which colour RW Iron Ranges..?

[Dirtbagdiver]

Hi everyone, long-term lurker, first-time poster!... my first post is a question, and one with the potential for ambiguity.. i dont think there is a right or wrong answer, but i value everyone's opinion... so... want to purchase some red wing iron rangers, but not sure which colour. I have tried a pair (several) at a store near me some time ago which has subsequently closed, so i know which size.. no local retailers so have to buy online.. im split between the oxblood and the amber... because of the tones of the amber i feel they may be more versatile, but how red is the oxblood?.. could i wear them with an eastman a-2 (their stock version, which is more russet than seal brown)?.. simple answer is buy both, but the boss will kill me! Thanks.
Dean

 

[Edward]

My two eurocents.... The oxblood will work with black or brown jackets et cetera. If you only wear earthtones, go for the borwn, but if you only want one pair of boots to go swith both brown and black, go for the oxblood.

 

[sergejvandervreede]

I ordered the IR 8111 (amber) this weekend. The store also had the 8119 (oxblood) in stock. I would not wear the oxblood with Brown. It does go well with blues and grays imho.

To me, the amber is more versatile, but I guess it depends on your wardrobe.

One last point, the 8119 come with a vibram sole. The 8111 with cork. The vibram will work better on wet or snowy services.

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[Dirtbagdiver]

I do like the vibram sole, but have other boots for really foul weather... thanks for the replies so far chaps...

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

I have the Oxblood currently and really like the utility of the mini vibram (nice stitching underfoot too, not that anyone but bootheads would notice.)

It's a darker, deeper Oxblood. I also enjoy the way the Oxblood is starting to age. It gets lighter in spots with some wear, a bit darker in others.

I'd say let your A-2 decide. If it is closer to an Oxblood color, you know what to do. More of a dark brown, the Amber works better.

I do like the Amber though and will try to snatch up a pair of cheap at some point. I'd say the Amber Harness looks a bit more grunge with age (hate that word, but will work here) and the Oxblood Mesa a bit more classic with age.

I think both go great with denim, with perhaps the Oxblood having a small advantage there. Amber is perhaps a little nicer with tan chinos, and Oxblood lots nicer, IMHO with navy blue chinos.

Hope that helps.

Here's a pic of the Oxbloods when they were new, with some denim:

And the Oxbloods today with a little age, (and black-brown laces replacing all black)

 

[Dirtbagdiver]

Can see myself buying both!

 

[felix03]

The Amber 8111s are a great colour. They're much much more common that the oxblood, if that's an important consideration for you. I personally have the copper rough and tough (8115) and the black harness (8114).

 

[SoCalSoftailSlim]

Hey Diver. I just picked up a pair of new Amber Harness Rangers to add to my Oxbloods. Thought of your thread.

Though my Ambers are new and the Oxbloods have about four months wear, this should give you an idea of color differences. Under artificial light in the room (first pic) there doesn't look like much difference at all. Under sunlight streaming into the room, a bit more.

I like the sole of the Oxblood better, for sure. And the color a bit better too. But maybe I'm just loyal to them.

 

[Dirtbagdiver]

Hi Slim, I went with the amber as they look better with my A2.... that said, it's only a matter of time before I get the oxbloods!... these are fine boots, was really lucky that I didn't have to break them either... put a good few miles on them already and they are super comfortable. As I sit here typing this, it's taking a lot of willpower not to go and buy the oxbloods now!

 

[Retromoto]

I have an older pair of Chippewa boots and they originally were close to the RW Amber Harness. While they were nice in that color, I wanted a bit more brown, I applied the Flying Squirrel polish and like this a lot better. https://www.etsy.com/listing/73277264/brown-non-toxic-shoe-polish-cream-item?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=non toxic shoe polish&ref=sr_gallery_4
My point is you can alter things a bit for a desired effect.
Retromoto

 

[Dirtbagdiver]

My point is you can alter things a bit for a desired effect.
Retromoto

Got a pair of red wing work chukka's that I might try and darken up... looks like they ship to UK as well..

 

[Retromoto]

Got a pair of red wing work chukka's that I might try and darken up... looks like they ship to UK as well..

I've tried all (3) colors and have very satisfied. Quick shipping, great people to deal with.
Retromoto