I just bought the Blacksmith in copper rough and tough leather from the RW store. Your very thorough review helped me decide. The machine in the store measured me at 10.5 D. I got the size 10. They will do free care as often as once a month if I want to bring them back to the store.
A note on temps: All of my winter boots have this sole (except one pair which has the heavy lugs). I walk about an hour a day in temps I can't even convert into C, but well below freezing. I do find Red Wings breathe quite well, which you might not want in the winter! Despite that, my feet never get cold. I wear thick wool socks (Darn Tough)--I sometimes wear them in the summer when it's hot, too. They do a great job regulating foot temp, warm in the winter and cool in the summer! That said, I am not sitting or standing still in the winter when I'm outside. I'm hustling.
I have these exact same boots in size 8 and agree they are true to size for me. If you’re buying Blacksmiths my advice would be not to go smaller. I’ve also got a pair of new Iron Rangers and I’ve found them to be oversized and I had to go down by half a size.
I think US 7 is the smallest they come. You could try the women's version, though--doesn't seem to be much difference other than sizing for most models. I'd do it!
I have the iron rangers in 9.5 without insoles and they fit well. I've seen some blacksmiths on ebay that I'm tempted by but they're a size 10. Should I get them and just add an insole?
James freezing denim doesn’t work. The bacteria just goes into a dormant stage and then reactivates and just comes back. Just wash your jeans every 2-3 months if worn daily. That’s what I do and still get good fades.
Bill W No comparison possible. The Wolverine 1000 are dress boots compared to the Red Wings, which will last for years. Better leather, better soles, better stitching, etc.
I own both the Red Wing Blacksmith and the 1000 mile boot. The 1000 mile is a beautiful boot. I have it in the oxblood color with the leather sole. The Blacksmith is a more robust boot for sure. Although I love the Horween leather on the 1000 mile, the leather outsole is fairly thin and doesn't seem very durable. A benefit to that is that it makes the boot quite lightweight and easy to break in. The Blacksmith by comparison feels heavier on the foot. I really like them both.
Leather and uppers seem good but I don't even know why you would buy these for any reason other than fashion considering how bad they are to walk on without having to go out and spend even more money on getting decent insoles to alleviate their problems. I like Red Wing, but sometimes it just seems like they're oldschool for the sake of being oldschool. At the end of the day, these are meant to be boots. They're meant to keep your feet protected and keep you on your feet for a long time. If my boots start failing at either of those things, it's time to take them back IMO.
Everyone seems to have different care opinions on the black spitfire. Red Wing Europe recommends black boot cream, which is designed for the smooth-finished leathers. That surprised me. Some folks use the mink oil that was designed for the hawthorne muleskinner leather. I haven't needed to condition my hawthorne muleskinner tho! For most roughout, I just brush with a nylon brush and use leather protector spray. If I condition it, it'll be on the inside, not the outside. I realize spitfire is different, though. I'd probably shoot Red Wing Heritage an e-mail myself or post on reddit.com/r/redwingshoes!
I prefer half size larger on iron rangers / roomy/ That way many more insert and sock options I use a felt / wool / rubber absorbing combo insert - perfect.
![Redwing Iron Ranger #8085 [ The Boot Guy Reviews ]](/img/n.gif)
I just bought the Blacksmith in copper rough and tough leather from the RW store. Your very thorough review helped me decide. The machine in the store measured me at 10.5 D. I got the size 10. They will do free care as often as once a month if I want to bring them back to the store.
A note on temps: All of my winter boots have this sole (except one pair which has the heavy lugs). I walk about an hour a day in temps I can't even convert into C, but well below freezing. I do find Red Wings breathe quite well, which you might not want in the winter! Despite that, my feet never get cold. I wear thick wool socks (Darn Tough)--I sometimes wear them in the summer when it's hot, too. They do a great job regulating foot temp, warm in the winter and cool in the summer! That said, I am not sitting or standing still in the winter when I'm outside. I'm hustling.
I have two Beckmans, 9011 and 9014- for work, but the blacksmith copper are my favorite.
How does one go 6 mo. w/o washing their jeans?
I like the character of the waxed suede as it loses a little wax here and there
Love the leather on these. I really wish they'd make an Iron Ranger in the Spitfire leather.
They did, it's called the 4545, and it's a special edition boot they only made 666 pairs of in collaboration with Wrenchmonkees.
I have these exact same boots in size 8 and agree they are true to size for me. If you’re buying Blacksmiths my advice would be not to go smaller. I’ve also got a pair of new Iron Rangers and I’ve found them to be oversized and I had to go down by half a size.
Concur. Buy your true size, do not size down and your feet will thank you.
Here in NZ, you can get 100% Merino Wool insole which feels fantastic. Probably get them in the UK.
Nice looking boots. I would mink oil them as with all my boots.
You may want to invest in a pair of Superfeet insoles for better arch support and shock absorption.
That leather variety is really cool. My “break in” of the boots was much easier. I can wear mine all day no problem.
I love the look of those! Do you know if they come in smaller sizes? I am a size 6 1/2 and I find it hard to find good quality boots for myself
I think US 7 is the smallest they come. You could try the women's version, though--doesn't seem to be much difference other than sizing for most models. I'd do it!
Are you wearing a Seiko SKX? If so nice choice!
Yeah he is. He's still rocking that terrible strap that comes with it too lol.
Good review. I enjoy listening to you. Your voice reminds me of Simon Pegg.
Does RedWing still does the Blacksmith with Spitfire leather? I've heard that it was suppose to be replaced by some other black leather, but not sure.
great update ty
I'm not a foot dragger, very little wear on the soles in two years
The Beckmans have great impact compared to Iron Rangers/any boot with a 430 sole. Highly recommend you get a pair before they are fully discontinued.
They're not quite as good on packed snow as the 430. That said, yeah--incredibly comfortable, rivaling the traction tread sole for comfort!
Which boot would you suggest for spending the whole day on your feet?
how are they on the snow and Ice? good enough?
I have the iron rangers in 9.5 without insoles and they fit well. I've seen some blacksmiths on ebay that I'm tempted by but they're a size 10. Should I get them and just add an insole?
sure ! that's what I did
Those are some great looking boots my friend! Are you on Instagram?
I love the look of these. if only they didn't have the speed hooks
A good boot maker / cobbler could swap them out in very little time!
You didn’t wash your jeans for 6 months?
James freezing denim doesn’t work. The bacteria just goes into a dormant stage and then reactivates and just comes back. Just wash your jeans every 2-3 months if worn daily. That’s what I do and still get good fades.
G’day mate. How do they compare to a Wolverine 1000 boot?
That is certainly something I would like to find out, I havent had my hands on Wolverine yet but they are on my list!
Bill W No comparison possible. The Wolverine 1000 are dress boots compared to the Red Wings, which will last for years. Better leather, better soles, better stitching, etc.
I own both the Red Wing Blacksmith and the 1000 mile boot. The 1000 mile is a beautiful boot. I have it in the oxblood color with the leather sole. The Blacksmith is a more robust boot for sure. Although I love the Horween leather on the 1000 mile, the leather outsole is fairly thin and doesn't seem very durable. A benefit to that is that it makes the boot quite lightweight and easy to break in. The Blacksmith by comparison feels heavier on the foot. I really like them both.
Check out Chippewa’s ,Classics an A Merican boot co. Nice leather viberam soles wears well .check em bro....
Hi,I’m a UK 9,DM’s etc a definite 9.
Very hard to buy retail in Dublin,online is the only option really.
Can you advise?
Andy
Stagprovisions. Com, redwingamsterdam, hepcat. Se
update for 1460 vinatege mie oxblood plz waiting for the update
bhishan nembang also waiting for the update here!
How do you fit without the insole?
Leather and uppers seem good but I don't even know why you would buy these for any reason other than fashion considering how bad they are to walk on without having to go out and spend even more money on getting decent insoles to alleviate their problems. I like Red Wing, but sometimes it just seems like they're oldschool for the sake of being oldschool. At the end of the day, these are meant to be boots. They're meant to keep your feet protected and keep you on your feet for a long time. If my boots start failing at either of those things, it's time to take them back IMO.
👍
Everyone seems to have different care opinions on the black spitfire. Red Wing Europe recommends black boot cream, which is designed for the smooth-finished leathers. That surprised me. Some folks use the mink oil that was designed for the hawthorne muleskinner leather. I haven't needed to condition my hawthorne muleskinner tho! For most roughout, I just brush with a nylon brush and use leather protector spray. If I condition it, it'll be on the inside, not the outside. I realize spitfire is different, though. I'd probably shoot Red Wing Heritage an e-mail myself or post on reddit.com/r/redwingshoes!
how heavy are they compared to the 875's?
own both and IR'S much lighter then 875's
I prefer half size larger on iron rangers / roomy/
That way many more insert and sock options
I use a felt / wool / rubber absorbing combo insert - perfect.
Wow I go smaller
Talk about break in , try the Beckman chukka. You'll never have to prove your manhood in any other way.
Richard Dick I’m workin on mine now. I bought mine used and it seems that the last person had a hard time as well! Good luck man!
To Devon What happened ,you didn't like me being honest
Well, you are replying to a different video now, I have responded to your original comment..
wax
Wax it
Aw man
Moan moan moan...
Eeyore.
6 months? DR. Martens look like this after 6 years.
Not for him they do, lol
If ya wear them once a year maybe
Does Dr. M. use roughout leather?
Had my blacksmiths since xmas ,use boot cream to clean,very grained and worn looking...