New boots

[JBoone]

Have been on a service boot kick lately (no pun intended!).

Bonus is that I can wear to work which is office/casual. These are Vibergs. This pair is a waxed suede leather.

I originally wanted Whites which are similar in price and build quality from what I understand but could not find many in stock and did not want to custom order/wait.

 

[Terry M.]

I like these. What model is that? Do they run pretty true to my normal sizing?

 

[JBoone]

I like these. What model is that? Do they run pretty true to my normal sizing?

This is the Viberg Service boot in 2030 last. They run large. They recommend sizing down 1/2 to 1 full size from "Brannok measurment" (the measuring thingy at local shoe stores).

I called and talked through with a service rep and he was very helpful. I am measured at 11DD on shoe store device, and was told to get 10.5D in viberg which are perfect. I would have been fine with 10Ds if my feet were slighly more narrow (I have a fairly wide foot, these may be harder to fit if you have really narrow feet, which I have also read online). I would recommend calling and talking through if you are serious about ordering.

Honestly ordering first pair was the scariest. They do let you return for credit but not sure about full refund. Some of the boots are offered only in D while others are offered in E, D, and DD.

Problem is now that I know my size I have ordered more! I tend to go overboard on stuff. Never spent this much on footwear before but am very happy. Other boots in similar style to look at are Oak Street Boots (USA Made in Chicago) $500 dollar range. My boss has two pair and they are nice. Grant Stone in the $300 - $400 dollar range (US Company but I think assembled in China), Redwing iron rangers $350 (also US Made) are also great and can be fitted in store (I own a pair and think they are awesome for the money. I have also heard good things about the Wolverine 1000 mile boot (Price??) which has similar profile. All are "Service boots". I think that Viberg is arguably the best of the lot, but should be for the price! $700-$800.

Good luck!

Edit for Customer Service number - "call us at 250-384-1231. Select lifestyle to reach our ecom office."

 

[Hickory n steel]

I have also heard good things about the Wolverine 1000 mile boot (Price??) which has similar profile.

Sadly it's easy to hide cost cutting materials in the construction of a boot, and the 1000 mile is more of a $300 boot than an almost $400 boot.

The general consensus with people who know the ins / outs of quality and what they're hiding inside is that the 1000 mile isn't really worth buying unless you can find them on sale.

 

[jfk1110]

Wesco, Nick's and even the all American made Danner are top notch....

 

[Hickory n steel]

Wesco, Nick's and even the all American made Danner are top notch....

Not so much Danner, but pretty much all the PNW makers.
The problem with Danner is that they're creeping more and more cost cutting inferior manmade materials into their boots while the already high prices keep rising.
I'm not knocking anybody who likes danner boots, but when you learn what goes into making a good boot and what Danner puts into their boots, it's hard not to see how they're charging $300-$400 for a $200-$250 boot and slowly creeping towards charging $450+for a $150-$175 boot.

 

[jfk1110]

They are definitely making a lot of crap lately but their old school styles are still top shelf......Granted I really haven't got new boots in two decades.... The 20 pair I have from all old school makers are still golden .....Still have a pair of Canadiens from 88 that feel like moccasins on my feets.

 

[Hickory n steel]

They are definitely making a lot of crap lately but their old school styles are still top shelf......Granted I really haven't got new boots in two decades.... The 20 pair I have from all old school makers are still golden .....Still have a pair of Canadiens from 88 that feel like moccasins on my feets.

That's the thing.
The significant drop happened much more recently than that.