Thanks for the advice. I have not handled Carmina for years. I just remember I was not impressed especially with their shell cordovan. But then I have never handled any Meermin. Looking at the Carmina website just now, it seems they did change the bottom sole construction and the bottom sole alone looks very top tier now.
I haven’t handled many other brands but in my limited experience, RM’s are a tier above Red Wings.
Exceptionally well written review, Jake.
I too like the engineers that come out from Viberg especially when they're on the 2005 last instead of the 2050, but they don't run them all the often anymore.
Gotta disagree with you there. While Viberg does make work boots they do have more streamlined models that can easily be dressed up. They're chelsea and jodhpur are slightly on the more rugged side but by no means look like work boots. Same goes for RM, they have models that are more work oriented but also have sleeker models w/ pointer lasts and leather soles. Lastly for Benzein, they are a mostly a MTO brand and can customize they're models to fit a dressier aesthics. Each brands have a wide selection of leathers and all come in with lining and the choice of a sole.
Have not seen them with a full welt what model are those and what leather? I want to get a pair next time around. I have too much incoming now lol
Aren't we talking specifically about chelsea boots and the way they made those chelsea boots is the same way they make their work boots with same materials and the same work boots workmanship while Meermin is dress boots workmanship. Leather sole is not a best indicator because most cowboy boots have leather soles (oh well some living in the States would consider cowboy boots dress shoes and a few of the makers do make dress shoes quality cowboy boots).
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style. RM Williams Gardener Full Welt Vesta Italian leather. A special edition or seasonal model, not available at the moment, but the current line up of RM’s it’s pretty good in variety. Head to its website.
Ok yeah they look really nice. Do you prefer the gardener model? I think that has the round toe vs the squared toe on the craftsman. I like them both and might try the greasy kip leather. Might be a minute cuz I have two custom cowboy boots in production
I have both the Gardener (round toe) and the Craftsman (chiseled square toe) models and find the round toe more versatile, the square is a bit too dressy IMO. I’ll be getting the gardener in black kip at some stage too.
I think Viberg is different from White's/Wesco and find them to be more versatile and less planted in just work oriented boots. I believe that's what makes them unique and different from other PNW makers and they are pushing themselves in a different direction too. Now I do agree that they may pass on certain details that would be found on a higher end dress shoe/boot brand, but I don't think even Meermin/Carmina are employing those especially at that price point. You'll start seeing the detail and close to perfect stitching with like brands like Edward Green or Enzo Bonafe.
Are you finding something about the lace to toe/monkey boots fitting your feet better or more of a preference in a model?
This is the only type of Vibergs I find on the internet to have proper open channel.
