Lifetime Investment - Viberg Oxfords

I think, I hinted this buy in a previous post. Some time ago I took the plunge. I jumped in at the deep end. I invested in a pair of Viberg Oxfords. 

This wasn't some impulse buy, I thought about it hard and contemplated deeply on it for quite some time before actually deciding to pull the trigger. I haven't looked back ever since, although both my feet are aching from having to battle with a couple of kilograms of leather, rubber and what I think is cement and steel. It's a constant struggle at the moment, but somehow I believe, that they'll eventually become as comfortable as a pair of worn-out Sunday slippers.

The construction is, as I said, very, very solid and the stitching is perfect. I would of course have liked a Vibram ripple sole on them, and possibly brass hardware, however I'm very sure, that I won't grow tired of these any time soon with the Vibram Cristy, which isn't the most exciting choice, but it is a very safe and solid choice. And in most cases that is the best. Furthermore I'm in love with the perfectly sewn welt, triple stitching and finally the waxed laces are just so good. 

Another great feature is the brown rough-out suede. It will not take scuffs easily, which means I can use and abuse them without having to think much about maintenance. Although I have been thinking about treating them with a leather conditioner with some beeswax. Unfortunately I'm all out of a good one, that I have had for some time, and apparently they don't make it any more. But I'll probably just buy some Obernauf's and use that instead. That will of course change the whole look of the shoe, but it will also add some waterproofness, which is quite essential in the Scandinavian climate. 

These were purchased at one of the two only stockists in Denmark, Shoe Chapter and I can only suggest, that you head down there and try on a pair, if you happen to come by. It is an experience, that I suggest you don't go without, even if you don't have the money to actually buy a pair. I didn't have the money either, but I have been saving up to buy them for months and I have decided to not buy much else footwear - and clothing - in the next months to come. As I said, an investment.

Viberg Ripple Sole Oxford

I've been advocating for Superdenim before, and I'll probably be doing it again, as they are doing very, very well. At the moment they are starying a bit off the path, that they followed to begin with, which is good in a way, but I just never hope, that they stop carrying hard-to-find Japanese brands like The Real McCoy's.

I have also praised the Oxford model from Viberg before. It's beautiful, extremely well-made and very wearable.

So when I saw, that Superdenim had just released 4 new Oxfords, I got pretty excited. Each and everyone of them could easily become a wardrobe stable with me and m, however the price might just prove to be a stumbling block.

My favourite is - of course - the one with the ripple sole (by Vibram), which is quite in mode at the moment, but very few people realize, that it dates back to the 50's and was used in the US army. The Ripple Sole was also used on some nice Viberg make-ups for both Inventory and Leffot. 

Other than the sole it features some very nice details such as the brass eyelets on the rough out suede and the laces are some of the nicest ever.

I have some personal information about the Viberg Oxford, that I would really like to share, however this will happen sometime next week..

New Socks and Some Friendly Fire

Today I had the day off. I went for a walk, although it seems fall is here already with lots and lots of rain. First I hit some of the nearest thrift stores had some luck and got a good metal box for my workshop. Later on I passed by a friend's shop, Shoe Chapter because I had seen some very interesting parcels from Universal Works arriving at the shop the other day.

First off, I would like to say that I'm in no way affiliated with Shoe Chapter. Yet - at least. And I always pay for all the stuff I buy there. I just like the owner, Mark and I would like to support his venture. The reason why I want to support that venture, is quite simple. I want to support it because it is a visionary shop which will hopefully go from strength to strength within the next couple of seasons. At the moment there might be a bit too many sneakers for my taste, but the stock keeps getting better with the addition of WM. J. Mills bags and Fracap this season. Last season he got Viberg, Sanders, Field Notes, Tretorn, Birkenstock and Huberds.

I have been going sockless for the last 3 or 4 months and I feel uncomfortably warm when I wear socks now, but there is no question about where the weather is heading, so I felt it was time to buy some new socks. I bought three new pairs of Universal Work socks because I couldn't decide which colourway to go for. They are made of a cotton blend and most importantly they are made in England. They aren't up to Corgi standards, but they are quite good, and affordable.

Mark told me that they will be online within a couple of days, in case you wanted some new socks desperately and couldn't find them on the webshop.

If you are also shopping for fall shoes, and have cash to spare, I suggest you also cast a glance at the Viberg Oxfords that Shoe Chapter has for sale. If I had the money I would buy them in an instant, but the price of 3.800 kr is a hindering I can't surpass. The quality and construction of Viberg is second to none. I mean, the leather, the impeccable sewing, the smell, the touch, the feel, the heft - all ad to the fact that this is an investment. Most likely a lifetime investment.

If you are buying them, please don't buy the 10.5's. I have been eyeing them for a long time now.