2055 fits my foot perfectly, and it doesn't come around that often. I was keen to participate in the dome, and these were the best of what was left: in stock, fit well, patina potential.
I think that these fit me exactly as intended. The vamp has rolled perfectly. They are snug but not painful. I suspect that I might even prefer going TTS on this last. It is advertised as wide, but it is by no means high volume. Don't size down from 2030.
Painless.
These boots have been worn everyday. During the dome I moved cities. These were most visibly worn in January, having carried me into a new chapter, a new home. My work is not physically demanding, and I was quite careful to brush these regularly after hikes and walks.
I was concerned initially that theis leather was too boring. A dry looking, very even mid brown, cow leather. I typically prefer something a bit more unique. I couldn't have been more wrong about these guys. what started as a light brown has blossomed into a rich, two toned affair. The quarters are showing orange undertones, whereas the vamps have darkened further, heading into a woody territory. From the top, they remind me of autumn leaves. The vamps have rolled perfectly, better than some of my horsebutt even. This leather has impressed me time and time again. It is such high quality, perfect boot leather, and it is absolutely being slept on. I tried my best to let wear accumulate, but found the process of brushing these boots so satisfying as to be irresistible. They recovered from the nastiest grazes and scratches after seconds under a brush. Above all else, I could not keep my hands off of these. I spent 6 months pouring the oils from my hands into these at every opportunity that I got. Massaging them into my feet. Feeling every crease and curve. We are truly bonded.
Fit is good. Heel is locked in. Enough room in the toe box that I am truly comfortable. Especially in the final months, I would breath a sign of relief putting these on in the morning. They has become that comfortable. Is is typical of a Munson, there is little arch support, a narrow heel and waist, and an anatomical ball and toebox. I care far more about fit than style, and these (and 2045) are the only last in Viberg's lineup that I would consider.
The design is beautiful. I love the dainite half sole. For an otherwise military styled boot, there is a level of trademark Viberg refinement that I do genuinely appreciate. I wear these to an office, work alongside the executive team, and these walk the line perfectly. There is a slice in the stitchdown on the inside of the left boot, almost like a blade slipped. It's pretty typical Viberg dot com QA. I haven't really given it a second thought since. I'm not perfect either. Clicking is perfect. Stitching is perfect. This is my first boot with a kip lining and I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it yet. The sock liners have peeled up in the middle. This is my only real gripe. Please use better glue for this Viberg.
It's been great honestly. Has worn very well, lasted well through a hot Auckland Summer. It is flexible, low profile. Comfortable, but not cushy. I am most grateful about the ease of replacement. I live in New Zealand, where cordwainers who are comfortable with stitchdown repairs are very few and very far between. I am happy that all a cobbler will need to do is rip off the half sole and heel cap, and glue new ones on. Saves me a lot vs sending them to unsung or Dr sole.
This process has given me an appreciation for aging. I have reached a point in my life where I am finally starting to feel my age. At a certain point, I realized that I have been respecting my boots more than I have been respecting myself. I hope to take these meditative exercises of care and extend them to myself, so that I can age as gracefully as these have.