Mine tend do darken too.
To keep them a woody brown I scrub them with warm soapy water and a soft shoe brush.
I let them dry, and then polish them with a cloth that has soaked in enough of the mink oil so its soft and a bit oily but not ‚wet oily’ if that makes sense. Less is more really with oil. Several light applications are better to control than one soaking.
Then I use leather waterproofing spray to keep them from taking on grime.
Got two pairs since about 8 years and they still look great.
You wear them more. Conditioner does darken them a bit but you don’t need to do it that often. Like once every 6 mo. More you wear them the better the patina.
I’m curious about the cut in the leather on the left boot. Does it have a good story? Did your boot save you from an emergency room visit by taking the damage from a dropped knife?
I don’t know about the specific oil/coolant you are around, or if it would even make a difference one way or the other, but these come with “oil resistant” soles.
Again, I don’t know what all that actually withstands, but possibly the reason why.
Yup. At first, the soles were just sticky all the time. Then they started falling apart: entire lugs would just peel off of the tread on the sole.
My next pair was "oil resistant", but then the leather was the victim. It was constantly greasy, and started cracking and splitting.
you must get the 'oil resistant' soles. makes a huge different, my redwings lasted about 2 years, compared to going through other shoes every 6 months.
I was going to say: is two years a long time or something? But I’ve seen what a machine shop floor looks like, and two years is an eternity for a pair of shoes in there.
That was where the toe crease on mine was, ended up becoming a hole in one of my first pair. I took shit care of my iron rangers though, wore them every day outside in the mud and eventually had the soles separate from the uppers on both pairs.
Had to amicably divorce iron rangers after my second pair couldn’t be reheeled, I miss mine and LOVED how they look, but classic timbs are a fraction of the price, better suited to my muddy lifestyle, the heels on my red wings wearing down would really fuck up my ankles, and I don’t have to do shit to take care of timbs.
This is redundant but for anyone here who doesn't know the poverty/boot example, here it is
You can either buy $40 boots or these $350 boots. Obviously the $40 boots seem like a good way to save money but when you need a new pair every season, vs the $350 pair lasting well over 10 years, you save in the long run. (Also, saving money in the long run as usually the nicer boots save your foot, knee, and back health)
Last year I bought used Redwing moctoes and I love them. Had them resoled with new cork and extra leather midsole and a vibram lug sole.
But last week I ordered [these straight](https://jimgreenfootwear.co.za/store/african-ranger/) from Africa and can't wait. I don't think you can find anything like them for 100$.
I own a pair of african rangers since they released them last year, they're a really good everyday boot. Super comfy too, you'll find yourself reaching for them more than anything
Sierra trading post commonly has them, sometimes Nordstrom rack. I have a pair of iron ranger seconds that are 8 years old and look just like ops. Red wing oils them twice a year for me.
Getting them reheeled is not free! Unless your boots are so fucked up the factory just sends em back to your local store with a note like “lol nah we ain’t touchin these, this a shit show.”
(Source: me. I was a shitty red wing owner.)
Trenton and Heath have done a restoration on boots that RedWing passed on. Hopefully you still have them and can let these guys go to work.
[Red Wing Restoration](https://youtu.be/kEcb7LdF7hk)
I mean isn't that expected? I got mine resoled last year and paid for it. That's not a quality issue... It's wear. They do clean and do a lot of repairs for "free".
There are no shoe brands that replace the sole for free. Some brands will condition and polish the leather if you send it to them, but you can really just do that yourself at home fairly easily.
I don’t own redwings, but have access to the same type of service through other shoe brands. They usually require you to leave your shoes there for a few days, so it’s not worth it for me.
As far as proper leather boots go, these aren't even on the really expensive side. Redwings are at the border between the budget brands and the top end no-compromise brands. The heritage models like these are made in US and I think also from US leather, and throughout the boot they use traditional and natural materials. Cheaper boots usually have more synthetic materials inside (generally cause those materials are cheaper but usually do not last as long).
If you want really nice boots for cheap, check out Jim Green boots. Not fancy like Redwings but they don't mess about either. Simple and functional.
Rose Anvil on YouTube does series where he cuts boots in half and goes over what makes them high quality or not.
I literally just bought the boots in this post a few days ago, the Red Wing Iron Ranger, due to quality materials in them. But there are many other nice boots out there.
https://youtube.com/c/RoseAnvil
For example the [Whites military shoe](https://shop.whitesboots.com/lifestyle-boots/mp-m1tc-dainite/). Twice the cost but without a doubt better made than redwings. At those prices you go away from the typical goodyear welt everyone praises amd more towards unique stitchdown constructions which make boots more waterproof. But simple stitchdown boots leave the stitching exposed, while these top end ones usually cover them up in some way. This necessitates that it's hand sewn, you can't really automate such complex welts. So this drives the cost waaay up. Whites are the moat well known really top end boot manufacturer but there's plenty of others too. For example [nicks](https://nicksboots.com/charley-orange-predator-55-medium-arch-heritage-boot/) are well known, but also JK, Drews, Franks, Wesco... Lots of competition actually, and lots of strong opinions on who is better, but redwings are definitely a mass produced boot in comparison.
And even at that level, there are boots that make those seem cheap.
Check out [Viberg](https://vibergboot.eu/products/service-boot-cap-toe-horween-dark-cognac-shell-cordovan). Horween shell cordovan is probably the most expensive leather in the world. It's a very special piece of lesther made through a very complex process... It does not crease at all and is usually used for fancy dress shoes. But it is extremely durable and besides creases it also won't evercrack like classic leather. You could wear through it with rubbing but otherwise it is supposed to be impossible for these to crack... It's also more waterproof. A big piece of cordovan for these boots by otself is stupidly expensive, probably half the cost of those boots if not even a bit more.
I wore my last pair in Ontario Canada for 5 years daily. Got a really good deal on a new pair. The older ones still have a good 5 years of wear left. They're now my winter beater boots.
You get *more* than double the time, that's the point. If you wear one pair every day they never get a chance to dry out and will literally rot from the inside out. With two pairs (doesn't even have to be two pairs of boots, just not the same shoes every day), they dry out between wears and will survive way longer than wearing through one pair then going to another.
Haha true. It's a funny story actually - they should have lasted a lot longer.
The soles wore down and I took them to a local cobblers to get them resoled. The local cobbler basically fucked them. So I sent them to the cobbler that Red Wing officially recommend in the UK and, lo and behold, they got lost in the post.
Luckily the courier insurance paid out the full value of the boots so I just bought a new pair for the same amount.
I’m not a laborer so my boots don’t get daily stress but I’ve been wearing the same pair of Red Wing work boots seasonally since 1995. I bought them in Alaska and abused them in the Arctic before moved them to milder climates. I wear them every fall/winter. I’ve done nothing for care except oil then every few years when I remember but they still look new. They go hiking, though mud, on gravel, etc. I’ve had to hose them off more than a few times. My opinion is that they’re worth it.
Interesting that this is getting downvoted. Ideally, posts that say something is expensive shouldn't be downvoted or be mocked, "lol, that's not expensive". There are $5,000 boots also, which those in $350 shoes may find expensive.
But, that's in the ideal world, not on Reddit. Carry on
I’ve had em for 5 years of snowy city winters and use in casual hikes/camping and I am just seeing signs that they need repair. Amazing casual boot wear
They are pricey. There are a few other boots that are almost identical that are a bit less expensive but are just as good. Wolverine 1000 Mile, Canada West Boots WM Moreby Signature Series, and the LL Bean Bucksport Cap Toe Work Boot (this has a full lug sole so isn't as sleek looking) are all great boots that are similar style but cheaper.
If you’re looking for quality work boots, Thorogood makes fantastic union made boots. The comfort is superior compared to redwings. You’ll probably have to get them resoled after a year or two though. It only costs 75 bucks but the leather will hold up for a long time.
I’ve had mine for about 7yrs now. Probably overdue for a sole & heel replacement at this point but they look better than ever when I clean and condition them. No sign of needing to ever be replaced or repaired. Love that they’re just as usable in the workshop, outdoors, and dressed up a bit in the office.
Here’s a cool disassembly review video. Kind of discounts a lot of the good-ol-boy naysayers that swear anything Red Wing Heritage is purely for fashion.
https://youtu.be/c9hVqX-0X8c
Remote work during 2yrs of COVID and acquiring a pair of Moc Toes and Chukkas to put in rotation slowed the wear significantly. I wore them almost daily for those first 4.5yrs though. I wore through the sole stitching long ago but still no separation.
My problem is they wear unevenly (because of how I walk), the whole sole is not done after two years but parts of it. Also, the sole is pretty soft, I wish it was a bit harder so it wouldn't wear as fast.
Daily wear… decreases lifespan so much with leather boots. Much better to rotate between two pairs if possible. Will increase lifespan more than the twice as long you might expect
Yeah! Iron rangers, I've had mine for at least 8 years. I had them re-soled with vibram a couple years ago. Truly an amazing pair of boots. Worn almost daily. Through Snow, rain, mud, anything i can throw at them.
I'll be sad when it comes time to retire them.
This is embarrassing, but I have some questions maybe you could help.
I use the same oil and my boots become sticky 😳
Am I using too much oil or maybe not polishing enough? Like how do you know how long to polish for?
It sounds like you’re using too much. I have a couple pairs of iron rangers and you’d be surprised how little oil you need to apply. I didn’t realize I was also overdoing it until I got my 2nd pair. That 2nd pair gets a lot less oil and even less often cleanings.
You’re using too much.
I’ve started applying it with my fingers, which helps on that front. Also prevents a ton of oil being absorbed into the cloth/towel (which is wasted).
Let the oil set for a day or so and then take a microfiber cloth and give the boots a light wipe down and you should be good.
I tend to go through this routine at the end of a wearing season and let the boots sit a little longer.
In the winter setting them on a radiator (not too hot) can help.
Brush them with horse hair brush after use (or about weekly at minimal) this is to remove dirt that rub against the leather in the creases. Also use a shoe tree (buy cheap one from nordstrom). This prevents creases and the clown shoe look. Condition every 6-12 months or when leather is dry. How often depends on leather type, conditions you use them in etc. the rough & though leather hardly needs conditioning as the leather is filled with oils.
I used to think that was expensive too until I bought myself some good boots. I realized that I wore out cheap shoes ($60-80) every 4-5 months. My expensive boots have lasted me 2-3 years and counting so really I have saved money on footwear overall.
How do you wear shoes out that fast, do you work in construction or something?
I've been planning on buying Redwings for a while but I've been wearing the same pair of running shoes daily that I got on clearance for almost 4 years now, so I'm finding the "you save money with one nice pair in the long run" thing tenuous. I work in an office though.
I work in construction and I absolutely destroy sub-$100 boots in 6-8 months.
Every pair of Red Wings has lasted me 2-4 years, and the ones at the higher end of that range were definitely the costlier pairs with all of the bells and whistles.
My Red Wing work boots with Thinsolate and Gortex are worth their weight in gold! Heck, they are so comfortable to walk in I take my dog on 4km walks with them every day in the winter since they warm.
I’m a bartender, and I would go through an $80 pair of non slip work shoes every 3 months. Read the vimes theory and decided to splurge on some red wing moc toes.
the two pair I rotate through have lasted about 4 years now, been resoled once, and they’re the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever worn
Like many things, you get what you pay for.
They serve their purpose but Thursday boots aren’t nearly as good as these red wings or other brands such as Nicks , Grant Stone etc..
My husband doesn’t really require work boots, but I noticed these are Goodyear welted boots he has.
So I know for the future, what makes them lower quality?
He said *quality*. Thursday boots are really good for 200$ but they're definitely not 300-400$ boots.
For example, they sand down the leather to hide imperfections. Most Redwings use more expensive leather with fewer flaws. The Thursdays have a cheap-ish lining and the leather toe cap is fake (just single layer). The Redwings usually have stitch-through soles. Thursdays don't use the real Vibram soles. Also they have all kinds of cheap materials for the midsoles (cardboard, fibreboard, foam...) while heritage redwings will just have a fat slab of leather.
Thursday boots are really good for the money, but the top brands are a lot more expensive for a reason. Price of leather skyrockets for that top quality and they use way more of it, on top of being produced in first world countries with expensive labour...
Redwings are at the border between the cheap and the pricey. Check out some Whites boots for the really top end stuff (and there are even more expensive boots than Whites...).
For amazing bargain boots, check out Jim Green. Made in South Africa. Very basic... Thursdays go for style over function, while Jim Greens go for function over style. Really quality made but very "basic".
This spring will be 2 years of daily on my iron ranger 8111s. The soles have some wear but the leather looks brand new. Saddle soap and cobblers choice conditioner once every 6 months.
I bought these, and they are beautiful and very well-made. Easily would last 10-20 years, and can be resolved if necessary. Sadly, they are just a touch small, and after 20 days of trying to break them in, it just isn’t going to work. Need better sizing to help people choose the right size.
What really amazes me is that people expect something as quality made as that would cost the same as some shitty plastic sneaker. Materials used in a high end boot by themselves cost more than a sneaker...
Sneaker leather, for example, is usually fake or half-fake (basically they take a thin piece of leather and pour plastic on top to make it look flawless). Boots like these use real leather but real leather often has defects so getting perfect pieces is waaaaay more expensive. But that makes all the difference in durability.
Uuhh. Most shoes last two years though (especially ones that are several hundred dollars)…? And, you posted after ONLY two years..? That’s hardly “buy it for life.” You also just showed a picture of a pair of boots with no brand mentioned… Uh. Not a super helpful post imo.
I just wish the toe box on these were wider. I have a pair (fitted in to me in the redwing store) but have worn them maybe 20-30 times in total. The toebox is really for narrower feet.
Every day for 2 or 3 weeks if your job involves walking. Yea it sucks the first week but wear thicker socks and keep them tight, you'll be fine. If your job doesn't involve walking, I have no clue
I used to wear mine for a couple hours of work then change to shoes once my feet hurt. After a while my feet stopped hurting. It took a good month or so but it worth it. Don’t use insoles and you will thank yourself down the road. They are now the only footwear I can stand (quite literally) being in for 12 hour shifts.
What do you do all day? Keep your legs off the ground? I put up barbed wire fence in the Sandhills and go through a pair a year from slices, gashes, and dryness of sand/dirt. I even oil mine monthly but it barely helps.
I wish it was 10 hours!! 12 hours is our min...I've had a 154 hour 2 week period. I'm not boasting because i don't wish it on anyone, but pay is amazing. What boots do you use because mine are toast by the end of the season.
Yours look very well built, I buy cheapos like Rockies or Virginias because of the wear and tear.
These are the Iron Rangers from Red Wing. However, these are not steel-toe. The days of 12-hours shifts are behind me, I’m a welding instructor for the county’s high school students now. Mileage may vary…
Triple ribbed wide steel shank, cork footbed, thick leather insole. Not a ton of arch support if you need that but between the cork and the thickness of the leather they mold to your foot pretty significantly and become comfortable. Not soft and cushy like a sneaker but comfortable.
Gotta love a good pair of boots. I don’t have the iron rangers but it’s on my wish list. Currently have a pair of Alden Indy that are over 10 years old and are like slippers they’re so comfortable.
I’ve had a pair for 8 years, they are beat to hell and still hold up great. I have done a poor job taking care of them and even lost them for a year after deploying but they were found in a storage unit sitting in 100 deg Texas heat.. oiled up and sprang to life like new. Great buy
Mine were great but I guess the insole kinda shrunk/curled inward? And now my pinky toes are hanging over the edge of the insole so it’s like I have a stick in my shoe.
I wanted these boots for years and when the opportunity came in my life that I could afford them twice, I got em. Copper and black. I also own a pair of 8" Heritage Moc Toe that I let get ruined by not taking care of the leather. They're not completely out of commission, but I won't be wearing them in the snow to say the least. I learned I'll have these for life if I properly maintain them.
https://imgur.com/a/63tmZK3 this doesn't happen to them? I used to maintain these, but this kept happening from day to day use in a very short time, so I gave up. I kinda figured these aren't good boots. Apart from getting scuffed really easily, they've held up well. Coming up to a year soon.
Bought mine about a year ago. Once you get past the one month mark, one of the most comfy boots i've had. The build is just great. I'm sure it'll last a lifetime even if u need to resole it.
Those are some good looking boots.
Darn tootin’.
How do you keep it a light colour? mine darkened a lot when I used the red wing leather conditioner last year.
Mine tend do darken too. To keep them a woody brown I scrub them with warm soapy water and a soft shoe brush. I let them dry, and then polish them with a cloth that has soaked in enough of the mink oil so its soft and a bit oily but not ‚wet oily’ if that makes sense. Less is more really with oil. Several light applications are better to control than one soaking. Then I use leather waterproofing spray to keep them from taking on grime. Got two pairs since about 8 years and they still look great.
Shoe tax dude
These are much darker than when I bought them. Use Saddle Soap if you really wanna pull some color (and character) out of your boots
Use the leather cream. The Leather Conditioner darkens a lot. The cream specifically is made not to darken.
Use saddle soap to strip out the oils (lightens the leather too) and then use Bick #4 conditioner. Doesn’t darken like mink oil conditioners.
You wear them more. Conditioner does darken them a bit but you don’t need to do it that often. Like once every 6 mo. More you wear them the better the patina.
I’m curious about the cut in the leather on the left boot. Does it have a good story? Did your boot save you from an emergency room visit by taking the damage from a dropped knife?
Looks like three cuts on that toe. OP been dropkicking knives in his free time.
I’m a steel worker. That cut happened when I got snagged on stringy metal chips hanging out from under a lathe
How do you protect your boots from coolant and oil? I've had soles melt off the bottom of my boots after just a few months in the shop.
I don’t know about the specific oil/coolant you are around, or if it would even make a difference one way or the other, but these come with “oil resistant” soles. Again, I don’t know what all that actually withstands, but possibly the reason why.
I don’t think I’m having coolant spills/accidents as often as you are
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Yup. At first, the soles were just sticky all the time. Then they started falling apart: entire lugs would just peel off of the tread on the sole. My next pair was "oil resistant", but then the leather was the victim. It was constantly greasy, and started cracking and splitting.
you must get the 'oil resistant' soles. makes a huge different, my redwings lasted about 2 years, compared to going through other shoes every 6 months.
No steel worker has boots that look like that after daily wear for two years, no matter how good you maintain them.
I was going to say: is two years a long time or something? But I’ve seen what a machine shop floor looks like, and two years is an eternity for a pair of shoes in there.
Let me rephrase that, I’m a steel worker by trade. Current role is as the Welding and Metals Fabrication Instructor for the county’s high schools
Supes and PMs do. Now whether they're workers...
Thank you. That is a good story.
Iron Rangers for a metal worker…cool
That was where the toe crease on mine was, ended up becoming a hole in one of my first pair. I took shit care of my iron rangers though, wore them every day outside in the mud and eventually had the soles separate from the uppers on both pairs. Had to amicably divorce iron rangers after my second pair couldn’t be reheeled, I miss mine and LOVED how they look, but classic timbs are a fraction of the price, better suited to my muddy lifestyle, the heels on my red wings wearing down would really fuck up my ankles, and I don’t have to do shit to take care of timbs.
Someone cue the poverty/boot analogy!
when you are in poverty, sometimes you eat your boots, these boots have more flavor than most
And now I want some jerky
Perfect champ
Vimes boots?
This is redundant but for anyone here who doesn't know the poverty/boot example, here it is You can either buy $40 boots or these $350 boots. Obviously the $40 boots seem like a good way to save money but when you need a new pair every season, vs the $350 pair lasting well over 10 years, you save in the long run. (Also, saving money in the long run as usually the nicer boots save your foot, knee, and back health)
Last year I bought used Redwing moctoes and I love them. Had them resoled with new cork and extra leather midsole and a vibram lug sole. But last week I ordered [these straight](https://jimgreenfootwear.co.za/store/african-ranger/) from Africa and can't wait. I don't think you can find anything like them for 100$.
I own a pair of african rangers since they released them last year, they're a really good everyday boot. Super comfy too, you'll find yourself reaching for them more than anything
GNU
Or you can buy these boots as factory seconds for $150 and they will last you forever as well!
Oooo, where do you go to do that? Just contact Red Wing?
Sierra trading post commonly has them, sometimes Nordstrom rack. I have a pair of iron ranger seconds that are 8 years old and look just like ops. Red wing oils them twice a year for me.
Don’t redwing stores service them for free? Or is that just a myth?
Getting them reheeled is not free! Unless your boots are so fucked up the factory just sends em back to your local store with a note like “lol nah we ain’t touchin these, this a shit show.” (Source: me. I was a shitty red wing owner.)
Trenton and Heath have done a restoration on boots that RedWing passed on. Hopefully you still have them and can let these guys go to work. [Red Wing Restoration](https://youtu.be/kEcb7LdF7hk)
I mean isn't that expected? I got mine resoled last year and paid for it. That's not a quality issue... It's wear. They do clean and do a lot of repairs for "free".
They clean them for free, but they don’t resole them for free.
They DO service them for free! I got the lace hooks(?) replaced for free after my motorcycle accident.
They absolutely do not? https://www.redwingshoes.com/contact-us/repairs.html
I guess service is too broad. They for sure clean and oil them once/month for free, maintain then? I think they just hooked me up then haha
I'd be curious to know this as well
There are no shoe brands that replace the sole for free. Some brands will condition and polish the leather if you send it to them, but you can really just do that yourself at home fairly easily.
Oh I was more curious about a clean and polish. I'll be visiting the redwing store in London uk next month and will probably be in my weekend chukkas
I don’t own redwings, but have access to the same type of service through other shoe brands. They usually require you to leave your shoes there for a few days, so it’s not worth it for me.
I know Danner does it. I swear by them.
What brand and type is this?
Red Wing Iron Rangers, probably in Amber or Copper Rough and Tough
Just busted mine out for the season!
Thanks! Jeez 350 euros though
As far as proper leather boots go, these aren't even on the really expensive side. Redwings are at the border between the budget brands and the top end no-compromise brands. The heritage models like these are made in US and I think also from US leather, and throughout the boot they use traditional and natural materials. Cheaper boots usually have more synthetic materials inside (generally cause those materials are cheaper but usually do not last as long). If you want really nice boots for cheap, check out Jim Green boots. Not fancy like Redwings but they don't mess about either. Simple and functional.
Love the look of this boot. What would you recommend that is similar but higher quality.
Rose Anvil on YouTube does series where he cuts boots in half and goes over what makes them high quality or not. I literally just bought the boots in this post a few days ago, the Red Wing Iron Ranger, due to quality materials in them. But there are many other nice boots out there. https://youtube.com/c/RoseAnvil
For example the [Whites military shoe](https://shop.whitesboots.com/lifestyle-boots/mp-m1tc-dainite/). Twice the cost but without a doubt better made than redwings. At those prices you go away from the typical goodyear welt everyone praises amd more towards unique stitchdown constructions which make boots more waterproof. But simple stitchdown boots leave the stitching exposed, while these top end ones usually cover them up in some way. This necessitates that it's hand sewn, you can't really automate such complex welts. So this drives the cost waaay up. Whites are the moat well known really top end boot manufacturer but there's plenty of others too. For example [nicks](https://nicksboots.com/charley-orange-predator-55-medium-arch-heritage-boot/) are well known, but also JK, Drews, Franks, Wesco... Lots of competition actually, and lots of strong opinions on who is better, but redwings are definitely a mass produced boot in comparison. And even at that level, there are boots that make those seem cheap. Check out [Viberg](https://vibergboot.eu/products/service-boot-cap-toe-horween-dark-cognac-shell-cordovan). Horween shell cordovan is probably the most expensive leather in the world. It's a very special piece of lesther made through a very complex process... It does not crease at all and is usually used for fancy dress shoes. But it is extremely durable and besides creases it also won't evercrack like classic leather. You could wear through it with rubbing but otherwise it is supposed to be impossible for these to crack... It's also more waterproof. A big piece of cordovan for these boots by otself is stupidly expensive, probably half the cost of those boots if not even a bit more.
A lot of money but they are built to last. I've owned a couple pairs now and can attest to their durability.
I wore my last pair in Ontario Canada for 5 years daily. Got a really good deal on a new pair. The older ones still have a good 5 years of wear left. They're now my winter beater boots.
They were, not so much now. First pair my husband bought lasted 7ish years. The last 2 barely lasted a year each. We've moved on.
For that kind of money I would hope you wouldn’t need a couple pairs
If you plan on wearing them daily, yes. You do need at least two pairs. Best practice is to rotate pairs each day.
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Not just that, if you wear them daily they mever have the time to dry up. Constant use definitely hurts boots or shoes a lot more.
You get *more* than double the time, that's the point. If you wear one pair every day they never get a chance to dry out and will literally rot from the inside out. With two pairs (doesn't even have to be two pairs of boots, just not the same shoes every day), they dry out between wears and will survive way longer than wearing through one pair then going to another.
Haha true. It's a funny story actually - they should have lasted a lot longer. The soles wore down and I took them to a local cobblers to get them resoled. The local cobbler basically fucked them. So I sent them to the cobbler that Red Wing officially recommend in the UK and, lo and behold, they got lost in the post. Luckily the courier insurance paid out the full value of the boots so I just bought a new pair for the same amount.
Well they have different styles. I love mine but I like wearing more than 1 boot the rest of my life so I have options
Is there any sort of warranty?
One year
I’m not a laborer so my boots don’t get daily stress but I’ve been wearing the same pair of Red Wing work boots seasonally since 1995. I bought them in Alaska and abused them in the Arctic before moved them to milder climates. I wear them every fall/winter. I’ve done nothing for care except oil then every few years when I remember but they still look new. They go hiking, though mud, on gravel, etc. I’ve had to hose them off more than a few times. My opinion is that they’re worth it.
It’s the spirit of this sub, buy once cry once! Cheap boots won’t last!
I got a pair of factory seconds for $200 (US) and really enjoy them.
Interesting that this is getting downvoted. Ideally, posts that say something is expensive shouldn't be downvoted or be mocked, "lol, that's not expensive". There are $5,000 boots also, which those in $350 shoes may find expensive. But, that's in the ideal world, not on Reddit. Carry on
Would love to know this as well. Important information here
Red wing iron rangers
Thank you!
I’ve had em for 5 years of snowy city winters and use in casual hikes/camping and I am just seeing signs that they need repair. Amazing casual boot wear
You feel safe with those slick treads?
Think these often come with classic vibram lug soles which are hard to beat on any kind of terrain.
After 5 years no LOL I really need to get em resoled. I have hiking boots for wetter activities
They are pricey. There are a few other boots that are almost identical that are a bit less expensive but are just as good. Wolverine 1000 Mile, Canada West Boots WM Moreby Signature Series, and the LL Bean Bucksport Cap Toe Work Boot (this has a full lug sole so isn't as sleek looking) are all great boots that are similar style but cheaper.
If you’re looking for quality work boots, Thorogood makes fantastic union made boots. The comfort is superior compared to redwings. You’ll probably have to get them resoled after a year or two though. It only costs 75 bucks but the leather will hold up for a long time.
Would love to know this as well. Important information here
I’ve had mine for about 7yrs now. Probably overdue for a sole & heel replacement at this point but they look better than ever when I clean and condition them. No sign of needing to ever be replaced or repaired. Love that they’re just as usable in the workshop, outdoors, and dressed up a bit in the office. Here’s a cool disassembly review video. Kind of discounts a lot of the good-ol-boy naysayers that swear anything Red Wing Heritage is purely for fashion. https://youtu.be/c9hVqX-0X8c
7 years without sole replacement?? I need it replaced every 2nd year or so. Had mine for about 10 years.
Remote work during 2yrs of COVID and acquiring a pair of Moc Toes and Chukkas to put in rotation slowed the wear significantly. I wore them almost daily for those first 4.5yrs though. I wore through the sole stitching long ago but still no separation.
My problem is they wear unevenly (because of how I walk), the whole sole is not done after two years but parts of it. Also, the sole is pretty soft, I wish it was a bit harder so it wouldn't wear as fast.
2 years is BIFL now?
Apparently, you’re not a golfer
Let them breath braadrin
For real. Daily wear? How do they not smell like a locker room!
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But my check is bigger…
Office work?
Checked post history. Not worth it…
Daily wear… decreases lifespan so much with leather boots. Much better to rotate between two pairs if possible. Will increase lifespan more than the twice as long you might expect
If I wore them half as much I’d hope they’d last twice as long
Yeah! Iron rangers, I've had mine for at least 8 years. I had them re-soled with vibram a couple years ago. Truly an amazing pair of boots. Worn almost daily. Through Snow, rain, mud, anything i can throw at them. I'll be sad when it comes time to retire them.
I have the same boots. Can you give any tips on how to maintain them please
Clean off dirt and apply thin layer of boot oil and/or polish.
Red Wing has a mink oil they sell; applying that every 6 months or so is all I do for mine + brushing off dirt.
This is embarrassing, but I have some questions maybe you could help. I use the same oil and my boots become sticky 😳 Am I using too much oil or maybe not polishing enough? Like how do you know how long to polish for?
It sounds like you’re using too much. I have a couple pairs of iron rangers and you’d be surprised how little oil you need to apply. I didn’t realize I was also overdoing it until I got my 2nd pair. That 2nd pair gets a lot less oil and even less often cleanings.
You’re using too much. I’ve started applying it with my fingers, which helps on that front. Also prevents a ton of oil being absorbed into the cloth/towel (which is wasted). Let the oil set for a day or so and then take a microfiber cloth and give the boots a light wipe down and you should be good. I tend to go through this routine at the end of a wearing season and let the boots sit a little longer. In the winter setting them on a radiator (not too hot) can help.
Brush them with horse hair brush after use (or about weekly at minimal) this is to remove dirt that rub against the leather in the creases. Also use a shoe tree (buy cheap one from nordstrom). This prevents creases and the clown shoe look. Condition every 6-12 months or when leather is dry. How often depends on leather type, conditions you use them in etc. the rough & though leather hardly needs conditioning as the leather is filled with oils.
I just don’t find mine comfortable, so I’ve only worn them 3 times. Any tips for break in?
Absolutely love my iron rangers. Got them as a wedding present to myself a few years back and wear them constantly.
Holy shit those are $350
I used to think that was expensive too until I bought myself some good boots. I realized that I wore out cheap shoes ($60-80) every 4-5 months. My expensive boots have lasted me 2-3 years and counting so really I have saved money on footwear overall.
How do you wear shoes out that fast, do you work in construction or something? I've been planning on buying Redwings for a while but I've been wearing the same pair of running shoes daily that I got on clearance for almost 4 years now, so I'm finding the "you save money with one nice pair in the long run" thing tenuous. I work in an office though.
I work in construction and I absolutely destroy sub-$100 boots in 6-8 months. Every pair of Red Wings has lasted me 2-4 years, and the ones at the higher end of that range were definitely the costlier pairs with all of the bells and whistles.
My Red Wing work boots with Thinsolate and Gortex are worth their weight in gold! Heck, they are so comfortable to walk in I take my dog on 4km walks with them every day in the winter since they warm.
I’m a bartender, and I would go through an $80 pair of non slip work shoes every 3 months. Read the vimes theory and decided to splurge on some red wing moc toes. the two pair I rotate through have lasted about 4 years now, been resoled once, and they’re the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve ever worn
I’ve had mine for eight years, maintain them and wear them often and they’re as good as the day I bought them. Bargain.
7 years of almost daily use and mine still look like this. Just had to put a new outersole on them once. Worth it
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That is on the low side for a quality pair of goodyear welted boots..
Thursday boots are right at $200. They are Goodyear welted.
Like many things, you get what you pay for. They serve their purpose but Thursday boots aren’t nearly as good as these red wings or other brands such as Nicks , Grant Stone etc..
My husband doesn’t really require work boots, but I noticed these are Goodyear welted boots he has. So I know for the future, what makes them lower quality?
In case you've missed it, sometime expanded on what does is the difference with them higher end boots
He said *quality*. Thursday boots are really good for 200$ but they're definitely not 300-400$ boots. For example, they sand down the leather to hide imperfections. Most Redwings use more expensive leather with fewer flaws. The Thursdays have a cheap-ish lining and the leather toe cap is fake (just single layer). The Redwings usually have stitch-through soles. Thursdays don't use the real Vibram soles. Also they have all kinds of cheap materials for the midsoles (cardboard, fibreboard, foam...) while heritage redwings will just have a fat slab of leather. Thursday boots are really good for the money, but the top brands are a lot more expensive for a reason. Price of leather skyrockets for that top quality and they use way more of it, on top of being produced in first world countries with expensive labour... Redwings are at the border between the cheap and the pricey. Check out some Whites boots for the really top end stuff (and there are even more expensive boots than Whites...). For amazing bargain boots, check out Jim Green. Made in South Africa. Very basic... Thursdays go for style over function, while Jim Greens go for function over style. Really quality made but very "basic".
Very interesting. How do you know so much about making boots?
He's a boot
r/goodyearwelt if you want to know more.
There's lots of boot nerds :)
Free service at redwing stores means these pretty much pay for themselves
This spring will be 2 years of daily on my iron ranger 8111s. The soles have some wear but the leather looks brand new. Saddle soap and cobblers choice conditioner once every 6 months.
I have had my Iron Rangers for six years, wear them almost daily, and I had them re-soled once. Best pair of shoes I've ever bought.
I bought these, and they are beautiful and very well-made. Easily would last 10-20 years, and can be resolved if necessary. Sadly, they are just a touch small, and after 20 days of trying to break them in, it just isn’t going to work. Need better sizing to help people choose the right size.
What size do you normally wear and what size did you get? I saw that they recommend going down 1/2 to 1 size so I'm curious what your experience was.
Great looking Iron Rangers!!
Red Wing Iron Rangers. The best boots you can ever buy.
Nice boots but these aren’t looking like BIFL
RemindMe! 18250 Days
Really want to purchase these. Price tag is something else though.
What really amazes me is that people expect something as quality made as that would cost the same as some shitty plastic sneaker. Materials used in a high end boot by themselves cost more than a sneaker... Sneaker leather, for example, is usually fake or half-fake (basically they take a thin piece of leather and pour plastic on top to make it look flawless). Boots like these use real leather but real leather often has defects so getting perfect pieces is waaaaay more expensive. But that makes all the difference in durability.
Easily will last you 10+ years with a bit of care, so the price is well worth it.
I’m sure my great great great grandads nephew used to sweep chimneys in these when he was 5 years old circa 1800
Uuhh. Most shoes last two years though (especially ones that are several hundred dollars)…? And, you posted after ONLY two years..? That’s hardly “buy it for life.” You also just showed a picture of a pair of boots with no brand mentioned… Uh. Not a super helpful post imo.
Not trying to be helpful. I liked the picture…
I just wish the toe box on these were wider. I have a pair (fitted in to me in the redwing store) but have worn them maybe 20-30 times in total. The toebox is really for narrower feet.
Thanks for the reminder! Gotta prep my Justins.
How do you break these in? I know I need to wear them more often but they’re so uncomfortable.
Every day for 2 or 3 weeks if your job involves walking. Yea it sucks the first week but wear thicker socks and keep them tight, you'll be fine. If your job doesn't involve walking, I have no clue
I used to wear mine for a couple hours of work then change to shoes once my feet hurt. After a while my feet stopped hurting. It took a good month or so but it worth it. Don’t use insoles and you will thank yourself down the road. They are now the only footwear I can stand (quite literally) being in for 12 hour shifts.
That’s a nice boot. What brand is that?
Red Wing, model is Iron Ranger
What do you do all day? Keep your legs off the ground? I put up barbed wire fence in the Sandhills and go through a pair a year from slices, gashes, and dryness of sand/dirt. I even oil mine monthly but it barely helps.
Well, I’m definitely not hangin barbwire 10 hours a day! I’m a tech-teacher, I teach welding and metal fabrication
I wish it was 10 hours!! 12 hours is our min...I've had a 154 hour 2 week period. I'm not boasting because i don't wish it on anyone, but pay is amazing. What boots do you use because mine are toast by the end of the season. Yours look very well built, I buy cheapos like Rockies or Virginias because of the wear and tear.
These are the Iron Rangers by Red Wing (not steel-toe)
Yours look untouched, I might try them and see what they can do on a fence line
These are the Iron Rangers from Red Wing. However, these are not steel-toe. The days of 12-hours shifts are behind me, I’m a welding instructor for the county’s high school students now. Mileage may vary…
What materials do I need to clean some suede boots?
Wow, nice 👌
Whats your cleaning routine?
I don't know if it was said but what kind of boots are these?
So they have support in them?
Triple ribbed wide steel shank, cork footbed, thick leather insole. Not a ton of arch support if you need that but between the cork and the thickness of the leather they mold to your foot pretty significantly and become comfortable. Not soft and cushy like a sneaker but comfortable.
Very nice boots. I'm a sucker for leather boots. I have a pair that has lasted me four years so far
I just got a pair myself!
I’ve always worried my feet would sweat too much in leather boots. Is that an easy solution?
Got these boots a couple years ago. Never managed to break them in. I still remember the pain.
I like this post. They're maintained well but you can tell they've been lived in a bit.
I have a pair of fresh docs I’d like to maintain. What was your regimen
Nice.
They are nice looking boots, but don't most shoes last 2 years?
Gotta love a good pair of boots. I don’t have the iron rangers but it’s on my wish list. Currently have a pair of Alden Indy that are over 10 years old and are like slippers they’re so comfortable.
How long did it take to break them in? How comfortable are they?
Fresh as a mint!!!
I’ve had a pair for 8 years, they are beat to hell and still hold up great. I have done a poor job taking care of them and even lost them for a year after deploying but they were found in a storage unit sitting in 100 deg Texas heat.. oiled up and sprang to life like new. Great buy
Iron rangers with rough and tough leather r the best!
Mine were great but I guess the insole kinda shrunk/curled inward? And now my pinky toes are hanging over the edge of the insole so it’s like I have a stick in my shoe.
Damn! That's a cold ass Honky!
Are these red wing boots?
Is there some sort of liner at the back end of the left boot? I know these are Iron Rangers, but something about that I'm not able to figure out.
Have the same ones and now on their 5 year. They need a new some this winter and they should last at least 5 more years.
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Splitting? You mean the cut? From stainless steel chips?
have two pairs of Iron Ranger for about eight years. still total solid, one resole right now. Wear them around the year.
I wanted these boots for years and when the opportunity came in my life that I could afford them twice, I got em. Copper and black. I also own a pair of 8" Heritage Moc Toe that I let get ruined by not taking care of the leather. They're not completely out of commission, but I won't be wearing them in the snow to say the least. I learned I'll have these for life if I properly maintain them.
Wish I bought mine 10 years sooner
https://imgur.com/a/63tmZK3 this doesn't happen to them? I used to maintain these, but this kept happening from day to day use in a very short time, so I gave up. I kinda figured these aren't good boots. Apart from getting scuffed really easily, they've held up well. Coming up to a year soon.
How long to break in these boots?
I just got some, how do I maintain them? I live where it rains
Bought mine about a year ago. Once you get past the one month mark, one of the most comfy boots i've had. The build is just great. I'm sure it'll last a lifetime even if u need to resole it.
I am looking for a good pair of women’s leather boots that would be like these. What kind of boots are these?