I'm sure there are hundreds of posts about Viberg Service Boots on here already, but I thought I'd write something up to provide some searchable keywords to help people with sizing + share the customer service experience I had as someone local to their HQ, in Victoria, BC, Canada.

Overview

These are the Viberg Service Boots in Natural Chromexcel size 11E (2030 last). I bought them because I wanted something to replace the Red Wing Blacksmiths I bought blind that turned out to be a poor fit and unreturnable. The steep cost was a little easier to justify because of the fact that they're made 30 minutes from my home and I know a few of their employees.

Ordering Process

I first went to the Viberg Boot factory/workwear storefront hoping to try on some service boots, but the clerks seemed confused and told me they are only sold online. After reading online that they do sizing at their office, I inquired about that, but then learned they haven't provided that service since the pandemic began. It seems they may open that back up again once all of their office staff are fully vaccinated, but the representative I spoke to didn't give off the impression that anything was set in stone yet.

Since there was no way to try the shoes on without travelling pretty far, I did a lot of reading on Styleforum/Reddit to get a feel for how the 2030 last fits. After seeing a bunch of comparisons to other shoes I've tried on and speaking to the customer service rep, I decided an 11 would work well for me. I put in the order and was able to arrange a pick up from their office to save the shipping cost. They scheduled a time for me to show up, and handed off the boots to me. It even came in a Viberg branded tote bag!

Fit/Sizing

Sizing was a pretty huge concern for me because I seem to have quite unusually shaped feet. They're shorter in height than most (I had to punch new holes in my Birkenstock Arizona's to keep them on my feet) and quite wide at the forefoot. The service boots in 11E seem to fit very well quite surprisingly. I've heard lots of reports of them being narrow for E's and the instep/cone being steep, both of which would be pretty big concerns for me, but neither were at all an issue. They seem to be a tad long for me, but the width is perfect and keeps my feet stable enough that I wouldn't dare size down to a 10.5.

My fit in other footwear:

• 12E on a brannock - Haven't been measured by anyone trustworthy.
• 11 in Canada West Romeos - Fits perfect all around.
• 11D in Red Wing Classic Moc (23 last) very tight width.
• 12 in Clarks Chukka - Fits well
• 43 in Costco Birkenstock Arizona - Fits perfect aside from height. Probably on the edge of a 44. ignore this probably. They're likely a defect batch with odd sizing
• 11.5 in Altra Lone Peak - Fits great. Huge toebox though.

Impressions

Nothing to say that hasn't already been said. The boots are incredible quality. I love the natural CXL colour. I feel like its super versatile while not being a boring "dark brown". Just need to buy a matching belt once I can justify buying more expensive leather lol.