Wyatt and Dad rules. Had them do a rebuild and it was top notch work and talking with Tony about it on the phone was such a treat! I always recommend them when people are looking for a somewhere to send a pair you really care about.
The saying is 'pain is weakness leaving body', that's why its worth enduring. Of course with IRs its a little more like 'pain is money leaving the wallet', which is also worth enduring.
I have a wide foot and bought a pair of Iron Rangers. As soon as they were delivered, I dropped them off at my local cobbler. I had them stretched out in the mid foot. Picked them up after about a week. Super comfortable and will do the same with any other Red Wing boots that don’t come in wide.
I’ve had mine for 10 years and they are basically shagged at this point, but I wore them everyday for motorcycle duty and I wore them hard. It’s amazing that they survived this long. I got Whites MP to replace them though, the IR cap toe is just a little too bulbous for my taste, looking down at them. Great durable, comfortable boot at a great price, just a little too common and rough looking. I want something that looks a little sleeker when I get off the bike.
Regarding the break - in. I reckon another reason for the painful process is that I suspect people take the " one size down " as gospel, and wind up getting them too small. I ignored that and simply went with what felt right - my regular size as it turns out. ( here in Ireland shoe sizes are all over the place depending on the manufacture anyway ). Two weeks later and they are very comfortable and they weren't even that painfull from the first day.
If you're worried about breaking in some IRs, then you are probably overthinking it. I'm not saying breaking-in some IRs is nothing, but you will get through it and it could definitely be worse. For instance, I can't say the same about getting a pair of PNW loggers - they are not for the casual boot guy or the faint of heart. I had broken-in 10 pairs of workboots in my past life in construction and thought to myself "how hard could it be?" It's a whole different ballgame, let me tell ya. Not only is there no cushion in the insole, but there is zero flex out of the box (felt like i had casts on both legs at first), the soles are hard af V100 (even harder if you get the red x, so i have heard), and the arches were murder for my feet until they settled in. Been wearing my Frank's for about a month and a half (50 or so hours, not my daily driver) and the footbed is finally starting to settle and the uppers are starting to break, but i am still dealing with the dreaded "bite" at the first set of hooks. This is all while wearing my best break-in socks and using the rubbing alcohol, as recommended by Frank himself, to try to speed up the break-in. Even though i feel them settling in, i still wonder every time i put them on if i just bought way too much boot and should sell them off and get some IRs or Jim Greens or something that doesn't have an inch thick of leather plus an inch of 80 shore a rubber under foot and 4+mm thick uppers. Im going to stick it out because mama didn't raise no quitter, but i know it's still a rough road ahead and i still kinda dread putting them on every time.
Beckmans Redwings best boot! To many hipster wannabes posing around in the iron rangers! Beckmans leather midsole makes all the difference ! Plus beckman is fully leathered lined inside.
I have had my Iron Rangers for 10 years now and they are still great! I haven't needed them to be resoled but I am not wearing them everyday. I am picking up the Classic Moc Alpine in a couple of days. Just not excited about the break in... but it will be worth it!
Get a shoe dryer for about 25 dollars, dry them every time you take them off. It stopped the deterioration on my IRs. I wear wool socks since I have sweaty feet.
I personally can’t get over the look of the bulbous toe cap, I think it makes the boot look ugly. It’s not attractive as the rest of the boot. This of course is my opinion, I wear boots everyday having 3 pairs of ariat boots and 6 pairs of Thursday’s. I like the sleeker look and can dress down or up but I just wear them casually.
I tried on a pair and while they felt fine, I just wasn't in love with that sole. After doing some research I decided to wait until Truman get their brown double shot cap toe back in stock. I considered Nicks but already have a pair in black and don't really want to wait six to eight months.
I had their steel toe work boots, had them resoled 3 times. Worked for the airlines, so they got lots of mistreatment, kicking out chocks.. Still have them, retired in 2015. Took forever to break them in..
Break in...use some leather cream, work the boots and leather in your hands every now and again while watching TV in an evening.. only pop out in them, don't go out-out...no dog walks.. insoles are magic, buy some, makes a boot fit snug, and more squish available..
This boot is very well made! But I don't like that clown boot tip. I still preferring Thursday boots Capitan ! That I have two , It is more classical ,elegant and cheap !
Anyone have a pair that are size 12? I’m worried that with the extra leather cap toe they may look more like clown shoes? I find the bigger the boot the more clown-like.
wore them for 4 weeks now no problem walking but I'm having a problem with my heel from driving my car the heel of the right shoe is even getting wider which is making it uncomfortable to walk in even my foot is getting a bulge on it which is not a blister. getting really close to just leaving them in the closet and just accepting a 370 euro loss.
I think the blacksmith is a more versatile boot , looks more subtle and it’s still really hard wearing. I’ve mine over 3 years and the only downside is that the leather heel counter has worn through, but I think those can be fixed
Charcoal Rough and Tough is firm stuff! Copper is a lot looser fyi, it tends to expand to fit and feels more free which could be good or bad. Harness generally molds to your feet better but shows age faster.
I love my 8084s. Going on 4 years. I wear them everyday in the winter and I had to get them resoled last year. I went with the Vibram Christy wedge sole and they're fantastic. Only problem is when they shape that Vibram rubber it frickin' stinks and takes forever to go away.
I will spend 300 + for Shama Sandals casual zero rise boots. I won't spend 300 for work boots. Cork is not flexible why would you put it somewhere that it will fail? Designed obsolescence. It doesn't make sense. You called natural process? Ugh if it hurts your feet stop wearing them. Give them away. Donate them. They may fit someone else just fine. You will know in a matter days. If you think you don't have money for several pairs of work boots. Consider it. Because they will fuck up your feet and back for life.
The left boot I own has a little raised section in the stitched heel area. And that boot hurts, still not nice after 3 years and just puts me off even trying to break those bastard's in.
Fellas, it's 2024. Get an insole gosh darnnit and maybe upsize .5 in doing so. OBVIOUSLY, so much more comfortable. I have a 5 year old pair, and a 3 year old pair. I am not a style guy, but most shoes you rush out to buy are cheap garbage and I was so sick of shoes falling apart after 9 months, having them look shabby and doing it all over again. These are REAL shoes/boots, and they are the best shoes I've ever owned. I'm from just down the river, so Red Wing and IRs all feels right. If you are in the Midwest these are 3 season boots, but not snow boots although they can handle some snow and slush. Get the heel replaced as it wears down to get more life out of the sole. I am about due to get my older pair re-soled, and I will have a midsole added when that happens. My work is casual, and it makes sense and you also look better socially, casually amongst your friends wearing Skechers. My wife doesn't love them, but she doesn't like anything. I may buy 2 more pair next deal I see, and I'm then done buying boots for life.
Watched reviews like yours to decide on IRs. Grabbed Amber and Black. Black pair is phenomenal. Amber has quality issues- stitching around toe box into the sole. Looks like the stitches about to fall off the edge. Super let down about the amber. Too lazy to return then so just going to wear the shit out of them.
When i first considered to buy the IR, all the reviews about the break in period kinda intimidated me. And these were also my first ever leather boots. I wore soft sneakers all my life, so i was preparing for the worst. It wasn't even bad, really. A little over a month and this pair of boots are totally comfy. The breaking period wasn't painful either, i didn't get blisters or anything. It was just getting used to stiff leather, until it relaxed up just right. Maybe i'm just lucky the shape of my feet match these boots so well, but i can confidently say these boots are comfortable to wear all day.
I followed Red Wing's recommendation of the smaller size, but that choice was painful for me. I tried small size over 6 months, but my leather couldn't beat cow leather. I recommend follow the iron ranger size chart. It was my converse size. True size or half size larger, it will be comfortable with soft insole from first day. It can control large size, but if it is small, there is no answer.
Quality, cushy socks make ALL the difference with "break in". I never understood the meme of iron ranger break in, because I never really had to deal with it.
I have had my Iron Rangers over a year now and I have to say they are among my most favorite boots. I was expecting a really hard breakin but was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was, in fact it was pretty comfortable from the beginning. They fit me very well, which is surprising because the RW 875 moc toe was a little too narrow (had to use a boot stretcher to make them more comfortable). The Iron ranger looks beautiful in my eyes. With that said, I have to say that they are a little harder on your foot, not much shock absorption. I plan on putting in a midsole when I resole them and will probably switch to a vibram 100 commando sole, those two items should make them really comfortable.
So between the Iron Ranger & the Grant Stone Diesel, which was the tougher break in? Or would you say they're about the same? I found a few on the site small enough for my little feet. I don't have Diesels but I do have a pair of Grant Stone boots made on the Leo Last so I'm assuming the Diesel will fit my feet the same.
I already had Wyatt and Dad subscribed. I have a pair of Iron Rangers that need repair. Also, I have 4 pair of Redwings. Two have not even been broken in. I was on my third pair of Redwings when I got the Iron Rangers.
Great update. Thanks. 1, kilties can help polong tounge life which is a common failure point. 2, Thursday's are Brooklyn hipster boos, 3, pain is weakness LEAVING you body.
7:54 the insole issue is not a given and could be avoided by manufacturers! apart from leather quality it has to do with the amount of grain left in the leather. being exposed to sweat and stress its the grain that shrinks and hardens over time, which causes cracking and curling grain-wards (this is also what creates the strong clowns shoe effect). to avoid that, in traditional bootmaking the top grain layer is removed or the insole is used with the flesh side up. factories dont do these things (the devil knows why). what also makes it hollow out this drastically is the delamination of the gemming and the crumbly cork filler.
Great report! I think I have 4 pair but could be five. My wife is from Minnesota. Bob Dylan wrote a song called The Walls of Red Wing(but is about the old prison, not the boots!). These are 3 of my favorite reasons for having the Iron Rangers, but mostly, they're awesome. Thank you for this wonderful video~~
Hobby lobby has a giant bag of Latigo strips for crafting that come in thick to thin. For 20 bux and you will have lace 4x as thick as regular boot laces . Ebay has insole leather slabs for ten bux. Put them in every pair just to keep from wearing thu the factory insoles. And never depend on steel toes . Make sure nothing falls on your feet. I kicked a 4×4 with one foot next to my boot to stop a piece of tooling that came loose. But do keep your toes if they get cut 😂off because nowadays they can put them back on.
I own a lot of boots including Red Wings. Truman Boots are so much better than the Iron Ranger and Blacksmith for just a little more money. Red Wing had the market for a long time in this general price range. Now, there are better boot options. Have kept some RW heritage boots but donated a lot of other ones. Too many boots......lol
I can't believe those Iron Rangers soles didn't need to be re-soled after 3 years, my Iron Rangers soles and heels only lasted one year, and I'm only 11st 6lb.
I have had several of these, currently have two IRs and two Blacksmiths. They fit identically (same last), but I feel like I can wear the Blacksmiths with a blazer or suit more easily. No issues with durability, and the insoles are all very customized to my feet from compression. I resolved one of the Iron Rangers with the black traction Tred bottom and they are like pillows. For some reason, that resoled shoe has extra deep impressions on the insole, so perhaps when Red Wing re-soled them, they added extra cork. At any rate, they have all been bulletproof…
For tough wear I use Pecard on my boots. Don't glob it on though. It will darken them, but I'm talking for work. Lasts a while too, especially in water.
Love your videos. Just ordered some IR in Copper. I just dig the look. My last pair was pre heritage boots I got 40 years ago. They fit my feet perfectly back then but 40 pounds heavier not so much, Needless to say they were shot and have been in the closet for ages. Can't wait to get them. I will check out how to care for them.
I’ve had quite a number of iron rangers, I do miss the original versions with the smooth cork outsoles but the mini lug is grippier, I’ve never had any issues with any of them, the first pair I got were the black 8114’s, toughest to break in, still have them today! IR is a great boot.
My feet are tiny & I can't find any red wings that fit them. Grant stone was my 1st shoe with that experience of believing I had a rough break in with the leather and no foam under my feet.
Thank you for this review. I have just sold my IR anger three years because I wanna try a half size up, which is a half size down from Brannock. Love the rangers!!
Any recommendations on a boot that I can wear on my motorbike that looks good? A bit of protection would be ideal too 😄 I love a leather boot that I can polish and clean easily
Thanks to your videos (and others) on the Iron Ranger I ordered my first pair in 8111 several weeks ago. Week 1, I brought an extra pair of shoes to work as a backup. Although my feet were slightly sorer, didn't use the backups. Week 2, a little better. I pretty much thought I was in the clear. This wasn't bad at all. Then week 3 which was this week. The vamp on the left has started digging into the top of my foot, leaving a blister. WTH! I soaked the vamp with conditioner last night and today I can't say it was much better. I wear a 10D in almost everything and went with a 9.5D. The fit seemed good, no heel slippage and a slight snugness in the instep. I did have a similar issue with a pair of Wolverine1000 Mile. I noticed right out of the gate pressure on my left instep. I found that the lining leather where the tongue is sewn the vamp had folded over. Swapped them out and no more issue. They were also 9.5D. Other than that, I love my Iron Ranger. I just hope this issue will resolve itself with mileage.
I feel like your videos could be more honest in the recraft story. The cobbler I go to, and several UA-cam cobblers complain a lot about iron ranger and blacksmith. I experienced this myself. It was way more expensive than other boots I’ve had because the welt to gumming attachment is not great. Just glued. Other boots in this price range have sewn gunning or a mid sole that makes re-sole much easer and less prone to issues. I this price range, there are lots of good boots. Especially Canadian options like WM Moorby (get leather heal in some models), Boulet, Dayton’s on sale right now for cheaper than a new iron ranger. This video comes off as a sales pitch rather than a review. Maybe compare several comparable styles at similar price level (Shoe the Bear, Moorby, 1000 mile, Alan Edmonds, merman, loke, …not Thursday this is always compared and they are not similar at all IR all day over that garbage)
I bought a pair of 10.5s IRs in November. I've been trying to love them for months, but they were never quite right. I finally caved in and ordered a new pair in size 10. As small as half a size is, it made all the difference in the world! The 10s are only a day old, and already infinitely more comfortable than my first pair that have months of break in behind them. Everyone's feet are different, but I absolutely recommend getting the smallest size you can reasonably tolerate. I came from foam boots, and was unaccustomed to how stiff Iron Rangers initially feel. I let that confuse me into getting them too large. Iron Rangers have a generous toe box and ease up more quickly than you might expect. After break in, having that extra wiggle room became a big problem for me. Don't make the same mistake!
Interesting. I bought a pair of blacksmiths and am breaking them in. After consulting the staff I got them in size 10 but feel a wee bit roomy even with a thin insole inserted. I’ve been thinking of sizing down 0.5 for my next purchase.
@@eatmygoddamncat I was fitted at two Red Wing stores. My brannock is 11.5. One store had me at 10.5, and one the other shop recommended a 10. It seemed crazy to go down 1.5 sizes, so I erred on the side of less snug. As they loosened up, I ended up having to try thick socks, leather insoles and kilties to try to eat up the extra slop. Plus, I really had to cinch up the laces tighter than was ever comfortable. But nothing could make up for the fact that they were simply too long. They were simultaneously sloppy at the heel and toes, yet tight as hell in the vamp. After almost 3 months of just hoping to get used to it, I sized down to 10 and am so much better off.
Likewise. I went small on my Iron Rangers. Over 1.5 Sizes below Brannock. All my other PNW and JL Boots are 1 Below Brannock but the Iron Ranger is a half size Smaller again. I think this extra sizing down is necessary because of the lack of midsole which allows the Boot to give and stretch slightly more readily than if a Quality Leather Midsole had been incorporated in the build. Granted the first month of break in with the smaller sizing can be pretty tough. However after a little pain and perseverance your left with something that feels absolutely custom made to your Feet which your never goin to get or appreciate if you start too comfortartable and don't low for this element of give. Mark
My experience as well. Bought my first pair of IR a little over a month ago. Went to the Red Wing store and got measured. I’m typically a size 12 in most shoes. I tried an 11.5, an 11 and ended up with a 10.5 fitting the best. I’m a truck driver so I’m used to being on my feet all day. The break-in hasn’t been bad at all. It’s definitely not a cushy work boot but I’m at the point where I can wear them for about 11 hours before my feet start to get tired. They’re not gonna be my work boot but I figured that would be the quickest way to break them in. My only “ hot spot” is the lateral edge of my right foot where the leather is stitched together on the inside. I’ve been massaging that area and it’s loosened up quite a bit. Overall, I really like them.
Just a question, but I wonder if you know your correct Brannock size? Heel to toe, heel to ball width is not as important here…Half size down from Brannock is the correct sizing for this boot, but I guess it’s possible if you heel to toe is a full size shorter than than your heel to ball maybe it would feel ok? Other than the ball of you foot not flexing in the correct location under sizing on these would feel better? Or maybe even more odd would be your heel to ball is a full size shorter than your heel to toe so it feels better for your foot to be in an undersize boot, because the flex point is lining up and you don’t mind your toes being crammed in the toebox? Honestly, justtrying to figure out why people size the way they do. I’ve been fortunate that every recommendation for heritage boots have fit correctly, but there have been some boots and lasts that just don’t work for me. 🤷🏻♂️
I have had a pair (copper) for 3 maybe years now. Love these boots I have had them repaired 2 times one was just a new thread on the outsole the other was a full resole I use them as my every day work boot. When i bought them i was a semi truck driver. I am now a mechanic for the last 2.5 years. They hold up to the abuse well. They are comfortable break in was less than a week. I never had the foot pain most people complain about but I also never wear really soft shoes. My biggest complaint is my casual shoe is a adidas samba in a 10.5. I didn't have access to a place to try on these boots. I resorted to ordering a pair then shipping them back to get the correct size. This was not fun they are not cheap and i had to do this 4 times. They run huge... I am now in an 8.5D wish I had gotten the 8D. It seems crazy to me in most shoes I'm a 10-11 but these were way off. Besides the sizing issue these have been great. i might get another pair at some point, when my current pair are beyond repair.
I went through the same process. I wear a 13 sneaker, ordered my red wings in a 12, was swimming in them sill. Returned them and ordered 11 and they were crushing my toes. Third time was a charm with the 11.5
Wyatt and Dad rules. Had them do a rebuild and it was top notch work and talking with Tony about it on the phone was such a treat! I always recommend them when people are looking for a somewhere to send a pair you really care about.
The saying is 'pain is weakness leaving body', that's why its worth enduring. Of course with IRs its a little more like 'pain is money leaving the wallet', which is also worth enduring.
I never had a problem with wearing these on day one. But then, I'm used to wearing a lot of boots.
Man, gotta get some of those Camel City Mill socks!
Hilarious, "Pain is just weakness entering your body."
Loved this video.
Missed opportunity to name those socks Camel Toes.
Good to have you back. It feels like it's been ages. I like my IRs, but I still prefer my Blacksmiths. They feel more secure on my feet.
Ah feels good to be back man! Honestly, I’ve been wearing my blacksmiths every day since this video and I love them
Cool boots@@BootSpy
@@BootSpyWill you review a pair of New Republic Ventura Chelsea Boots?
The Iron Ranger makes the Thursday Captain look like a pointy toe elf boot.
They are dainty looking beside the Rangers.
Do you have Wide feet? Then you don't have the option of Iron Ranger or Blacksmith, the Blacksmith's ONLY come in D width
I have wide feet and they fit good
I have a wide foot and bought a pair of Iron Rangers. As soon as they were delivered, I dropped them off at my local cobbler. I had them stretched out in the mid foot. Picked them up after about a week. Super comfortable and will do the same with any other Red Wing boots that don’t come in wide.
Iron Ranger does come in EE width as well as D width
@@NDB469 true in original Iron Ranger, just not in the Traction tread I bought.
So that’s why I cannot find any Blacksmith in E width on Ebay 🤦🏼♂️😅😂
I’ve had mine for 10 years and they are basically shagged at this point, but I wore them everyday for motorcycle duty and I wore them hard. It’s amazing that they survived this long. I got Whites MP to replace them though, the IR cap toe is just a little too bulbous for my taste, looking down at them. Great durable, comfortable boot at a great price, just a little too common and rough looking. I want something that looks a little sleeker when I get off the bike.
I’d love to get a pair if the last is wide .. I love my Jim greens .. I have several custom boots and shoes from Wyatt and Dad
Regarding the break - in. I reckon another reason for the painful process is that I suspect people take the " one size down " as gospel, and wind up getting them too small. I ignored that and simply went with what felt right - my regular size as it turns out. ( here in Ireland shoe sizes are all over the place depending on the manufacture anyway ). Two weeks later and they are very comfortable and they weren't even that painfull from the first day.
If you're worried about breaking in some IRs, then you are probably overthinking it. I'm not saying breaking-in some IRs is nothing, but you will get through it and it could definitely be worse. For instance, I can't say the same about getting a pair of PNW loggers - they are not for the casual boot guy or the faint of heart. I had broken-in 10 pairs of workboots in my past life in construction and thought to myself "how hard could it be?" It's a whole different ballgame, let me tell ya. Not only is there no cushion in the insole, but there is zero flex out of the box (felt like i had casts on both legs at first), the soles are hard af V100 (even harder if you get the red x, so i have heard), and the arches were murder for my feet until they settled in. Been wearing my Frank's for about a month and a half (50 or so hours, not my daily driver) and the footbed is finally starting to settle and the uppers are starting to break, but i am still dealing with the dreaded "bite" at the first set of hooks. This is all while wearing my best break-in socks and using the rubbing alcohol, as recommended by Frank himself, to try to speed up the break-in. Even though i feel them settling in, i still wonder every time i put them on if i just bought way too much boot and should sell them off and get some IRs or Jim Greens or something that doesn't have an inch thick of leather plus an inch of 80 shore a rubber under foot and 4+mm thick uppers. Im going to stick it out because mama didn't raise no quitter, but i know it's still a rough road ahead and i still kinda dread putting them on every time.
Beckmans Redwings best boot! To many hipster wannabes posing around in the iron rangers! Beckmans leather midsole makes all the difference ! Plus beckman is fully leathered lined inside.
pain is weakness leaving your body!!
you must be slow, lol you can't read through the sarcasm, lol
@@okthen22ok yes you are correct
@@stevenacton359 A man that can take the truth and laugh it off, Respect
Man, you have raised the bar of the boot reviews. Well done!
I love My Iron Ranger boots by Red Wing ! ❤😊
Really well done and informative
Are you charging thirty dollars for a pair of socks?
I have had my Iron Rangers for 10 years now and they are still great! I haven't needed them to be resoled but I am not wearing them everyday. I am picking up the Classic Moc Alpine in a couple of days. Just not excited about the break in... but it will be worth it!
Get a shoe dryer for about 25 dollars, dry them every time you take them off. It stopped the deterioration on my IRs. I wear wool socks since I have sweaty feet.
I personally can’t get over the look of the bulbous toe cap, I think it makes the boot look ugly. It’s not attractive as the rest of the boot. This of course is my opinion, I wear boots everyday having 3 pairs of ariat boots and 6 pairs of Thursday’s. I like the sleeker look and can dress down or up but I just wear them casually.
I tried on a pair and while they felt fine, I just wasn't in love with that sole. After doing some research I decided to wait until Truman get their brown double shot cap toe back in stock. I considered Nicks but already have a pair in black and don't really want to wait six to eight months.
someone told me put a bit of minkoil inside the insole
I had their steel toe work boots, had them resoled 3 times. Worked for the airlines, so they got lots of mistreatment, kicking out chocks.. Still have them, retired in 2015. Took forever to break them in..
Break in...use some leather cream, work the boots and leather in your hands every now and again while watching TV in an evening.. only pop out in them, don't go out-out...no dog walks.. insoles are magic, buy some, makes a boot fit snug, and more squish available..
This boot is very well made! But I don't like that clown boot tip. I still preferring Thursday boots Capitan ! That I have two , It is more classical ,elegant and cheap !
Love your videos. David Goggins would correct you: at 11:36 time mark the expression is not pain Entering, it’s: pain is weakness Leaving the body.
Anyone have a pair that are size 12? I’m worried that with the extra leather cap toe they may look more like clown shoes? I find the bigger the boot the more clown-like.
My mother says that by using Nivea you can soften the leather and reduce the breaking period. Maybe something you could test for us.
wore them for 4 weeks now no problem walking but I'm having a problem with my heel from driving my car the heel of the right shoe is even getting wider which is making it uncomfortable to walk in even my foot is getting a bulge on it which is not a blister.
getting really close to just leaving them in the closet and just accepting a 370 euro loss.
I think the blacksmith is a more versatile boot , looks more subtle and it’s still really hard wearing. I’ve mine over 3 years and the only downside is that the leather heel counter has worn through, but I think those can be fixed
anyone else ride a motorcycle? if so, how are these for the shifter? i have a harley sportster and go through boots too quick because of shifter holes
im really considering getting these or blacksmiths.. can i ask how they perform in winter(snow/rain ice?
Can't you just buy arch support inserts and put them into the IRs to make them more comfortable?
Just got a pair for Christman they are by my favorite boots yet! They're very high quality and comfortable
It will be cheaper to buy new pair of IR than fixing them.
Solid video but the sound effects were a bit excessive and unpleasant.
$300? I wish these are over $500 in Canada
If you're in the uk have a look at Yorkshire sole for re soleing
Wish one of iron ranger u have coper or amber?
Iron rangers look like clown boots
I have mine since yesterday!! Whooohoooo
You’ll love em!
Yessss
And thank you for your Iron Ranger vids!
I own two pairs, one charcol gray rough and tough and one mule skinner. I am actually thinking about the third option.
Charcoal Rough and Tough is firm stuff! Copper is a lot looser fyi, it tends to expand to fit and feels more free which could be good or bad.
Harness generally molds to your feet better but shows age faster.
@@Vultain Your comment and this video actually made me consider the copper as another option. THANK YOU ALL.
@@indchang958 You're welcome, I would also recommend 3340's. Briar is a wonder leather unfortunately it does not come in a cap toe.
I love my 8084s. Going on 4 years. I wear them everyday in the winter and I had to get them resoled last year. I went with the Vibram Christy wedge sole and they're fantastic. Only problem is when they shape that Vibram rubber it frickin' stinks and takes forever to go away.
I will spend 300 + for Shama Sandals casual zero rise boots. I won't spend 300 for work boots. Cork is not flexible why would you put it somewhere that it will fail? Designed obsolescence. It doesn't make sense. You called natural process? Ugh if it hurts your feet stop wearing them. Give them away. Donate them. They may fit someone else just fine. You will know in a matter days. If you think you don't have money for several pairs of work boots. Consider it. Because they will fuck up your feet and back for life.
The left boot I own has a little raised section in the stitched heel area.
And that boot hurts, still not nice after 3 years and just puts me off even trying to break those bastard's in.
Try to find a cobbler. Explain your problem, and see if they can offer a solution and at what cost.
Fellas, it's 2024. Get an insole gosh darnnit and maybe upsize .5 in doing so. OBVIOUSLY, so much more comfortable. I have a 5 year old pair, and a 3 year old pair. I am not a style guy, but most shoes you rush out to buy are cheap garbage and I was so sick of shoes falling apart after 9 months, having them look shabby and doing it all over again. These are REAL shoes/boots, and they are the best shoes I've ever owned. I'm from just down the river, so Red Wing and IRs all feels right. If you are in the Midwest these are 3 season boots, but not snow boots although they can handle some snow and slush. Get the heel replaced as it wears down to get more life out of the sole. I am about due to get my older pair re-soled, and I will have a midsole added when that happens. My work is casual, and it makes sense and you also look better socially, casually amongst your friends wearing Skechers. My wife doesn't love them, but she doesn't like anything. I may buy 2 more pair next deal I see, and I'm then done buying boots for life.
Watched reviews like yours to decide on IRs. Grabbed Amber and Black. Black pair is phenomenal. Amber has quality issues- stitching around toe box into the sole. Looks like the stitches about to fall off the edge. Super let down about the amber. Too lazy to return then so just going to wear the shit out of them.
When i first considered to buy the IR, all the reviews about the break in period kinda intimidated me. And these were also my first ever leather boots. I wore soft sneakers all my life, so i was preparing for the worst.
It wasn't even bad, really. A little over a month and this pair of boots are totally comfy. The breaking period wasn't painful either, i didn't get blisters or anything. It was just getting used to stiff leather, until it relaxed up just right. Maybe i'm just lucky the shape of my feet match these boots so well, but i can confidently say these boots are comfortable to wear all day.
I followed Red Wing's recommendation of the smaller size, but that choice was painful for me.
I tried small size over 6 months, but my leather couldn't beat cow leather.
I recommend follow the iron ranger size chart. It was my converse size.
True size or half size larger, it will be comfortable with soft insole from first day. It can control large size, but if it is small, there is no answer.
Quality, cushy socks make ALL the difference with "break in". I never understood the meme of iron ranger break in, because I never really had to deal with it.
I have had my Iron Rangers over a year now and I have to say they are among my most favorite boots. I was expecting a really hard breakin but was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was, in fact it was pretty comfortable from the beginning. They fit me very well, which is surprising because the RW 875 moc toe was a little too narrow (had to use a boot stretcher to make them more comfortable). The Iron ranger looks beautiful in my eyes. With that said, I have to say that they are a little harder on your foot, not much shock absorption. I plan on putting in a midsole when I resole them and will probably switch to a vibram 100 commando sole, those two items should make them really comfortable.
So between the Iron Ranger & the Grant Stone Diesel, which was the tougher break in? Or would you say they're about the same? I found a few on the site small enough for my little feet. I don't have Diesels but I do have a pair of Grant Stone boots made on the Leo Last so I'm assuming the Diesel will fit my feet the same.
I already had Wyatt and Dad subscribed. I have a pair of Iron Rangers that need repair. Also, I have 4 pair of Redwings. Two have not even been broken in. I was on my third pair of Redwings when I got the Iron Rangers.
Less leather in the sole is shotty
Great update. Thanks.
1, kilties can help polong tounge life which is a common failure point. 2, Thursday's are Brooklyn hipster boos, 3, pain is weakness LEAVING you body.
7:54 the insole issue is not a given and could be avoided by manufacturers! apart from leather quality it has to do with the amount of grain left in the leather. being exposed to sweat and stress its the grain that shrinks and hardens over time, which causes cracking and curling grain-wards (this is also what creates the strong clowns shoe effect). to avoid that, in traditional bootmaking the top grain layer is removed or the insole is used with the flesh side up. factories dont do these things (the devil knows why). what also makes it hollow out this drastically is the delamination of the gemming and the crumbly cork filler.
Great report! I think I have 4 pair but could be five. My wife is from Minnesota. Bob Dylan wrote a song called The Walls of Red Wing(but is about the old prison, not the boots!). These are 3 of my favorite reasons for having the Iron Rangers, but mostly, they're awesome. Thank you for this wonderful video~~
Hobby lobby has a giant bag of Latigo strips for crafting that come in thick to thin. For 20 bux and you will have lace 4x as thick as regular boot laces . Ebay has insole leather slabs for ten bux. Put them in every pair just to keep from wearing thu the factory insoles. And never depend on steel toes . Make sure nothing falls on your feet. I kicked a 4×4 with one foot next to my boot to stop a piece of tooling that came loose. But do keep your toes if they get cut 😂off because nowadays they can put them back on.
I own a lot of boots including Red Wings. Truman Boots are so much better than the Iron Ranger and Blacksmith for just a little more money. Red Wing had the market for a long time in this general price range. Now, there are better boot options. Have kept some RW heritage boots but donated a lot of other ones. Too many boots......lol
I can't believe those Iron Rangers soles didn't need to be re-soled after 3 years, my Iron Rangers soles and heels only lasted one year, and I'm only 11st 6lb.
I have had several of these, currently have two IRs and two Blacksmiths. They fit identically (same last), but I feel like I can wear the Blacksmiths with a blazer or suit more easily. No issues with durability, and the insoles are all very customized to my feet from compression. I resolved one of the Iron Rangers with the black traction Tred bottom and they are like pillows. For some reason, that resoled shoe has extra deep impressions on the insole, so perhaps when Red Wing re-soled them, they added extra cork. At any rate, they have all been bulletproof…
Love the toe cap
For tough wear I use Pecard on my boots. Don't glob it on though. It will darken them, but I'm talking for work. Lasts a while too, especially in water.
Love your videos. Just ordered some IR in Copper. I just dig the look. My last pair was pre heritage boots I got 40 years ago. They fit my feet perfectly back then but 40 pounds heavier not so much, Needless to say they were shot and have been in the closet for ages. Can't wait to get them. I will check out how to care for them.
Numzaan Jim Green
I’ve had quite a number of iron rangers, I do miss the original versions with the smooth cork outsoles but the mini lug is grippier, I’ve never had any issues with any of them, the first pair I got were the black 8114’s, toughest to break in, still have them today! IR is a great boot.
People fixing Thursday boots? What a waste.
I get the IR's are legends, but not a fan. I prefer my Merchants and Blacksmiths
Brother William, it's really good to see you back in the saddle again. Hopefully all is well. Cheers....
I prefer no cap toe but RW doesn't make Blacksmiths in 14+ or wides
Your boot knowledge is second to none. Great work and insight! Even though I felt like a scolded toddler when you pointed out the vamp 😎.
My feet are tiny & I can't find any red wings that fit them. Grant stone was my 1st shoe with that experience of believing I had a rough break in with the leather and no foam under my feet.
Thank you for this review. I have just sold my IR anger three years because I wanna try a half size up, which is a half size down from Brannock. Love the rangers!!
Any recommendations on a boot that I can wear on my motorbike that looks good?
A bit of protection would be ideal too 😄
I love a leather boot that I can polish and clean easily
Iron ranger is my favorite heritage boot. And i have a oair of whites sherman in chrome excel.
Those look like what my grandfather would have worn down in the coal mine. I want a pair.
I have had mine for a year now and they have broken in nicely. Even get compliments from strangers
Any use in conditioning the insoles with something like Obenauf's boot oil?
Love my Blacksmiths. Going on 3yrs and have no regrets
Thanks to your videos (and others) on the Iron Ranger I ordered my first pair in 8111 several weeks ago. Week 1, I brought an extra pair of shoes to work as a backup. Although my feet were slightly sorer, didn't use the backups. Week 2, a little better. I pretty much thought I was in the clear. This wasn't bad at all. Then week 3 which was this week. The vamp on the left has started digging into the top of my foot, leaving a blister. WTH! I soaked the vamp with conditioner last night and today I can't say it was much better. I wear a 10D in almost everything and went with a 9.5D. The fit seemed good, no heel slippage and a slight snugness in the instep. I did have a similar issue with a pair of Wolverine1000 Mile. I noticed right out of the gate pressure on my left instep. I found that the lining leather where the tongue is sewn the vamp had folded over. Swapped them out and no more issue. They were also 9.5D. Other than that, I love my Iron Ranger. I just hope this issue will resolve itself with mileage.
I need to check these out finally. I enjoy the Thursday boots but they squeeze the ever loving shit out of my toes
Not a negative comment, did you get a new editor for your videos? There is a lot going on.
*pain is weakness leaving your body, not entering
Do you have the same size on IR’s and Blacksmith?
The iron ranger is a beauty When worn in, but is like concrete to walk on.
Amber harness for the city, copper r&t for the country.
I feel like your videos could be more honest in the recraft story. The cobbler I go to, and several UA-cam cobblers complain a lot about iron ranger and blacksmith. I experienced this myself. It was way more expensive than other boots I’ve had because the welt to gumming attachment is not great. Just glued. Other boots in this price range have sewn gunning or a mid sole that makes re-sole much easer and less prone to issues.
I this price range, there are lots of good boots. Especially Canadian options like WM Moorby (get leather heal in some models), Boulet, Dayton’s on sale right now for cheaper than a new iron ranger.
This video comes off as a sales pitch rather than a review. Maybe compare several comparable styles at similar price level (Shoe the Bear, Moorby, 1000 mile, Alan Edmonds, merman, loke, …not Thursday this is always compared and they are not similar at all IR all day over that garbage)
I stand by what I said.
Great video! I have 2 pairs and love them. I put leather laces in mine and I think it makes them look better than the laces they come with.
You have over analyzed these boots.
I bought a pair of 10.5s IRs in November. I've been trying to love them for months, but they were never quite right. I finally caved in and ordered a new pair in size 10. As small as half a size is, it made all the difference in the world! The 10s are only a day old, and already infinitely more comfortable than my first pair that have months of break in behind them. Everyone's feet are different, but I absolutely recommend getting the smallest size you can reasonably tolerate. I came from foam boots, and was unaccustomed to how stiff Iron Rangers initially feel. I let that confuse me into getting them too large. Iron Rangers have a generous toe box and ease up more quickly than you might expect. After break in, having that extra wiggle room became a big problem for me. Don't make the same mistake!
Interesting. I bought a pair of blacksmiths and am breaking them in. After consulting the staff I got them in size 10 but feel a wee bit roomy even with a thin insole inserted. I’ve been thinking of sizing down 0.5 for my next purchase.
@@eatmygoddamncat I was fitted at two Red Wing stores. My brannock is 11.5. One store had me at 10.5, and one the other shop recommended a 10. It seemed crazy to go down 1.5 sizes, so I erred on the side of less snug. As they loosened up, I ended up having to try thick socks, leather insoles and kilties to try to eat up the extra slop. Plus, I really had to cinch up the laces tighter than was ever comfortable. But nothing could make up for the fact that they were simply too long. They were simultaneously sloppy at the heel and toes, yet tight as hell in the vamp. After almost 3 months of just hoping to get used to it, I sized down to 10 and am so much better off.
Likewise. I went small on my Iron Rangers. Over 1.5 Sizes below Brannock. All my other PNW and JL Boots are 1 Below Brannock but the Iron Ranger is a half size Smaller again.
I think this extra sizing down is necessary because of the lack of midsole which allows the Boot to give and stretch slightly more readily than if a Quality Leather Midsole had been incorporated in the build.
Granted the first month of break in with the smaller sizing can be pretty tough. However after a little pain and perseverance your left with something that feels absolutely custom made to your Feet which your never goin to get or appreciate if you start too comfortartable and don't low for this element of give. Mark
My experience as well. Bought my first pair of IR a little over a month ago. Went to the Red Wing store and got measured. I’m typically a size 12 in most shoes. I tried an 11.5, an 11 and ended up with a 10.5 fitting the best. I’m a truck driver so I’m used to being on my feet all day. The break-in hasn’t been bad at all. It’s definitely not a cushy work boot but I’m at the point where I can wear them for about 11 hours before my feet start to get tired. They’re not gonna be my work boot but I figured that would be the quickest way to break them in. My only “ hot spot” is the lateral edge of my right foot where the leather is stitched together on the inside. I’ve been massaging that area and it’s loosened up quite a bit. Overall, I really like them.
Just a question, but I wonder if you know your correct Brannock size? Heel to toe, heel to ball width is not as important here…Half size down from Brannock is the correct sizing for this boot, but I guess it’s possible if you heel to toe is a full size shorter than than your heel to ball maybe it would feel ok? Other than the ball of you foot not flexing in the correct location under sizing on these would feel better? Or maybe even more odd would be your heel to ball is a full size shorter than your heel to toe so it feels better for your foot to be in an undersize boot, because the flex point is lining up and you don’t mind your toes being crammed in the toebox? Honestly, justtrying to figure out why people size the way they do. I’ve been fortunate that every recommendation for heritage boots have fit correctly, but there have been some boots and lasts that just don’t work for me. 🤷🏻♂️
These aren’t water proof/resistant are they?
I have had a pair (copper) for 3 maybe years now.
Love these boots I have had them repaired 2 times one was just a new thread on the outsole the other was a full resole
I use them as my every day work boot. When i bought them i was a semi truck driver. I am now a mechanic for the last 2.5 years. They hold up to the abuse well.
They are comfortable break in was less than a week. I never had the foot pain most people complain about but I also never wear really soft shoes.
My biggest complaint is my casual shoe is a adidas samba in a 10.5. I didn't have access to a place to try on these boots. I resorted to ordering a pair then shipping them back to get the correct size. This was not fun they are not cheap and i had to do this 4 times. They run huge... I am now in an 8.5D wish I had gotten the 8D. It seems crazy to me in most shoes I'm a 10-11 but these were way off. Besides the sizing issue these have been great. i might get another pair at some point, when my current pair are beyond repair.
I went through the same process. I wear a 13 sneaker, ordered my red wings in a 12, was swimming in them sill. Returned them and ordered 11 and they were crushing my toes. Third time was a charm with the 11.5
75% speed on this video seems a lot less rushed.
The stock laces are atrocious.
nice denim jacket! is it selvedge?
Would it be more comfortable if it had a leather midsole? I have a pair and they freakin kill after walking in them for an hour.
Is the pain from the footbed feeling stiff?
I think you meant pain is weakness exiting your body...
you must be slow, lol you can't read through the sarcasm, lol
@@okthen22ok No, didn't hear any sarcasm...
@@MrFreeGman thats because things go over you're slow thinking head. lol
I can’t help but feel that you need some shoe trees friend. Help with those toes curling
You didn't watch it to the end then?
No, no, no! Pain is weakness LEAVING the body, not ENTERING it. Why would you want weakness to enter the body? That makes no sense at all.