I have plenty of both. I like how the last fits on my Viberg a little better. The Grant Stone has some great options and the price to quality value is unmatched.
Great comparison video. I’ve evolved out of Thursday/Beckett Simonon/Allen Edmonds to Grant Stone, Parkhurst, Tricker’s, and Oak Street Bootmakers. I, like you, am an office/suburban/urban user. I think you reach a point of diminishing returns when you look at a Viberg price point. I own 12 pairs so none of my boots get any hard wear.
I've never liked the wide 360 welt on the Grant Stones where the Vibergs have always looked perfect to me. With Viberg you are paying for the location of the company, heritage, and a lot of distinct details you can't find on anything else. GS is a great value, and while I don't like the way they look, they do have a particular style to them that is unique and some may prefer it. The last comment was funny to me since when people ask me what kind of boots I'm wearing I'm a bit embarrassed and don't want them to find out how much I spent on a pair of boots. I've considered saying they were Thursdays or Grant Stones to avoid that.
@@Kretikos Good points! I had a friend ask me about my Vibergs and when I told them what they are he looked confused. He thought they were Cole Haans😆. Nothing wrong with CH but I found that funny.
I really appreciate how complete this comparison is without any excessive commentary. Facts, with just the right amount of opinion. Well done! My Vibergs, in Saddletan Chromepak, have a ton of loose grain. Thankfully, I think they look great.
Ryan, I think a very interesting comparison to Viberg is Wohlford Boots, formerly known as Dayton Boots in Vancouver. I understand that the boot last that is used for Viberg service boots was the same as the Dayton last. The boots are remarkably similar except the cost. Wohlford is cheaper if you can find an off the shelf model, otherwise they are a custom order shop. Very interesting story for Dayton, started in 1947, great products but fallen into hard times now. I have a pair of the Parade Boots. Cheers!
I’ve gotten compliments on my Vibergs, GS, and Parkhurst in equal measure. I’m not a boot expert but Viberg certainly look and feel more premium than Grant Stone. The Leo last is “looser” around the arch. I love them all. With the right last, Carmina provides the same level of quality and fit as Viberg for less money, and you can customize them completely.
@@YouShoe-1985 My pair of Viberg Service Boots with C.F. Stead calfskin (Winter Smoke) are with their 2030 last and what they call 270° "stitchdown" construction. It is not 360° Goodyear welted construction. The two may be generally similar but SD and GYW are not interchangeable terms for the exact same type of construction method.
Only we can rationalize double the price for the most minor things, but Viberg constantly draws me in. The heel counter and shape here most noticeably. The strength of their relationship to Horween and the elusive leathers like Workshoe Butt, the volume of Shell, and Woodly chromes are too interesting compared to the gimicky leathers we have all spent too much on from Truman and GS. I do think the clicking is unfair in this example though, as GS does a wonderful job with CXL, but Veg and this veg in particular are known for those wrinkles.
Ryan thank you for explaining the gemming process. I've seen other boot reviews use the term but I didn't understand what they were talking about. It's strange I don't remember Rosa Anvil showing the gemming in his videos. Great jeans in the video. Are they Naked and Famous?
@@chefrichh Thanks! The best place to see shots of the gemming is on cobbler videos. Those pants are from Uniqlo for $50. Wife got them for me and they are strangely good for the price.
Due to my Brannock 10EE feet with super high instep I have fallen in love with my Grant Stone boots. Leo last fits me great, also have a Chelsea in their UK last and Brass Boot in their Floyd last. If you ever need extra instep or toe room, definitely try out a pair of Brass Boots.
Love your videos. When it comes to SPI i tend to see it as perforating the welt. As pretty as tiny stitching is it clearly decreases the longevity of the welt, right? Also stitchdown vs Goodyear welt - you really have to find a specialized cobbler who can actually resole stitchdown... I haven't met one yet. Might be a problematic investment. In any case, both boots are absolutely beautiful. So, here a compliment on your boots 😊
How are Vibergs for width? Like at the ball of the foot? In the name of style, some brands will keep it quite narrow, which i dont like. Does Viberg do this?
One point you missed in the stitchdown versus Goodyear welt comparison is that it is easier and cheaper to get Goodyear welted footwear re-soled. Though I own a couple of pairs of Viberg stitchdown boots I see no real advantage over GYW boots from a practical point of view and actually the boots that I've owned at various points that have received the most abuse have been cemented leather mountaineering boots. This makes me believe that modern boots don't really need the additional strength that any stitching methods impart. Certainly not for my lifestyle anyway though I accept that many people have far more extreme work and leisure requirements than me.
@@liljuanito123I got some for a little over $450 and I think they’re great. Brown cxl with a fair bit of loose grain but it is what it is. Only complaint is the lack of different widths really.
You have to give some credit to Grant Stone. They provide a high level of quality for the price you pay. Its pretty close to the level of quality you get from Viberg at roughly half the price.
@@AmarLaghari yea, but it’s not just welts. overall material selection is better by viberg. Both the hold fast or the stitch down is a better built boot than Grantstone. However you have to ask your self if that really worth double the price. That’s why the grant stone offering is good.
@@Brajin1I look forward to owning a viberg in the near future. And I can already see it would be just “a” viberg. The price just doesn’t justify owning more than 2 pairs to me. Yes viberg is objectively a better boot.
Well I'm sure the "Made in China" tag does help the price massively, as labour costs in Western countries can eat up close to half the cost of manufacturing anything. China also has cheap electricity, less tax, less worker rights, and virtually no shipping cost of finished products out of China.
I believe in owning less but in higher quality, so I went straight to Viberg. Too many people just buy cheap boots and then have to "cull the herd." I'll just skip all that and just buy one pair or two that I'll keep until the day I die, then I'll pass them on to my kids, if they want them.
If I had those vibergs on , I can see a guy ask me , are those thursdays boots , they are nice looking I have the president and captians , then I say nooo these are viberg ... but I will be so upset for one to think thursdays
GS pound for pound is absolutely superior. I'm sorry but viberg has priced their products way out of the budget of many boot lovers, with prices sometimes bordering on atrociously high. GS value for money is unbeatable, especially on their B grades section.
I can stomach the price of most of their boots, but the fact that they add in $75 shipping charges on top of that is a complete slap in the face and makes me angry. The pricing of their shell cordovan boots is also ridiculous along with a no return policy on preordered items.
What a joke , Grant Stone has a great relationship with horween that's why 90% of there leather comes from them. Most likely you don't own a pair of gs , plus truman is a awesome brand , so those who have viberg will always defend there boot since they were willing g to dish out the crazy amount for a boot. Viberg is no slouch but way better than gs ? Nooo
I have plenty of both. I like how the last fits on my Viberg a little better. The Grant Stone has some great options and the price to quality value is unmatched.
Great comparison video. I’ve evolved out of Thursday/Beckett Simonon/Allen Edmonds to Grant Stone, Parkhurst, Tricker’s, and Oak Street Bootmakers. I, like you, am an office/suburban/urban user. I think you reach a point of diminishing returns when you look at a Viberg price point. I own 12 pairs so none of my boots get any hard wear.
@@josephteifer9714 Great point. Definitely not for everyone.
I've never liked the wide 360 welt on the Grant Stones where the Vibergs have always looked perfect to me. With Viberg you are paying for the location of the company, heritage, and a lot of distinct details you can't find on anything else. GS is a great value, and while I don't like the way they look, they do have a particular style to them that is unique and some may prefer it.
The last comment was funny to me since when people ask me what kind of boots I'm wearing I'm a bit embarrassed and don't want them to find out how much I spent on a pair of boots. I've considered saying they were Thursdays or Grant Stones to avoid that.
@@Kretikos Good points! I had a friend ask me about my Vibergs and when I told them what they are he looked confused. He thought they were Cole Haans😆. Nothing wrong with CH but I found that funny.
I really appreciate how complete this comparison is without any excessive commentary. Facts, with just the right amount of opinion. Well done!
My Vibergs, in Saddletan Chromepak, have a ton of loose grain. Thankfully, I think they look great.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
Ryan, I think a very interesting comparison to Viberg is Wohlford Boots, formerly known as Dayton Boots in Vancouver. I understand that the boot last that is used for Viberg service boots was the same as the Dayton last. The boots are remarkably similar except the cost. Wohlford is cheaper if you can find an off the shelf model, otherwise they are a custom order shop. Very interesting story for Dayton, started in 1947, great products but fallen into hard times now. I have a pair of the Parade Boots. Cheers!
@@kensnider4591 I’ll have to check them out. Thanks
I’ve gotten compliments on my Vibergs, GS, and Parkhurst in equal measure. I’m not a boot expert but Viberg certainly look and feel more premium than Grant Stone. The Leo last is “looser” around the arch. I love them all. With the right last, Carmina provides the same level of quality and fit as Viberg for less money, and you can customize them completely.
Confused. Is the Viberg Goodyear welted or stitchdown? Looks like my 2030 which is definitely what Viberg calls "stitchdown."
Good question. This is technically good year welted. I believe 2030 is just the name of the last (foot shaped mold) the boot is made on.
@@YouShoe-1985 My pair of Viberg Service Boots with C.F. Stead calfskin (Winter Smoke) are with their 2030 last and what they call 270° "stitchdown" construction. It is not 360° Goodyear welted construction. The two may be generally similar but SD and GYW are not interchangeable terms for the exact same type of construction method.
Only we can rationalize double the price for the most minor things, but Viberg constantly draws me in. The heel counter and shape here most noticeably.
The strength of their relationship to Horween and the elusive leathers like Workshoe Butt, the volume of Shell, and Woodly chromes are too interesting compared to the gimicky leathers we have all spent too much on from Truman and GS.
I do think the clicking is unfair in this example though, as GS does a wonderful job with CXL, but Veg and this veg in particular are known for those wrinkles.
Great points
Ryan thank you for explaining the gemming process. I've seen other boot reviews use the term but I didn't understand what they were talking about. It's strange I don't remember Rosa Anvil showing the gemming in his videos. Great jeans in the video. Are they Naked and Famous?
@@chefrichh Thanks! The best place to see shots of the gemming is on cobbler videos. Those pants are from Uniqlo for $50. Wife got them for me and they are strangely good for the price.
Due to my Brannock 10EE feet with super high instep I have fallen in love with my Grant Stone boots. Leo last fits me great, also have a Chelsea in their UK last and Brass Boot in their Floyd last. If you ever need extra instep or toe room, definitely try out a pair of Brass Boots.
Yeah I got a brass boot in my normal size and it had a ton of room. For my slimmer feet I would like to try them again at a smaller size.
Love your videos. When it comes to SPI i tend to see it as perforating the welt. As pretty as tiny stitching is it clearly decreases the longevity of the welt, right? Also stitchdown vs Goodyear welt - you really have to find a specialized cobbler who can actually resole stitchdown... I haven't met one yet. Might be a problematic investment. In any case, both boots are absolutely beautiful. So, here a compliment on your boots 😊
@@flybluephil Thanks so much for the compliment! That’s a good point about the SPI. I have never thought of it like that.
How are Vibergs for width? Like at the ball of the foot? In the name of style, some brands will keep it quite narrow, which i dont like. Does Viberg do this?
@@kit2770 it’s roomier than Thursday Boots but narrower then Grant Stone. Right in the middle
Nice comparison will be grant stone and parkhurst
One point you missed in the stitchdown versus Goodyear welt comparison is that it is easier and cheaper to get Goodyear welted footwear re-soled.
Though I own a couple of pairs of Viberg stitchdown boots I see no real advantage over GYW boots from a practical point of view and actually the boots that I've owned at various points that have received the most abuse have been cemented leather mountaineering boots. This makes me believe that modern boots don't really need the additional strength that any stitching methods impart. Certainly not for my lifestyle anyway though I accept that many people have far more extreme work and leisure requirements than me.
Good point.
Viberg's are great boots.......but way too expensive IMO. For that price I can buy the GS Diesel + a pair of Trumans.
@@wabio Good point.
used market for bergs are a good alternative to get a pair. just gotta keep an eye out. Parkhurst has some good pairs as well.
@@liljuanito123I got some for a little over $450 and I think they’re great. Brown cxl with a fair bit of loose grain but it is what it is. Only complaint is the lack of different widths really.
Hehehe! I get that comment often when I wear my Vibergs, so I can say they are well worth it!!
@@rudyhurtado8765 Guess I need different friends 🤣
Im waiting for the grant stone sale i want a pair of field boots
i'm more impressed you found some GYW Vibergs hahaha
They’re out there but mostly with third party shops.
You have to give some credit to Grant Stone. They provide a high level of quality for the price you pay. Its pretty close to the level of quality you get from Viberg at roughly half the price.
@@Brajin1 Well said!
If you compare the flat welt of grant stone it’s the same level or better than viberg
@@AmarLaghari yea, but it’s not just welts. overall material selection is better by viberg. Both the hold fast or the stitch down is a better built boot than Grantstone. However you have to ask your self if that really worth double the price. That’s why the grant stone offering is good.
@@Brajin1I look forward to owning a viberg in the near future. And I can already see it would be just “a” viberg. The price just doesn’t justify owning more than 2 pairs to me. Yes viberg is objectively a better boot.
Well I'm sure the "Made in China" tag does help the price massively, as labour costs in Western countries can eat up close to half the cost of manufacturing anything. China also has cheap electricity, less tax, less worker rights, and virtually no shipping cost of finished products out of China.
I believe in owning less but in higher quality, so I went straight to Viberg. Too many people just buy cheap boots and then have to "cull the herd." I'll just skip all that and just buy one pair or two that I'll keep until the day I die, then I'll pass them on to my kids, if they want them.
@@g43654 that’s a good strategy
I have chromexcel in both and the vibergs are so much nicer, the grant stones crease so poorly.
Its all about the clicking
@YouShoe-1985 yeah its important, I've seen it with multiple gs the leather had bad creasing
If I had those vibergs on , I can see a guy ask me , are those thursdays boots , they are nice looking I have the president and captians , then I say nooo these are viberg ... but I will be so upset for one to think thursdays
GS pound for pound is absolutely superior. I'm sorry but viberg has priced their products way out of the budget of many boot lovers, with prices sometimes bordering on atrociously high. GS value for money is unbeatable, especially on their B grades section.
I can stomach the price of most of their boots, but the fact that they add in $75 shipping charges on top of that is a complete slap in the face and makes me angry. The pricing of their shell cordovan boots is also ridiculous along with a no return policy on preordered items.
@@arindambasu9850 I’ve never tried their B grades but from what I’ve seen online they are better than some companies first quality shoes.
@@Kretikos Valid points.
@@YouShoe-1985 that's right. Their B grades are at par with A grades in most cases.
@@arindambasu9850 Im always on the lookout for my size but the 12's dont come up often.
What a joke , Grant Stone has a great relationship with horween that's why 90% of there leather comes from them. Most likely you don't own a pair of gs , plus truman is a awesome brand , so those who have viberg will always defend there boot since they were willing g to dish out the crazy amount for a boot. Viberg is no slouch but way better than gs ? Nooo
I got chromexcel in gs and viberg and the leather is so much nicer on the vibergs, i only wore the gs a few times and the creasing is so bad
That’s stupid pay high dollar for viberg my self go with gran stone