollar prices they’re charging are criminal

[@williambrownlee9684]

Love your channel. In my humble opinion Viberg’s are the best service boots money can buy.

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you! I really think Vibergs are amazing too, but I’m still 50/50 about the price:value ratio

[@EdAb]

@@Bootlosophy The more you abuse them, the better value they become.

[@mooseko467]

Great Boots, loving your show, especially as you're an Aussie :-) (Melbourne here). I picked up a pair of 2030 last service boots today from the UPTHERE store sale.. $625aud.. half price and a bargain.. my second pair now.. first being in HorseButt. Love these show immensely. Cheers. Moose.

[@Bootlosophy]

That was an incredible pickup! Well done!

[@joeybaldarelli6620]

Thanks! Tek one of the best in the business!

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you so much!

[@jj4483love]

The 2030 looks good from every angle. Brett Viberg is a true artist. It's the most balanced patturn in the world imo

[@Bootlosophy]

Well, enough for me to want to get another one 🤣🤣🤣

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

Well, after watching your videos numerous times I took the plunge and just received my first pair of Viberg's 2030 Service Boots. They're beautiful. The quality of construction is amazing. I'm really happy with my choice of leather. I didn't want the traditional browns or black and my choice of C.F. Stead fully anilined calfskin in Winter Smoke fits right in the middle. In terms of fit I went one full size down from my U.S. Brannock 11 D and ordered Viberg's 10 E (D wasn't available in this particular model). it's a "firm handshake." Took a quick walk for about a mile and experienced no hot spots other than slightly on top of my left big toe. Length is good, I can wiggle my toes. My heels fit snugly with no slippage and the balls of my feet align with where the boots flex. I see what you mean about fumbling with the eyelets at the top, although I think all eyelets is a sleeker look. My pair did not come with the famous blue Viberg box, just the bags wrapped in plastic and no complimentary shoe cream. Do you know what the white material is up front in the toe box area? Again, many thanks for all of your guidance!

[@Bootlosophy]

Glad you liked it but how come no box or VSC? We’re they discounts? Not sure what white material you mean though, the lining? They should be leather.

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

@@Bootlosophy No discount at $880 plus $45 shipping. Can I send a picture of the white lining I mentioned?

[@1k1ngst0n]

size fit and comfort are huge with this boot cause it's so expensive and we can't try it on. thank you for the review. Width is huge too

[@jordanmcmanus1151]

Great video as always Sir! I particularly enjoy seeing the still photos of you wearing the boot with all manors of outfits. I find this particularly useful in visualizing how a particular color, leather, or style of boot might pair with my wardrobe. Keep up the great work!

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you

[@garysprague2009]

Awesome review

[@drhientran]

What do think of viberg 2040 last?

[@Bootlosophy]

Haven’t tried it

[@AdamBrinson]

Thank you so much for the sizing explanation! I never could get a clear answer whether to size down from brannock or from your "classic" US boot size, which is not usually true to size. So now I know thanks to you :) I really would love some Vibergs but that price is a big hurdle for me when compared to Grant Stone and Trumans

[@EdAb]

I agree with everything you've said! I have a pair of cap toe Service Boots, in Saddle tan Chromepak and I find the build and stitch quality to be spectacular! Just over a month ago, I went hiking through a quarter section of wheat field stubble, and then trudged through a forest of deadfall. By the time I was done, my boots looked like they had come off of Indiana Jones, after he had been dragged under a truck and fought off Nazis. The boots were overwhelmed with broad scrapes, small scratches and just generally looked abused. After about ten minutes of brushing and the tiniest amount of shoe cream, they looked better than new. I wish I could post the before and after pictures here... Simply amazing! I do wish however, they fit me a little better. After trying on about 10 different pairs of boots at the Viberg warehouse in Victoria, I settled on a 10.5 EE... I should have bought at least an 11EE. God bless the Viberg staff, they really tried, but figuring out the sizing for these boots can be a challenge. Cheers

[@wrenside]

thanks for sharing about fit. love the boot reviews by enthusiasts on youtube but fit can be a wild west show especially across many brands as well as within just one brand! when people ask why Red Wings are my favorite, it's because they have this thing called Stores. 😉

[@Bootlosophy]

@@wrenside Haha, good point! Imagine living on the other side of the world where postal returns are...well...non-existent.

[@kso808]

Interesting point about the space between the two rows of lace eyelets. Never knew that formal boots have less width than casual boots. I happen to like the more widely-spaced rows, like the ones in this video. Very nice boots!

[@juancampos1164]

Good point, likely due to a “bespoke” boot/shoe made perfectly rather than following a general last. Anyway if the rows are ‘very’ separated, the boot/shoe is to small in internal height (meaning not length or width)

[@tony_r_pierce]

I've been looking forward to your review of these since the video where you unboxed and first discussed them. This is an indication that the higher price for Viberg is justified in terms of the materials, craftsmanship, style, and fit -- all the bases it seems to me. It's of course for the individual to decide if they might want to buy a pair of these or four pairs of Thursday boots, or two pairs of Grant Stones, etc. This review provides enough objective data for those types of decisions, very well done. Like you, my wife also has favorites among my boots, haha. And some of us know how important that can be!

[@zackz1260]

they’re over priced by about 3-400 dollars, oak street, grant stone, help even parkhurst all make the exact same product for 4-500.

[@DMorgan77]

Great review as always, Teik. They're a little more pricey than I'm comfortable paying, but enjoy learning about all brands.

[@greenyankee]

I got some Grant Stone Diesels in the mail yesterday and it's justice no contest compares to the Vibergs I tried on a day earlier. The leather quality and finishing is just SO MUCH better on Vibergs, and the 2040 last fits me so well. I also like how the 2040 tries to look like a boot, whereas the Diesel (and maybe these 2030s too) seem to look like a high top dress shoe. Think I have to take the $800 USD plunge on Viberg when culatta 2040s come back in stock!

[@Booksandboots]

This is the exact boot I’ve been asking my family as for my birthday coming up next month, with luck they’ll get it for me and if not I’ll get it myself great review teik

[@BB-gl7zt]

Like you, I've caught the Vi-bug! Recently bought a pair of Dublin Service Boots and I'm already planning my next pair! 😊

[@CsawBoots]

I suggest you try the 2040 for your next Viberg. Based on the fit notes from all of your reviews, I believe you would really enjoy the combination 2040 last. 👍

[@Bootlosophy]

I’ll give the 2040 a try……after I’ve saved enough money for another dive into Viberg 😁

[@joco2222]

managed to grab a pair of viberg wholecut boots in cf stead janus fog for $627 aud on a recent deadstock marrkt sale. amazing shoes!

[@lgroves336]

I was looking at buying a pair of these from Canada. Kinda cheesy that they do not allow you to return for credit if you do not like them. To buy online a pair of shoes you have never seen in person and not be allowed to return for credit is wrong. Especially at this price point. You can do free exchanges or get a store credit toward something else. I will have to think this over before committing. Nicks and White's allow returns for CREDIT. Thanks for your videos !

[@johnhensley6077]

Wonderful review as usual and really great info! I enjoy your reviews and unboxings and I always learn something from them. Keep it up sir!

[@stefchollet]

thank you for sharing

[@alexperez3651]

Boots look great and I been yearning for some Vibergs for a while. But, I can’t seem to come around to the ridgeway sole. Just think it looks odd. Looks fine til you actually see it from the bottom. Regardless, another great review Tek. Always enjoy your thorough and organized way of showing off your collection

[@Bootlosophy]

Odd looking as they are, they're really comfy! And they do come in Dainite 😁

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I own a couple of Vibergs, both bought at close to half price in one of the sample style sales. Though I like them, for my large size they are very heavy. Also, the Viberg size 12 is a little short for my feet and the Viberg size 13 is too long and wide and though I can tolerate sloppy sizing on some boots I'm not prepared to do so at Viberg normal prices. I find Viberg last a little short for UK sizes (all Viberg lasts are the same length) as I'm pretty much UK size 12 or smaller in every boot I own but really need a 12.5 in Viberg. Regarding the leather, I have a pair of Cheaney Tweed boots that use this CF Stead leather but haven't given them much use so far. They have a Vibram Vi-lite sole which has rapidly become one of my favourite soles for casual boots.

[@usmnt4423]

Very interesting review, I didn’t know much detail about Viberg. Still, they are just way too expensive to really consider for me.

[@liljuanito123]

I know that there have some changes from the old viberg to the present (pattern, heel shelf, spi..ect), but despite those changes I still prefer viberg over other brands as their silhouette, fit and leather selections are above the competitors. Sometimes when you find something that fits well and works price is not an issue. Yes please bring back the heel shelf and there's too much Ridgeway use recently. I do think they are worth the price to me as you cannot find a similar boot at this level of construction, last shape, attention to detail and leather releases. You do have to be quick when the drops happen so be prepared.

[@airyeric]

I really like the lack of a shelf

[@mattblair2224]

Nice review mate, thanks for sharing.

[@MrStreetninja007]

Been considering getting me a pair of vibergs love hearing about this and the history

[@MrStreetninja007]

@@JC-kv1vn oh ya still here in all its glory

[@jmceachern36]

Thanks for the review!

[@billybob7088]

I really want a pair of these. Whites MP first though.

[@jlb8809]

Wow! Great review!

[@xxflamezxx1able]

Absolutely love all your reviews. Thank to you, I just put in an order for a pair of White MP boots in British Tan Cxl. Any plans on getting any engineers? Engineers seem to be having a sort of renaissance right now in the boot community.

[@Bootlosophy]

Engineers not my style but never say never

[@xxflamezxx1able]

@@Bootlosophy I said the same thing but then I went to Standard and Strange and the staff there were wearing engineers and they looked awesome.

[@zackz1260]

if you like over paying for quality boots, these are amazing

[@thatsAkeepernow]

among all my boots berg has the best clicking, I can tell they wasted a lot of leather to achieve that.

[@jgreenstorm12]

I have these boots in the Grey Oiled Culatta. Having a lot of trouble figuring out what products to use when cleaning, conditioning and shining up these boots. Any help? Thank you.

[@Bootlosophy]

I used VSC on these.

[@krystjanchanerley9288]

Do these boots come with shoe trees ?

[@Bootlosophy]

No boots come with shoe trees generally

[@minnesota-hk1vp]

Awesome

[@airyeric]

If you're considering their black chromexcel, it's struck through

[@Bootlosophy]

Good to know!

[@Doodleman2020]

I have a hard time with the price of Viberg. I live in Canada and it is still infinitely cheaper for me to buy Whites or Nicks.

[@wrenside]

the opposite seasons thing always generates a good bit of cognitive dissonance. and love hearing more about Viburg's, a boot def on my radar. thanks as always.

[@greenyankee]

Teik, is the Culatta leather less prone to creasing than other Viberg leathers, such as the Phoenix? I'm considering getting some 2040s in Phoenix from my local retailer, but amazing thinking I may wait for Viberg's late September drop in hope of some Culattas if they wear better. The retailer near me suggests that Culatta behaves somewhat similarly to shell cordovan in an old listing of theirs, which is why I wonder...

[@Bootlosophy]

I’m finding the Culatta much firmer and with very fine, crystalline creasing. I have no experience of Phoenix.

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

Excellent review! I'm new to the Heritage boot world and have got my eye on a pair of Viberg Service Boots. From my research, I think the 2030 last is for me, but a little nervous about such an investment without a personal fitting. How confident are you in Viberg's fitting app? Thanks!

[@Bootlosophy]

I just went with my UK Brannock size.

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

@@Bootlosophy Have you had any experience with Viberg's C.F. Stead Waxy Commander (UK) leather on their Service Boot 2030 BCT - Black Waxy Commander model? And what do you think of the wear-and-tear factor on metal-free eyelets? Thanks!

[@Bootlosophy]

@@MichaelE.Douroux I’ve not had waxy commander from Viberg, but have on many other brands. Stead’s waxed suede is excellent for wear. If you like the nappy showing as patina, get snuff or tobacco waxy commander because when the wax wears, the colour shows through, and very quickly too. I’m not a fan of metal free eyelets, but sometimes what are called “blind eyelets” are metal, just not showing on the outside.

[@MichaelE.Douroux]

@@Bootlosophy Thanks!

[@user-vb2je4vb9i]

老头子很有型啊，不错

[@dimains6011]

I really enjoy the design of this boot but can't justify it on my budget. That's okay, though. Can't have everything! 😂

[@TestMeatDollSteak]

1st view, 1st like, 1st comment

[@laxus8172]

So would you say if a whites mp fits me perfectly in an 8D, a Viberg 7.5E would be the best size? I just bought the last 7.5 of the Comipel Brown Horsebutt, so I hope I made the right choice.

[@Bootlosophy]

I would have said 7.5D

[@laxus8172]

@@Bootlosophy Thanks for the reply! yeah I’m hoping for close enough. 2030 only comes in E width. I don’t think the extra room on sides will be issue so long as the length isn’t too short.

[@Bootlosophy]

@@laxus8172 yeah sorry, I forgot they only come in E. You should be ok

[@EnlightenedDeepSoutherner]

Teik, are these boots really $300+ better than Grant Stone's comparable boot(s)? I have no doubt Vibergs are fine boots -- they're not a straight-up ripoff like Alden or Allen Edmonds -- but I just don't think they're worth that much money. These are $600 boots. I'd be proud to buy some at that price.

[@drzaius844]

Lol

[@Bootlosophy]

I think there are a number of things that make me think they’re worth the money, comparison or not. You’d have to recognise GS start with a lower cost base, but leave that to one side and focus on Viberg as a business based in a higher cost Country. They have a substantial leather base forming the arch support, very close to American PNW boots. It’s stitchdown, a lot more difficult to finish than GYW. The finish (look at the close double stitchdown stitch) is incredible. The clicking is second to none - they threw away a lot of leather to get pieces that good. GS has shipped some boots with loose grain. I love my GS and their quality is excellent, but that doesn’t mean Vibergs aren’t good too, at their cost and extra finishing.

[@EdAb]

Quality is often subjective. I happen to think that Viberg is 2nd to none and worth the price... but that's just me. What truly sold me on buying a $1000.00 pair of boots was the fact that they are Canadian. I'm Canadian and was able to go to their facility and get one on one attention. Viberg's workers get paid good, western wages and a portion of their profit doesn't go to the Chinese Communist Party. Now having said that, we do have a tax crazed, communist totalitarian running our country, and British Columbia does has a socialist government... but there's hope we can change that.

[@liljuanito123]

​@@EdAb amen! You know what's up

[@defenstrator4660]

I like the boot review. The blood and soil stuff not so much. Leave that in the past.

[@Bootlosophy]

You’ve not been to Australia then? Google “Acknowledgement of Country in Australia” and educate yourself.

[@defenstrator4660]

No, we have that same blood and soil stuff here in Canada. One group of people has a special tie to the land and everyone else who immigrated doesn't. You would think people would learn from history.@@Bootlosophy

[@krystjanchanerley9288]

Very pricey

[@sursorn5575]

But worth it ..

[@bonecollector1968]

Best service boots..but terribly overpriced