C.F. Stead Antique Phoenix

The colorway maintains Phoenix's characteristic smooth, waxy finish created through C.F. Stead's special blend of oils and waxes. Hand-selected full-weight double-butt cowhides are aniline dyed to achieve the aged brown appearance, then stuffed with oils over multiple applications of heavy waxes. This process creates a refined finish with tightened grain break while preserving the leather's natural character.

Antique Phoenix shares the fundamental characteristics of Phoenix leather while expressing them through its distinctive coloration. The leather is fully waterproof, achieved through multiple applications of heavy waxes combined with oil stuffing. The production process uses hand-selected full-weight double-butt cowhides that undergo aniline dying, preserving a soft, natural finish while developing the rich aged brown color.

The color exhibits deep, earthy tones that create a vintage-inspired appearance. Subtle hints of patina are built into the base color, giving the leather a pre-aged character that suggests wear and development. The aged brown shade features variations in tone throughout the hide, contributing to a rustic aesthetic that evokes traditional craftsmanship. The smooth, waxy touch characteristic of Phoenix remains evident, with the wax finish enhancing the depth of the brown coloration.

The manufacturing process provides the same robust durability found in other Phoenix variants. The combination of oils and waxes creates leather that is naturally weather-resistant and scuff-resistant, while the tightened grain break provides a refined surface. The waxed finish allows the leather to develop additional patina through use, building on the vintage character established in the base color.

Antique Phoenix is used exclusively in Viberg footwear, where it is paired with the company's signature construction methods. The leather appears primarily on the Service Boot pattern built on Viberg's 2030 last. Construction features include stitchdown methods with double-row hand-crafted stitching, which complement the leather's heritage aesthetic. Boots in Antique Phoenix typically incorporate British-made Dainite soles, brogue cap toes, and antique brass eyelets that coordinate with the aged brown leather color.

The leather's waterproof properties make it particularly suitable for service boot applications where weather resistance is valued alongside aesthetic qualities. The smooth, waxy finish accepts Viberg's construction techniques while maintaining its characteristic texture and appearance. The combination of Antique Phoenix leather with traditional boot construction creates footwear designed to develop patina through extended wear.

Antique Phoenix is available through Viberg's authorized retail network. Multiple retailers carry boots in this colorway, including Redcast Heritage, Blue Owl Workshop, and GERHARD Supply. The leather is produced as part of Viberg's ongoing Phoenix leather program rather than as a limited seasonal release, distinguishing it from the original Tobacco and Chestnut Brown colorways that were introduced as Spring/Summer 2023 exclusives.

As an exclusive colorway made specifically for Viberg, Antique Phoenix is not available to other bootmakers. The leather represents part of the collaborative relationship between C.F. Stead and Viberg, where specific colorways are developed to complement Viberg's product line and construction methods.