There are certain things I just want to see for myself. I spoke to Brett Viberg about a specific suede chukka that I wanted personally. It was an off-the-cuff conversation, one I didn’t even expect Brett to remember. Then a box arrived at my house and inside of it was a first sample and a note from Brett. This is an unlined version of what I was thinking about based on our conversation. He told me in a note. I couldn’t believe it and I loved the boots.
Over the next few months we worked on the style. We adjusted the shape, tweaked the styling of the midsole and gave the suede to have a lining which provided a bit more structure. Very quickly though I could tell that this was going in a good direction. In the end our collaboration Viberg x ACL Field Chukkas (launching today!) came out better than I could have ever imagined.
Part of collaborating on these boots with Viberg meant I wanted to see them being made. There’s no substitute for going to a factory and talking through the details in person. So I made the trip to Victoria British Columbia, Canada to see Brett while the production of the Field Chukka was taking place. It was an enlightening experience and by going there I confirmed Brett’s obsession with making some of the finest boots and shoes in the world.
Viberg has reached cult status among fans and appreciators of expertly made leather shoes. Founded in 1931 by Brett’s grandfather, Erwin Viberg, during the Great Depression, the business eventually moved from Saskatchewan to British Columbia to make logging boots. That company history is still evolving today and the factory storefront still sells and services these specific boots in a small way. The main focus of the brand now are the more refined styles like the Field Chukka, the company’s popular and beloved Service Boot and the other new styles in the collection which were all envisioned and executed by Brett. He’s a man who equally understands the footwear needs of a hardcore industrial logger, the desires of the Japanese market and the style of cool guys in Paris. I feel safe saying there is no one with the knowledge and perspective to rival Brett and that’s exactly what makes Viberg totally unique.
You might not be surprised to learn that Brett Viberg is the secret to everything happening with the brand. He brings such a unique passion, that until visiting the factory, I didn’t really understand. Viberg occupies a very unique space — one with a heritage of making proper work boots, but with an eye towards more refined shoemaking. That mix, plus Brett’s taste level and vision, is resulting in an incredible combination of refined yet overbuilt shoes and boots. In many ways it reminds me of things coming out of the most obsessed Japanese boot makers, but much more unique and natural.
Under Brett’s guidance, this era of Viberg is unburdened by past perceptions. He has the technical knowledge, obsession with materials and taste level to make boots that are unlike anything out there. Walking around the factory with him as he obsesses over the quality of the nails (he worked with a special Japanese company to craft very specific brass nails made specifically for Viberg) and the quality he demands from the components of his shoes is truly above and beyond.
Part of what makes Viberg so unique is the fact that he is uncompromising on the materials and built standards. It’s almost an obsession for him and he’s such a quiet and humble guy you only truly understand it when you are there in the weeds in the factory.
While most companies are looking to just get by, Brett is doing that Steve Jobs thing where every hidden piece inside is the best it can be. This theme became apparent to me as we walked around the workshop and he explained how he brings the mentality of making the most rugged boots and pairing it with the techniques and mindset of the most respected dress shoe makers in the world. That combination of ideas is what makes Viberg so exceptional.
Hey now! Nice work!