Redwing occupies a unique niche/position in the market. Personally I hope we never lose them as a brand and U.S. manufacturer. There aren’t very many US made boots like redwings. On the heritage side right now I guess White’s moc toes could replace RW moc toes and Truman could replace the No 8 lasted boots. But they’re a higher price point and not the same leather. Edit: just wanted to say thanks for covering the topic Jake. Brave of you since I don’t think most would consider you a RW expert. But…take a look at CJ Cook’s changing tastes…to your point he’s moving up market from RW. RW are good but not end game boots and above all limited in styling.
My Iron Rangers are very comfortable. Like leather slippers at this point, I guess there could be more cushion in the sole but never been an issue for me. Currently breaking in a pair on Engineer Boots from Red Wing 2268. So far so good, and the fact that I got them for $200 and didn't have to wait a year or pay a grand I'm good with that. For every cork sniffing Red Wing is inferior review, there are a more positives. Just my experience. Truth is I would love to have many other brands, styles, and colors, but everything is crazy expensive. It's hard to get multiple new quality wardrobe pieces each year.
I have owned Nicks, Thorogood, westco, Danner and Red Wing. My go to is always my Red Wing Moc Toe. I recently had my black Iron Rangers resoled with a wedge and now I love them.
Jake, you're missing one of the major points about Red Wing.. They are widely available in brick and mortar stores in most cities, which makes them the perfect starter, made in the US, goodyear welted, heritage boot. They also come in D and EE widths. We often complain that people are wearing the wrong sizes.. well, the way to deal with that is to get fitted in person at your local store. I do not recommend buying online for your first proper boot. Love your reviews, keep them coming. Cheers.
It really depends on the person and the way you use your boots that determines comfort. I'm on the other spectrum of sizing and have about a B width foot and a very low instep which makes ready to wear boots difficult to purchase for me. With that said, my Iron Rangers are the MOST comfortable boot I own and the break in didn't hurt hardly at all. I also have very sweaty feet so I think I was able to soften up the leather quicker than most people, but they have formed to my feet perfectly. Great discussion though!
I have to say you did a great job covering the Redwing Brand. I have 3 pairs (2 moc toes and the Iron Ranger) and I had a interesting experience with them. The Iron Ranger fits me very well, right from the beginning. I was expecting a painful breakin but they felt like a bespoke boot right from the box, no painful breakin, snug without feeling tight, just a great fit. The only critique I have is the sole is harder than I would like. When I resole them, I will put on a vibram lug sole and a thick leather midsole (I like thick soles). The 875 moctoe was a different story, the last is a little too tight around the little toe, my toe nail actually came off. I eventually had to get a boot stretcher to widen that area. After 4 tries, I finally succeeded in widening them enough so that they weren't uncomfortable. What is interesting is that I brought the RW Alpine moc toe in the same last but that pair was actually comfortable, no pinching...go figure. At this point, I love my redwings as well as my other boots (Grant Stone, Parkhurst, Truman, Jim Green, etc...) but I do have my eye on the GS brass boot like yours, that black boot is awesome looking.
Iron Ranger is a comfortable city boot, and the copper rough and tough required very little break-in. Amber harness leather might be what people talk about when they complain about discomfort.
I been wearing Red Wing’s 877 for work since 2008 and 875 as my everyday boots, never had any issues whatsoever with them. Size is always the same and breaking it’s not bad at all. When I fall a sleep on my Red Wings it’s a good sign of the quality. ❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Love the videos man, agree 100% especially with some of the more recent QC related issues stemming from Red Wing trying to meet & ultimately curve demand (price increases) by pumping out pairs with slight defects in the welting/leather. Red Wings will always be a great entry level boot but it's really discouraging when you open the box and something is off in the stitching that would have never made it past final inspection a few years ago. It's just not the same anymore I feel like. I remember the magic of getting my first pair of 875's ordered into my local red wing store (they only carried the iron ranger funnily enough) and everything was perfect. Now it seems like you're lucky if it was just the sole being sanded at a weird angle. Functionally, it doesn't change anything, but as someone who works in manufacturing and appreciates good design, you look out for these kinds of defects and it leaves a sour taste in your mouth when they're present.
Agreed regarding comfort of these and everything else you've said. I've had blisters from this pair several times breaking them in although no pinch with my relatively standard width foot. However they're getting better and are super practical. The colour is delicious, the leather is creasing fairly nicely and they're looking better and better as i wear them. Thanks Jake!
Objective review of Red Wing boots. I actually don't size down .5 anymore because of the narrow lasts. I use a thin insole and go true to size and it helps with comfort and fit. An insole also adds a little shock absorption in the iron rangers which have very hard, dense soles that feel like wood.
I'd say your assessment is overall correct. I think what we are seeing is an old company that's using old tech, meaning outdated lasts. If RW can make some new lasts that are better designed for real human feet, add some midsoles for comfort and keep their iconic style, then they will have some real winners that will make many boot lovers happy. Great video thanks!
My only pair of RW's are the Blacksmith boot in black prairie leather. I do like the brand and its rich history. The Blacksmith is a tough yet good looking boot. I size down a half size to a 9, and use the leather insole that RW sells. They are somewhat heavy and yes, not the most comfortable underfoot. Wouldn't want to spend a lot of time standing around in them, but I'm an old guy so I can't be on my feet for more than a couple of hours without starting to ache. Would like to get more into the brand so I'm looking at either a Chukka or Chelsea RW boot next.
I have two pairs of iron rangers… and I absolutely love them. I have narrow feet, so maybe that helps the fit. I also gave “nicer” boots and definitely more expensive boots… but genuinely, my iron rangers are my favorite. I will say this though, I’m a remodeling contractor by trade. I do pretty much only interior work, and I wear my iron ranges to work everyday. I rotate between two pairs. I would guess that I probably put more wear on a pair of shoes in a month than most people do all year. I suppose it’s the nature of the world these days that most decent careers involve mostly desk work…. In that case, i wonder if I worked at a computer or something if I’d ever actually get these things broken in. I feel like a lot of people defend them because that’s what they have, and some people bash them because they’re only $350… I love them… really can’t wait to put them on in the morning, and when I get home at night after being on my feet all day, I’m in no hurry to take them off.
This is what I believe as well. If you're sedentary for most of the day, boots that require a break-in will be brutal for much longer and thus the complaints of discomfort. The two most important things that everyone should focus on is correct sizing and actually walking around in them and using them. I've owned expensive pairs of boots but I fell in love with RW. They look amazing and after a break in, they are pretty comfy.
Tell us how you really feel Jake! Ha. Great review!!! They are the Heritage entry level boot. They actually fit my 10.5Ds really well, but to stop there would be to ignore the glory of handmade boots. I guess the problem is budget for a lot of guys, but if you really think what dumb disposable stuff many of us spend our money on, PNW's or Flame Panda's could be on most guys list if we budget & save. Me? I don't want a boat, Harley or Corvette, just great handmade boots!
I definitely understand that not everyone is going to pay for higher end boots. I just wish red wing did sizing better so people would have better options at lower prices.
I just got my first pair of diesel from grantstone. I wish I knew about grant stone before I tried my first red wing. I wouldn’t have touched red wing.. I was really impressed with the quality of my grant stone saddle.. I ordered honey shell. Im excited about it. Grant stone for the money I really think is pretty great.
As person with thin C feet the no8 last in D is one of the better fits. But i had huge problem with my forst pair where they sized me in 1.5 size down. I sold them and got half down that is a great fit. All of my pares had some problems but they are made sturdy, especially the leather, extremely durable in my experience. I love the fact the soles are oil resistant. I cant believe this is not more important for people
Agree. The comfort and fit of Red Wing shoes are lacking, and what exacerbates the issue is that people often don't know their correct foot size, which makes things even worse for the uninitiated.
That’s interesting that you would consider Red Wings uncomfortable. I find RW to be some of the most comfortable boots I own. Are you sure you’re a D width?
I love my Red Wing IR. But i 💯 agree with you. Great boots like you said other than the comfort. They fit my feet great. My complaint is they feel like im walking on wood after a couple hours. I have been going up a half size from my normal boot sz of 10 to 10.5 and putting a foam insole in which generally makes up for the sz increase. Good video 👍
I agree with everything you said. I have some 875s and I’ve worn them like 10-20 times. They’re just not that comfortable. I measure like a 9.5C-D on a brannock device and these boots are just brutally narrow. Thinking about passing them on, which is unfortunate because I do like how these orange shoes look.
You must have sized them too small if a D width 875 is too tight for your narrow foot. I'm an E width foot, and can wear the 875's in a D width after breaking them in. Maybe try to have them stretched before giving up on them.
I’m a little late to this party, but I’m a 12B (super low instep/volume) and have iron rangers in 11D with an insole and they fit perfectly with no break-in. I realize that’s the minority. Mine are amber harness, and I did treat them with snoseal. I’m 6’2”. The bulbous toe doesn’t look too clownish on me. A lower break on pants will affect that as well. I’m highly considering a pair of moc toes. Most other moc toes are derivative of Redwing, Alden, or Maine handsewn true mocs. Thus, I’m drawn toward the more established rather than White’s, Truman, or even Lofgren though the overall quality may be significantly better. I kind of like the look of the new black cherry Excalibur mocs 🤔.
I have several pair of RWs and love them. I agree with a lot of what you describe; they aren’t for everyone. I find my Pecos to be more comfortable underfoot than my Heritage pairs, as I think my pair (Model 1178) has a poron insole. Another good alternative is Truman boots, although I don’t personally own them. Grant Stone boots and shoes are amazing. I own a pair of their PTBs, and have my eye on a boot next.
Couldn’t agree more. I got a steal on some Roughout RW engineers and wanted to try their boots. Boy have these been a pain. I’m going to get them resoled with the hopes that they look better… but they’re VERY uncomfy and the fit is really not there. Same issue when I tried the pecos too
They’re model 8268 and I love the Roughout and the somewhat crude pattern. The issue is that they’re simultaneously tight in the instep but also have too much heel slip. My Moto(r) Engineers, few pairs of Whites and several cowboy boots were much easier to break in and have only gotten more comfy. These are wildly stiff even after months of regular wear.. let’s see if these break in enough to keep in the roto.
Honestly I got my first pair of 875s as my first pair of real boots and I can say they are my most confortable shoes, I didn't have any trouble with the breakin , just wore thick wool socks
I never understand why bootmakers will make a boot with a seemingly nonexistent heel counter, especially for slip on boots. This is exactly the problem I have with the Wesco Mister Lous. The boot is certainly built like a tank, but the heel counter has no shape or volume, and nowadays they use thermoplastic material to make them. It didn't matter that I had the right size (I went to get sized at the Wesco factory), nor did it matter that the boots were completely broken in after 6-8 months; I was still getting achy heels and sometimes blisters if I walked around in them all day. I sold them and got a pair of Lofgren engineers instead due to the better heel counter design and was blown away at the increase in comfort from doing so. Like, seriously, why do they do this to their boots? It just seems like an obvious bare minimum expectation to get a decent shape and volume for the heel cup
Yeah I don't get it either. I had the same issue with my Wesco engineers. Appalling heel slip and I had to sell them. A good heel counter is so crucial.
I agree GS is mpre comftroble, but the import to europe+ shiping makes them almost double the price of redwing, especiallly if you dont get the sizing wrong, and somehow we dont have brannock around in the stores. Redwing has stores around so that is plus. Meermin is good alternative even under the price od RW
Yeah pricing in Europe is definitely not the same as in the US with a lot of brands sadly. Europe uses a different sizing system which I think is why they don't have brannock devices around
I agree, Red Wing is a C sized footbed then scale up the upper. I think that is why we have so many issues. I have sort of thrown in the towel with Red Wing. I am a C width and volume. My feet are weird but Red Wing is a struggle. If you can get an older Red Wing Beckman. Half size down or the old 899's you are better off. They have the last 8 before they slimmed down the profile. You may not care for the aesthetic but they are actually comfortable.
@@almostvintagestyle I definitely agree! They just need to rollback the clock. I think part of it was the guy from RW Japan decided to do it. Part of it was likely Japanese feet are different from the majority of American feet. But definitely crazy. If you don't mind vintage boots maybe try to pick up a deadstock 899 in your size. Red Wing reddit has a trading forum and give them a whirl. My only suggestion would be to heel lock lace them if you don't mind an 8" boot. The 899 was an Oro Original Leather Work Boot. It's a Round Toe. Think of an 877 for the upper but the bottom a much better rounder bump toe. I have a friend and that has been his favorite work boot. I think it still fits him better than his Wesco's and Flame Pandas for context.
I was a whites boot guy. I love them... I wanted the 877 for years so I was out on the west cost and saw 👀 a red wing store. I figured I would give then a try because I could try them on and get the advice from the store as I was told I needed to to do. Well that almost made me Hate red wing boots. The guy talked me into going a hole size down... BIG ASS MISTAKE... now I have a pair that are just .5 to small. And I would love to find them a home. Anyway I feel like the guy didn't have a 11 in store and had the 10.5 and knew I was from out of town 🙃 😢 I was out in south Dakota on a bike ride for a week and spotted a red wing store 😀 got the 877 in a 11 and shipped my whites home... they are perfect and never hurt my feet the rest of the time I was in them on the trip 😊 just my two cents worth... big fan now😀 just need to figure out what to do with the 10.5 877 that guy talked me into 😢
I have my Iron Rangers since 2016, i’ve always put an insole and they broke in very comfortable. I did dislike the “clown” toe effect it shows now and wished I’d would of gotten the Blacksmith. 90% of all toe-cap boots are not following through original toe-cap methodology. The fit depends on two things, the last and more importantly, the design. This design aspect is targeting the bend of the boot. Red wings are very good but I’d moved on.
I think if red wing put leather mid soles, or just BETTER leather mid soles and insoles, it'd solve the comfort problem... I really like The look of my iron rangers, but I'm going to get them resoled with a leather mid sole and heel stack as soon as possible
@@almostvintagestyle Even the Beckman's didn't fit either? As for Blacksmith's I am strictly talking about the original generation with the Nitrile cork sole and leather liner in the front of the toebox. They were pretty rare. The later Blacksmith Boots has a more narrowed toe shape. High volume but far more narrowed and even the bottom of the insole is more narrowed if you compare photos(identical sizes).
@@almostvintagestyle I forget the info, I could go research it again. But the last 8 used to be different. In order to fit newer aesthetics they took the original wooden last 8(technically a modified Military Munson last) and slimmed down the ball, waist, in-step and toe profile. The heel was about the only thing unchanged. So older Round Toe Boots like the 8" Round Toes, Red Wing 899's, Beckman(Not counting the flatbox), and the Original Generation Only Blacksmith had the last 8 before they decided to slim down the last. I get it was done for aesthetics so the toebox wasn't as wide but it was stupidly done because it eradicated a lot of the comfort. Grab a 2008 Round Toe and you can tell the difference! It's crazy! I have a lot of Red Wings. Older 2008-2012 boots fit amazingly! Everything else is downright awful. The last changed but they call it the same 🤷♂️. There is an article following the creator from Red Wing Japan and how they changed the original last 8 boots. To my knowledge they altered the majority of the companies existing lasts. It was cheaper than replacing them and storing them. They have a few in certain sizes still, enough for special editions, or to supply Japan or Singapore. But no longer enough to truly bring back into production. I have early Beckman's (2011), the toe profile is far wider, the waist, instep, everything is different. My 2018 Iron Ranger is far more slimmed down comparatively.
I like the Iron Ranger, BUT I definitely think they should have a leather mid sole and a leather heel stack... the plain toe and the very rare monkey boot style are definitely the best... my biggest issue with red wing is no leather mid soles and they don't use quality leather heel stacks on the engineers... Generally speaking, you can spend 50 bucks more and get an awesome Indonesian boot from Sagara, Renav, Jakkrabbits, etc.
I have wide feet and always order wide from Red Wing and every time I receive the boots I think "Oh, they must've made a mistake and sent D width by accident". Nope, just very narrow lasts and a very limited selection of models offered in their version of 'wide'.
Yeah its a constant problem I hear of from others and it's what I experienced as well. They just have very narrow lasts. I think more people would be able to wear them if they fixed that.
Iron ranger has nothing to do with clown shoes. In my opinion moc toes are ridiculous with their stupid bottom, no matter red wing or other brand. But iron rangers are best boots out there with blacksmits and beckman. And the round toe in ranger is perfect. Those low slim toe boots out there are so ridiculous 😂
I like the iron ranger but don’t consider it to be the best design. A service boot like Viberg or Parkhurst makes is far more versatile from a design/style standpoint.
The Iron ranger is the ugliest f’ing boot I’ve ever seen. They look ridiculous with that bulbous toe. You couldn’t pay me to wear them. Definitely clown shoe aesthetics.
Redwing occupies a unique niche/position in the market. Personally I hope we never lose them as a brand and U.S. manufacturer. There aren’t very many US made boots like redwings. On the heritage side right now I guess White’s moc toes could replace RW moc toes and Truman could replace the No 8 lasted boots. But they’re a higher price point and not the same leather.
Edit: just wanted to say thanks for covering the topic Jake. Brave of you since I don’t think most would consider you a RW expert. But…take a look at CJ Cook’s changing tastes…to your point he’s moving up market from RW. RW are good but not end game boots and above all limited in styling.
I definitely want red wing to stick around. I'm glad they're here! I just wish they did better with the lasts and sizing
Is it normal for a jacket to creak as much as yours does? 🤔
I was going to note that, I think he knocked his mike loose when he went out of shot to get the Grant Stones.
Leather jacket ASMR
Hoy todos están acostumbrados como suena una chaqueta decpoliester y desconocen el ruido que produce el cuero natural.
The Squeak of a good leather.
It's a little annoying especially when you're at quiet place and that's all you hear.
My Iron Rangers are very comfortable. Like leather slippers at this point, I guess there could be more cushion in the sole but never been an issue for me. Currently breaking in a pair on Engineer Boots from Red Wing 2268. So far so good, and the fact that I got them for $200 and didn't have to wait a year or pay a grand I'm good with that. For every cork sniffing Red Wing is inferior review, there are a more positives. Just my experience. Truth is I would love to have many other brands, styles, and colors, but everything is crazy expensive. It's hard to get multiple new quality wardrobe pieces each year.
$200 for engineers is a steal so I take my hat off to you on that front!
I have owned Nicks, Thorogood, westco, Danner and Red Wing. My go to is always my Red Wing Moc Toe. I recently had my black Iron Rangers resoled with a wedge and now I love them.
Glad to hear it!
Maybe another suggestion would be Truman boots? Between $300.00 to $500.00
Yeah I definitely should have added Truman. That's my mistake.
Jake, you're missing one of the major points about Red Wing..
They are widely available in brick and mortar stores in most cities, which makes them the perfect starter, made in the US, goodyear welted, heritage boot. They also come in D and EE widths. We often complain that people are wearing the wrong sizes.. well, the way to deal with that is to get fitted in person at your local store. I do not recommend buying online for your first proper boot.
Love your reviews, keep them coming. Cheers.
Good point. I'm so used to buying online thay I didn't mention the store advantage that Red Wing has.
It really depends on the person and the way you use your boots that determines comfort. I'm on the other spectrum of sizing and have about a B width foot and a very low instep which makes ready to wear boots difficult to purchase for me. With that said, my Iron Rangers are the MOST comfortable boot I own and the break in didn't hurt hardly at all. I also have very sweaty feet so I think I was able to soften up the leather quicker than most people, but they have formed to my feet perfectly. Great discussion though!
Glad go hear a counterpoint. Interesting to hear what feet work well with the IR. Thanks!
I have to say you did a great job covering the Redwing Brand. I have 3 pairs (2 moc toes and the Iron Ranger) and I had a interesting experience with them. The Iron Ranger fits me very well, right from the beginning. I was expecting a painful breakin but they felt like a bespoke boot right from the box, no painful breakin, snug without feeling tight, just a great fit. The only critique I have is the sole is harder than I would like. When I resole them, I will put on a vibram lug sole and a thick leather midsole (I like thick soles). The 875 moctoe was a different story, the last is a little too tight around the little toe, my toe nail actually came off. I eventually had to get a boot stretcher to widen that area. After 4 tries, I finally succeeded in widening them enough so that they weren't uncomfortable. What is interesting is that I brought the RW Alpine moc toe in the same last but that pair was actually comfortable, no pinching...go figure. At this point, I love my redwings as well as my other boots (Grant Stone, Parkhurst, Truman, Jim Green, etc...) but I do have my eye on the GS brass boot like yours, that black boot is awesome looking.
Oh wow that sounds extremely painful! I like the resolution idea for the Iron Rangers!
Iron Ranger is a comfortable city boot, and the copper rough and tough required very little break-in. Amber harness leather might be what people talk about when they complain about discomfort.
Yeah I'm not sure as I haven't had Iron Rangers. I've just heard a massive amount of complaints about comfort with it.
I been wearing Red Wing’s 877 for work since 2008 and 875 as my everyday boots, never had any issues whatsoever with them. Size is always the same and breaking it’s not bad at all. When I fall a sleep on my Red Wings it’s a good sign of the quality. ❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Love the videos man, agree 100% especially with some of the more recent QC related issues stemming from Red Wing trying to meet & ultimately curve demand (price increases) by pumping out pairs with slight defects in the welting/leather. Red Wings will always be a great entry level boot but it's really discouraging when you open the box and something is off in the stitching that would have never made it past final inspection a few years ago. It's just not the same anymore I feel like. I remember the magic of getting my first pair of 875's ordered into my local red wing store (they only carried the iron ranger funnily enough) and everything was perfect. Now it seems like you're lucky if it was just the sole being sanded at a weird angle. Functionally, it doesn't change anything, but as someone who works in manufacturing and appreciates good design, you look out for these kinds of defects and it leaves a sour taste in your mouth when they're present.
That's a real shame. I feel like that didn't used to be as big of an issue for them. They used to be fairly consistent
Agreed regarding comfort of these and everything else you've said. I've had blisters from this pair several times breaking them in although no pinch with my relatively standard width foot. However they're getting better and are super practical. The colour is delicious, the leather is creasing fairly nicely and they're looking better and better as i wear them. Thanks Jake!
Glad to hear they're getting better!
Im courious, how did you size the brass boots? I find the last unusually tall fit wise though i really love the boots aesthetic
I just sized down .5 from brannock and they fit me well👍
Objective review of Red Wing boots. I actually don't size down .5 anymore because of the narrow lasts. I use a thin insole and go true to size and it helps with comfort and fit. An insole also adds a little shock absorption in the iron rangers which have very hard, dense soles that feel like wood.
That's some good advice for sure
Gree midsole would help. I think i will do it in resole. And i wkuld love to try 5155 in fierstone at some point
Yeah a midsole would definitely help IMO
Hi!
What do you think about Skoob Wander Engineers? Is it worth buying?
Thanks!
They look nice, but I haven't been able to try some pair yet.
I'd say your assessment is overall correct. I think what we are seeing is an old company that's using old tech, meaning outdated lasts. If RW can make some new lasts that are better designed for real human feet, add some midsoles for comfort and keep their iconic style, then they will have some real winners that will make many boot lovers happy. Great video thanks!
Agreed. I think they're good boots overall, but they could be seriously great with a few improvements.
My only pair of RW's are the Blacksmith boot in black prairie leather. I do like the brand and its rich history. The Blacksmith is a tough yet good looking boot. I size down a half size to a 9, and use the leather insole that RW sells. They are somewhat heavy and yes, not the most comfortable underfoot. Wouldn't want to spend a lot of time standing around in them, but I'm an old guy so I can't be on my feet for more than a couple of hours without starting to ache. Would like to get more into the brand so I'm looking at either a Chukka or Chelsea RW boot next.
Yeah if you're not standing for too long anyway then it's not a huge deal. They do look nice!
I have two pairs of iron rangers… and I absolutely love them. I have narrow feet, so maybe that helps the fit. I also gave “nicer” boots and definitely more expensive boots… but genuinely, my iron rangers are my favorite. I will say this though, I’m a remodeling contractor by trade. I do pretty much only interior work, and I wear my iron ranges to work everyday. I rotate between two pairs. I would guess that I probably put more wear on a pair of shoes in a month than most people do all year. I suppose it’s the nature of the world these days that most decent careers involve mostly desk work…. In that case, i wonder if I worked at a computer or something if I’d ever actually get these things broken in. I feel like a lot of people defend them because that’s what they have, and some people bash them because they’re only $350… I love them… really can’t wait to put them on in the morning, and when I get home at night after being on my feet all day, I’m in no hurry to take them off.
This is what I believe as well. If you're sedentary for most of the day, boots that require a break-in will be brutal for much longer and thus the complaints of discomfort. The two most important things that everyone should focus on is correct sizing and actually walking around in them and using them. I've owned expensive pairs of boots but I fell in love with RW. They look amazing and after a break in, they are pretty comfy.
If you have narrow feet, then red wing will probably work fairly well for you so that's good!
Tell us how you really feel Jake! Ha. Great review!!! They are the Heritage entry level boot. They actually fit my 10.5Ds really well, but to stop there would be to ignore the glory of handmade boots. I guess the problem is budget for a lot of guys, but if you really think what dumb disposable stuff many of us spend our money on, PNW's or Flame Panda's could be on most guys list if we budget & save. Me? I don't want a boat, Harley or Corvette, just great handmade boots!
I definitely understand that not everyone is going to pay for higher end boots. I just wish red wing did sizing better so people would have better options at lower prices.
Please up your boot video release rate. I always enjoy your perspectives.
Thanks! I'm trying to film more videos!
I just got my first pair of diesel from grantstone. I wish I knew about grant stone before I tried my first red wing. I wouldn’t have touched red wing.. I was really impressed with the quality of my grant stone saddle.. I ordered honey shell. Im excited about it. Grant stone for the money I really think is pretty great.
Yeah they're pretty fantastic for the price. The honey glazed will be really nice
As person with thin C feet the no8 last in D is one of the better fits. But i had huge problem with my forst pair where they sized me in 1.5 size down. I sold them and got half down that is a great fit. All of my pares had some problems but they are made sturdy, especially the leather, extremely durable in my experience. I love the fact the soles are oil resistant. I cant believe this is not more important for people
Wow who sized you 1.5 down? That's crazy
Agree. The comfort and fit of Red Wing shoes are lacking, and what exacerbates the issue is that people often don't know their correct foot size, which makes things even worse for the uninitiated.
That’s interesting that you would consider Red Wings uncomfortable. I find RW to be some of the most comfortable boots I own. Are you sure you’re a D width?
Yeah I've heard so many complaints about red wing comfort. It's overwhelming
I love my Red Wing IR. But i 💯 agree with you. Great boots like you said other than the comfort. They fit my feet great. My complaint is they feel like im walking on wood after a couple hours. I have been going up a half size from my normal boot sz of 10 to 10.5 and putting a foam insole in which generally makes up for the sz increase. Good video 👍
Yeah they're very nice, but the comfort kills it for me
LoL, I have 6 Iron Rangers and theyre all comfortable.
That's great!
I agree with everything you said. I have some 875s and I’ve worn them like 10-20 times. They’re just not that comfortable. I measure like a 9.5C-D on a brannock device and these boots are just brutally narrow. Thinking about passing them on, which is unfortunate because I do like how these orange shoes look.
Yeah its weird how narrow they are isn't it? I agree it's a shame because I also love how they look.
You must have sized them too small if a D width 875 is too tight for your narrow foot. I'm an E width foot, and can wear the 875's in a D width after breaking them in. Maybe try to have them stretched before giving up on them.
I feel you on the disproportional foot size. I'm 5'7" with size 12 in sneakers and 11.5 in boots.
on top of that, I have EE-EEE width feet.
Yeah you have it even more than I do!
I’m a little late to this party, but I’m a 12B (super low instep/volume) and have iron rangers in 11D with an insole and they fit perfectly with no break-in. I realize that’s the minority. Mine are amber harness, and I did treat them with snoseal. I’m 6’2”. The bulbous toe doesn’t look too clownish on me. A lower break on pants will affect that as well.
I’m highly considering a pair of moc toes. Most other moc toes are derivative of Redwing, Alden, or Maine handsewn true mocs. Thus, I’m drawn toward the more established rather than White’s, Truman, or even Lofgren though the overall quality may be significantly better. I kind of like the look of the new black cherry Excalibur mocs 🤔.
I've been hearing that now from narrow footed guys. Iron rangers seem to work great in that case which is interesting, but very cool to know.
I have several pair of RWs and love them. I agree with a lot of what you describe; they aren’t for everyone. I find my Pecos to be more comfortable underfoot than my Heritage pairs, as I think my pair (Model 1178) has a poron insole. Another good alternative is Truman boots, although I don’t personally own them. Grant Stone boots and shoes are amazing. I own a pair of their PTBs, and have my eye on a boot next.
I wish they fit me better because I do like some Red Wing designs. I should have mentioned Truman!
Couldn’t agree more. I got a steal on some Roughout RW engineers and wanted to try their boots. Boy have these been a pain. I’m going to get them resoled with the hopes that they look better… but they’re VERY uncomfy and the fit is really not there. Same issue when I tried the pecos too
That's definitely unfortunate, but not surprising based on my experiences and what I've heard from others.
They’re model 8268 and I love the Roughout and the somewhat crude pattern. The issue is that they’re simultaneously tight in the instep but also have too much heel slip. My Moto(r) Engineers, few pairs of Whites and several cowboy boots were much easier to break in and have only gotten more comfy. These are wildly stiff even after months of regular wear.. let’s see if these break in enough to keep in the roto.
Try the Red Wing x Nigel Cabourn with the Munson Last. 8011/8012
Is that the cap toe chukka boot they did? I like that one and yes a Munson last would help!
Honestly I got my first pair of 875s as my first pair of real boots and I can say they are my most confortable shoes, I didn't have any trouble with the breakin , just wore thick wool socks
Yeah a lot of people love how the moc toes feel.
I never understand why bootmakers will make a boot with a seemingly nonexistent heel counter, especially for slip on boots. This is exactly the problem I have with the Wesco Mister Lous. The boot is certainly built like a tank, but the heel counter has no shape or volume, and nowadays they use thermoplastic material to make them. It didn't matter that I had the right size (I went to get sized at the Wesco factory), nor did it matter that the boots were completely broken in after 6-8 months; I was still getting achy heels and sometimes blisters if I walked around in them all day. I sold them and got a pair of Lofgren engineers instead due to the better heel counter design and was blown away at the increase in comfort from doing so. Like, seriously, why do they do this to their boots? It just seems like an obvious bare minimum expectation to get a decent shape and volume for the heel cup
Yeah I don't get it either. I had the same issue with my Wesco engineers. Appalling heel slip and I had to sell them. A good heel counter is so crucial.
I agree GS is mpre comftroble, but the import to europe+ shiping makes them almost double the price of redwing, especiallly if you dont get the sizing wrong, and somehow we dont have brannock around in the stores. Redwing has stores around so that is plus. Meermin is good alternative even under the price od RW
Yeah pricing in Europe is definitely not the same as in the US with a lot of brands sadly. Europe uses a different sizing system which I think is why they don't have brannock devices around
I agree, Red Wing is a C sized footbed then scale up the upper. I think that is why we have so many issues.
I have sort of thrown in the towel with Red Wing. I am a C width and volume. My feet are weird but Red Wing is a struggle.
If you can get an older Red Wing Beckman. Half size down or the old 899's you are better off. They have the last 8 before they slimmed down the profile.
You may not care for the aesthetic but they are actually comfortable.
It's wild that they think doing such a narrow width is a good idea. If they fixed that, they'd have less problems imo
@@almostvintagestyle I definitely agree! They just need to rollback the clock. I think part of it was the guy from RW Japan decided to do it. Part of it was likely Japanese feet are different from the majority of American feet.
But definitely crazy. If you don't mind vintage boots maybe try to pick up a deadstock 899 in your size. Red Wing reddit has a trading forum and give them a whirl.
My only suggestion would be to heel lock lace them if you don't mind an 8" boot. The 899 was an Oro Original Leather Work Boot. It's a Round Toe. Think of an 877 for the upper but the bottom a much better rounder bump toe.
I have a friend and that has been his favorite work boot. I think it still fits him better than his Wesco's and Flame Pandas for context.
What Grant Stone is that? I like it in the black.
It's their Brass Boot
Yup the reply is correct! It's the Brass boot in black cxl
I was a whites boot guy. I love them... I wanted the 877 for years so I was out on the west cost and saw 👀 a red wing store. I figured I would give then a try because I could try them on and get the advice from the store as I was told I needed to to do. Well that almost made me Hate red wing boots. The guy talked me into going a hole size down... BIG ASS MISTAKE... now I have a pair that are just .5 to small. And I would love to find them a home. Anyway I feel like the guy didn't have a 11 in store and had the 10.5 and knew I was from out of town 🙃 😢 I was out in south Dakota on a bike ride for a week and spotted a red wing store 😀 got the 877 in a 11 and shipped my whites home... they are perfect and never hurt my feet the rest of the time I was in them on the trip 😊 just my two cents worth... big fan now😀 just need to figure out what to do with the 10.5 877 that guy talked me into 😢
Yeah that sounds like they were trying to make a sale. Red Wings usually fit .5 down from Brannock. That's really unfortunate. I'm sorry to hear that
Peco is not avalable any more in Germany* at least at this time
It's not available in a lot of places sadly
Must be men’s boots? I have 3 pair of redwings all in different styles and they are all beautiful and super comfortable, straight out of the box
Yeah my wife's Red Wings have been comfortable for her so it probably is more of a men's boot issue
I have my Iron Rangers since 2016, i’ve always put an insole and they broke in very comfortable. I did dislike the “clown” toe effect it shows now and wished I’d would of gotten the Blacksmith. 90% of all toe-cap boots are not following through original toe-cap methodology. The fit depends on two things, the last and more importantly, the design. This design aspect is targeting the bend of the boot. Red wings are very good but I’d moved on.
Yeah just not my favorite design personally.
I think if red wing put leather mid soles, or just BETTER leather mid soles and insoles, it'd solve the comfort problem... I really like The look of my iron rangers, but I'm going to get them resoled with a leather mid sole and heel stack as soon as possible
Yeah I don't think it would take much to really make an improvement
i have redwing beckmans 9011 in black cherry featherstone. its a great boot and the shoe im most happy to work in and wear out in equal measure.
Beckman is the older last 8. Along with first gen Blacksmith's. They simply fit better.
That's awesome! If they fit you well, they're solid boots. Mine just never fit
@@almostvintagestyle Even the Beckman's didn't fit either? As for Blacksmith's I am strictly talking about the original generation with the Nitrile cork sole and leather liner in the front of the toebox. They were pretty rare.
The later Blacksmith Boots has a more narrowed toe shape. High volume but far more narrowed and even the bottom of the insole is more narrowed if you compare photos(identical sizes).
@@almostvintagestyle I forget the info, I could go research it again. But the last 8 used to be different. In order to fit newer aesthetics they took the original wooden last 8(technically a modified Military Munson last) and slimmed down the ball, waist, in-step and toe profile. The heel was about the only thing unchanged.
So older Round Toe Boots like the 8" Round Toes, Red Wing 899's, Beckman(Not counting the flatbox), and the Original Generation Only Blacksmith had the last 8 before they decided to slim down the last.
I get it was done for aesthetics so the toebox wasn't as wide but it was stupidly done because it eradicated a lot of the comfort.
Grab a 2008 Round Toe and you can tell the difference! It's crazy! I have a lot of Red Wings.
Older 2008-2012 boots fit amazingly! Everything else is downright awful. The last changed but they call it the same 🤷♂️. There is an article following the creator from Red Wing Japan and how they changed the original last 8 boots.
To my knowledge they altered the majority of the companies existing lasts. It was cheaper than replacing them and storing them. They have a few in certain sizes still, enough for special editions, or to supply Japan or Singapore. But no longer enough to truly bring back into production.
I have early Beckman's (2011), the toe profile is far wider, the waist, instep, everything is different. My 2018 Iron Ranger is far more slimmed down comparatively.
@@almostvintagestyle fit is massively important I’m a 12 so can’t take any shortcuts. Looking at a viberg 310 next because of you haha
Are you popping popcorn for the entire 30 minutes?
Yeah. My popcorn maker is just really slow.
I like the Iron Ranger, BUT I definitely think they should have a leather mid sole and a leather heel stack... the plain toe and the very rare monkey boot style are definitely the best... my biggest issue with red wing is no leather mid soles and they don't use quality leather heel stacks on the engineers... Generally speaking, you can spend 50 bucks more and get an awesome Indonesian boot from Sagara, Renav, Jakkrabbits, etc.
Agreed. I feel like Red Wing could just make a few upgrades and really be great.
I have wide feet and always order wide from Red Wing and every time I receive the boots I think "Oh, they must've made a mistake and sent D width by accident". Nope, just very narrow lasts and a very limited selection of models offered in their version of 'wide'.
Yeah its a constant problem I hear of from others and it's what I experienced as well. They just have very narrow lasts. I think more people would be able to wear them if they fixed that.
I hate my Iron Rangers. They are now just my beater yard work boots, I cant stand to wear them any longer than that
I've heard iron rangers are perpetually uncomfortable for many people sadly
Iron ranger has nothing to do with clown shoes. In my opinion moc toes are ridiculous with their stupid bottom, no matter red wing or other brand. But iron rangers are best boots out there with blacksmits and beckman. And the round toe in ranger is perfect. Those low slim toe boots out there are so ridiculous 😂
I disagree, but hey that's cool. We shouldn't all like the same things.
I like the iron ranger but don’t consider it to be the best design. A service boot like Viberg or Parkhurst makes is far more versatile from a design/style standpoint.
The Iron ranger is the ugliest f’ing boot I’ve ever seen. They look ridiculous with that bulbous toe. You couldn’t pay me to wear them. Definitely clown shoe aesthetics.
Ok squeaks
Thank you!
Lol
Lmao squeaky ass jacket
Yeah shouldn't have filmed the video in it haha
😂 this comment. Bro.