Your philosophy is spot on. It’s a life time story, not 6 months. Looking after them and they will look after you and tell your story, witness to your life. Great job!
I think you nailed the description of what patina is. It’s wearing them, conditioning them, and the end result is step one of a long long process/journey. And your boots look great. Honestly I don’t think they changed all that much, just improved. Nice work!
You're doing it the right way! I'm personally more impressed with a boot cared for & aged beautifully vs. One that is clearly dry, dirty, & mistreated. You have to take care of your things! Great work, they're beautiful boots & the vid was engaging ✌🏼
I used some Venetian on my 8085s and they did get a little darker for a couple days, but lightened back up. I love that leather, it has so much character! Northstar Leather sells kilties using the SAME leather. They somehow get leather from the tannery that Red Wing owns.
VSC has waxes, so maybe that’s why. But at least you have some good moisture protection now! Duly noted about the kilties - thank you. The ones I have are from Rose Anvil and are a close enough match. I will check those out 👊🏻
I was a little weary when I heard the disclaimer but I do think they look better after. Great to know you can beat them up and then clean them up nicely and continuously so this over and over. That makes for not only a great purchase but enjoyable ownership. Nice boots bud.
I'm picking up a pair of these in copper as well. I love the contrast of the light and dark, that natural distressed look. I was concerned about what products to use as to not darken the leather too much and mess them up. So far I'm considering bick 4 or the red wing leather lotion. Great info thanks for the vid, the boots look much better to me after the cleaning.
They’re miles better after, they were a pair of mistreated boots before, patina my ass!🤣🤷♂️. Now they look like a properly cared for pair of boots. I don’t know how much they are in the USA, but they’re £329 in the UK, which, in my book, is a hell of a lot of money for something to not feed and nurture. Any leather should be cleaned and polished regularly, preferably cleaned daily if used daily, then it will last you for decades. I know so many people who claim to be all for recycling, looking after the planet, but they’ll buy a pair of good boots or shoes, something an animal has been killed for (some are even vegetarians), then mistreat them, never polish them and within 6 months they are looking knackered, then within a couple of years at most, have split and been chucked!😩🤷♂️
Hey - thanks so much for the kind words 🙏 It’s a little scary putting myself out there, but I’m having fun with it. I look forward to posting more videos.
I think they look far better after conditioning. I have a very old pair of cowboy boots made in Phoenix. The reason they lasted so long is down to conditioning every so often and really not worrying about the patina. As it happens they now have a lovely patina that can only be achieved through time, and not neglect.
I’d agree with your take on patina. It’s better to take care of your boots so they last for the long haul. I’ve had my 8085s about 2.5 years and only cleaned/conditioned twice, the same way you did. They are in a rotation with several other boots so the wear hasn’t been extreme, but the character still shows through once the conditioner dries a little and you get some more wears into them.
These look sharp! I like how they look after you cleaned and conditioned them. Have you considered replacing the laces with a flat wax lace? I have the 8111’s and currently have an indigo flat wax lace in them and they look amazing.
The word “Patina” is pretty loosely thrown around, especially with the introduction of the Thunderdome. I prefer long term, slow patina, personally. Wear and care. Your boots can change multiple times over their lifetime, this is just part of the journey. I’m doing the 8111 rn, 2 years in
I think they look great! I agree it makes sense to clean/condition and that is part of patina process. Congratulations on your marriage and honeymoon! I rocked my green chamois OSB trench oxfords and navy CXL camp logs on my honeymoon last fall in Italy and Scotland. Even starting to get some teacoring on the camp move which is cool. Also, I saw on one of your other videos you have a wide foot! I do too! I haven’t tried RW heritage yet because I’ve heard they are narrow. Did you get a wide size or size up to accommodate your foot? Thanks in advance!
Thank you! Red Wing offers a few makeups in EE widths, not everything though. The wide moc toe last isn’t good for my foot, but the wide Iron Ranger is great. The IR is on the number 8 last, which is fairly anatomical. I’d recommend the wide Iron Ranger over the moc toe, but that’s just my experience. Your mileage may vary!
@@LikewiseAmericana awesome! Thanks so much for the information and response. Yeah I’ve heard that about their moc toes so I went with the white’s Perry and really like it. I’ve had those boots for over a year now and think when I’m in the mood for another moc toe, I’ll just get another pair of those. I had written off RW, but might have to take another look!
@@marlenakauer5262 I’m not sure where you’re located, but going to a Red Wing store can be a good experience. I’d say the sales people are generally helpful with sizing too. While Red Wing doesn’t make anything close to “luxury” (e.g. Viberg), I still think they offer a great value proposition - especially for being made in the USA.
It comes down to if people value patina over longevity to their boots. You boots came out great and they will eventually look just as beat up. You are simply caring for your boots. To me I look first at the wear on the heels before I look at the patina of other boots. I ask, “are these boots being worn?”
Great take. I agree. I could also make the argument about seeing people with gigantic boot collections where they can never wear each boot enough. That’s another rabbit hole though
I think you got the patina philosophy down. I personally prefer the patina of well taken care of leather. I guess it’s the “longevity look” if that makes sense. I’ve done both with leather products. While non conditioned leather goods have that certain rugged look, they won’t last that long. Then that kinda defeats the purpose of purchasing something of quality.
I put on a few coats of Red Wing’s leather cream and brushed the hell out of them. The sheen did go away after a few wears, though. The CRT leather is a heavily oiled and waxed nubuck, so you’ll never be able to get a shine on them like you would with a smooth grain leather.
@@LikewiseAmericana okay sure, but man I see super polished an shiny CRTs all the time, so I wondered how you do it. Thx for your reply, l’ll definitely try that!
Damn, are those really the copper colored ones!? I have the amber harness and they look like the same shade. Personally I use redwing’s leather cleaners instead of saddle soap and I do also use their leather cream like you used. I don’t like darkening the leather and ruining the natural color’s aging. Also I can use it on pretty much any of my boots or shoes.
Yep! These are the 8085 CRT. I’ve seen a wide range of shades with these - some look like 8111s and some definitely look like 8085s. Not sure if it’s the tannage or how they’re finished (or both). But yeah I use the leather cream specifically so it won’t darken the leather. I love saphir, but I won’t use that on these bc the mink oil will definitely darken them.
They’re these exact ones from Rose Anvil. They’re thin, but I like them. The light brown color is a good match for the CRT leather. roseanvil.com/products/false-tongues-kiltie-sold-in-a-pair?variant=40504927125593¤cy=USD&campaignid=17630466194&adgroupid=&matchtype=&device=m&placement=&network=x&creative=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy9msBhD0ARIsANbk0A_CZ4b0-AbEbDWYn7lUAcaWHfVKsilGYzQqethNc0d64jWfoW0KXm8aAu-pEALw_wcB
Just got my first RW Heritage… went with 8085 Iron Ranger like yours. I’ll be very happy if mine hold up like that and retain their look like yours after cleaning. Looks great!
@@dougmorisoli6482 they definitely will, but I would highly encourage you to use Red Wing’s Leather Cream because it’s neatsfoot oil-based and won’t darken the leather long term. Bick 4 is another good option. Too much mink oil will darken them indefinitely, so be careful.
@@cormacbailey775 my understanding is the CRT leather is oil tanned, so it’s generally water resistant to begin with. Adding the RW leather cream may marginally help, but I can’t confirm. I’d recommend reaching out to RW for an official answer. Take what I say with a grain of salt!
Patina nuts are larpers imo. These are boots. Wear them, skuff them, clean them, condition them, repeat. If you are in the world, doing things, your gear will show that use. Clean and condition when needed, and the patina comes right back in a few months. I suspect many of these people who cling to patina, don't do much in the world, and don't experience much natural patina on their possessions, therefore they're much more possessive of it. Conversely, the men actually doing things in their boots, are trying to not look like hobos.
![[ASMR] Rare Vintage Red Wing Iron Ranger Restoration](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RqECDFkYv7w/mqdefault.jpg)
Your philosophy is spot on. It’s a life time story, not 6 months. Looking after them and they will look after you and tell your story, witness to your life. Great job!
I think you nailed the description of what patina is. It’s wearing them, conditioning them, and the end result is step one of a long long process/journey. And your boots look great. Honestly I don’t think they changed all that much, just improved. Nice work!
Thanks! I couldn’t agree more. I really appreciate you watching the video.
You're doing it the right way! I'm personally more impressed with a boot cared for & aged beautifully vs. One that is clearly dry, dirty, & mistreated. You have to take care of your things! Great work, they're beautiful boots & the vid was engaging ✌🏼
I used some Venetian on my 8085s and they did get a little darker for a couple days, but lightened back up. I love that leather, it has so much character!
Northstar Leather sells kilties using the SAME leather. They somehow get leather from the tannery that Red Wing owns.
VSC has waxes, so maybe that’s why. But at least you have some good moisture protection now! Duly noted about the kilties - thank you. The ones I have are from Rose Anvil and are a close enough match. I will check those out 👊🏻
I’m with you, wear and care my friend, wear and care 🙌
🤘🏻sweet. Hoping to get more comments to see what people say!
I was a little weary when I heard the disclaimer but I do think they look better after. Great to know you can beat them up and then clean them up nicely and continuously so this over and over. That makes for not only a great purchase but enjoyable ownership. Nice boots bud.
Ha - so the suspense I tried to create worked? Thanks a lot for watching. I really appreciate it 👊🏻
They came out very nice. Well done
Thanks a lot for watching! I appreciate it
They look great! Nice work.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate you watching the video 🙏
Pro tip?
- Apply the leather cream with an old toothbrush. Gets in everywhere so easy and you dont need to fiddle around with your fingers
This is a great idea - idk why I’ve never thought of it. Thanks for the tip!
I'm picking up a pair of these in copper as well. I love the contrast of the light and dark, that natural distressed look. I was concerned about what products to use as to not darken the leather too much and mess them up. So far I'm considering bick 4 or the red wing leather lotion. Great info thanks for the vid, the boots look much better to me after the cleaning.
They’re miles better after, they were a pair of mistreated boots before, patina my ass!🤣🤷♂️. Now they look like a properly cared for pair of boots. I don’t know how much they are in the USA, but they’re £329 in the UK, which, in my book, is a hell of a lot of money for something to not feed and nurture. Any leather should be cleaned and polished regularly, preferably cleaned daily if used daily, then it will last you for decades. I know so many people who claim to be all for recycling, looking after the planet, but they’ll buy a pair of good boots or shoes, something an animal has been killed for (some are even vegetarians), then mistreat them, never polish them and within 6 months they are looking knackered, then within a couple of years at most, have split and been chucked!😩🤷♂️
💯! Definitely agree. I’m already thinking about a resole, so I need to make them last. Don’t want the leather cracking on me
They look great!
Thanks! I really appreciate you watching the video.
Great videos dude this is amazing.
Hey - thanks so much for the kind words 🙏 It’s a little scary putting myself out there, but I’m having fun with it. I look forward to posting more videos.
Part of the process. They look great.
Thanks a lot!
I think they look far better after conditioning. I have a very old pair of cowboy boots made in Phoenix. The reason they lasted so long is down to conditioning every so often and really not worrying about the patina. As it happens they now have a lovely patina that can only be achieved through time, and not neglect.
Awesome. How old are those boots?
Quality at the top
I have the same sweaty feet problem, but switching to merino wool socks actually solved that problem.
Very good look… wear--> clean--> condition--> repeat…!!!
Agreed! You get it.
I’d agree with your take on patina. It’s better to take care of your boots so they last for the long haul.
I’ve had my 8085s about 2.5 years and only cleaned/conditioned twice, the same way you did. They are in a rotation with several other boots so the wear hasn’t been extreme, but the character still shows through once the conditioner dries a little and you get some more wears into them.
Awesome. Yeah I love these boots. They almost looked new after conditioning, but looked beat up again just a few days later 🤠
Everyone loves end stage patina, but everyone's scared to let them get bad enough to look good. Those look sweet.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate you watching the video
The after looks fantastic
Thanks a lot! They already are looking beat up again 😃
Dude those look awesome. I wish mine were comfortable-I gave up with them after a year. Switched to 1907's and never looked back.
Sweet! How do you like them? I love the CRT leather, but RW’s mocs dont fit me super well. I think the 8 last is better for my foot.
Beautiful before and after. I agree with your assessment, it’s better to keep the leather “healthy” as opposed to just trashing them.
Yeah! They’re already back to being scuffed up, but that’s expected.
They look brand new much better I like 👍
Thanks! And thank you for watching - I hope you liked the vid
Wearing. Cleaning. Conditioning. This is the way.
🫡🫡🫡 we’re on the same page. Thanks a lot for the view and comment!
These look sharp! I like how they look after you cleaned and conditioned them.
Have you considered replacing the laces with a flat wax lace? I have the 8111’s and currently have an indigo flat wax lace in them and they look amazing.
Before they were filthy, now they are clean AND patined.
💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 thank you so much for watching
I think they look a lot healthier afterwards......like they should be
Agreed! Thanks for watching my video 🙏
I think the look fantastic after cleaning/conditioning.
Thanks! Wore them out once since making this vid and they already look used again 😀
Didn’t know Freddie Mercury did a boot cleaning video
lol touché
Dang those suckers came back to life! 👏
Thanks so much for watching 🤘🏻
The word “Patina” is pretty loosely thrown around, especially with the introduction of the Thunderdome. I prefer long term, slow patina, personally. Wear and care. Your boots can change multiple times over their lifetime, this is just part of the journey. I’m doing the 8111 rn, 2 years in
I agree with you 100%! I’m sure your 8111s look awesome. Thank you for watching my video and posting a comment 🙏
I’m not a fan of patina, I love all my boots to look brand new. I know that’s super weird, but that’s my opinion.
I know what you mean. To each their own! You probably have some healthy boots 🤠
I think they look great! I agree it makes sense to clean/condition and that is part of patina process. Congratulations on your marriage and honeymoon! I rocked my green chamois OSB trench oxfords and navy CXL camp logs on my honeymoon last fall in Italy and Scotland. Even starting to get some teacoring on the camp move which is cool. Also, I saw on one of your other videos you have a wide foot! I do too! I haven’t tried RW heritage yet because I’ve heard they are narrow. Did you get a wide size or size up to accommodate your foot? Thanks in advance!
Thank you! Red Wing offers a few makeups in EE widths, not everything though. The wide moc toe last isn’t good for my foot, but the wide Iron Ranger is great. The IR is on the number 8 last, which is fairly anatomical. I’d recommend the wide Iron Ranger over the moc toe, but that’s just my experience. Your mileage may vary!
@@LikewiseAmericana awesome! Thanks so much for the information and response. Yeah I’ve heard that about their moc toes so I went with the white’s Perry and really like it. I’ve had those boots for over a year now and think when I’m in the mood for another moc toe, I’ll just get another pair of those. I had written off RW, but might have to take another look!
@@marlenakauer5262 I’m not sure where you’re located, but going to a Red Wing store can be a good experience. I’d say the sales people are generally helpful with sizing too. While Red Wing doesn’t make anything close to “luxury” (e.g. Viberg), I still think they offer a great value proposition - especially for being made in the USA.
It comes down to if people value patina over longevity to their boots. You boots came out great and they will eventually look just as beat up. You are simply caring for your boots. To me I look first at the wear on the heels before I look at the patina of other boots. I ask, “are these boots being worn?”
Great take. I agree. I could also make the argument about seeing people with gigantic boot collections where they can never wear each boot enough. That’s another rabbit hole though
I think you got the patina philosophy down. I personally prefer the patina of well taken care of leather. I guess it’s the “longevity look” if that makes sense. I’ve done both with leather products. While non conditioned leather goods have that certain rugged look, they won’t last that long. Then that kinda defeats the purpose of purchasing something of quality.
They just look amazing afterwards. How did you make them shine like that. My CRT Rangers always look mat, no matter what I do.
I put on a few coats of Red Wing’s leather cream and brushed the hell out of them. The sheen did go away after a few wears, though. The CRT leather is a heavily oiled and waxed nubuck, so you’ll never be able to get a shine on them like you would with a smooth grain leather.
@@LikewiseAmericana okay sure, but man I see super polished an shiny CRTs all the time, so I wondered how you do it.
Thx for your reply, l’ll definitely try that!
The after is so much nicer
Agreed! They looked beat up again just a few days later.
Damn, are those really the copper colored ones!? I have the amber harness and they look like the same shade. Personally I use redwing’s leather cleaners instead of saddle soap and I do also use their leather cream like you used. I don’t like darkening the leather and ruining the natural color’s aging. Also I can use it on pretty much any of my boots or shoes.
Yep! These are the 8085 CRT. I’ve seen a wide range of shades with these - some look like 8111s and some definitely look like 8085s. Not sure if it’s the tannage or how they’re finished (or both). But yeah I use the leather cream specifically so it won’t darken the leather. I love saphir, but I won’t use that on these bc the mink oil will definitely darken them.
What type of kiltie are you using on your Iron Rangers!? Thanks in advance
They’re these exact ones from Rose Anvil. They’re thin, but I like them. The light brown color is a good match for the CRT leather.
roseanvil.com/products/false-tongues-kiltie-sold-in-a-pair?variant=40504927125593¤cy=USD&campaignid=17630466194&adgroupid=&matchtype=&device=m&placement=&network=x&creative=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy9msBhD0ARIsANbk0A_CZ4b0-AbEbDWYn7lUAcaWHfVKsilGYzQqethNc0d64jWfoW0KXm8aAu-pEALw_wcB
@@LikewiseAmericana Thanks! By the way your boots look better after the spit shine 😎
@@danielcervantes1492 I appreciate it. They’re already beat up again 🤠
@@danielcervantes1492 thank you 🙏
I put mink oil on my CRT 8085’s. Am I going to hell?
Lol probably. Maybe God will make an exception for you.
Just got my first RW Heritage… went with 8085 Iron Ranger like yours. I’ll be very happy if mine hold up like that and retain their look like yours after cleaning. Looks great!
@@dougmorisoli6482 they definitely will, but I would highly encourage you to use Red Wing’s Leather Cream because it’s neatsfoot oil-based and won’t darken the leather long term. Bick 4 is another good option. Too much mink oil will darken them indefinitely, so be careful.
@@LikewiseAmericanawill I get any water resistant with red wing cream.thank u from Ireland
@@cormacbailey775 my understanding is the CRT leather is oil tanned, so it’s generally water resistant to begin with. Adding the RW leather cream may marginally help, but I can’t confirm. I’d recommend reaching out to RW for an official answer. Take what I say with a grain of salt!
After.. 100%
Agreed 💪
You gotta clean and condition your boots they look ten times better after
Thanks! I agree. Already have been beating them up since posting this vid
Look like 8111.
Patina nuts are larpers imo. These are boots. Wear them, skuff them, clean them, condition them, repeat. If you are in the world, doing things, your gear will show that use. Clean and condition when needed, and the patina comes right back in a few months. I suspect many of these people who cling to patina, don't do much in the world, and don't experience much natural patina on their possessions, therefore they're much more possessive of it. Conversely, the men actually doing things in their boots, are trying to not look like hobos.
Great take. The patina will always come back.
Thanks for the videos! Can you PLEASE tell me where yo got those kilties to protect the tongue. Japan rocks!