Red Wing Recommendations

[WolfofStateSt]

I know nothing about Red Wing boots, but I would like to get into them. What are your favorite Red Wing boots and why?

 

[Peacoat]

This is my favorite work boot, and I think this is the style 202 moc toe work boot. Seems as though Red Wings used to have names for the various models, but maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Bfd70]

I think the iron rangers and moc toe (807?) have been the most popular in their heritage line. I own both. I highly recommend. They are virtually indestructible. My moc toes lasted 12 years and 3 resoles. They’d still be going but my pitbull with separation anxiety got to them.

 

[WolfofStateSt]

The Iron Rangers look cool.

 

[Peacoat]

I think the iron rangers and moc toe (807?) have been the most popular in their heritage line. I own both. I highly recommend. They are virtually indestructible. My moc toes lasted 12 years and 3 resoles. They’d still be going but my pitbull with separation anxiety got to them.

Better that the pitbull got to your Redwings and not your cat. My sister had a pitbull that loved cats. They would all sleep together to keep warm. The pit even got used to the kneading the cats would do.

 

[Bfd70]

No cats here

 

[Peacoat]

No cats here
View attachment 660908

Just a puppy. And a cute puppy.

 

[TLW '90]

No cats here
View attachment 660908

My current Pitty pup named Pepper doesn't mind cats, but my last 2 ( I've had a pitty for a best friend since the day I was born) were definitely cat killers.

As for redwing boots I've looked at and contemplated them a lot but not really knowing where I can buy them I don't yet own a pair.
One thing to keep in mind with them is that they have their contemporary work boots which aren't made to be resolable and are essentially disposable.
Boots of a direct moulded sole construction can be and often are more than adequate for all but the harshest work environments, however they're not necessarily the ideal choice for an enthusiasts heritage boot.

Their Moc toes are absolutely the most iconic and that is definitely what I'd suggest.
I have most been interested in their 877 and the 10877 which just has a slip resistant outsole, I have been contemplating buying a pair for quite awhile but they're an 8" boot without speed hooks and with the extra cost to have RW add them I might as well just get the whites Perry moc toes for the money.
I'm still undecided on what I'll eventually buy.
I really really wanted their weekender moc toes with the OD canvas side panels, but they were discontinued and dried up from the market before I could get a pair.

 

[BB1239]

I think the iron rangers and moc toe (807?) have been the most popular in their heritage line. I own both. I highly recommend. They are virtually indestructible. My moc toes lasted 12 years and 3 resoles. They’d still be going but my pitbull with separation anxiety got to them.

Tried on a pair of Iron Rangers today at the local Red Wing store. Style 8085 Copper color. That boot was so gorgeous it called my name from across the store! Have you worn your Iron Rangers a lot? Question if I may, ... there is a seam
on the inside of the boot where 2 pieces of leather come together, which touches the outside of the foot. I drew a circle around that seam in the pic. These are unlined boots, which I'm not used to. Did you notice any discomfort from that during break in, and did it go away? It felt quite intrusive just wearing in the store for a few minutes.

 

[rickc007]

Blacksmiths are my favorite,
They are just a little shorter height wise than the iron ranger, and don’t have the toe cap.
I’m not a toe cap guy.
The above two are built on their number 8 last/footbed
So you will be the same size in either

The moc toe are more comfortable to walk in
Think I’m a half size bigger in moc toes

They have really cool leathers

I’m also the same size in wolverine 1000 mile, as blacksmith/iron ranger

Warning, you will not buy just one pair

 

[Bfd70]

There is a seem that you may notice initially. Wear thicker socks to break in.

 

[Leather_nube]

Tried on a pair of Iron Rangers today at the local Red Wing store. Style 8085 Copper color. That boot was so gorgeous it called my name from across the store! Have you worn your Iron Rangers a lot? Question if I may, ... there is a seam
on the inside of the boot where 2 pieces of leather come together, which touches the outside of the foot. I drew a circle around that seam in the pic. These are unlined boots, which I'm not used to. Did you notice any discomfort from that during break in, and did it go away? It felt quite intrusive just wearing in the store for a few minutes.

View attachment 669232

I’ve the IRs in Amber harness (the ones pictured in your post.

I’ve not noticed anything at the point you circled, but feet are different.

Break in was sore. Took a week, or less, if I recall. They’re my most comfortable shoe/boot now.

 

[BB1239]

I’ve the IRs in Amber harness (the ones pictured in your post.

I’ve not noticed anything at the point you circled, but feet are different.

Break in was sore. Took a week, or less, if I recall. They’re my most comfortable shoe/boot now.

Excellent and thank you for the info. I guess that stiff sturdy leather will just have to do battle with my feet for a short time until it succumbs lol

 

[WolfofStateSt]

Which ones are the most water resistant? Where I live, there are many shallow ponds and streams.

 

[Leather_nube]

Which ones are the most water resistant? Where I live, there are many shallow ponds and streams.

No clue as I’ve only got the iron rangers. They’re decently water resistant but they’re not wellies.

Guess something with 360 degree Goodyear welt might be more water resistant but I’ve no good idea.

If you want something to walk through shallow ponds and streams they buy some rubber boots or fishing gear.