Though initially I had some heel pain and had to wear some heel protectors for a week or two, that was mostly due to my own anatomy than the boots themselves. (I have some weird bony knobs on the backs of my heels ㅠㅠ) I’ve worn these daily, which mostly consists of city and office wear. I plan to take these on some hikes as soon as I find the time.
I’m really enjoying this rough out leather as well. I had initially planned to wax them and hope they turned out like the elusive unicorn Brown Waxed Flesh Vibergs that I’ve never been able to find. Fortunately or unfortunately, I could never get my hands on any sample leather to experiment on first, so I didn’t. It’s something I may still do in the future, but for now I’m looking forward to seeing how they continue to patina during the Dome. I haven’t conditioned them at all so far and only brush them occasionally. They were comfortable out of the box. Not too stiff or unforgiving. They haven’t changed much aside from creasing, but they are steadily becoming fuzzier with wear, especially the left boot which seems to be getting fuzzier at a faster rate than the left. I’m also surprised by how the color seems to change drastically depending on the lighting. In some light they’re very ORANGE Predator but in other types of lighting they look brown with no hint of orange at all.
My first pair of Vibergs were a pair of used 2030’s. I wasn’t really impressed by the fit of the 2030 last. Though they were in the right size - they were both too long, too voluminous (and too pointy for my tastes). The fact that they didn’t fit well even though I’m sure 9.5 is the the right size for me is something I’m still puzzled by. Though the volume may be attributed to the previous owners fat feet (no offense! ~ They were too small for him but I believe he may have worn them anyway for some time) I still cannot account for the extra length. Fortunately, the 2040 in the same size, fits perfectly. Length is good, and just enough volume in the toe box for my toes to do whatever they want, (except swim). And even better, they’re not pointy at all. Alden’s Trubalance is/was my favorite last so far and I think it must be the narrower heels that they share with the 2040 that works for my feet so well. I like my boots to feel like they’re giving my feet a bear hug. That was completely missing in the 2030’s and other lasts I have experienced.
I love the 2040 so far. Fit and finish are also superb. The only thing that sometimes bothers me in terms of clicking is that the right boot has a much more pronounced and sharper crease than the left boot. Not sure if the leather is a bit thinner on the right boot or if it didn’t have as much wax as the left boot and was more readily susceptible to creasing as a result. Whatever the case may be, it’s not a real issue, it’s just the asymmetry bothers me some times.
No complaints with the Goodyear Commando Lug Soles. The only wear visible are on the heels and even at the heels the wear is minimal. I can’t imagine when they will need a resole.
I’m really happy with them. The last, the leather, the soles. They’re quickly becoming my favorite pair of boots. Not sure if I can say they’re a good value. The price tag on Vibergs are nothing to sneeze at, but I can say that the fit and finish is beyond any other boot I have. And despite the price tag that goes along with Vibergs- I’m already looking forward to my next pair.