We’ve got quite a few pairs of boots—and not one, but TWO irreverent mules—for you to digest this week, and not a miss among them. There are even more Vibergs, a diptych of Wesco x Iron Heart collabs, special releases from some of our favorite small scale makers, gone-in-a-flash shell cordovan from Grant Stone, so read on to get the full scoop!
You can read all our previous roundups here.
[Ed Note: while we never choose anything specifically because of them, some of these recommendations contain affiliate links—the price is the same for you, but Stitchdown gets a small commission if you make a purchase. It’s essential to keeping the site alive, so we really, really appreciate it.]
Viberg Engineer in Black Teacore Vacchetta Lucida: $1,500
This is quickly becoming Viberg Fall™. Nearly every week the storied Canadian bootmakers are hitting us with collections full of absolute bangers. This most recent drop all centers around a teacore horsebutt leather with serious patina potential, spread over five different silhouettes, the most imposing of which is the engineer. One of Viberg’s rarer models, their take on the style stands apart from other engineers on the market, just just because of the shorter height. Another piece from this release, similarly uncommon…
Viberg Side Zip in Black Teacore Vacchetta Lucida: $1,400
…is Viberg’s Side Zip boot. Somehow both sleek and commanding, the Side Zip is ever so western in flavor, with an ultra clean two piece pattern. This minimalist canvas hides no flaws, and functions as a showcase for the leather. With good wear, that high character leather will express itself even further, aided by the platform that the Side Zip offers. Comprising the rest of this drop are three of Viberg’s popular lace-up styles including….
Viberg Service Boot DCT 2040 in Black Teacore Vacchetta Lucida: $1,300
…the 2040 lasted Service Boot DCT, along with its similarly cap toed brother…
Viberg Service Boot BCT 2030 in Black Teacore Vacchetta Lucida: $1,300
…the Service Boot BCT, built on the 2030 last for those looking for something a little sleeker than the anatomical 2040 last. The final boot of the release…
Viberg N1 in Black Teacore Vacchetta Lucida: $1,350
…is the vintage inspired N1 boot, perhaps the best of the bunch. These are built on Viberg’s 1940 last, a semi-anatomical shape with a narrow waist and heel that dress up quite nicely despite their military roots. All five boots from this release are finished with Dr. Sole soles underfoot.
Archive Volume 03 Boot Mules in Horween Dublin: Pre-Order $596
The latest release from Vancouver-based shoemaker/leathercrafter Archive is here. The highly limited pre-order is a semi-custom offering: this release comes in five different colors of Horween’s Dublin leather, with four different sole options, all secured with resoleable stitchdown construction. These mules are made to order with an expected lead time of four months.
Grant Stone Limited Release Capsule in Garnet Shell Cordovan: 5 Styles ($845)
Blink and you’ll miss it! If you needed any evidence for why you should be on the Grant Stone mailing list, then feast your eyes upon this release of GS core styles in stunning Garnet Shell from Horween. Sold out in less than 24 hours, this drop featured the Brass boot (pictured above), as well as the Traveller Penny, plain toe Diesel and Edward Boots, and the brand’s Longwings. If you missed ’em, then make sure you get on Grant Stone’s newsletter for future drops. This is a PSA. 
Goods and Services Paper Bag Mule in Taupe Crazy Horse: $590
A brand new release from Los Angeles based cobbler (AND footwear re-designer, AND original shoe workshop) Goods and Services, the Paper Bag mule is a Boston-esque slip on shoe with a twist—well, technically, a fold. The defining detail is that drapey, gathered construction which will can be manipulated with the adjustment strap. Built from rich pull-up leather, that unique silhouette will yield some dramatic patina over time.
Wesco x Iron Heart “The Drifters” Morrison in Burlap Roughout Steerhide: $1,047
The first of two recent collabs between Iron Heart and Wesco, “The Drifters” is a shorty version of Wesco’s Morrison, with a little bit of fine tuning under the hood. Built on the 91W last, this version of the Morrison has a slightly slimmer shaft than typical—helping to sit a little more cleanly beneath a pair of Iron Heart jeans. Set atop Vibram 4014 soles, “The Drifters” are built from a burlap colored roughout steerhide, which is just begging for a bit of indigo crocking. The second of the IHxWesco collabs…
Wesco x Iron Heart “Snake Eater” Jobmaster in Black Horsehide: $1,200
…are the these big boy, two-tone Jobmasters nicknamed the “Snake Eater”. Sporting charcoal roughout uppers and black horsehide lower panels, they utilize Wesco’s higher-sweeping semi lace-to-toe silhouette which amps up the visual intensity even further. Built on the Jobmaster last and finished with extra chunky Vibram 100 soles, these are boots you would not want to run into in a dark alley.
Nicks Boot of the Month 011 in 1964 Mahogany Roughout and Black Chromexcel: $675
Nicks’ Boot of the Month series is an opportunity for the Spokane base brand to highlight leathers and patterns that they’re especially excited about i.e. extra special limited makeups. This month (which I know is almost over!) they hit us with not one but THREE distinct BOTM(s). The first pair, built on their HNW low arch last, is a finely tuned two-tone design with roughout uppers and black CXL lowers. A jack-of-all-trades with a little bit of extra flavor, they’re wild but not toooo wild. The second of the three pairs…
Nicks Boot of the Month 012 in 1964 Mahogany Roughout and Black Chromexcel: $675
…is also two-tone, built from roughout and black CXL, and fashioned on the HNW low arch last. Despite being made from similar building blocks as BOTM 011, the reconfigured patterning and blacked out mid-sole really switches up the vibe between the two boots. The final pair of the three…
Nicks Boot of the Month 013 in Black Chromexcel: $675
…switches things up and skews a bit sleeker. Built on the almond toed 1925 last, and built fully from black CXL, the 013 boot is a bit more dressed up than the other two. All three of these boots are finished with Nicks wedge soles, secured with 270° welts, the 013 boots sports single row stitching for a clean-as-a-whistle finish.
Crockett & Jones Vail in Dark Brown Reverse Butt Suede: $970
Crockett & Jones’ FW26 collection is here, and their new Vail silhouette really caught our eye. A combo of a classic hiker, with that padded collar, and an apron toe derby boot, unrepresented in the brand’s lineup until now, the Vail is rugged and fun, but keeps up the classiness typified by the Northampton icon. These boots are built from Reverse Butt Suede, with the grain side on the collar. The weather resistance of this leather makes it practical for outdoor wear while keeping the Vails looking smart. The Vail comes in two colors, dark brown…
Crockett & Jones Vail in Taupe Reverse Butt Suede: $970
…as well as Taupe, and are both set atop Vibram Vi-Lite soles for traction and comfort underfoot.