White's vs Viberg: The Best Service Boot, with

Team Viberg? viberg.com/collections/servic...
Team White's? shop.whitesboots.com/lifestyl...
Full article by Christian Kim: stridewise.com/whites-vs-vibe...
Thanks to ‪@TrentonHeath‬ for taking the time to film this video! See more from this trip:
- How to Wax Suede • How to Wax Suede (Very...
- Unboxing Vibergs • Unboxing $785 Viberg B...
Other videos we mentioned:
- Trenton & Heath Remodeling White's • WHITE'S BOOTS | Custom...
- My White's Resole with ‪@BedosLeatherworksLLC‬ • FULL RESOLE: Fixing Sq...
00:00 Intro
01:00 First Impressions
04:09 Leather
07:55 Soles
09:02 Construction
12:22 Price
#whitesboots #mensboots

[@anthonyh9481]

I love the whites service boots. I like that hardier work boot DNA shining through over a more purely fashion boot.

[@Stridewise]

Yes, it's funny how it's a casual boot but it still clearly grew from work boots!

[@AA-dq5uo]

Nick learn to stfu while guests talk and let them talk more?!

[@danitch6848]

Whites is made in a hand-welted Norwegian design. White calls it the "hand-stitched stitchdown". Welt serves to protect the Norwegian seam and has a decorative function, just like the "braids" in Italian Norwegian designs. This design provides some objective and subjective benefits: -The most important thing is the "hands", it's cool that someone really sewed your pair with their hands. -The second is flexibility, whites "out of the box" is the most flexible and comfortable stitched shoes I've owned. -Third - cool things that the Norwegian design allows you to do: - lining in the toe without glue, this improves breathability and comfort; - shoes completely without lining, this is the ultimate option for warm weather; - aesthetic benefits - for example a toe cap without overlapping layers at the edge of the sole.

[@AlexanderMason1]

The whites in this video obviously don’t have a Norwegian welt. Also the welt is stitched on by hand but the outsole is stitched on my machine. So “hand” Welted is subjective here. The Vibergs are definitely higher end and have better craftsmanship. They also tend to use higher end leather including some really nice vegetable tanned leather. The cordovan ones will literally last a lifetime.

[@Allen-ey2ym]

Another outstanding video - thank you Trenton and Nick. I always learn something new when I watch either of your channels. Cheers…

[@randynovick7972]

I have both Vibergs (maduro and color 8 shell pairs) and White's (color 8 CXL and color 8 shell Shermans) and I like them both, but I tend to wear the Vibergs when it's business casual and above, and the White's with pretty much anything short of a suit. The worst part of the Vibergs is that the tongue squeaks when I walk, but they look great and clean up nice after a night out. I do not care so much about keeping the White's clean or snazzy... even the shell pair. I think the White's are more comfortable and I attribute that to the small arch they have in the footbed. It's not big enough - I prefer the standard arch in Nick's - but it's enough to fight fatigue when on long walks or when doing chores around the house and yard. I didn't have much option for soles on the White's. I would have preferred commandos or hiking lugs, but dainite is what they had. I don't like dainites. Give me commandos all day. Anyhow, my $.02.

[@Stridewise]

I'd agree actually, I find my White's a bit more comfortable because of the firm arch support! Should have mentioned that.

[@dscrappygolani7981]

What's the point of inviting a guest on the show if you don't give them much of an opportunity to speak 🤷🏾‍♂️?

[@chicagoan6342]

9:45 White's construction is indeed called "hand-sewn stitch down construction" and as far as I know White's is the only company that still offers this type of construction. Other PNW boot makers have moved to simpler stitch down construction.

[@tressil3607]

Great collaboration, I love my Viberg scout boots.

[@StolenAlias]

I think Vibergs are beautiful if not a bit basic. But i hate that they charge $700 for cxl and stitchdown construction.

[@stevenroche9874]

Stitchdown is an inferior method to a Goodyear welted, hand welted, or Blake Rapid construction. I would never pay top dollar for any footwear that is stitchdown method. Nothing I own is made this way.

[@Stridewise]

@@stevenroche9874 Jake at Almost Vintage Style wrote this for my site a little while ago, you might like it! stridewise.com/goodyear-welt-vs-stitchdown/

[@stevenroche9874]

@@Stridewise Thank you, Nick !

[@cali_nerd9122]

I think I would have liked a comparison between Viberg boots and Nicks better. They both have hardcore work boots as well as casual boots. Not knocking on whites, but I feel Nicks and Viberg are more comprable

[@mogroot5790]

@@stevenroche9874 that's good to know.

[@SM-xt5gl]

Viberg made in Victoria on Vancouver Island , not far from downtown Vancouver in a float plane . Bit longer on the ferry . Cheers

[@ericiidx]

I still sometimes shake my head in disbelief that I paid just about full price for a pair of Chromexcel Vibergs, but they're going on 3+ years now, and get better every day. I love stuff like this, it's uncommon in today's world. Many other boots would need to be tossed by now.

[@CaosBoyCathian]

Vibergs will last a decade on CXL with the heaviest use. Cordovan more like life.

[@uncannyfox]

Both boots look amazing, but I think I actually like the White's boots more. They have a more rugged and masculine look to them. The Vibergs seem like more of an "office boot" as where the White's look like they are more for everything else in life. But either way, both boots seem cool!

[@daniellogansa8101]

Agreed, I’d feel weird wearing the whites to my office job though. Also vibergs work better with my custom orthotics. Viberg has a 310 last that looks more classic PNW which I’ve been eyeing.

[@elizabeth_grant]

Good stuff Nick, very good stuff.

[@williamswiger7547]

I own both and they are great boots. I have been collecting boots for quite a few years and will not pay the newer prices from any of the PNW makers. The good news is I have added quite a few Whites, Wesco, Nicks, and a couple pairs of Viberg to the collection. Still have plenty of Red Wings as well. Out of all the lace up boots, I actually like the Whites more for comfort. Pull on boots has to go to the Wesco Mr. Lou engineers. I find the Vibergs to be more of a dress/casual boot than a beat up pair.

[@rossholley5805]

Great video...on construction I also think that Viberg uses cork vice whites using all leather. I'm partial to White's but both are great boot brands.

[@momo-hs5jn]

hey just a recommendation: if you have guests with expertise on the show, give them a little more screentime to share their expertise.

[@dyersnider5406]

Agreed

[@MrBrut1234]

I was going to the comments section, just to mention this…. I would love to have heard what the man has to say. It’s rare to have a guest with his expertise. It’s just ruined when he only gets 10 percent of the talking time. It should have been completely the opposite… You can tell sometimes he wanted to speak, then he gets a change and feels like you will cut him off and seems like he is rushing before you interrupt.

[@dparis2172]

He’s basically used as clickbait.

[@billystpaul8907]

My favorite 2 channels together. Thanks guy's. A nice video and as always very informative.

[@1979augistine]

Oh my yes and yes

[@jimchism6653]

I have been trying to decide which one to get for the past couple of weeks. I was leaning towards the Viberg Color 8 service boot until I saw a pair of Shermans burgandy on Whites closeout page for $520 and pulled the trigger. I'm not sure if they are returns or seconds but the price was right.

[@davidmacy2252]

I really enjoyed the article comparing the two.

[@Stridewise]

Oh I'm glad! I wonder how many people have made it to the end.

[@davidmacy2252]

Haha! It was worth it! Good timing for me because I'm headed to Divison Road in Virginia on October 1st White's will be there to do a collaboration with Divison Road and sizings and a Q&A for customers that Saturday and Sunday

[@pvalentinep12]

Bakers boots offer customized whites in a variety of leathers including ostrich and caiman

[@defenstrator4660]

I like those Whites. But Vibergs are made in my home town of Victoria BC so I’m happy to buy local. On my second pair so far.

[@rafael-rossi]

Great comparison. I hope to be able to afford a Viberg pair one day. Also, gorgeous TS shirt, looks awesome on you.

[@60zeller]

You can afford it now. Give yourself joy. You can spend the same on a nice jacket and much more on a watch. These boots if taken care off will be with you for your lifetime.

[@mikeinajeep]

Victoria bc. Not Vancouver. But close. Vibergs are amazing I have a few pairs.they make actual logging boots as well.

[@joenegrin3667]

VIBURG BOOTS are made in Victoria B.C. on Vancouver Island.

[@osgoodbad]

I'm pretty sure they're still called MP boots, there are just two different variations. The Sherman has the multi-piece counter, the M1 has the single piece counter. My guess? They're named after two famous tanks (the M4 Sherman and the M1 Abrams.)

[@autisticusmaximus9562]

I’m still somewhat new to boot constructions. What’s the difference between multi and single counters?

[@osgoodbad]

@@autisticusmaximus9562 I'm no expert either, but I think it's just a design choice.

[@J_CtheEngineer]

On an unrelated note, I just picked up a pair of Thursday Legend’s with the lug sole based on rose anvil, Trenton and Heath, and your videos. I’m enjoying them a lot so far and plan on treating myself a little down the road, maybe the 350 cruisers? Who knows. But thank you for your content.

[@zbvision]

What type of sole and heel did you get with your 350 cruiser's, Mini Vibram and logger heel? I got the full commando (100 Montagna) on my 350 Cruiser's back in 2019 and I am looking to get them resoled because the boots are so incredibly heavy as a daily driver. It feels like I'm wearing weights and not boots. I am only 5'6, 120lbs so that may have something to do with it. I still love 'em to death though

[@MisterKnightly]

Well. Now I know Viberg is made in Canada... Guess I'm going with them!

[@tristenperez4751]

Are Guidi boots worth the price point?

[@aaronyanez]

You should check out Nick's Boots. They are right down the road from White's in Spokane.

[@Stridewise]

urban logger review just published, video coming! stridewise.com/nicks-urban-logger-boot-review/

[@jerrypomroy2375]

Alright, what shirt is that? I feel like I saw you talk about it in another video but can’t seem to find it.

[@Stridewise]

Oh this shirt is Taylor Stitch's western shirt fave.co/3tGC6xn , it's in this unboxing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/foTVaJ2PZb9jgdU

[@smiley-qb3nt]

What color is the whites mp Sherman boot what kind of brown is that

[@Coleone139]

Whites used that leather strip because it can easily be replaced during a resole. Sometimes more holes might get punched in the upper flange when stitching a new sole. It also helps secure the upper under stress of labor. Pretty simple stuff. Taa-daah 😊

[@EdAb]

Thanks for the video!... Please correct the statement at 0:51. They aren't made in Vancouver, they are made in Victoria. Cheers!

[@Stridewise]

Damn, my bad! Vancouver Island, not Vancouver

[@EdAb]

@@Stridewise Your content is so good, I felt bad mentioning it.

[@televisionblitz]

Just a correction. Viberg's are Made in Victoria British Columbia, not Vancouver British Columbia.

[@stevenroche9874]

On Vancouver Island, B.C.

[@canadiansensei]

Yes, sir; the thank you.

[@thec.tysonsynopsis7280]

Whites offers like 40 different types of leathers on there MTO boots. Shell Cordovan, bullhide, shark leather, elk leather, etc... just go on bakers boots.

[@user-hc5pi5zh5j]

What is the worn in model of vibergs nick has oin the middle of the table?

[@Stridewise]

Just regular brown chromexcel service boot!

[@caseyzaft6734]

What size viberg boot did you get in color 8?!

[@Stridewise]

10.5! Turns out you're meant to go a whole size down in Vibergs lol, I'm doing an updated review soon

[@prospect_joe9813]

unpopular opinion: Dainite soles are trash. A mini-lug or a ridgeway sole (or even eton) is miles better for rubber soled boots.

[@cheddarbuttersworth2441]

Clarification, aren’t Viberg made in Victoria BC rather than Vancouver BC?

[@Stridewise]

vancouver ISLAND BC, messed that up - updating this video soon!

[@chicagoan6342]

This video is misleading about several points, one of them leather choices White's offers. If you order through Baker's Shoes and Clothing you could order any leather from work leather, cxl, horsehide to Bison and even Ostrich leather.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing…plenty of different leathers and outsoles are offered with White’s if you do a custom order through Baker’s.

[@mikesherry8817]

Technically White's doesn't offer those leathers to the public. They make them for Baker's. But I also thought that same thing.

[@liamvincent8066]

Vibergs are made in Victoria not Vancouver

[@Stridewise]

I apologize, it's Vancouver Island not Vancouver

[@wecanjump7512]

Just get an officers boot from Nicks and have them add a toecap. You're welcome

[@ScotianBlooded]

viberg.. its canadian not many well known shoe makers here and they make the best

[@fernandobarrera6440]

I guess ill be the one to salute that guy for doing that pistol squat like a champ.🫡

[@wave2k868]

Like the look of the Viberg Never paying their pricetags.

[@Stridewise]

There are plenty of worn ones on eBay! Search "viberg (your size)" once a week and you'll find something very soon :D ditto Grailed, though they're pricier there

[@ErikWillett]

Are either leather lined?

[@slimydick23]

Lining wears out. Unlined boots last forever. These are unlined.

[@77Matt]

Great comparison. These days, with their Heritage line, Nicks should be included in this comparison.

[@Stridewise]

They're so similar it'd be hard to compare haha, thought it'd be best to compare two boots of similar price points, same region, but different approaches. Nicks vs Whites is a great idea though

[@louisfolgore2879]

If I’m a 12 on brannock, what size should I get in Viberg?

[@Stridewise]

11! not 11.5 like most boots would be for you. this is assuming you're getting the 2030 service boot last

[@louisfolgore2879]

@@StridewiseYes, I was referring to the service boot 2030. I wanted to make sure before I spend that kind of money. Thank you so much for that info!

[@jay-rus4437]

Love boots…..have around a dozen plus pairs. However, i couldnt justify spending that much on a boot. Have 3 pairs of Red Wing work boots, and as a GC prefer mocktoe day to day. Have several more Red Wing boots I wear casually. Also several pairs of Thursday boots, worn casually. So to me its tough to spend more than $300-350 for a boot to work in, and just as tough to spend that much on a boot to simply wear casually. Thursday boots are a great price point for having nice boots to wear on date night with the wife etc. Both Chelsea and Chukka boots are my go to. Those Vibergs look great, but likely wont make it into my collection. Frye may be one I will add soon though. Or some Tecovas Dean zip boot

[@chicagoan6342]

12:09 Viberg's construction is not a sign of more skill! They are using pure machine stitch down construction, that's why per inch stitch density is higher. White's is the hand sewn construction so inconsistency between stitches' width is bound to happen. Plus White's default construction is double row stitching. I know this after owning several pairs of White's. You could request single row stitching but it shouldn't be counted as a con.

[@JimKiralfy]

'Hand sewn construction' refers to the welt stitch, not the outsole stitching discussed in the video. Both Viberg and White's stitch their outsoles by machine: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqini52FlMR1aqM

[@MasterofPlay7]

Why named it stridewise? Should name it Steerwise

[@topwater1651]

I have a pair of whites mp Sherman natural cxl size 8. $300.

[@Stridewise]

Argh those are some excellent boots good work

[@jicalzad]

unless you're a hardcore outdoorsman, i'm not sure why you would buy Vibergs, White's, etc. due to their price points versus going for a mid-tier brand.

[@Stridewise]

Some people just like stuff made with a really high level of skill.

[@jicalzad]

@@Stridewise that's fair. I do own a few luxury/quality items as well, just not footwear (where i generally purchase the mid-tier brands). I subscribe/watch your videos to scratch that itch.

[@MrDuojet]

Viberg should be cheaper given that the Canadian dollar trades at $1 to $1.33 US. There are no tariff/duties given that Canada/US have free trade. It's too bad their boots are so expensive.

[@Stridewise]

yeah but keep in mind they have to import american leather and all this other stuff into Canada, adding taxes US bootmakers don't have, in a place with typically higher taxes than the US as well

[@MrDuojet]

We have cows in Canada but you're point is taken that they have to import some of their supplies and pay in US$. Labour costs are higher @@Stridewise

[@Stridewise]

@@MrDuojet yeah, but also just bc you have cows doesn't mean you have leather like Horween and CF Stead !

[@davidkehoe4144]

Viberg's are made in Victoria not Vancouver.

[@ailill5458]

I prefer White's but I would take Wesco over both.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

Never mentioned the fact White's uses a leather shank and Viberg steel. Also, the welt on White's is supposed to increase water resistance.

[@chicagoan6342]

White’s is the undisputed king of PNW boots!

[@Stridewise]

That's true! Do you think a leather shank is significantly better?

[@JimKiralfy]

@@Stridewise just to confuse things further, Viberg don't use steel shanks anymore; they started using wooden shanks after 2020. Chances are your older pair will have steel shanks in them, and your newer pair will have wooden shanks. Do you notice any difference? My personal experience is that you'd be hard pressed to tell what material was used for the shank without someone telling you first; it's usually buried under a couple of layers of leather, and as long as it's stiff enough to function as a shank, there's really no way to tell what it's made from. There are lots of different materials that can be used to make shanks; steel, leather, wood, fiberglass, etc., and they all work fine. Of course, every bootmaker will say that their way is the 'best' way, but that's usually because they've each got their own way of doing things, and they each want you to buy their product. It's not something I get hung up on.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

@@Stridewise Not necessarily by a lot, but I think it is at least somewhat. It conforms to the foot better, while still being just as supportive. And unlike wood and fiberglass, doesn't really have the problem of breaking down over time.

[@JimKiralfy]

@@EssenceofPureFlavor interestingly, there was a guy on the Nick's Boots (who also use leather shanks) subreddit last week asking if they could make him a pair of boots with steel shanks instead of leather, because he didn't think leather was a very good shank material! Most people just told him not to worry about it, which I think is probably the correct response. I don't think shank material is particularly consequential; any of the commonly used materials are absolutely fine. Leather shanks do tend to soften up with use (particularly if the boots get wet a lot) but White's replace the shank during a re-sole anyway, so they only have to last as long as the outsole in any event, so it's not a big deal.

[@tctheripper]

Viberg is for city boys with high water pants

[@Stridewise]

would you have city boys go barefoot!?!?!?!

[@joem.7621]

800 bucks a pair? No thanks. The everyday guy can buy Wolverine 1000 mile boots for 400.

[@chicagoan6342]

White’s stitch down (not hand sewn stitch down)boots can be had for around $450 during Father's day and black Friday sale.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

You get what you pay for. The wolverines aren’t even comparable to a boot like nicks or whites

[@drgreenthumb808]

Why did you delete my comment? I offered two helpful corrections regarding Viberg’s workbook line being discontinued and the Whites MP being offered in many more leather options than you suggested

[@Stridewise]

I don't think I did? I remember your comment, not sure why it's disappeared.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Don’t be a di’k like you are in the comments section on the watch channels

[@bernardocardoso1356]

As a Canadian, I'd rather buy a White's than a Viberg.

[@robgerety]

White now offers machine stitching in many boots. Also, there is a group of people who want a pair of nice boots who live in a rural area and expect to use them both for work around their property and also as casual daily shoes. Sort of in between. I'm not sure anyone uses this type of boot for full bore daily manual labor. But, their life style is rural. Fashion certainly is a thing in the rural lifestyle. But, they are not city slickers. Fancy is not a thing. City slicker? Viberg. Everyone else, White (or Nick's).

[@AlexanderMason1]

The Vibergs are definitely higher end and have better craftsmanship. They also tend to use higher end leather including some really nice vegetable tanned leather. The cordovan ones will literally last a lifetime. The whites are good obviously but the craftsmanship is not nearly on part with Viberg’s.

[@bryanr.4947]

I will never get the skinny leg pants with the work boot look. Or the rolled up lower hem thing. It just says 'confused person trying way too hard' to me.

[@googeluser7098]

The Viberg price still isn’t justified, it’s basically a machine stitchdown Grant Stone boot that shouldn’t cost more than a pair of Nicks. The Whites is hand sewn stitchdown, thicker leather, more comfortable and longer lasting but it’s being overlooked by leather and sole options and a fancy pricetag. I guess boot guys are becoming susceptible to the Snooty Factor and the days of high quality priced right boots are coming to an end in favor snooty boots and snooty leathers.

[@JimKiralfy]

I don't know, I think there's a few key differences between Grant Stone and Viberg. GS use the same standard gemming-based Goodyear welt construction used by pretty much everyone from Thursday boots upwards. Most Viberg's are stitchdown, and those that are Goodyear welted use a channeled insole, not canvas gemming, to attach the welt. GS advertise their midsoles as being 3.5mm thick, whereas my Viberg's are about double that. Viberg also uses some of the beefiest veg-tanned leather heel counters I've ever come across, and use leather toe-puffs in their structured toe boots. GS use faux heel counters (i.e. there is no leather upper behind the heel counter, it's just cosmetic), and celastic toe puffs. Viberg uses pricy brass clinch nails that won't ever rust, whereas GS use the same ferrous clinch nails that most people use. It's the little differences that add up. Grant Stone make good value fashion boots. White's make decent work boots. To me, the value in Viberg is that they make a boot that looks like a fashion boot, but is built like, and has the durability of, a proper work boot. Not everyone wants or needs that, but I like that Viberg make a sleek boot that can be dressed up a bit, but can still take an absolute pounding.

[@chicagoan6342]

Very good points and on top of that this video doesn't into account that if you order White's from Baker's there is a staggering amount of customizations you get when it comes to leather choices (cxl, dress, work, horsehide, bison, bullhide etc), sole options (100,430,269, dainite) , toe caps, midsoles and even combo leathers. You also get to send your feet tracings and measurements.

[@regortex3364]

When it comes to the cost of Viberg you need to consider the cost of rent, taxes, staffing, literally everything is more expensive in Canada and especially the south coast of British Columbia. I honestly don’t know how manufacturing companies can survive in Canada, it’s so ridiculously expebsive. On top of that, there is ZERO incentive for Canadians to “buy Canadian”, therefore I don’t.

[@Barefoot12]

Helium heels is back ceiling popcorn again. The amazing thing is 12' ceiling. Is this better princess since you don't like complaints about your cuff vids

[@michaelmetler6315]

I don't know why, this video is blurry and pixelated. Might be whare I am 💩

[@mrchrisroden]

Just you!

[@SonarWavePulse]

That's just how shit looks like in Tennessee. God bless those folks

[@zackz1260]

viberg is clearly stealing their customers money at this point, it’s now 860 for a basic leather, you want veg tan calf leather? oh that’s bumped up to 920. and shell cordovan…..1740. 😂

[@Stridewise]

filming a whole new updated look at viberg next week! out soon

[@mynock250]

Neither are even close to the best, most overpriced.

[@andreamantovani5354]

White's hands down, Vinerg are sooo overrated