28 pairs and all I really need is one - and it's this. This is a journey of rediscovery.

I got these a year ago and they were about 5 months old before I entered them into the Pre-Worn Dome. I've worn them literally everywhere. With a suit, to office, for hikes, for walks, to the pub, and everywhere else. They're my preferred pair.

So it was already starting to Patina as the dome started in October, but the consistent wear and exposure has helped them develop this deep golden colour that is just stunning. The creases have lined up well and with a bit of cleaning and conditioning it's good as new (but better). I conditioned with Venetian Leather Cream just before taking the final pictures. The leather is now so soft and comfortable I'm just in love all over again.

This is from 2019 when the SPI was good and the pattern was so much better. You can see it in the facings - it's the perfect service boot. With the miles I've put in, this is now extremely comfortable. This is undeniably "my" boot, so it's comfort is unmatched. The leather has broken in well so it's soft and doesn't rub anywhere or hurt. The 2030 last has decent arch support and good (but not excessive) volume, so I'm a big fan.

This is from Viberg's peak era (2017 - 2019). The shape of the toebox is so different from current Vibergs on the same last. It just feels so much more solid and well-made. These boots are seconds, and they'd put most current retail Vibergs to shame.

Dainite isn't great in the Dutch rain, but they've held up quite well. No slips or falls at all, even when the dog is pulling hard. I think at this level of use (which is quite heavy), the soles will still last at least 2-3 more years.

I didn't think I'd love these boots as much as I do. In the last year they've traveled to 3 continents, 17 countries (yes, even Spain), and have just been my go-to pair. I domed a pair of GS boots which I also wore a lot, but these are so much more versatile and gorgeous. My wife says I have too many pairs, but honestly, these are the ones I reach for almost instinctively. Not that I'd ever tell her, but if the house burned down and I could only save one pair, it'd be these. I never thought of myself as someone who would be emotionally attached to a boot (they're things meant to be used) but I love this pair, and while others might come and go, these will be mine for as long as I can have them. The Thunderdome might be over, but my journey with these boots is just beginning.