There's one aspect of boot enthusiast mentality that I never quite understood. All this focus is placed on the bootmakers attention to detail (stitch density, spacing, location of loose grain creasing, etc.). Then after putting the perfect pair on your feet......it's all about patina (i.e. wear and tear). 🤣
You ain’t the only one! I’ve never understood that either. I always buy the Parkhurst factory seconds if they have a pair available. They’re usually at least $60+ cheaper and something you might not notice .
I saw this comment somewhere else, and I wonder if it was you! I have these new Allen stitchdown boots, and I actually like that Parkhurst didn't follow the same old construction that apparently every other bootmaker follows (from the backstay to the arrowhead-shaped last). The shorter backstay makes the rest of the boot look more elongated, a look that is both different and elegant.
I own a few pairs of each. I find the Parkhurst to be slightly narrower on my feet. Have to wear thinner socks while my normal boot socks are fine with the Viberg. While the Parkhurst are great vale, I would compare them more to Grant Stone in that market area. Viberg is a much nicer boot. I actually find the White's MP boots to be my favorites.
Great vid! I'm a fanboy of both Parkhurst and Viberg. I love them both. The Parkhurst lasts are probably my best fitting, and Andrew is easy to support because he is great. The new stitchdowns from Parkhurst really do make them a hard to beat place to start. They definetly do have veg tan leather heel counters also. I also love the collaboration between Nicks and Parkhurst (it's a great last). These are a couple of my favorite brands for service boots, so I could go on and on. 😅
This is an interesting debate/discussion topic. I have two pair of Vibergs, a service boot and a Halkett. Both in the 2030 last, both exceptionally finished. My natural CXL service boot exhibits the best example of CXL I have in my collection -- luxurious, with remarkable depth and shading, just incredible. Both fit me perfectly and are a joy to wear. I have four pair of Parkhurst, plus a Nicks/Parkhurst collaboration. My Parkhurst models come on the 602, 602M, and 618 lasts. All fit very well. Which brand would likely be my next purchase, given a choice between only the two? I would almost certainly buy Parkhurst, for these reasons: 1) the variety of leathers the company is releasing (including multiple versions of veg tan, horsebutt, and kudu, on various lasts); 2) the construction and finishing is comparable enough to Viberg in my opinion; and 3) the incredible price difference. Objectively, Viberg is not twice the value of Parkhurst, no way. For my use cases, Parkhurst is the clear winner. I still watch for Viberg releases, stalk them on EBay, and scrutinize their annual archive sale. But for new boots I would go with Parkhurst.
I have several pairs of Vibergs, and now this is my second pair of Parkhursts. I'd put these Allen stitchdowns against any of my Vibergs in terms of both initial quality and style. This new modified last is really different and amazing.
I have owned Vibergs but have always moved them on for some reason or another. I think their last price hike opens them up to all sorts of scrutiny. For the price your paying things have to be perfect. Loose grain, thinner leathers might be okay for other manufacturers but not at 900USD+. As for Parkhurst from your video they look great, but I would consider them closer to Grant Stone in quality.
These boots are at least a level or two above any Grant Stones that I've owned (and subsequently sold). The last here is sexy as hell, whereas GS boots always felt like the style came as an afterthought or not at all.
@@tonymoore2100 The 618 last is what I've always wanted...now if we can get a thicker leather on this last with a thicker midsole that'd be great. The midsole is really thin, I broke it in over the weekend...less than 20 hours of wear. Which is nice...but I can't imagine re-soling them is going to be fun.
@@umbertosmith7014 isn't the 618 a brand new last? I thought it was a variation of the classic Allen. It's definitely a different shape than the other Allens I own. Anyhow, I have the black 618s and they are amazing. The shape of the last is so cool.
I agree with your review and comparison. It's a big compliment to Parkhurst to be compared to one the best heritage boot manufacturers in the world. I have the same pair of 618 Bordeaux Veg tan and they are incredible.
@@YouShoe-1985 Its sleek but wide...Wider than E width HNW Nicks last...more pinky toe room, it looks pointy, but its just a touch wider than an E at the ball...and the heel is narrower... Its a crafty combination last that fits my foot great. I can't do a standard D width, I wish I could then I'd be rolling in Redwings.
I have a Viberg 2030 brown cxl and I really wanted the black horse hide or calf but the price of $1020 made me think twice. Then Parkhurst came out with the black teacore veg tan stitch down for $418 and I ordered them and they feel great and look incredible. Do I still want another pair of Vibreg’s? Yes but I can wait as I have a pair of Nicks coming for Christmas.
a couple of commenters may have eluded to it: Viberg offers a selection of Lasts and at least one will work for the wider foot. Parkhurst is accepting the 80-20 rule that they're last will work for 80% and the other 20% should just look elsewhere. i'm not going to pay even Parkhurst $$ to be told go up a 1/2 size if you are, say, EE. my opinion, natch.
I will buy Grant Stone, Parkhurst and Truman anyday over the insanely overpriced Vibergs. Same or better quality, at half the price. It's a no brainer to me. On principle, I refuse to pay the atrocious Viberg prices.
Parkhurst imo feels like a budget Alden competitor. Just because they’re stitchdown doesn’t put them in the same sentence as Viberg. Parkhurst needs some work their lasts aren’t work wear lasts, I just recieved the 618 and the toe box is low… dress shoe low. The heel counter/ pattern is kind of wacky. The leathers are thin and glove like. The overall boot is lighter and the stitching doesn’t feel like work boot quality. The quality is good for what it is but you’re in over your head saying it’s a good alternative. I think the closest Viberg has had to a budget alternative was Truman back when they did stitchdown, but they’ve clearly gone down a very different path.
I am not putting Parkhurst down; they seem to make a good boot and am looking forward to wearing them and judging them for what they are. I am down for a lower cost light weight boot that doesn’t come with the trials and tribulations that come with being a viberg consumer.
I would rather have the Parkhurst all day long. It's just as good as Viberg without the ridiculous price. The issue with Parkhurst is limited sizes and stock. I love my Niagara's in navy calfskin.
There's one aspect of boot enthusiast mentality that I never quite understood. All this focus is placed on the bootmakers attention to detail (stitch density, spacing, location of loose grain creasing, etc.). Then after putting the perfect pair on your feet......it's all about patina (i.e. wear and tear). 🤣
You ain’t the only one! I’ve never understood that either. I always buy the Parkhurst factory seconds if they have a pair available. They’re usually at least $60+ cheaper and something you might not notice .
If Parkhurst would just extend that heel counter to end right where the heel stack starts at the arch, it would look much more balanced
I saw this comment somewhere else, and I wonder if it was you! I have these new Allen stitchdown boots, and I actually like that Parkhurst didn't follow the same old construction that apparently every other bootmaker follows (from the backstay to the arrowhead-shaped last). The shorter backstay makes the rest of the boot look more elongated, a look that is both different and elegant.
I am also proud that Viberg is a Canadian company
Great comparison and content. Parkhurst is really doing something special.
I own a few pairs of each. I find the Parkhurst to be slightly narrower on my feet. Have to wear thinner socks while my normal boot socks are fine with the Viberg. While the Parkhurst are great vale, I would compare them more to Grant Stone in that market area. Viberg is a much nicer boot. I actually find the White's MP boots to be my favorites.
Great vid! I'm a fanboy of both Parkhurst and Viberg. I love them both. The Parkhurst lasts are probably my best fitting, and Andrew is easy to support because he is great. The new stitchdowns from Parkhurst really do make them a hard to beat place to start. They definetly do have veg tan leather heel counters also. I also love the collaboration between Nicks and Parkhurst (it's a great last). These are a couple of my favorite brands for service boots, so I could go on and on. 😅
This is an interesting debate/discussion topic. I have two pair of Vibergs, a service boot and a Halkett. Both in the 2030 last, both exceptionally finished. My natural CXL service boot exhibits the best example of CXL I have in my collection -- luxurious, with remarkable depth and shading, just incredible. Both fit me perfectly and are a joy to wear. I have four pair of Parkhurst, plus a Nicks/Parkhurst collaboration. My Parkhurst models come on the 602, 602M, and 618 lasts. All fit very well. Which brand would likely be my next purchase, given a choice between only the two? I would almost certainly buy Parkhurst, for these reasons: 1) the variety of leathers the company is releasing (including multiple versions of veg tan, horsebutt, and kudu, on various lasts); 2) the construction and finishing is comparable enough to Viberg in my opinion; and 3) the incredible price difference. Objectively, Viberg is not twice the value of Parkhurst, no way. For my use cases, Parkhurst is the clear winner. I still watch for Viberg releases, stalk them on EBay, and scrutinize their annual archive sale. But for new boots I would go with Parkhurst.
I have several pairs of Vibergs, and now this is my second pair of Parkhursts. I'd put these Allen stitchdowns against any of my Vibergs in terms of both initial quality and style. This new modified last is really different and amazing.
I have owned Vibergs but have always moved them on for some reason or another. I think their last price hike opens them up to all sorts of scrutiny. For the price your paying things have to be perfect. Loose grain, thinner leathers might be okay for other manufacturers but not at 900USD+.
As for Parkhurst from your video they look great, but I would consider them closer to Grant Stone in quality.
These boots are at least a level or two above any Grant Stones that I've owned (and subsequently sold). The last here is sexy as hell, whereas GS boots always felt like the style came as an afterthought or not at all.
@@tonymoore2100 I agree with you on the style aspect of Grant Stone. I don't really get the 'Alden-esque' aesthetic.
@@benjaminbootn my favorite pair of boots are actually Alden color 8 shell Barrie lasts. Truly cool boots!
@@tonymoore2100 The 618 last is what I've always wanted...now if we can get a thicker leather on this last with a thicker midsole that'd be great. The midsole is really thin, I broke it in over the weekend...less than 20 hours of wear. Which is nice...but I can't imagine re-soling them is going to be fun.
@@umbertosmith7014 isn't the 618 a brand new last? I thought it was a variation of the classic Allen. It's definitely a different shape than the other Allens I own. Anyhow, I have the black 618s and they are amazing. The shape of the last is so cool.
I have _a lot_ of Vibergs, and no Parkhursts. I'll have to try Parkhurst some day. Thanks for the video!
Also have to add that Andrew makes exchanges so easy, vs Viberg's policy and customer service almost non existent.
I agree with your review and comparison. It's a big compliment to Parkhurst to be compared to one the best heritage boot manufacturers in the world. I have the same pair of 618 Bordeaux Veg tan and they are incredible.
I wish either companies boots came in EEE width.
If Parkhurst would make a 2040ish bump toe boot using the 618 last. I would buy nothing but Parkhurst.
Good point not everyone wants such a sleek look
@@YouShoe-1985 Its sleek but wide...Wider than E width HNW Nicks last...more pinky toe room, it looks pointy, but its just a touch wider than an E at the ball...and the heel is narrower...
Its a crafty combination last that fits my foot great. I can't do a standard D width, I wish I could then I'd be rolling in Redwings.
I have a Viberg 2030 brown cxl and I really wanted the black horse hide or calf but the price of $1020 made me think twice. Then Parkhurst came out with the black teacore veg tan stitch down for $418 and I ordered them and they feel great and look incredible. Do I still want another pair of Vibreg’s? Yes but I can wait as I have a pair of Nicks coming for Christmas.
I have the black teacores as well (wearing them right now, in fact). They're CRAZY nice.
Hi Ashwin, what’s the color on the Parkhurst boots?Wishing you a great rest of the weekend! ✌🏻
That's the Allen 618 stitchdown in Bordeaux.
What used market did you find your Viberg's?
I agree. Are vibergs nicer, yes. Twice as nice... eye of the beholder. New to the genre, start with patkhurst till you know what you like
The price difference is what sells me on Parkhurst
Look closely at the positioning of the «inner & lower» eyelets»on the Parkhurts. Not very accurate…🤔?
To make a small correction, Parkhurst uses leather heel counters
i wear 7.5 EE/EEE in other brands. which size do i need in pakhurst?
a couple of commenters may have eluded to it: Viberg offers a selection of Lasts and at least one will work for the wider foot. Parkhurst is accepting the 80-20 rule that they're last will work for 80% and the other 20% should just look elsewhere. i'm not going to pay even Parkhurst $$ to be told go up a 1/2 size if you are, say, EE. my opinion, natch.
Stirring the Alden pot. 😂
I will buy Grant Stone, Parkhurst and Truman anyday over the insanely overpriced Vibergs. Same or better quality, at half the price. It's a no brainer to me. On principle, I refuse to pay the atrocious Viberg prices.
Parkhurst imo feels like a budget Alden competitor. Just because they’re stitchdown doesn’t put them in the same sentence as Viberg. Parkhurst needs some work their lasts aren’t work wear lasts, I just recieved the 618 and the toe box is low… dress shoe low. The heel counter/ pattern is kind of wacky. The leathers are thin and glove like. The overall boot is lighter and the stitching doesn’t feel like work boot quality. The quality is good for what it is but you’re in over your head saying it’s a good alternative. I think the closest Viberg has had to a budget alternative was Truman back when they did stitchdown, but they’ve clearly gone down a very different path.
I am not putting Parkhurst down; they seem to make a good boot and am looking forward to wearing them and judging them for what they are. I am down for a lower cost light weight boot that doesn’t come with the trials and tribulations that come with being a viberg consumer.
The Tempesti leather is thin, but the CF Stead uppers are quite a bit thicker.
I would rather have the Parkhurst all day long. It's just as good as Viberg without the ridiculous price. The issue with Parkhurst is limited sizes and stock. I love my Niagara's in navy calfskin.
I have 5 pairs of 2030 Vibergs and I love them but I never owned Parhust so I can't compare