Viberg FW19 Makeups.
Each year, we partner with Canadian bootmaker Viberg to produce a few new custom styles to release alongside our seasonal collections. Our FW19 collection was heavily influenced by classic Northeast staples that were recontextualized in 90's hip hop - from the nylon bombers to the waxed hunting jackets and camouflage suits. With these reference points in mind, we decided to work with Viberg to pay homage to two iconic NYC cold weather boots. One is a luxe take on everyone's favorite 6" wheat boot, and the other is a nod to the quintessential Australian foul-weather Chelsea Boot.
The Wheat Hunter is a style that references old hiking boots that Viberg produced in the 1960s. The boot is built on the 2040 last and features Goodyear welt construction; the natural leather midsole and commando outsole give the boot a refined look that still boasts excellent traction in rain and snow. True to its inspiration, the Hunter Boot has a padded leather collar that cushions the ankle as well as a fully gusseted tongue to keep water out. The leather is a beautiful light tan nubuck, and we finished the boot off with brass hardware and speed hooks.
The Stealth Chelsea is the second style we've employed Horween Waxed Flesh leather on; we felt that it was an appropriate leather to use for this winter boot style given its water repellant treatment. Although the leather is stiff at first, it breaks in beautifully and begins to show brown undertones as it scuffs up. We paired the wholecut upper with a black Gloxi-cut sole that provides a great combination of grip and cushioning. We believe Viberg's Chelsea pattern is one of the most elegant ones on the market, but this is not a delicate boot - it's made to be thrashed and worn every day regardless of weather conditions.
Both new makeups release on 3sixteen.com tomorrow, December 6th, at noon EST in limited quantities. They'll also be available in our LA flagship when we open at 11am PST. The Hunter retails for $720, and the Stealth Chelsea will be $700.
