I have worn these boots hiking each week in the bush, taken them to Tokyo on vacation last October where we had some intense rain and the water beaded off wonderfully, got to wear them on a daily basis when I started my new job in a garden center last December where I put on the miles and put them to use with heavy labour, and also took them out after a quick brushing on to concerts and fine restaurants and dancing at clubs to the wee hours.
This leather is thick and stiff, but the 10.5 2040 last is a near perfect fit for both my feet and breaks and bends in all the right spots. The dark reddish wispy leather patinas wonderfully into light highlights at the creasings and a quick horsehair brushing brings them back to a shine with a touch of vanitian cream. I wear this daily for up to ten+ hours and my feet feel great and the leather will last my lifetime.
I wear custom orthotics in all my shoes but the Viberg 2040’s. That is how great they fit my feet. This is not their most popular last, but each season has several select offerings. I have a high arch with a shorter wider left foot, but the 10.5 in D or E width (which determines which season and sock I wear) is nearly perfect for my feet. The heel is snug and just the right amount of roominess for my toes.
I love the slight toe bump with the extra toe box stiffness, the double stitchdown with the tight stitching looks great, and the nine small antique brass eyelets are a classy look. I prefer a lined boot for the smooth feel and this leather is durable enough to last life-times. The waxy bovine repels the water and each scratch is a scar of experience and adds character.
I was initially concerned about the traction and durability of the ridgeway, but after six months these soles are still in good shape. I was surprised by how much grip the cross threads provide on logs and slick rocks, and they are sturdy, matching the thick leather perfectly to provide exceptional stability for my feet in the bush and inspire a ‘strut’ on the concrete streets which my wife will at times tease me about 😉
At this price point the first scratch in the leather stung a bit, but with this fantastic patina the scars bring character. Six months of hard wear and they clean up well and will continue to be my fall/winter/spring boot of choice for many years to come. I love Viberg’s lineup and C.F.Stead’s leathers are awesome. This boot is a keeper in the 2040 for me and the dark reddish Whiskey-hue is a sure choice for many as it coordinates with so many different outfits, for work or pleasure. I believe in cost per wear, and although these boots are expensive, they are cheap when considering the years of wear they provide, not to mention the pleasure they offer on so many levels.