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.

 

[Peter Mackin]

Gentleman travele

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

Gentleman travellers,

 

[IrishStu]

Here is our destroyer of shoes. Thanks God, it was only as a puppy.
I've 3 pairs of Red Wing boots, the Blacksmiths, a moc toe in Mojave leather and a moc toe rough neck. After a break in period they are all very comfortable and can be worn in both casual and smart casual attire. The only issue, and I'm nit picking here, is the vibram lug sole on the rough necks doesn't have great grip in icy conditions. After saying that, I can recommend Red Wing boots whole heartedly.

 

[Peacoat]

Here is our destroyer of shoes. Thanks God, it was only as a puppy.
I've 3 pairs of Red Wing boots, the Blacksmiths, a moc toe in Mojave leather and a moc toe rough neck. After a break in period they are all very comfortable and can be worn in both casual and smart casual attire. The only issue, and I'm nit picking here, is the vibram lug sole on the rough necks doesn't have great grip in icy conditions. After saying that, I can recommend Red Wing boots whole heartedly.
View attachment 670759

Good looking Pit. He does look a bit hungry, though.

 

[Edward]

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.


View attachment 660784

Nice colour. I have a black pair from the contemporary line that also has this style of sole. They''re very comfortable and have lasted well (scuffing aside - the surface on mine is matte and won't take polish, but it's also less forgiving of a scuff than my Heritage line boots. I'll have to give them a go over with some dubbin next time I clean them). The flat sole has limited traction in the wet - not usually a problem, though I did have a fall about a month ago when a bit of wet cardboard on a smooth pavement banana-skinned me. Fortunately nothing other than a bit of stiffness in my lower back for aa day or two where the muscles took the strain of me bracing and landing on my knees.

I don't know what model number mine are as I can't find them on the website - they may have been discontinued. I bought them second hand in 2013 or 2014, on eBay, for £70, so they've more than done me proud. They're a plain boot, no toe cap, plain toe, derby lacing, same height as my Iron Rangers. I didn't initially care for the shape of them, but they moulded to my feet beautifully, and now have a lovely curve round the heel. The only real "flaw" I can find in them is that it doesn't look like the sole can be replaced, which is a shame: one ofc the reasons I got into boots over sneakers was I didn't like how sneakers are effectively disposable. Still, a decade with doubtless many more years of dogwalking left in them isn't bad odds for a pair of boots that cost med well under a ton.

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

Every single pair of shoes or boots I've ever had (barring my SJC spectators and a pair of co-respondents I had made in Beijing years ago) blistered me terribly, it's just part of the break in. I did blister on my heels with my Iron Rangers, but never any problem with the seams. After about a week they broke in just fine. I'd recommend, if you're gonig to wear them all day from the off, rotating them day about with another pair of boots. Break in is worth it, though; mine were about new c.2013 and I'm only now debating whether to have the heels redone yet (and they probably have another year or two in them before that's really necessary). I'm not sure I'll ever get to the point where I need to replace the whole sole. Those cork soles are plenty hardwearing. Indeed, in over a decade of hard wear on mine, the only things I've ever replaced are insoles and laces.

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

Yes, the Blacksmiths are nice. I might well succumb to a pair over the next year or two. I am a big fan of the design of the Iron Rangers, but the more minimalist look of the Blacksmith also appeals. I may well find myself buying the Blacksmiths in black as an additional factor (on top of colour) for having another pair of RWs. The Briar Oilslick appeals very much, as I already have half an eye on the IRs with the green sole.

Gentleman travele
Gentleman travellers,

Aren't they marketed in the UK are the Beckman? (I know Beckman was at least at one point a line of boots in the US, of which the GT was one model.) I do very much like the look of the Beckman in black cherry. A dressier, sleeker boot than the IR, and looks like it would take a shine.

Here is our destroyer of shoes. Thanks God, it was only as a puppy.
I've 3 pairs of Red Wing boots, the Blacksmiths, a moc toe in Mojave leather and a moc toe rough neck. After a break in period they are all very comfortable and can be worn in both casual and smart casual attire. The only issue, and I'm nit picking here, is the vibram lug sole on the rough necks doesn't have great grip in icy conditions. After saying that, I can recommend Red Wing boots whole heartedly.
View attachment 670759

What a cutie! My late Greta Cat once destroyed a sofa - over the course of a workday. Came home, and after ignoring the sofa for the first four years of her life, she'd ripped the end of it clean open. Then she damaged (not as badly, but still very noticeably) its replacement.... I still miss her terribly, though. I wish it had been shoes she'd stuck too, would probably have been cheaper in the long run!

 

[Peter Mackin]

Yes beckman GT,,I've got two pair in the classifieds but no interest ,so looks like I'm going to be wearing them.Black cherry and a brown pair.