On more than one occasion in recent memory, we here at Gear Patrol have waxed almost poetic about Viberg’s shoes, sneakers and slip-ons — and that’s because they’re really, really good. The Canadian bootmaker has been turning out some of the world’s best footwear for over 80 years. Its latest release, a one-off produced for the Seattle-based retailer Division Road, is no exception.
This special edition of Viberg’s excellent slipper — one of our favorite travel shoes — is crafted by hand from a rich, natural Italian leather. It’s made with a Goodyear welt construction, meaning it can be re-soled, and features a dovetail heel for added durability. That combination means the shoes will acquire a little patina with every wear, and you’ll have them long enough to watch it deepen to a rich unique color.
While their $560 asking price might feel steep to some, handmade shoes this beautifully constructed are a rare thing in this world. And because their mainline cousins go for $540, paying an extra $20 for a version that will only get better looking with age feels almost like a bargain.
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