I bought two sets of Kilties from a very famous bootmaker, they all sucked, didn't stay in place, coloring mismatched. I bought a set from RoseAnvil - Superior leather quality, stay in place, thoughtful packaging, look fantastic!
I bought a pair of Rose Anvil kilties for my Iron Rangers to protect against getting holes worn through the tongues by the abrasive inner part of the speed hooks. I paid about $25 with shipping. They were a huge disappointment. The leather was very thin and it was obvious after only 2 wearings that those kilties would be useless for that purpose. If I continued to use them, they would have holes in them in a very short time. I contacted Rose Anvil and expressed my disappointment. I was told that if they did develop holes they would replace them for free but there was nothing else they could do, this was the leather they used for their kilties. I then ordered another pair of kilties from Nick’s Boots. They were half the price and the leather was twice as thick. Sorry but I expected much more from Rose Anvil and this experience has made me somewhat sceptical of what I hear/see on the channel. Maybe Rose Anvil can explain their choice to use such thin leather for their kilties? What are kilties for if not to protect the tongues of boots?
Thoughts on the wool insert u shows with the leather ones in that clip? Sounds like a good deal? Not stinky. Soft for comfort. Obviously wouldn’t be as durable as leather…..
I'm super disappointed in my last few redwing purchases. One sole turn into a squicky toy, and the hooks at the top are as flimsy as a bread tie. But the higher priced boots in videos seem to suffer from similar issues . Plus, oddly, I'm fussy as a fashonista on what I wear Granted om usually cover in debri and dirt
I think I speak for the majority of people here when I say we don't want you to make these 2nd channel videos more concise and cut down. Your main channel has that style down to a fine art, and that's great. But it's also so nice to see you sit down for 30+ minutes and go into more of a relaxed ramble deep into a specific boot topic, talking about your own experiences/personal interest, free from the constraints of the algorithm and what you think will perform best viewership-wise. I mean, this video was great. Very informative and useful for people deciding between what look like very similar boots from the outside. But realistically it probably belongs more on the Main channel, where it'll reach a much bigger audience who will find this logical step by step break down informative, like your other vids there. All of this is to say, for this channel honestly just do videos on whatever boot related stuff *you* want to talk about, and don't worry about rambling on :)
This is a debate I have been arguing with myself for almost a year. The timing of this video is impeccable. Next week I will be purchasing a set of boots. In my previous job I worked as a carpenter. Nearly everyone on the crew I worked with wore a Red Wing work boot. 604 and 608 mostly. I really wish you would break into some of Red Wings work line boots. Anyway, they sound just like the heritage line. HARD to break in but once they are there its like wearing armored socks! Currently I work in an office, but still want a boot for nearly everyday wear. Especially for the Wisconsin winters. Being that I live in Wisconsin, my choice is to buy a factory second Thorogood. They are only sold at the facility in Merrill, which is a drive for me but the price is less than half of retail. I don't mind the slight flaws of factory seconds and since I can physically inspect them before purchase I'm not concerned. I'm looking forward to the instant comfort fit as opposed to the Red Wing, but the Red Wing is a great boot. I don't need something that is super durable, and given the discounted price I'm able to get on the Thorogood I'm going Thorogood for my next pair of boots.
A lot of redwings work boot line are imported or are cemented. I believe the few traditional Goodyear welted work boots they make are made the same as the heritage line, but I don't really know. The Irish setters are definitely not as good.
For me all it took was finally trying them on. For me the Thorogoods fit super narrow and didnt feel right, I had to go with wides which isnt normal for me. Then the tongue kept bunching up in a corner and digging into me when I walked around with it. I wanted Thorogoods pretty bad, but after trying on 3 different boots of theirs I lost all interest in them.
I would look into the Fulton fro whites boots. It has a leather insole like the redwing but they also started putting a foam liner on top of the leather. They are nearly instantly comfortable, but as you wear them the leather foot bed conforms to your foot redwing style. A year into my fultons they are the most comfortable and durable boot I have ever owned. I do own a pair of redwing roughnecks and a pair of thorogood shit kickers.
For years, literally years, your workboot evaluative have pretty much adhered to certain standards: natural materials are superior to artificial ones ( leather lasting boards/ insoles make for a longer lasting, more reliable, certainly recraftable boot; leather welts are more durable and make a boot again more certainly recraftable, thence, in the long run, cheaper to own, leather linings are similarly superior to cotton or man made fibers for the same reasons). . . until today. Oddly, the article you favor is favored BECAUSE it is inferior,being more cheaply made of inferior materials. The only criteria that appears to matter, being dispositive in nearly every category, is that the are more immediately more comfortable. What good does it do to analyze things: reduce them to their constituent components, and evaluate them based upon consistency applied standards? (not a lot) What are folks supposed to do with every preceding evaluation now that the fundamentals have been flushed? Btw, a moccasin toe shoe or boot is a particular thing: shoe sewn like a moccasin at the vamp and above the lasting board. It has two, maybe three distinct pieces. If it one piece with decorative stitching or construction, it is no more a moccasin toe than a cap toe is when the “cap” caps nothing. The issue here looks like function versus fashion. Should not a thing be what it is? Btw, the price difference of $60 is what it costs to replace a vibram Christie sole at the corner shoe repair (rip and glue). That’s a lot less in the first, second, and or third resole than $250, or $500, or $750. I point I first heard you make. Mine is I get to keep my old friends. They’re actually worth it. I get the feeling watching lately, that commenters, influencers, and some followers would like to have more sway in how you do what you do. Never works in the end. It’s your face, your voice, and your name, not ours. Best wishes, Ed
I currently wear the red wing 10877’s every day for work as a union carpenter. I love them. I previously has the 8” thorogoods when I was doing non union residential foundations, also love them. Break in on the red wings was more intense but wasn’t bad. I’ve broken in pnw boots in the past so it wasn’t a deal for me. Got the red wings on a Friday after work, wore them all weekend and then took them to work that following Monday. When I got the thorogoods I wore them for a couple hours and wore them the next day to work. I love both boots for different reasons and wouldn’t be opposed to buy either boot for what I do. I have a red wing store right down the road and would have to drive an hour to get thorogoods locally so that’s why I went with redwings this time. Each boot has compromises but in the end you can’t go wrong with either. I’m really hard on my feet so having the tougher leather with the red wings is a huge plus for me but for the same reason having the tougher outsole on the thorogoods was a huge plus as well. Go with what you can afford at the time and you’ll be happy however, I strongly recommend going with American made.
I work in the HVAC/Sheetmetal industry and moved from working on the field to being the shop foreman a year and a half ago. Bought my first pair of Thorogoods to cope with standing on concrete all day and I have not been disappointed at all. Best work boots I've ever worn. My feet and knees don't hurt at the end of the day and I have far more energy throughout the day.
I'm a Thorogood guy myself, because of the longer lasting wedge the leather and the machined brass speed hooks. I also appreciate the toe construction, if the stitching wears out the toebox of your boot isn't opening up. I love speed laces, and too many other makers use those stamped speed hooks which I'll never have again if I can help it. I'd be all for a redwing with the tumble relaxed seidel leather, maxwear wedge, and speed hooks.
I’m with you. I work in mine. I’m Thorogood all the way. If I had time to go thru a miserable break in period I may go with a redwing, but for strictly work I’ll stick to my Thorogoods.
Im a carpenter and I wear the red wing 8” moc. Been wearing them for over 10 years. Totally right about the break in period, however definitely worth it. Thankfully I’ve only had to go through that process twice. Also if you buy from a brick and mortar red wing store they will put speed hooks on for free.
First thing I do is throw bees wax on my boots before take em to work. Soak it in with a hair dryer and get a whole can in a pair. That helps. My last pair of boots was Thorogood because they were on sale and for my next pair I'm going back to Redwing. I am with you I like the Redwings better
I put 2-1/2 years in my Thorogood 1957’s and I have 1 year on my Redwing Heritage. I work on concrete 10 hours a day doing cabinetry work. Here’s my take. Thorogood were SIGNIFICANTLY more painful to break in, made me cry after the first hour. The Redwing were very easy to break in. That being said you can definitely feel the difference in price while wearing them. The shank on the TG is a solid plus, but I really like the RW. He does say the RW are more of a dress boot, I tend to agree with that. I do know my next boots will be 8” TG. But I still want a new pair of RW to wear out and about on my off time.
Curious question, they hurt that bad at first ? Had a similar incident with my first pair of Ariats, they hurt the second I put them on .I simply returned them after a day and a half
I’ve had several pairs of Thorogoods over the last 30 years and they have never been easy break ins. Brutal for a week or two. Never understood why everyone says they require no break in. But they’re pure gold when they finally get there
I’ve owned Red Wing for over 25 years. Their lifetime warranty is worth the price by itself. Plus, it’s the most durable, comfortable and highest quality boot on the market. I have other boots, but I only work in Red wings.
I'm a 30 year electrician and always thought the wedge sole boots looked like old guy wear. Well I am one of those guys now. lol! Bought a pair of the Carhartt moc toes last year, yup the ones you really disliked. But they did show me the benefits of this type of boot. Got a pair of the Thorogoods 3 weeks ago. Gawd I wish I had started earlier in my career with these! Thanks for all you do Weston bringing us this info.
My Dad wore Red Wing Irish Setter Moc Toes as a Union Laborer. He taught me how to find quality and how to care for them so they last. I have a pair of Sorel pack boots with a leather upper that I purchased in 1987. They remain perfectly functional.
Great video! Thorogoods dominate in my line of work (union pipefitter). The American Union made adds a aspect to them but the overall comfort and like you said, lack of break in is the big selling point. I know people who drag their feet and get a year out of the soles, I am going on 2 years with mine. Being a welder I generally encounter stitching failures before I get substantial sole wear.
When I worked on the steel in my younger days. I kept 2 pair of redwings . Swapped daily because my feet sweated . I now use wool socks year around . Thinner ones in the summer and thicker in the winter.
I have two 8” Thorogoods in my rotation now for work(Powerlines). Have had the 1957 for a year, and just picked up the Crazyhorse ones this weekend, with two other square toes (Ariat and Twisted X). I love them, definitely staples in my rotation!
@@jeremymasser2284 they’re attractive! I can’t say if they’ll hold up any better or worse than my 1957’s since I haven’t taken them out to the field yet, but they’re pretty comfortable and look really nice!
I started wearing Thoroughgood boots after Noah “Wuv” Bernardo the drummer for P.O.D. Recommended them. I’m a HVAC tech and my boots get exposed to all types of extreme weather including being submerged in water. Most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn that meets all the required safety standards. My first pair was so comfortable I sent them off and had them resoled. It took about two years to wear them down. Best boot on the market for the money! 🔥🤙🏼
My thorogoods took about 2 months to break in. The tongue of my thorogoods kept moving around and sliding to the side and it drove me crazy. I almost called it quits with them. They are now my favorite pair of boots I’ve had 8 months working in a limestone mine on crushers and they are nowhere near the end of they’re life yet.
Personal preference here . Both nice boots ….however I’ve been buying/wearing the redwing boot for work and fashion for nearly 25yrs ,and love them . Great video . 👊🏽
Had my Thorogoods for over a year and they've held up great!! Survived plenty of abuse, whether it was weld spatter, burns or just plain everyday working abuse with scuffs and scratches and they are still holding strong!! Long lasting comfort all day as well.
A year out of a pair of work boots is a feat in and of itself in certain lines of work. I check a box at 6 months personally. 10 years doesn’t exist in my world and lots of others.
From my experience, my thorogood work boots have been great. I’ve had them for a little over 4 years, and they have held up really good. I have the waterproof pair, and I’ve worked in mud, rain, etc. and never had a single drop of water go inside the boot. Very well built boot. 10/10!
How do you get them to last so long I’ve had mine 10 months and they look like they’re 4 years old the tread is almost flat and the leather is very damaged granted I wear them a lot more than the average person but still wish they would last longer especially for being about 280$ I’ll be lucky to get a year out of them at this pace
I wear the Thorogoods 80+ hours a week. My partner wears the Redwings. The original sole lasts much longer on the Thorogoods. After resole with the Vibrams same. We blow through the toebox way before the upper has any damage. I have 11 yo goods still in rotation. The Perry's are right there with these.
Potter and sons ( Trenton and heath here on UA-cam) just introduced their own wedge sole which I think is made by maramac , so you can get your Thorogoods back with the good outsole or get your redwings back with a better outsole.
From my personal experience, I came to the conclusion that there is a gigantic difference between canvas and leather lining. Nowadays I avoid canvas-lined boots by all means, because it always disappoints, falls apart, rips, literally disappears and leaves an ungodly mess. Plus, contact with leather is much better for my skin than canvas.
I purchased Thorogoods for price and comfort. I was warned about the break in on red Wings. I just didn’t have the patience or time to do it. My Thorogoods have been awesome. I work outside mostly in remote areas doing ground work, refueling helicopters, wrenching on helicopters and rigging materials to be taken to our aerial linemen. Great boots!
The Redwing break on isn’t as bad as people say. Especially if you get the correct size. That being said, I still work in Thorogoods. My redwings I wear everywhere but work. Had them for 10 years. 4 resoles. Been great. They were just stiff at first. Didn’t really hurt my feet. A lot of people buy redwings and complain about the break in most times get the wrong size and never can get them broken in
I just left a comment on the Short where you talked about their insoles. My Thorogoods should arrive this afternoon! I’m quite excited. There are a couple of reasons why the Thorogood is such a popular, boot among construction workers. 1. It is cheaper then the Red Wing. 2. You can get a safety toe in the Thorogood. 3. The Thorogood has electrical certifications that might be required, just like a safety toe. I really liked this video format: two popular versions looked at in-depth.
Great review. I have a pair of Thorogood Mock Toe boots and I like them very much. I also ended up buying the 8 inch steel toed Thorogood boots for yard work. I recently bought a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. I took them to work (desk job) and wear them all morning and walk between the office and the cafeteria (it's a large corporate campus). I'm going to do that every day to break them in. Might take half the year to do it, but I'm of the opinion you don't need to develop blisters to break in stiff boots.
I am a retired Marine, you can break them in in one day, put them on lace tight, fill your bathtub to boot height with water as hot as you can stand. Step in and soak your boots until they are saturated, leave them on until they dry, walk around as much as possible and they will fit like a pair of driving gloves. I have a pair of thorogood in size 9, would you recommend same size in red wings? Thank you
@@rreily7511haha retired union concrete worker, probably 30 pairs of the 877s in my career. You have definitely described the way to break them. Best boots of all time IMHO. I used to get them for $100 back in the day!
I just bought a pair of througood American heritage midnight series because my work requires black boots they are great 10 hours a day for 3 months no complaints
I loved your comment about the Red Wings being a really good starting point before going towards the PNW boots. That is exactly what I went through. I started with the RW MC then grabbed a set of Iron Ranger’s as My foot wanted more toe box space for work. I just placed an order for JK OT boots as I want that next level. Going through the break in on the 3 Red Wings has prepared me for the gauntlet that will be a PNW break in. I already know it’s worth the pain, now that I’ve experienced the other side of a Veg Tan insole break in, there’s no going back for me.
All my PNW shoes/boots have had a painless break-in and are super comfortableout of the box. Either people are getting the wrong size and/or have worn sneakers their whole life.
I just bought the red wing 8138 moc toe, and while they are a little stiffer at first compared to the iron ranger and blacksmiths, I’ve had no problem wearing them all day since I got them, 3 days in and they are perfect!
Thank you for the breakdown. I wish I would’ve bought my first investment style boot after this channel had started. I got one pair of the Redwings and may have been sized wrong based on that I was kind of done with buying expensive “Work Boots". Until I found your channel got me a lot more interested in how it’s made and how it will hold up. You are also not lying about the break in I think mine broke my feet. It didn’t help I like to wear them tight and my right pinky toe may never be the same again
I've got 3 pairs of red wings. A friend told me I should try the thorogood. Very comfortable. I'm not using these for dress up time. The only problem with thorogood is the leather is thin. I didn't notice one day walked pass a piece of sheet metal and sliced a piece out. Now I use them around the yard.
I love these videos. I don't need boots, and I have never worn boots, but every video you make on any of your channels cause me to start the mental justification for a purchase. Those Thorogoods are on my mind.
So glad you mentioned the crack in the welt. I bought my first pair of Thorogoods 13 months ago, after watching a lot of your videos. Prior, I wore Sears DieHard, such a good value at $79. I figured, before I was gonna spend $300+ on Whites or Red Wing, I might as well spend $200 for Thorogoods and see what it was like, and not care *as much* if they got scraped or whatever. I mean, I drive beater trucks for a reason: utility without cosmetic worry. Anyway, I was surprised that my pair of Thorogood 6" Crazy Horse leather moc toe boots came cracked in the welt inside mid arch. I even had to send a pair back and get another size, and still the welt was cracked. I guess it happens when they trim that stitch? They did feel great around day 2 of wear, and came with extra laces and mink oil, so I guess my foray into quality workwear wasn't for naught, but I did buy them when I was making $22/hr so I can't help but feel it every step I take, though I'm still happy with my purchase and will probably get another pair. Thanks RA
Everything you mentioned is spot on. I’ve owed both. I work as a trade painter. The T.G. Was a better boot, especially if you’re on ladders a lot, but the liner had to ripped out, and the welt split in several places. The redwing however was no slouch. More uncomfortable on ladders, sole wore out super quick, but the thick leather footbed was pretty awesome after SEVERAL weeks of wear. Idk… both are amazing boots honestly. But I stick with T.G. for work.
Absolutely love my Thorogood's. It is an investment as I paid around $280 out the door but i will have these boots forever. I mostly use them for motorcycle riding and casual use. For my work boot I currently run the Georgia wedge sole boot because I don't want to destroy my nice almost $300 Thorogood's. Red Wings are really nice as well but either way you can't go wrong
Not even kidding, after trying on Thorogoods at a store I just bought their insole and stuck it in my well-worn 875's. Switched to thinner socks and it was PERFECT.
I personally on my 2nd pair of thorogoods. The 1st pair I have had for 2 plus years. And still work amazing! They are an emperor toe and I love the extra room. The 2nd pair I got this year and it's the wedge mock toe. Now I did have to get a boot stretcher because the toe box was tighter but the arch support was better on the non wide version. Dealing with planters fasciitis I rather have the arch support. And the wedge sole helped. But I work in machine shops and have had amazing luck with thorogoods. I have the red wing king toes for about 3 months and my feet started bruising and I could t even walk in them. So I personally won't go back to red wing. Might I add I wear my boots for work, home, and going out. So I will wear a pair of boots a minimum of 10 hours a day. Maybe even more.
I don’t have any Thorogood boots but I have several red wings and love them. My first iron rangers will be delivered tomorrow. I’m a little worried about how they’ll fit. I normally wear 14D but these are 13D. Hope they fit. Thanks for a great channel.
I have 40+ year old Redwings just like those. They are still 100% wearable, and have not crumbled into dust. There is a 4-6 week period of pain & blisters with Redwings, but it's worth it. My dad wore Gokee boots.
Letter Carrier for 35 years. I know we are talking about moc toe boots, but just had to say I think you're right about Thorogood break in time. All their postal boots were instantly comfortable, with insole forming to foot pretty quick. Only wish the price was lower, I can only get them with my allotment.
I wore Thorogoods for 2.5 years, on and off with Perry’s. They’re fantastic, but the welt definitely splits somewhere after the first or second resole. I switched to Nick’s moctoe and haven’t looked back. Amazing boots (just pricey).
When you do a resole just have the cobbler put on a leather welt as well as the rubber outsole. Cost a bit more but then no worries about a synthetic welt splitting. One good thing about synthetic welt, they are water proof.
Speaking from experience. I’ve owned both brands with the moc toe style of boots. Redwing having the composite toe and thorogood having the steel toe. The Redwing was broke in easier for me and was more comfortable immediately. Both are good boots. I will say that I had purchased both boots to be waterproof for work and both had their linings fail on me. Thankfully Redwing replaced my boots for a brand new pair but never got to asking Thorogood for a replacement since they don’t have a local store around me. I don’t know the exact model numbers or names but hope that helps.
Having a good writing experience with fountain pens requires a coordination of nib, ink, and paper. Each one will impact the performance of the other two. I'm wondering if you have considered how different types of socks (thick vs. thin, cotton vs. wool, etc.) will impact the break in and/or overall comfort of boots.
Great question. I've noticed he tends to wear a lot of thin, cheap cotton socks and wonder how much of his experience with too-roomy boots or hard-to-break-in thick leather boots would be mitigated by wearing some decently thick wool socks.
@@johnwesleygmcvictoriatx9757 Wool socks are top tier, they keep your feet sweat free in the hotter periods because of it's hydroscopic properties, never had them get too soaked with sweat when I take them off surprisingly though. I need to get some more 100% wool socks thinking on it.
Just bought a new pair of Thoroughgood in Briar series. The wide toebox and tumbled leather mean everything. These are so comfortable to walk in. Before you buy these find a place to try some on. If you try a pair that is safty toe the fit tighter than a pair that is soft toe in the same size. I went to our local boot barn and tried several sizes to get the perfect fit. Well worth the 300.
I think this is a great video for a lot of people in construction/plant operators/plant mechanics etc. It is really interesting to see some of the most common/well regarded boots reviewed in depth.
I suggest that you try a Keen Utility Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Boot. I love the comfort and the durability I'm getting out of them. They hold up extremely well in the metal stamping with oils and coolants that they get exposed to. I suggest this one be cut open and check out the build of this boot. Great work on all you do with these videos very much appreciated.
I have had both till the end of there life cycle, also owned different models from each brand, all used as work boots on site and throughout daily life. In my personal opinion the thorogoods last substantially longer and are far superior over the redwings. One thing I take into account is sole life, the uppers on both will last an equal amount of time, they'll smell beyond being able to wear before they give way as long as you don't drag the toe of the boot on concrete repeatedly. The thorogoods at "break in" were more comfortable and in the end once the red wings were broken in were still less conformed and comfortable for actual daily wear for work than the thorogoods. Back to the outsole, I got around 1k to 1200 miles estimated on my redwings before a re sole was needed, on the thorogood max wear wedge I got between 3200 to 3500 miles estimated before a re sole was necessary. Just things to take into account when looking at the two. All in all I'd say anyone deciding between the two would be far happier purchasing the thorogoods, it's a better boot at a better price than the red wing.
I have gone through a lot of different boots most upper end production boots like this… the thorogoods are amazing right out of the box… but the comfort quickly turns to foot pain in a few months after long days… I’m a big guy 6’4” 265lbs size 13… don’t know if the insides of the sole just break down but haven’t worn anything out still good upper, still tread on the sole, and within 6 mos just kill my feet… two pair exact same experience, gave up and got some franks patriots and never been happier
Thank you for this video. I own both boots. When I'm going to be walking thousands of steps over pasture, pavement, and gravel, I wear the Thorogoods. They are comfortable and durable enough considering I don't wear all day everyday but mainly on weekends when doing chores outside. The Redwings are worn for casual style to school or out and about. I would observe the tongue on the Thorogoods seems 'thin' but it works ok for me. The speed eyelets and the cushioned insole are huge benefits.
Thorogoods also have a year warranty. Ride em hard for 10 months and if anything’s broke or falling apart they take them back for new ones no questions asked. I’m on my third pair and have only bought one. The first ones were too wide and I could t get them tight (my bad, bought worms worth) and they gave me narrower ones, after wearing them for four months. Then my new ones began to peel the outsole off at the front so I wore them for 10 ish months and they took them back for new ones. Now I’m rocking two month old ones after nearly two years of purchase.
I had decided on redwing before finding a pair of TGs in my size on eBay. Brand new condition $125 to my door couldn’t resist. I love them. I’ve added some Allen Edmonds suede captoes now looking for the right service boot and I should be good to go for a decade or so.
I have used both in Concrete work. My coworkers and I always trusted the Red wing mock toe for work. Break in can be accomplished by changing boot to your old boot during break (9 or 10 am) or lunch (noon or 1 pm if not pouring concrete). Thorogood is fine but the hard work days really show in these boots
I have both. I got my thororgoods about 4 years ago and the red wings about a year later. I have worn out 2 pairs of soles in the thorogoods and still on the 1st for the red wings. If you work in a shop or construction where you are walking and standing on hard concrete all day thorogoods cannot be beat. If comfort matters to you at all get the thorogoods. And personally I actually like the looks of thorogoods better.
I have both the Redwings and Thorogoods. The redwings have been lighter, more durable, and more comfortable. I wanted to like the Thorogoods more because they are an attractive boot and cost less.
I agree with pretty much all your reasons that make the Thorogoods better for work. One thing not mentioned is that Red Wing doesn't offer the 875 in a safety toe. To many of us that's a deal breaker right off the bat. As someone who has plantar fasciitis the Thorogoods are also a better choice for me. While I love the idea of the better materials in the Red wings even after break in I would find the leather insoles too harsh for 12+ hour days.
I’ve spent the last 30 plus years as a satisfied Red Wing purchaser. Many styles and no regrets. Yes, some break ins are a little rough but once you get through it…. Super great boots. I’ve never owned anything from Thorogood. Hence why I watched your vids. Once you said the homeless dudes are rocking Thorogoods, that’s it. You sealed the deal. I’m getting a pair. 👍🏻
It may be wise to avoid "speed hooks" if you are on a roof or in a situation where the slight chance of hooking a lace from one boot to the hook on the other is outside your comfort/ risk zone.
Just the video I was looking for. I've always just worked in old sneakers. I've always played with getting good boots in my head but just never did it. I'm liking the thorogood.
I bought a set of thorogood boots on the first day of my current job, replaced them with another set of thorogood boots yesterday. My job wears out boots pretty quickly, so boots are effectively disposable items that get replaced once or twice a year no matter what they are made out of. I use leather inserts that I made myself a couple years ago, so although I like the original thorogood insert i don't use it very long.
As a guy who owns the plain toe version of the thorogoods in this video i can tell you yhat the canvas does wear out. I had to rip the lining out when it failed and the plastic toe stiffener started rubbing on the top of my toes so I had to cut those out too. It was difficult. At the time i was putting 7+ miles on my boots every day and before the lining failure and after i tore the lining and stiffener out they were the best boots i had ever worn. They are also the longest lasting boots i have ever had. I still wear them and they are just now after several years of use in need of a resole.
YES....make a shirt please. I really like this 2nd channel . Your boot knowledge is very good and I get a lot if useful information from them and you. Shirts would be cool. Bigger sizes please...
I’ve got a pair of RW classic Mocs and I absolutely love them. The only thing I don’t like is the lack of speed hooks. That’s one of the things I love about my iron rangers. I think I’m going to convert the eyelets to hooks sometime.
Been wearing thorogood for over 10 years. I'm an HVAC tech so do a lot of kneeling and climbing and walking etc... The thorogood comfort and durability are nicely matched at the price point. I take care of my leather and I can get 2 years with a resole and then they become my yard boots. My current yard boots are 6 years old. My only gripe is the plastic that cracks under them. For me it's important to have a 8" boot with water proof liner and composite toe. There just isn't a lot of boots that fit that criteria. I wear the boots all summer and in the winter I slap alpaca insoles in and wear wool socks. With the composite toe and wp liner this is the perfect balance for Midwest weather.
I have both brands of boots and my favorites are the Thorogood. Firstly, because they do not need adaptation time, the feet feel comfortable, they do not make effort when bending, since the insole and leather are much more flexible than the Red Wings. As the leather is more flexible, the foot and ankles feel freer to move. And I think they are the best cost-effective boots on the market.
I think a huge reason on top of the price and the comfort that so many construction workers or tradesmen prefer the thorogood is because they actually come in steel toe. It's a requirement for most of us to have some sort of safety toe boots on the jobsite. Really love the look of several redwings lines but with the advent of safety toe requirements in so many construction fields, they're really not usable for work boots.
Polyurethane is actually very naturally slip resistant!! I work in the industry, and I’d take PU all day for grip over blown rubber! When brand new Blown will be grippier because the surface wears off sooner than PU, but PU is better in the end!
I own a pair of Thorogoods. I wanted Redwings but picked the Thorogood boots because of quality with comfortable. I am on my feet a lot. I actually had a Redwing salesman recommended Thorogoods with a Redwing insert for my particular application. I still plan to buy some Redwings at some point, but will mostly use them for dress.
I just changed eyelets out for speed hooks on my own on the 8" Red Wing Mocs. I did the top 4 pairs. I still have to untie them to get in and out of the boots but lacing then is SSSOOOOO much easier. I may do the 5th eyelet pair down from the top if I really want them to be speed hooks where I won't have to untie the laces. Anyway, it was easy to do but a bit time consuming.
Thorogood for me I have 2 pairs one are steel toe for site work as a plasterer in 🇬🇧 uk new ones ive got are waterproof for walking the dog great boots well done USA 🇺🇸👍👍👍
I have owned both and my Redwing 875’s are my all time favorite boots. But it has to be the Heritage line not their cheaper boots that the guys in the stores always try to talk you into. The break-in is worth it in the long run.
I work in a warehouse fabricating aluminum frames for building facades and have a $120 pair of rock roosters, have had them for over 2 1/2 years and they’re still doing just fine. I like that they have a rubber lining under the foam flat sole it lasts so long and doesn’t get that ugly rounded out uneven wearing that vibrum soles get within two months.
5 years of nearly daily wear on my redwings and they are easily my favorite shoes to put on. I may need a new sole in a few years. I don’t remember the break in so I don’t think it was that bad.
Red wings are THE heritage boot, but as a union ironworker, the thorogood is the best summer boot for climbing iron in 85°+ heat. Very light, comfortable, they grip well, and if u rip the stitching in the front they don’t open up and expose your toes.
I work outside (I'm in construction) and I wear a pair of Blacksmiths for work everyday. I think the canvas on the Red Wing boots is probably woven tighter and a lot more durable than the Thorogood. I actually prefer the canvas over the leather lining in the toe box and I've had no issues with the lining wearing out. The leather lining can create a hotspot around the outer bone on the ball joint of my foot (Just below the pinky toe). I've noticed that's a common thing in every Red Wing Moc Toe (except on the 1907s, which has a wider last). This is all based totally on the shape of my foot too btw. So this is just my experience with boots. My Blacksmiths have made it two years on the job and they are worn in quite nicely. The Vibram Mini Lug sole still has plenty of life and the boot has held up extremely well. I prefer the leather insole and the overall durability of the Red Wings in general. Whenever I get boots with synthetic internals? Well the moisture and sweat from outside environments tend to destroy the boot from the inside out quite quickly. Yeh the break in can be a bit hard on the feet. That being said? My feet have actually grown to prefer the support/durability of the leather insole over the squishy synthetic style comfort of a boot with fiber board/foam insoles. So again, the durability and support of the Heritage Style Red Wings seems to be a better option for me. And that goes for casual or work wear.
I couldn’t make up my mind and wasn’t interested in any other style boots so I bought both of these. The red wings are more of a dressy boot like he said. I’ve had them for a month of every weekday wear and I feel like they are still not broken in. The thorogoods are capable of wearing all day out of the box but I’d recomend still breaking them in steadily. The red wings are probably the best shoe I’ll ever own
Carolina has a new moc toe boot now, that looks like it's from their heritage line, and I think it's a brand new for them. They call it the Carolina gold moc toe, and It's priced at $299, which is really expensive for a Carolina! You should definitely review the boot! It's dark number is CA2403
Definitely agree that Thorogoods are best for work. Use and abuse mine all the time plus when combined with a Birkenstock insole, I could wear them all day
My dad bought my first pair of the 8” Red Wings in 1977. I liked them enough that I never strayed to any other brand. I won’t use speed laces. As an Ironworker walking the steel, I feared that while crossover walking on a narrow beam flange, the shoelace bow of my one foot might snag the speed hook of the other and down the hole I might go.
I really like the tread lite for a work boot from redwing and the heritage model for casual wear like you said. I have a pair of thorogoods I hunt in though. Good video.
Thorogood are the F150 to the Redwing Tacoma. The difference between needing a truck and wanting a truck. Either you need good work boots or you want to have boots for the look of a heritage boot. I will make the argument for Irish Setters for hunting on RW’s behalf, but cap toe or mock toe, it’s Thorogood for me all day!
You can lace speedhooks really fast by starting on one side at the first hook, drawing both laces in one hand across the boot to the other side and capturing the next two hooks on the other side and repeat. Hard to explain without seeing it in person but it only takes a couple seconds of lacing with a worn in boot.
Always wanted to get a pair of Thorogood Moc toes for the weekly rotation. But the whites Perry select in tobacco stampede might be the better option. Great video!
I’ve worked in and worn out many times over both the Thorogoods 814-4200’s & Redwing 875’s & I can tell you that the Thorogoods are a better boot, period. Love both but I will never buy Redwings again.
My grandfather was a carpenter and wore Thorogoods for decades. I work at a hardware store. On my feet all day, every day. I wear Thorogoods and they are much more comfortable than any sneaker I have ever worn. Even got a couple co-workers hooked on them. It also helps that they're made hardly an hour away. They have an outlet store where you can get a good deal on a pair of 2nds. That being said, I really want a pair of Red Wings for casual wear.
I’ve worn so many different brands of boots.All of them with insoles except for my iron rangers which now that they’re broken in our far more comfortable than any other boot I’ve ever had, including Danners, Redbacks Blundtones, Thorogood and lots of cheap brands!?
*adjusts glasses* If the layer between your foot & the shoe does not actively support instead of just cushioning the foot, it is a sock liner, not an insole.
The red wings moc toe makes a great work boot if you get the roughneck 8146 with the Vibram lug sole. Super durable. I wear mine at work and they just take everything I throw at them.
I'm an Ironworker and after trying many brands I have use Thorogood for the last 5 years. The negative thing about Redwing boots is the stitching on the front of boot won't last.
Don't forget your Rose Anvil Kilties for those boots here - bit.ly/3lJ0oXd or No-Show here - bit.ly/3YFtYLX
I bought two sets of Kilties from a very famous bootmaker, they all sucked, didn't stay in place, coloring mismatched.
I bought a set from RoseAnvil - Superior leather quality, stay in place, thoughtful packaging, look fantastic!
I bought a pair of Rose Anvil kilties for my Iron Rangers to protect against getting holes worn through the tongues by the abrasive inner part of the speed hooks. I paid about $25 with shipping. They were a huge disappointment. The leather was very thin and it was obvious after only 2 wearings that those kilties would be useless for that purpose. If I continued to use them, they would have holes in them in a very short time. I contacted Rose Anvil and expressed my disappointment. I was told that if they did develop holes they would replace them for free but there was nothing else they could do, this was the leather they used for their kilties.
I then ordered another pair of kilties from Nick’s Boots. They were half the price and the leather was twice as thick. Sorry but I expected much more from Rose Anvil and this experience has made me somewhat sceptical of what I hear/see on the channel.
Maybe Rose Anvil can explain their choice to use such thin leather for their kilties? What are kilties for if not to protect the tongues of boots?
Thoughts on the wool insert u shows with the leather ones in that clip? Sounds like a good deal? Not stinky. Soft for comfort. Obviously wouldn’t be as durable as leather…..
I'm super disappointed in my last few redwing purchases. One sole turn into a squicky toy, and the hooks at the top are as flimsy as a bread tie.
But the higher priced boots in videos seem to suffer from similar issues .
Plus, oddly, I'm fussy as a fashonista on what I wear
Granted om usually cover in debri and dirt
I think I speak for the majority of people here when I say we don't want you to make these 2nd channel videos more concise and cut down. Your main channel has that style down to a fine art, and that's great. But it's also so nice to see you sit down for 30+ minutes and go into more of a relaxed ramble deep into a specific boot topic, talking about your own experiences/personal interest, free from the constraints of the algorithm and what you think will perform best viewership-wise. I mean, this video was great. Very informative and useful for people deciding between what look like very similar boots from the outside. But realistically it probably belongs more on the Main channel, where it'll reach a much bigger audience who will find this logical step by step break down informative, like your other vids there.
All of this is to say, for this channel honestly just do videos on whatever boot related stuff *you* want to talk about, and don't worry about rambling on :)
EXACTLY!!!! WELL SAID
Word!!
Agreed.
DEFINITELY AGREE
Here here, ramble on!
This is a debate I have been arguing with myself for almost a year. The timing of this video is impeccable. Next week I will be purchasing a set of boots. In my previous job I worked as a carpenter. Nearly everyone on the crew I worked with wore a Red Wing work boot. 604 and 608 mostly. I really wish you would break into some of Red Wings work line boots. Anyway, they sound just like the heritage line. HARD to break in but once they are there its like wearing armored socks! Currently I work in an office, but still want a boot for nearly everyday wear. Especially for the Wisconsin winters. Being that I live in Wisconsin, my choice is to buy a factory second Thorogood. They are only sold at the facility in Merrill, which is a drive for me but the price is less than half of retail. I don't mind the slight flaws of factory seconds and since I can physically inspect them before purchase I'm not concerned. I'm looking forward to the instant comfort fit as opposed to the Red Wing, but the Red Wing is a great boot. I don't need something that is super durable, and given the discounted price I'm able to get on the Thorogood I'm going Thorogood for my next pair of boots.
A lot of redwings work boot line are imported or are cemented.
I believe the few traditional Goodyear welted work boots they make are made the same as the heritage line, but I don't really know.
The Irish setters are definitely not as good.
Casual wear my Jim green barefooted are incredible. Work boots my nicks are still my go to
For me all it took was finally trying them on. For me the Thorogoods fit super narrow and didnt feel right, I had to go with wides which isnt normal for me. Then the tongue kept bunching up in a corner and digging into me when I walked around with it. I wanted Thorogoods pretty bad, but after trying on 3 different boots of theirs I lost all interest in them.
I would look into the Fulton fro whites boots. It has a leather insole like the redwing but they also started putting a foam liner on top of the leather. They are nearly instantly comfortable, but as you wear them the leather foot bed conforms to your foot redwing style. A year into my fultons they are the most comfortable and durable boot I have ever owned. I do own a pair of redwing roughnecks and a pair of thorogood shit kickers.
For years, literally years, your workboot evaluative have pretty much adhered to certain standards: natural materials are superior to artificial ones ( leather lasting boards/ insoles make for a longer lasting, more reliable, certainly recraftable boot; leather welts are more durable and make a boot again more certainly recraftable, thence, in the long run, cheaper to own, leather linings are similarly superior to cotton or man made fibers for the same reasons). . . until today.
Oddly, the article you favor is favored BECAUSE it is inferior,being more cheaply made of inferior materials. The only criteria that appears to matter, being dispositive in nearly every category, is that the are more immediately more comfortable.
What good does it do to analyze things: reduce them to their constituent components, and evaluate them based upon consistency applied standards? (not a lot) What are folks supposed to do with every preceding evaluation now that the fundamentals have been flushed?
Btw, a moccasin toe shoe or boot is a particular thing: shoe sewn like a moccasin at the vamp and above the lasting board. It has two, maybe three distinct pieces. If it one piece with decorative stitching or construction, it is no more a moccasin toe than a cap toe is when the “cap” caps nothing. The issue here looks like function versus fashion.
Should not a thing be what it is?
Btw, the price difference of $60 is what it costs to replace a vibram Christie sole at the corner shoe repair (rip and glue). That’s a lot less in the first, second, and or third resole than $250, or $500, or $750. I point I first heard you make. Mine is I get to keep my old friends. They’re actually worth it.
I get the feeling watching lately, that commenters, influencers, and some followers would like to have more sway in how you do what you do. Never works in the end. It’s your face, your voice, and your name, not ours.
Best wishes,
Ed
I currently wear the red wing 10877’s every day for work as a union carpenter. I love them. I previously has the 8” thorogoods when I was doing non union residential foundations, also love them. Break in on the red wings was more intense but wasn’t bad. I’ve broken in pnw boots in the past so it wasn’t a deal for me. Got the red wings on a Friday after work, wore them all weekend and then took them to work that following Monday. When I got the thorogoods I wore them for a couple hours and wore them the next day to work. I love both boots for different reasons and wouldn’t be opposed to buy either boot for what I do. I have a red wing store right down the road and would have to drive an hour to get thorogoods locally so that’s why I went with redwings this time. Each boot has compromises but in the end you can’t go wrong with either. I’m really hard on my feet so having the tougher leather with the red wings is a huge plus for me but for the same reason having the tougher outsole on the thorogoods was a huge plus as well. Go with what you can afford at the time and you’ll be happy however, I strongly recommend going with American made.
I work in the HVAC/Sheetmetal industry and moved from working on the field to being the shop foreman a year and a half ago. Bought my first pair of Thorogoods to cope with standing on concrete all day and I have not been disappointed at all. Best work boots I've ever worn. My feet and knees don't hurt at the end of the day and I have far more energy throughout the day.
I'm a Thorogood guy myself, because of the longer lasting wedge the leather and the machined brass speed hooks.
I also appreciate the toe construction, if the stitching wears out the toebox of your boot isn't opening up.
I love speed laces, and too many other makers use those stamped speed hooks which I'll never have again if I can help it.
I'd be all for a redwing with the tumble relaxed seidel leather, maxwear wedge, and speed hooks.
I’m with you. I work in mine. I’m Thorogood all the way. If I had time to go thru a miserable break in period I may go with a redwing, but for strictly work I’ll stick to my Thorogoods.
I don’t like leather rubbing my ankles until it breaks in.
Facts 👍
Yeah redwings hooks tend to open up and loosen up in the leather
Ok it's that why my redwing speed hooks are as flimsy as a bread tie
Im a carpenter and I wear the red wing 8” moc. Been wearing them for over 10 years. Totally right about the break in period, however definitely worth it. Thankfully I’ve only had to go through that process twice.
Also if you buy from a brick and mortar red wing store they will put speed hooks on for free.
First thing I do is throw bees wax on my boots before take em to work. Soak it in with a hair dryer and get a whole can in a pair. That helps. My last pair of boots was Thorogood because they were on sale and for my next pair I'm going back to Redwing. I am with you I like the Redwings better
I put 2-1/2 years in my Thorogood 1957’s and I have 1 year on my Redwing Heritage. I work on concrete 10 hours a day doing cabinetry work. Here’s my take. Thorogood were SIGNIFICANTLY more painful to break in, made me cry after the first hour. The Redwing were very easy to break in. That being said you can definitely feel the difference in price while wearing them. The shank on the TG is a solid plus, but I really like the RW. He does say the RW are more of a dress boot, I tend to agree with that. I do know my next boots will be 8” TG. But I still want a new pair of RW to wear out and about on my off time.
Curious question, they hurt that bad at first ?
Had a similar incident with my first pair of Ariats, they hurt the second I put them on .I simply returned them after a day and a half
I’ve had several pairs of Thorogoods over the last 30 years and they have never been easy break ins. Brutal for a week or two. Never understood why everyone says they require no break in. But they’re pure gold when they finally get there
I’ve owned Red Wing for over 25 years. Their lifetime warranty is worth the price by itself. Plus, it’s the most durable, comfortable and highest quality boot on the market. I have other boots, but I only work in Red wings.
I'm a 30 year electrician and always thought the wedge sole boots looked like old guy wear. Well I am one of those guys now. lol! Bought a pair of the Carhartt moc toes last year, yup the ones you really disliked. But they did show me the benefits of this type of boot. Got a pair of the Thorogoods 3 weeks ago. Gawd I wish I had started earlier in my career with these! Thanks for all you do Weston bringing us this info.
My Dad wore Red Wing Irish Setter Moc Toes as a Union Laborer. He taught me how to find quality and how to care for them so they last. I have a pair of Sorel pack boots with a leather upper that I purchased in 1987. They remain perfectly functional.
Lol the guy i first started with wore them, 37 years ago
Great video! Thorogoods dominate in my line of work (union pipefitter). The American Union made adds a aspect to them but the overall comfort and like you said, lack of break in is the big selling point. I know people who drag their feet and get a year out of the soles, I am going on 2 years with mine. Being a welder I generally encounter stitching failures before I get substantial sole wear.
When I worked on the steel in my younger days. I kept 2 pair of redwings . Swapped daily because my feet sweated . I now use wool socks year around . Thinner ones in the summer and thicker in the winter.
I have two 8” Thorogoods in my rotation now for work(Powerlines). Have had the 1957 for a year, and just picked up the Crazyhorse ones this weekend, with two other square toes (Ariat and Twisted X). I love them, definitely staples in my rotation!
How do you like those crazy horse square toes? I just ordered mine and they will be here in the next couple days.
@@jeremymasser2284 they’re attractive! I can’t say if they’ll hold up any better or worse than my 1957’s since I haven’t taken them out to the field yet, but they’re pretty comfortable and look really nice!
Did it seem like new Thorogoods are sized a little bigger than they used to be?
I started wearing Thoroughgood boots after Noah “Wuv” Bernardo the drummer for P.O.D. Recommended them. I’m a HVAC tech and my boots get exposed to all types of extreme weather including being submerged in water. Most comfortable boot I’ve ever worn that meets all the required safety standards. My first pair was so comfortable I sent them off and had them resoled. It took about two years to wear them down. Best boot on the market for the money! 🔥🤙🏼
My thorogoods took about 2 months to break in. The tongue of my thorogoods kept moving around and sliding to the side and it drove me crazy. I almost called it quits with them. They are now my favorite pair of boots I’ve had 8 months working in a limestone mine on crushers and they are nowhere near the end of they’re life yet.
Personal preference here . Both nice boots ….however I’ve been buying/wearing the redwing boot for work and fashion for nearly 25yrs ,and love them . Great video . 👊🏽
Had my Thorogoods for over a year and they've held up great!! Survived plenty of abuse, whether it was weld spatter, burns or just plain everyday working abuse with scuffs and scratches and they are still holding strong!! Long lasting comfort all day as well.
A year out of a pair of work boots is a feat in and of itself in certain lines of work. I check a box at 6 months personally. 10 years doesn’t exist in my world and lots of others.
@@hoobeydoobey1267 No work boots that is constantly used lasts 10 years. Stop being delusional
From my experience, my thorogood work boots have been great. I’ve had them for a little over 4 years, and they have held up really good. I have the waterproof pair, and I’ve worked in mud, rain, etc. and never had a single drop of water go inside the boot. Very well built boot. 10/10!
How do you get them to last so long I’ve had mine 10 months and they look like they’re 4 years old the tread is almost flat and the leather is very damaged granted I wear them a lot more than the average person but still wish they would last longer especially for being about 280$ I’ll be lucky to get a year out of them at this pace
I wear the Thorogoods 80+ hours a week. My partner wears the Redwings. The original sole lasts much longer on the Thorogoods. After resole with the Vibrams same. We blow through the toebox way before the upper has any damage. I have 11 yo goods still in rotation. The Perry's are right there with these.
Potter and sons ( Trenton and heath here on UA-cam) just introduced their own wedge sole which I think is made by maramac , so you can get your Thorogoods back with the good outsole or get your redwings back with a better outsole.
Blow through toe box? Get toe protection and put it on there
From my personal experience, I came to the conclusion that there is a gigantic difference between canvas and leather lining. Nowadays I avoid canvas-lined boots by all means, because it always disappoints, falls apart, rips, literally disappears and leaves an ungodly mess. Plus, contact with leather is much better for my skin than canvas.
Wouldn't the lining be touching your socks and not your skin?
@@qwuzzynah, this guy is a psychopath
@@qwuzzy I use short socks with my boots, it means it touches my skin not my socks
@@Fr4nkSanchez Wear longer socks
@@qwuzzy I don’t like because it causes me a lot of heat
I purchased Thorogoods for price and comfort. I was warned about the break in on red Wings. I just didn’t have the patience or time to do it. My Thorogoods have been awesome. I work outside mostly in remote areas doing ground work, refueling helicopters, wrenching on helicopters and rigging materials to be taken to our aerial linemen. Great boots!
Next up, homelessness. With those boots, you’ll be good to go 😂
The Redwing break on isn’t as bad as people say. Especially if you get the correct size. That being said, I still work in Thorogoods. My redwings I wear everywhere but work. Had them for 10 years. 4 resoles. Been great. They were just stiff at first. Didn’t really hurt my feet. A lot of people buy redwings and complain about the break in most times get the wrong size and never can get them broken in
So our taxes go towards putting free $250 boots on the homeless? Timberland isn't good enough for them? What a world. @@melissaa2337
I just left a comment on the Short where you talked about their insoles.
My Thorogoods should arrive this afternoon! I’m quite excited.
There are a couple of reasons why the Thorogood is such a popular, boot among construction workers. 1. It is cheaper then the Red Wing.
2. You can get a safety toe in the Thorogood.
3. The Thorogood has electrical certifications that might be required, just like a safety toe.
I really liked this video format: two popular versions looked at in-depth.
Great review. I have a pair of Thorogood Mock Toe boots and I like them very much. I also ended up buying the 8 inch steel toed Thorogood boots for yard work. I recently bought a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers. I took them to work (desk job) and wear them all morning and walk between the office and the cafeteria (it's a large corporate campus). I'm going to do that every day to break them in. Might take half the year to do it, but I'm of the opinion you don't need to develop blisters to break in stiff boots.
I am a retired Marine, you can break them in in one day, put them on lace tight, fill your bathtub to boot height with water as hot as you can stand. Step in and soak your boots until they are saturated, leave them on until they dry, walk around as much as possible and they will fit like a pair of driving gloves. I have a pair of thorogood in size 9, would you recommend same size in red wings? Thank you
@@rreily7511haha retired union concrete worker, probably 30 pairs of the 877s
in my career. You have definitely described the way to break them. Best boots of all time IMHO. I used to get them for $100 back in the day!
I just bought a pair of througood American heritage midnight series because my work requires black boots they are great 10 hours a day for 3 months no complaints
What do you do? I’m a commmercial electrician in AZ so i prefer/need breathability and comfort for walking distances and being in 90+ heat 6mo a year
I loved your comment about the Red Wings being a really good starting point before going towards the PNW boots. That is exactly what I went through. I started with the RW MC then grabbed a set of Iron Ranger’s as My foot wanted more toe box space for work. I just placed an order for JK OT boots as I want that next level. Going through the break in on the 3 Red Wings has prepared me for the gauntlet that will be a PNW break in. I already know it’s worth the pain, now that I’ve experienced the other side of a Veg Tan insole break in, there’s no going back for me.
All my PNW shoes/boots have had a painless break-in and are super comfortableout of the box. Either people are getting the wrong size and/or have worn sneakers their whole life.
I just bought the red wing 8138 moc toe, and while they are a little stiffer at first compared to the iron ranger and blacksmiths, I’ve had no problem wearing them all day since I got them, 3 days in and they are perfect!
Thank you for the breakdown. I wish I would’ve bought my first investment style boot after this channel had started. I got one pair of the Redwings and may have been sized wrong based on that I was kind of done with buying expensive “Work Boots". Until I found your channel got me a lot more interested in how it’s made and how it will hold up. You are also not lying about the break in I think mine broke my feet. It didn’t help I like to wear them tight and my right pinky toe may never be the same again
I've got 3 pairs of red wings. A friend told me I should try the thorogood. Very comfortable. I'm not using these for dress up time. The only problem with thorogood is the leather is thin. I didn't notice one day walked pass a piece of sheet metal and sliced a piece out. Now I use them around the yard.
I love these videos. I don't need boots, and I have never worn boots, but every video you make on any of your channels cause me to start the mental justification for a purchase. Those Thorogoods are on my mind.
So glad you mentioned the crack in the welt. I bought my first pair of Thorogoods 13 months ago, after watching a lot of your videos. Prior, I wore Sears DieHard, such a good value at $79. I figured, before I was gonna spend $300+ on Whites or Red Wing, I might as well spend $200 for Thorogoods and see what it was like, and not care *as much* if they got scraped or whatever. I mean, I drive beater trucks for a reason: utility without cosmetic worry. Anyway, I was surprised that my pair of Thorogood 6" Crazy Horse leather moc toe boots came cracked in the welt inside mid arch. I even had to send a pair back and get another size, and still the welt was cracked. I guess it happens when they trim that stitch? They did feel great around day 2 of wear, and came with extra laces and mink oil, so I guess my foray into quality workwear wasn't for naught, but I did buy them when I was making $22/hr so I can't help but feel it every step I take, though I'm still happy with my purchase and will probably get another pair. Thanks RA
Everything you mentioned is spot on. I’ve owed both. I work as a trade painter. The T.G. Was a better boot, especially if you’re on ladders a lot, but the liner had to ripped out, and the welt split in several places. The redwing however was no slouch. More uncomfortable on ladders, sole wore out super quick, but the thick leather footbed was pretty awesome after SEVERAL weeks of wear. Idk… both are amazing boots honestly. But I stick with T.G. for work.
Absolutely love my Thorogood's. It is an investment as I paid around $280 out the door but i will have these boots forever. I mostly use them for motorcycle riding and casual use. For my work boot I currently run the Georgia wedge sole boot because I don't want to destroy my nice almost $300 Thorogood's. Red Wings are really nice as well but either way you can't go wrong
Not even kidding, after trying on Thorogoods at a store I just bought their insole and stuck it in my well-worn 875's. Switched to thinner socks and it was PERFECT.
Those 8 hole Redwings are sick. With the speed hooks .... **CHEFS KISS**
I personally on my 2nd pair of thorogoods. The 1st pair I have had for 2 plus years. And still work amazing! They are an emperor toe and I love the extra room. The 2nd pair I got this year and it's the wedge mock toe. Now I did have to get a boot stretcher because the toe box was tighter but the arch support was better on the non wide version. Dealing with planters fasciitis I rather have the arch support. And the wedge sole helped. But I work in machine shops and have had amazing luck with thorogoods. I have the red wing king toes for about 3 months and my feet started bruising and I could t even walk in them. So I personally won't go back to red wing. Might I add I wear my boots for work, home, and going out. So I will wear a pair of boots a minimum of 10 hours a day. Maybe even more.
I don’t have any Thorogood boots but I have several red wings and love them. My first iron rangers will be delivered tomorrow. I’m a little worried about how they’ll fit. I normally wear 14D but these are 13D. Hope they fit. Thanks for a great channel.
I have 40+ year old Redwings just like those. They are still 100% wearable, and have not crumbled into dust. There is a 4-6 week period of pain & blisters with Redwings, but it's worth it. My dad wore Gokee boots.
Letter Carrier for 35 years. I know we are talking about moc toe boots, but just had to say I think you're right about Thorogood break in time. All their postal boots were instantly comfortable, with insole forming to foot pretty quick. Only wish the price was lower, I can only get them with my allotment.
My two favorite boots and I use them exactly like you said. Redwing for play thorogood for work.
I wore Thorogoods for 2.5 years, on and off with Perry’s. They’re fantastic, but the welt definitely splits somewhere after the first or second resole.
I switched to Nick’s moctoe and haven’t looked back. Amazing boots (just pricey).
When you do a resole just have the cobbler put on a leather welt as well as the rubber outsole. Cost a bit more but then no worries about a synthetic welt splitting. One good thing about synthetic welt, they are water proof.
Speaking from experience. I’ve owned both brands with the moc toe style of boots. Redwing having the composite toe and thorogood having the steel toe. The Redwing was broke in easier for me and was more comfortable immediately. Both are good boots. I will say that I had purchased both boots to be waterproof for work and both had their linings fail on me. Thankfully Redwing replaced my boots for a brand new pair but never got to asking Thorogood for a replacement since they don’t have a local store around me. I don’t know the exact model numbers or names but hope that helps.
Having a good writing experience with fountain pens requires a coordination of nib, ink, and paper. Each one will impact the performance of the other two. I'm wondering if you have considered how different types of socks (thick vs. thin, cotton vs. wool, etc.) will impact the break in and/or overall comfort of boots.
Great question. I've noticed he tends to wear a lot of thin, cheap cotton socks and wonder how much of his experience with too-roomy boots or hard-to-break-in thick leather boots would be mitigated by wearing some decently thick wool socks.
@@_bats_ Yeah, I love my wool socks. They're not just for Winter anymore.
@@johnwesleygmcvictoriatx9757 Is that the official line your church is taking on this? : )
@@johnwesleygmcvictoriatx9757 Wool socks are top tier, they keep your feet sweat free in the hotter periods because of it's hydroscopic properties, never had them get too soaked with sweat when I take them off surprisingly though. I need to get some more 100% wool socks thinking on it.
Just bought a new pair of Thoroughgood in Briar series. The wide toebox and tumbled leather mean everything. These are so comfortable to walk in. Before you buy these find a place to try some on. If you try a pair that is safty toe the fit tighter than a pair that is soft toe in the same size. I went to our local boot barn and tried several sizes to get the perfect fit. Well worth the 300.
I think this is a great video for a lot of people in construction/plant operators/plant mechanics etc. It is really interesting to see some of the most common/well regarded boots reviewed in depth.
Really like the speed hooks and the loop to help pull the boot on with Thorogood.
Sweet video. Also, my best counter to no speed hooks is to get longer laces and tying knots in the end that keep them from going through the eyelets
I suggest that you try a Keen Utility Cincinnati 6" Waterproof Boot. I love the comfort and the durability I'm getting out of them. They hold up extremely well in the metal stamping with oils and coolants that they get exposed to. I suggest this one be cut open and check out the build of this boot.
Great work on all you do with these videos very much appreciated.
I have had both till the end of there life cycle, also owned different models from each brand, all used as work boots on site and throughout daily life. In my personal opinion the thorogoods last substantially longer and are far superior over the redwings. One thing I take into account is sole life, the uppers on both will last an equal amount of time, they'll smell beyond being able to wear before they give way as long as you don't drag the toe of the boot on concrete repeatedly. The thorogoods at "break in" were more comfortable and in the end once the red wings were broken in were still less conformed and comfortable for actual daily wear for work than the thorogoods. Back to the outsole, I got around 1k to 1200 miles estimated on my redwings before a re sole was needed, on the thorogood max wear wedge I got between 3200 to 3500 miles estimated before a re sole was necessary. Just things to take into account when looking at the two. All in all I'd say anyone deciding between the two would be far happier purchasing the thorogoods, it's a better boot at a better price than the red wing.
I have gone through a lot of different boots most upper end production boots like this… the thorogoods are amazing right out of the box… but the comfort quickly turns to foot pain in a few months after long days… I’m a big guy 6’4” 265lbs size 13… don’t know if the insides of the sole just break down but haven’t worn anything out still good upper, still tread on the sole, and within 6 mos just kill my feet… two pair exact same experience, gave up and got some franks patriots and never been happier
LOVE THE REDWINGS had mine 15 yrs now. The more oils on the orange leather patina great. Got another pair in mahogany.
Thank you for this video. I own both boots. When I'm going to be walking thousands of steps over pasture, pavement, and gravel, I wear the Thorogoods. They are comfortable and durable enough considering I don't wear all day everyday but mainly on weekends when doing chores outside. The Redwings are worn for casual style to school or out and about. I would observe the tongue on the Thorogoods seems 'thin' but it works ok for me. The speed eyelets and the cushioned insole are huge benefits.
Thorogoods also have a year warranty. Ride em hard for 10 months and if anything’s broke or falling apart they take them back for new ones no questions asked. I’m on my third pair and have only bought one. The first ones were too wide and I could t get them tight (my bad, bought worms worth) and they gave me narrower ones, after wearing them for four months. Then my new ones began to peel the outsole off at the front so I wore them for 10 ish months and they took them back for new ones. Now I’m rocking two month old ones after nearly two years of purchase.
I had decided on redwing before finding a pair of TGs in my size on eBay. Brand new condition $125 to my door couldn’t resist. I love them. I’ve added some Allen Edmonds suede captoes now looking for the right service boot and I should be good to go for a decade or so.
I have used both in Concrete work. My coworkers and I always trusted the Red wing mock toe for work. Break in can be accomplished by changing boot to your old boot during break (9 or 10 am) or lunch (noon or 1 pm if not pouring concrete).
Thorogood is fine but the hard work days really show in these boots
I have both. I got my thororgoods about 4 years ago and the red wings about a year later. I have worn out 2 pairs of soles in the thorogoods and still on the 1st for the red wings. If you work in a shop or construction where you are walking and standing on hard concrete all day thorogoods cannot be beat. If comfort matters to you at all get the thorogoods. And personally I actually like the looks of thorogoods better.
I have both the Redwings and Thorogoods. The redwings have been lighter, more durable, and more comfortable. I wanted to like the Thorogoods more because they are an attractive boot and cost less.
I agree with pretty much all your reasons that make the Thorogoods better for work. One thing not mentioned is that Red Wing doesn't offer the 875 in a safety toe. To many of us that's a deal breaker right off the bat. As someone who has plantar fasciitis the Thorogoods are also a better choice for me. While I love the idea of the better materials in the Red wings even after break in I would find the leather insoles too harsh for 12+ hour days.
I’ve spent the last 30 plus years as a satisfied Red Wing purchaser. Many styles and no regrets. Yes, some break ins are a little rough but once you get through it…. Super great boots. I’ve never owned anything from Thorogood. Hence why I watched your vids. Once you said the homeless dudes are rocking Thorogoods, that’s it. You sealed the deal. I’m getting a pair. 👍🏻
They’ll be here tomorrow! 🤙🏻
It may be wise to avoid "speed hooks" if you are on a roof or in a situation where the slight chance of hooking a lace from one boot to the hook on the other is outside your comfort/ risk zone.
Just the video I was looking for. I've always just worked in old sneakers. I've always played with getting good boots in my head but just never did it. I'm liking the thorogood.
I bought a set of thorogood boots on the first day of my current job, replaced them with another set of thorogood boots yesterday. My job wears out boots pretty quickly, so boots are effectively disposable items that get replaced once or twice a year no matter what they are made out of. I use leather inserts that I made myself a couple years ago, so although I like the original thorogood insert i don't use it very long.
As a guy who owns the plain toe version of the thorogoods in this video i can tell you yhat the canvas does wear out. I had to rip the lining out when it failed and the plastic toe stiffener started rubbing on the top of my toes so I had to cut those out too. It was difficult. At the time i was putting 7+ miles on my boots every day and before the lining failure and after i tore the lining and stiffener out they were the best boots i had ever worn. They are also the longest lasting boots i have ever had. I still wear them and they are just now after several years of use in need of a resole.
YES....make a shirt please. I really like this 2nd channel . Your boot knowledge is very good and I get a lot if useful information from them and you. Shirts would be cool. Bigger sizes please...
I’ve got a pair of RW classic Mocs and I absolutely love them. The only thing I don’t like is the lack of speed hooks. That’s one of the things I love about my iron rangers. I think I’m going to convert the eyelets to hooks sometime.
i use longer laces so i never unlace my boots except for the top hole which i never use. speed hooks would not benefit me
Speed hooks can be easily added for free at rw stores
The ones you are looking at is about 90% USA Made where as the direct injection lower priced ones do sometimes have imported sewn uppers.
875?
It’s like my 3rd MockTober and I’m just sitting here rocking the same Ole Redwing 912
Been wearing thorogood for over 10 years. I'm an HVAC tech so do a lot of kneeling and climbing and walking etc... The thorogood comfort and durability are nicely matched at the price point. I take care of my leather and I can get 2 years with a resole and then they become my yard boots. My current yard boots are 6 years old. My only gripe is the plastic that cracks under them. For me it's important to have a 8" boot with water proof liner and composite toe. There just isn't a lot of boots that fit that criteria. I wear the boots all summer and in the winter I slap alpaca insoles in and wear wool socks. With the composite toe and wp liner this is the perfect balance for Midwest weather.
I have both brands of boots and my favorites are the Thorogood. Firstly, because they do not need adaptation time, the feet feel comfortable, they do not make effort when bending, since the insole and leather are much more flexible than the Red Wings. As the leather is more flexible, the foot and ankles feel freer to move. And I think they are the best cost-effective boots on the market.
I think a huge reason on top of the price and the comfort that so many construction workers or tradesmen prefer the thorogood is because they actually come in steel toe. It's a requirement for most of us to have some sort of safety toe boots on the jobsite. Really love the look of several redwings lines but with the advent of safety toe requirements in so many construction fields, they're really not usable for work boots.
Polyurethane is actually very naturally slip resistant!! I work in the industry, and I’d take PU all day for grip over blown rubber! When brand new Blown will be grippier because the surface wears off sooner than PU, but PU is better in the end!
great video, I wear Thorogoods 6in Mocs Mon-Fri and they are perfect, comfort level is insanely good.
I own a pair of Thorogoods. I wanted Redwings but picked the Thorogood boots because of quality with comfortable. I am on my feet a lot. I actually had a Redwing salesman recommended Thorogoods with a Redwing insert for my particular application. I still plan to buy some Redwings at some point, but will mostly use them for dress.
My Thorogoods are my favorite footwear I’ve ever owned. Never had RWs but I definitely can recommend the TGs
Finally buying a pair of Thorogoods to try for work,thanks for the reviews!
I just changed eyelets out for speed hooks on my own on the 8" Red Wing Mocs. I did the top 4 pairs. I still have to untie them to get in and out of the boots but lacing then is SSSOOOOO much easier. I may do the 5th eyelet pair down from the top if I really want them to be speed hooks where I won't have to untie the laces. Anyway, it was easy to do but a bit time consuming.
Thorogood for me I have 2 pairs one are steel toe for site work as a plasterer in 🇬🇧 uk new ones ive got are waterproof for walking the dog great boots well done USA 🇺🇸👍👍👍
I have owned both and my Redwing 875’s are my all time favorite boots. But it has to be the Heritage line not their cheaper boots that the guys in the stores always try to talk you into.
The break-in is worth it in the long run.
I work in a warehouse fabricating aluminum frames for building facades and have a $120 pair of rock roosters, have had them for over 2 1/2 years and they’re still doing just fine. I like that they have a rubber lining under the foam flat sole it lasts so long and doesn’t get that ugly rounded out uneven wearing that vibrum soles get within two months.
5 years of nearly daily wear on my redwings and they are easily my favorite shoes to put on. I may need a new sole in a few years. I don’t remember the break in so I don’t think it was that bad.
Red wings are THE heritage boot, but as a union ironworker, the thorogood is the best summer boot for climbing iron in 85°+ heat. Very light, comfortable, they grip well, and if u rip the stitching in the front they don’t open up and expose your toes.
I work outside (I'm in construction) and I wear a pair of Blacksmiths for work everyday. I think the canvas on the Red Wing boots is probably woven tighter and a lot more durable than the Thorogood. I actually prefer the canvas over the leather lining in the toe box and I've had no issues with the lining wearing out. The leather lining can create a hotspot around the outer bone on the ball joint of my foot (Just below the pinky toe). I've noticed that's a common thing in every Red Wing Moc Toe (except on the 1907s, which has a wider last). This is all based totally on the shape of my foot too btw. So this is just my experience with boots. My Blacksmiths have made it two years on the job and they are worn in quite nicely. The Vibram Mini Lug sole still has plenty of life and the boot has held up extremely well. I prefer the leather insole and the overall durability of the Red Wings in general. Whenever I get boots with synthetic internals? Well the moisture and sweat from outside environments tend to destroy the boot from the inside out quite quickly. Yeh the break in can be a bit hard on the feet. That being said? My feet have actually grown to prefer the support/durability of the leather insole over the squishy synthetic style comfort of a boot with fiber board/foam insoles. So again, the durability and support of the Heritage Style Red Wings seems to be a better option for me. And that goes for casual or work wear.
I couldn’t make up my mind and wasn’t interested in any other style boots so I bought both of these. The red wings are more of a dressy boot like he said. I’ve had them for a month of every weekday wear and I feel like they are still not broken in. The thorogoods are capable of wearing all day out of the box but I’d recomend still breaking them in steadily. The red wings are probably the best shoe I’ll ever own
Carolina has a new moc toe boot now, that looks like it's from their heritage line, and I think it's a brand new for them. They call it the Carolina gold moc toe, and It's priced at $299, which is really expensive for a Carolina!
You should definitely review the boot! It's dark number is CA2403
Been wearing Thorogoods probably 20 years now ( not the same pair). I'm a union painter and i love that they are made in USA.
Definitely agree that Thorogoods are best for work. Use and abuse mine all the time plus when combined with a Birkenstock insole, I could wear them all day
I absolutely love my thorogoods. I wear boots hard and they have been awesome in every way.
My dad bought my first pair of the 8” Red Wings in 1977. I liked them enough that I never strayed to any other brand. I won’t use speed laces. As an Ironworker walking the steel, I feared that while crossover walking on a narrow beam flange, the shoelace bow of my one foot might snag the speed hook of the other and down the hole I might go.
I really like the tread lite for a work boot from redwing and the heritage model for casual wear like you said. I have a pair of thorogoods I hunt in though. Good video.
My Redwings i think took like 8 to 12 weeks to break in. Ugh, some days were tough. Good to go now.
Thorogood are the F150 to the Redwing Tacoma. The difference between needing a truck and wanting a truck. Either you need good work boots or you want to have boots for the look of a heritage boot. I will make the argument for Irish Setters for hunting on RW’s behalf, but cap toe or mock toe, it’s Thorogood for me all day!
You can lace speedhooks really fast by starting on one side at the first hook, drawing both laces in one hand across the boot to the other side and capturing the next two hooks on the other side and repeat. Hard to explain without seeing it in person but it only takes a couple seconds of lacing with a worn in boot.
Always wanted to get a pair of Thorogood Moc toes for the weekly rotation. But the whites Perry select in tobacco stampede might be the better option. Great video!
I’ve worked in and worn out many times over both the Thorogoods 814-4200’s & Redwing 875’s & I can tell you that the Thorogoods are a better boot, period. Love both but I will never buy Redwings again.
My grandfather was a carpenter and wore Thorogoods for decades. I work at a hardware store. On my feet all day, every day. I wear Thorogoods and they are much more comfortable than any sneaker I have ever worn. Even got a couple co-workers hooked on them. It also helps that they're made hardly an hour away. They have an outlet store where you can get a good deal on a pair of 2nds. That being said, I really want a pair of Red Wings for casual wear.
Come to the dark side, we have cookies!
I have them both,the red wings I had to brake in,it was a painful process, the thorogoods,right out the box comfortable.
I’ve worn so many different brands of boots.All of them with insoles except for my iron rangers which now that they’re broken in our far more comfortable than any other boot I’ve ever had, including Danners, Redbacks Blundtones, Thorogood and lots of cheap brands!?
*adjusts glasses* If the layer between your foot & the shoe does not actively support instead of just cushioning the foot, it is a sock liner, not an insole.
The red wings moc toe makes a great work boot if you get the roughneck 8146 with the Vibram lug sole. Super durable. I wear mine at work and they just take everything I throw at them.
I'm an Ironworker and after trying many brands I have use Thorogood for the last 5 years. The negative thing about Redwing boots is the stitching on the front of boot won't last.