151X Contractor

Originally developed for demanding work conditions, the 151X Contractor features CSA Grade 1 certification with a steel toe cap, making it compliant with Canadian safety standards for workplace footwear. The boot represents Viberg's commitment to maintaining traditional handcrafted construction methods while meeting contemporary occupational safety requirements.

Built in Victoria, BC, the 151X Contractor serves construction workers, machinists, millwrights, road crews, and mechanics who require both durability and safety certification. The boot combines over 90 years of bootmaking experience with modern safety features, creating a work boot designed for long-term use in harsh industrial environments.

The 151X Contractor employs traditional all-leather construction methods developed over Viberg's 90-year history. The boot features a double leather vamp design with a custom-molded 10 iron leather heel counter that provides heel support and conforms to individual foot shape. The 10 iron leather insole is secured with brass tacks rather than iron tacks to prevent rust and corrosion over time.

The boot's midsole construction uses an 11 iron leather midsole that is sewn, glued, and brass nailed to the outsole to prevent separation under demanding work conditions. This multi-attachment method ensures structural integrity during extended use in industrial environments.

Safety certification comes through CSA Grade 1 compliance, which includes a steel toe cap designed to protect against impact and compression. The CSA styles utilize steel components for the toe, shank, and plate, providing comprehensive protection for workplace hazards. The steel construction can feel colder in winter conditions compared to non-steel alternatives.

Hardware components include snag-free solid brass stud hooks and eyelets that resist rust and corrosion. The brass construction provides durability while reducing the risk of hardware failure that could compromise the boot's protective function.

The 151X Contractor upper is constructed from black full grain 8 oz oil-tanned leather that receives water-resistant treatment during production. This leather selection provides durability while maintaining flexibility needed for extended wear in work environments. The oil-tanning process creates a leather that develops character while resisting moisture penetration.

The outsole uses a genuine Vibram #100 lug sole with matching Vibram lug rubber heel, providing traction and durability on various surfaces encountered in construction and industrial settings. The Vibram sole compound is designed to resist wear while providing grip on both wet and dry surfaces.

For enhanced protection against abrasion damage, some variants include a Seashark leather toe cap and heel. The Seashark leather undergoes special treatment to withstand scuffing and abrasion in high-wear areas, extending the boot's functional lifespan in demanding environments.

The boot measures 9 inches in height, providing ankle support and protection while allowing sufficient flexibility for movement. Weight and specific measurements vary by size, but the boot is designed to balance protection with comfort for extended wear periods.

Viberg produces the 151X Contractor at their Victoria, BC facility using traditional handcrafted methods maintained since the company's founding in 1931. The production process involves over 200 individual steps performed by skilled craftspeople, combining machine assistance with hand finishing techniques.

The company's approach emphasizes durability and repairability rather than disposability. Each boot is constructed to be resoled and repaired rather than replaced, supporting long-term use in industrial environments. This construction philosophy reflects the company's origins serving prairie laborers and farmers who required boots capable of withstanding demanding conditions.

CSA certification ensures the 151X Contractor meets Canadian standards for occupational footwear. The Grade 1 certification indicates the boot provides protection against impact and compression hazards commonly encountered in industrial workplaces. This certification requires regular testing and compliance verification to maintain validity.

Third-generation family ownership maintains quality standards established by founder Edwin Viberg, who originally created boots for farm and prairie laborers during the Great Depression. The company's commitment to traditional construction methods ensures consistency across production while meeting modern safety requirements.

The 151X Contractor is available in UK sizing, which differs from US sizing conventions. General sizing guidance recommends ordering one size smaller than typical US shoe sizes, though individual fit preferences may vary based on foot shape and intended use.

Size availability varies by retailer, with some offering sizes 7.5 to 12.5 in 2E width, while others provide broader ranges from size 4 to 14.5 in D, EE, and 4E widths. The wider width options accommodate various foot shapes commonly found in industrial work environments.

Pricing reflects the boot's handcrafted construction and safety certification, with retail prices around C$539.00 Canadian dollars before taxes. This pricing positions the boot as a long-term investment for workers requiring durable, safety-certified footwear for demanding occupational environments.

Availability may vary based on production schedules and retailer inventory, as the handcrafted nature of production limits manufacturing volume compared to mass-produced alternatives. The company prioritizes quality over quantity in their manufacturing approach.