Viberg
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Viberg - Horween Whiskey Shell Cordovan Service Boot.
I have to thank Nick Horween for getting these shells over to Viberg for me, but, more importantly, Morgan and Viberg for the hell that I put them through in getting these made. They are a masterpiece and I have nothing but thanks for the whole Viberg operation. The nicest pair of boots on the planet Earth….and they made me two pairs.
I'll add that Viberg probably will never make another custom cordovan boot, but that's my take and not their official release.
These guys are masters with shell, but they fail to see themselves in this light.
"What is the central theme to this everlasting spoof?"
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THIS BOOT WAS A PERFECT STORM OF OCCURENCES WHICH PROBABLY WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.
I will give you guys one piece of advice: Do Not Contact Horween to get shells for Viberg Boots. It is the easiest way to anger Brett and end up on the Viberg Blacklist. I had contacted Nick about getting shells for a pair of boots that had been ruined by another maker and he took mercy on me. If Viberg wants to make you cordovan boots, they will obtain the cordovan. I liken it to bringing your fish into a sushi restaurant and asking the chef to make you the suchi that you like instead of what's on the menu. Its just a bad idea…all around
I was incredibly lucky to obtain shells as Nick Horween only sells shells to footwear companies and leathermakers with whom he has a longstanding relationship. I tried to get additional shells to make another boot in a more common color (black or #8) and the answer was a very solid and unwavering "No."
As for Viberg, I had ordered this boot almost 18 months ago when their official stance on both custom boots and cordovan boots was different than what it is now. Since ordering the boot, they have firmly stated that they will no longer make custom cordovn boots. I have asked and begged Morgan because of how beautiful and absolutely stunning these two pairs came out and I feel like if he saw me in the street, at this point, he would remove his boot and begin to beat me for extensive begging/grovelling for an identical boot in cordovan #8 (this is joke. Morgan is a great guy!)
I just wanted to share the boot to show how incredible Viberg craftmanship is and to reitterate that, although they hate doing it and refuse to work with cordovan most of the time, I prefer their cordovan boots to the other 12 pairs that I have from ll other makers.
Morgan, If you read this, I love you dearly and Thanks again for the boots.
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why are they so anti-shell?
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why are they so anti-shell?
$$
@Brett:
'I have some horse hide, but I won't use it. It's very hard to work with. I've done it for a few people, flat head with Japanese and then VMC with horween. Both of which is a nightmare to do. The leather is inconsistent in thickness and the finish isn't the best.
Overall it would add like 200$ to the retail. Our cost is around $100 per piece. So it's not really worth it as most people will never understand how much it costs and how difficult it is to work with.
And more importantly right now, shell Cordovan and horse butt leather(which your talking about) is almost impossible to get.
The hide market is in a huge slump for horses.
Horween can't get enough as the Chinese are buying them at a premium.
I've got cordovan on order for someone who placed order in January, and the leather won't be here till November.
Just isn't a sound way to do business and be profitable.
You can buy horse fronts for jackets no problem , but not the butts.
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Interesting..
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Man, I'm really obsessed with the look of shell cordovan, but I'm so unsure of how to keep them looking awesome. My wallet has some weird stuff going on. BTW, those Whisky boots are incredible and Urb, I weirdly love those rough outs. Badass.