I personally don't need it, but you should do a video on Solovair since you have so much content on doc martins. It's an easy alternative you can suggest in a higher quality product.
@@Stridewise i agree that Solovair seems better quality then doc martin, perhaps the story is true that they are essentially doc martins before outsourcing.
Solovair is definitely better quality then docs but the quality of Solovair shoes/boots is still not that great tbh. I own two pairs of Solovairs and several RWs and the Leather Quality and overall durability of the Solovair doesn´t even come close to Red Wing. Also the fact that the white stitching of the Solovair shoes is a fake stitch kinda rubs me the wrong way...
I bought my first pair of Docs 35 years ago and wore them daily for twenty years. They were all Made in England, but I rarely got a year out of a pair, as I said I wore them daily, so they never got a rest. I loved them. I can't remember the exact reason I stopped wearing them, but I bought a pair four years ago (Made in Thailand) and they were utter crap and they were destroyed within six months. That's when I decided to do some research and came across the Redwings. The first Redwings I bought were the 8111's and I've since added some Chukkas and Moc Toes to the collection. They are far superior to the crap that Dr. Martens are spitting out. If I ever wear a pair of Docs again they will be made by Solovair.
Solovair at all the punk and sks shows. Anything else at everything else. I have the burgundy rub, black cap toe and astronaut in oxblood for solovair but there's no punk shows now so I haven't worn them in a while
Loved Dr.Martens in my Teens & 20's, Redwing's in my 30's, now in my 40's. I prefer well made but classically simple in design Crockett&Jones and Loake. But If I had to pick between the two, it would probably be Redwings. Love both, it's just because I had Dr.Martens in my youth, it will make me feel like i'm trying to re-capture my youth and trigger a midlife crisis.
Wow! My route too: Docs as a teenager but 14 holers for the extra aggro look. Brogues by Crockett & Jones as they make me feel well dressed; R.M.Williams when I lived in Australia (everyone has a pair). I bought Redwings because when I tried them on 'just to see what the fuss is about" I was in heaven: fantastic fit, comfort, look. (I avoid UK made docs as breaking them is awful)
Dm are trash if you walk in them for more then an hour a day🤷🏼♀️ and charge you the same or more for less quality (just my opinion. My friend REALLY likes them and that’s all that matters!😌☺️)
For people who like the look of Docs but want the better quality of Red Wings, the Red Wing Blacksmith in Black Prairie is worth a look. It’s obviously not the same look, but kind of in the same spirit. Plus, they age much more nicely. When the Black Prairie leather gets scuffed, the leather is brown under the surface finish. It’s much nicer than the gray that shows through on the Docs when the finish eventually flakes off.
Thanks Nick, as always, a well done comparison. I think the Doc's attributes would be as a cultural icon (in certain circles) and I have to admit, if one can get a full size that fits well, that sole is comfortable. I just don't understand why they don't offer 1/2 sizes... crazy. Also the non-MIE models have such poor leather. But the Red Wings (mine is the 8119 model) are my favorite boots. Each day I wear them, I really appreciate their quality, comfort, design and heritage. There are more expensive boots out there (Nick's Whites, etc...) but for the money, Red Wings are at the threshold of perfection. Cheers mate.
I have a pair of Red Wings that I've owned since around 1997. The Vibram soles are almost worn through now but the upper leather is in amazing shape. I have a pair of Doc Martens that I've owned since 2006. The Vibram sole looks almost new still but the upper leather looks really weathered and worn. I actually love both pairs but the truth is the Red Wings may more than cost twice as much but they offer so much more value per wear and will last you (and eventually your kids) forever.
I have both and love the IR, but my DM are full grain leather, purchased in the UK over 20 years ago, they still look as good as new. I wore them at least once a week the first 15 years, I wish I could post a picture. what they sell today as DM is trash.
Docs used to do a For Life range where you could get them repaired, resoled, replaced etc essentially for free but unfortunately they discontinued it, probably because it lost them a lot of money. I've had the For Life 1460 Crazy Horse ones for nearly ten years, they only replace them now, but they're still honouring the guarantee!
Explain this a little more. So I could send my docs that need to be resoled to them and they’ll replace them? I have the made in England ones which aren’t cheap so they should offer that program to me 😂
@@JoshuaSlosser So Dr Martens used to have a program where if you buy their specific For Life range of boots, they guaranteed repairs and replacements basically for life, or for as long as you hang onto the guarantee code anyway, but only for this specific line. I bought my boots back in maybe 2012 for about £120, and I have had them replaced at least 4 times since then through the guarantee that came with that purchase. The program was discontinued in 2018 but they're still honouring guarantees from before this time. Basically, if your boots wear down to the point of having significant wear and tear and the customer support team verifies that this is the case, they will replace them for you, as they also stopped repairs back in 2018. The only thing you have to pay is a processing fee, which is about £20. It was a great deal, but they were definitely losing money with it given they discontinued it! They currently sometimes don't even replace them, they just give you a coupon for their website. I will say that the quality of boots that i've received as replacements has definitely decreased over the years, as the original ones were definitely higher quality and more durable.
@@yoloswaggins47 that would be an amazing program if they still offered it! I wish more companies were like Patagonia and they owned their products for life with a repair/replace program. That’s a damn shame about the quality decreasing. I think I’m going to sell my made in England docs as it’s not really a style of boot I have to have in my wardrobe and they just seem to be a ticking time bomb as far as quality is concerned. I thought I was getting the good ones with the made in England ones but it seems like “good ones” don’t exist anymore lol. Thanks for telling me about the program though!
@@JoshuaSlosser Patagonia definitely have a great business model, yes the prices are steep but you know you're getting quality that you'll have for life, i agree. I don't blame you for wanting to sell your Made in Englands, to be fair they are the "good ones" out of the selection of Docs, which tells you all you need to know about the quality of the other ones! They've sadly devolved from a quality boot company to a fashion boot company, I've seen plenty of vintage Docs which are much better made than their current offering. I would suggest Solovair as a higher quality and slightly more refined option!
@@yoloswaggins47 do solovairs have a shank? I know my biggest knocks on the docs in hindsight are the fact that they can’t be resoled (they supposedly can but it’s difficult) and they don’t have a shank. They’re just not built like a boot that’s their ultimate downfall. Preferably I’d like them to be more easily resoled too.
Nice job Nick. I can’t believe that you haven’t previously compared these two iconic boots. Having said that, you do a great job in reviewing these well known boots. As always, I enjoyed watching this informative and interesting video. Keep up the great work!...Ed
I’m from the U.K. where DMs originate from and I’ve had several pairs over the last thirty odd years. I’ve always found them quite comfortable but nowadays I’d find them difficult to recommend. They are mass-produced in Asia nowadays and the quality of the leather and standard of finish has deteriorated. Even with regular polishing the leather is inclined to crack. They are now overpriced for what they are and I wouldn’t consider buying them again. Various cobblers in the U.K. can replace the soles and I’m not sure why the same service isn’t available in the US and elsewhere. Curiously they are available in half sizes here too, so I don’t understand why not elsewhere. Strangely they’ve never been more popular, particularly their vegan range, with the company having recently reported extraordinary sales and profit growth. Nevertheless, if people have the choice between DMs and full grained leather Goodyear Welted boots that any cobbler can repair, they should go for the latter.
my Oxblood Mesa looks exactly like your Amber Harness after I apply the mink oil haha I think doesn't matter what leather you chose, after few years of wearing and reconditioning, all the colours gonna look dark just like that
In the 90’s Doc’s and wheat Timberland were the 2 ubiquitous boots of choice. I remember Tim’s being a bit heavy but both boots were comfortable. Today, Blundstone and Thursday Boot Co, are the kings of ubiquity. Blundstones are light weight and comfortable on unimaginable levels. Thursday’s are well made and walk the line of casual rugged making them very versatile. Not going to turn heads w/either brand (not a bad thing), but they do work w/ many casual clothing options and make for good 1st affordable good boots. The next tier up would be Red Wing and Allen Edmond boots. Both have a ton of character ( more so than Thursday Boots because RW and AE don’t walk the casual/rugged line. RWs are casually rugged but they really lean in on the weekend rugged while AE boots lean in on the weekday casual.
lol can’t wait to see all the doc martens geeks come out of the wood work on this. It won’t take long.I remember how in denial they were on the first review video you made. Red Wing is in a whole other zip code when it come to quality compared to the Docs. I actually want to try out a pair of Solivar because they are apparently more Doc than actual Docs if you know what I mean.
Like I said before I wore my red wings blacksmith hiking in Brice Canyon & Zion over thanksgiving week and it was great, no problems with my feet, I loved it. Everyone else had their fancy hiking boots and either they lost their footing going up hill or they complained about their feet hurting. I wore wool socks .
@@somedude1590 you must have some seriously wide feet. My feet are like the incredible hulks, width wise. But i wear Iron rangers, and Moc toes( granted in the wider toe).
@@blueband8114 yea its a real nightmare man. I bought a pair of Danner Super Rain forest boots in 2E and brooo I got like maybe 30hours in them over 2 years and theyre FINALLY STARTING to break in. When i fist got them my feet would tingle and go numb. Now theyre just harpey tingling when I first put them on and that turns into slightly uncomfortable after a couple hours. I wrote Danner and they said the breakin can take a long time on wide feet cause the leather is miles thick. But im gettin there. :)
I have owned multiple pairs of redwings and Doc Martens. All of them work great for me. All of them very comfortable and have lasted. No issues with any of them. I say go with whatever you like the best and works for your style and usage. I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Great video. Appreciate it!
Resoling docs are possible at a local cobbler but it wont be the air sole anymore. Apparently all the places that resole docs with a similar sole are in the uk. I assume cobblers couldve gotten the machinery used at the factory.
I wore Doc's to school in the late 70's and early 80's. I do not get the mystique about them. The soles split even back then. I remember my dad sealing the split ( on numerous pairs) with a hot knife. Thing is every 'trendy' kid wore them back then. So to fit in and all.. kids who wore 'lesser' boots were mocked. Never wore them since being 17yrs old. A long time ago.
Doc Martens are cheap boots and, as such, do have their problems. But the soles were never one of them in my case. I've owned 5 or 6 pairs of 1460s since the 90s, with lots of wear/miles walked, and never got any split on any of the soles, including the two pairs I have now which aren't even made in the UK. Maybe the soles actually got better since the 80s?...
Had no idea that doc's were Solivair now! I am looking to get another pair like the oxblood 11 eyes I had in the 90's. Just can't decide between 8 or 11 eye.
Just ordered some Charcoal IR's after buying beige suede Made in England DM's 24 yrs ago. Not sure I want to spend the extra to resole them. The uppers are in great shape. Outer sole getting worn down pretty well in a couple places. Good for a while longer worn sparingly. :)
I have both boots. It depends on what you like. Doc Martens is an iconic boot for workers and in the made in UK model has better quality. I would buy the Horween leather in the Martens to get close to Red Wing Iron Ranger in quality. I would choise both boots. The Red Wing for looking Denim bad Ass style ( something like Bad Lands film ) or Doc Martens for using you leather jacket outfit or military outfit. For a men both boots would be loved for women.... better than a pair of Jordans.... always.
These are exactly the boots I have. Bought docs before I knew anything about boots then I got the redwings. Probably would have not gotten the docs if I knew how poorly they were made but they are significantly cheaper so I’m not faulting them. They are what they are.
I remember in my punk rock/ doc marten days we went to the mountains and the snow seemed to get right through the boot. Might as well wear chucks! But hey, good times and we looked cool 😎
hahaha. My favorite all time quality boot. I really like my Alden Indys. It's a pretty basic answer but they're really ergonomic, have lovely arch support, they stand out without standing out, and they're Indiana Jones' boots. Mine creased more than they should have at that price point but they're great and very dear to me
@@Surrealiantx I work in the IR and use the Work 9107 for casual stuff and the odd hike. Break-in period is a bit of a struggle but once they conform to the shape of your foot they're superb but I also run a thin foam insole to take a little of the shock (and odour) out. If you can find the 9107 Work or Rover, they're much more forgiving on longer walks. I hiked around 12 miles the other day in my 9107 Work and it was more pleasant than wearing the hiking specific La Sportiva synthetic boots I blew hundreds of dollars on. Try a few models on before you lay down the moula!
Please review Taft's Dragon boot V3? This version looks to be the best yet with the all of the updates in the V3, yet with the non-debossed uppers of the V1 (I wasn't a fan of all of the texturing of the V2).
I think you might ght also want to bring up the fact that, there are several stores that sell factory seconds of Red Wings. And the price can often be about half of retail.. i have yet to find a factory second redwing that has something other than a small cosmetic imperfection. If someone is cash strapped that is a viable option
Dr Martens are fashion shoes-Red Wings are built for working people that are on their feet all day . I have boots from 1964 that are in good shape. Yes I am prejudiced as I worked there from 1964 to 2003. RW's are the cream of the crop. If you think you can't afford them break it down to a yearly cost based on longevity. RWS-the only way to go
Look at a cross section of the Dr. Martins the made I England boots don’t even have a shank meaning they offer no arch support and will kill your feet after a couple hours.
I’ve had great doc Martens and good docs. I invested in Blundstone for work. Wow! Super comfortable right out of the box and very good construction. I’m an artist. I need a boot that I can wear all day that will support my foot and the rest of my body. Totally convinced.
I’ve owned the rangers and I’ve owned solovairs which are close enough if not better, I prefer the redwings but you’ll want the insole as they’re very uncomfortable other wise and I’ve worn more than a few boots and they’re the worst offenders , the docs ( or their clones) are good enough if you live in the city , no problems with snow yet but further testing will be required, but they’re pretty capable for rain storms to a degree and I’ve had great luck wearing them in mud believe it or not and they performed decently when my yard flooded , they’re not necessarily meant to get wet but definitely better vs a sneaker . If you want to buy once cry once go with the redwings they’ll last forever, the solovairs and yes spend that little bit extra for solovairs , will be much cheaper and be quite adequate if you’re just a regular person in the city and don’t work in construction . Oh and the solovairs aren’t bad as maybe a hiking boot I know I can walk a lot longer in then them my shoes and they worked for me when I’ve gone into the wood even when wet but the redwings are better I’ve literally walked through a creek in them and my feet were dry , meanwhile I wouldn’t take my solovairs near a creek for more than a few seconds but that’s not a big everyday problem for most people . Well both are good (if the docs are solovairs ) the redwings are my preference but go with what you like or listen to your wallet , feel free to ask questions so this post isn’t a mile long
I should! I'm not super schooled on leather jackets, I think Schott and Aero are really good and Thursday is the best budget option, even though the lining isn't great on them. I do want to do more leather jacket stuff! Hell of a lot more expensive to get into than boots, which are already expensive haha
I bought some Iron Rangers a few years back so I'd have footwear that, if I take proper care of it, would last me for a decade if not longer. I was sick of buying new shoes every couple years. Little did I know I'd get sucked into this world of boots and just keep finding boots I want. Luckily, I got married which inhibits my desires to buy more and more boots. I don't want to have to keep explaining to my wife why I want this pair of boots or that pair of boots. Anyway, this is a long way of saying I really want the Blacksmiths. That said I think you should see if you can get some Canada West boots. I haven't seen much content about them on TH-cam. I've got a pair of their Romeos and I love them. Had to get them on eBay as I don't think they sell them in the US as far as I know.
@@Snapple316 yep I'm sure there is a difference, I have MIE Toe Caps, Redwings and even Grenson and Wolverine... All very different. I guess the OP is just trying to compare "top sellers".
@@lukemcevoy2385 they aren't that much better. The leather still isn't good and the boot is still shit. Tthese boots have been cut in half numerous times. They aren't worth it.
I spend 250 on a pair of redwing 595, for a years now it feel amazing for my work. Before that I own a pair of doc, it did not last for 3 month. I walk, climb and be on the roof. Doc just won’t last
I rotate 3 pairs of docs 4160's weekly for work for mostly 10-12 hours each day and usually 6 days per week. One pair was made in Vietnam and other in Lao PDR. Excellent quality and very little wear on the soles over a year and a half. I also brush them off after each wear and treat them with Mink oil as needed. Super comfortable all day long. Tomorrow is my day off. I'll be stepping out with one of two pair of 4160 Crazy Horses that I only rock casually and never for work. Both pair of Crazy Horse's were made in Bangladesh. I don't care where they're made as long as they're the quality, comfort, and coolness I dig in Docs. Granted, I'm not wearing Docs while lazying about the house or having supper at my dear sweet ma's house just down the road. That's what Birkenstocks are for. Other than that....I pretty much live in Doc's I reckon. They are just da kine. I'll be wearing a pair of Docs when I step off the plane in Honolulu May 2023. Mahalo!
My first pair of good boots red wing iron ranger. Took it to Taiwan walked in rain and hiked in rain. Hiked in the Rocky Mountain. Fantastic boot I love them. That’s also when my wallet started crying because I’ve bought so many boots since.
I own a red wing and a doc martens, red wing is definitely softer and more comfortable to wear, but docs is no doubt more iconic than redwing. (I can't say it's a pity or not) But younger generation do prefer docs. (I really want those people to learn more about boots, but they don't care, they are chasing for Nike AJ and Addidas Yeezy)😢
Ironically the blobbiness of the doc martens is prob better if you actually work on your feet cuz your feet expand, but because the leather is so thin, you may not wanna work anything too harsh. Idk if one day youd wanna grab one of the industrial doc martens and compare.
It's hard to compare because the aesthetic is so different, if you like a classic british punk scene style then tan brown american work boots won't be what you buy. The days of Docs being a tough or work boot are behind them.
Red Wing is so comfortable out the box compared to Dr. Marten’s. I have the Iron Rangers and Moc toe pink (yes, pink). I bought both brands around the same time and I wear Red Wing more than docs.
I cannot fathom the preference for a flimsy creased shiny boot. It is one of those things that has never appealed to me in the slightest, all leather creases, that's a fact but the Docs are just so flimsy and thin looking I don't see any support or protection from heat/friction that would justify the price and albeit lacking manufacturing from Asia. I opted for a pair of NPS boots and after 2 months of usage they still look supportive and sturdy compared to even a brand new Doc Marten boot.
Can someone explain what chrome tanned leather is please? And do it in a way a five year old could understand(yes I will provide you with construction paper and a box of crayons if desired). I assume it is not tanned with old bumpers and trailer hitches? So is it Chromium that's used to tan it? Also, how in the hell do vegetables tan leather? I've never seen arm on a carrot before! Please help, I am a leather tanning imbicil/virgin/noob(or newb, whatever)! Thanks so much y'all.
1460's made in England and not the cheap fashion knockoffs are what should have been used for an actual comparison. I alternate 1460's with a pair of Redwing Blacksmiths.
@@Stridewise Solovair’s are made by the same manufacturers in England who originally made doc martens before DM moved overseas. The quality leather and air cushion soles are nearly identical in appearance. Solovair’s ARE what dr martens was.
Great video again Nick. I think something to take into consideration is that some of this boots are a fashion statement. It's like the Indy boot. There's no way that the Indy is tougher than an IR, but it's the freaking Indiana Jones' boot which make it super cool. Same thing with doc's, they aren't great but they are the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Chris Cornell's boot. So just wear it as a fashion product.
✰ Also, check out my 10 Best Boots On the Market! th-cam.com/video/9kuHyyefNGE/w-d-xo.html
I personally don't need it, but you should do a video on Solovair since you have so much content on doc martins. It's an easy alternative you can suggest in a higher quality product.
Already filmed it :)
@@Stridewise i agree that Solovair seems better quality then doc martin, perhaps the story is true that they are essentially doc martins before outsourcing.
Solovair is definitely better quality then docs but the quality of Solovair shoes/boots is still not that great tbh. I own two pairs of Solovairs and several RWs and the Leather Quality and overall durability of the Solovair doesn´t even come close to Red Wing. Also the fact that the white stitching of the Solovair shoes is a fake stitch kinda rubs me the wrong way...
@Sendot Hey thanks for letting me know, how do i find these? I was looking for them without success...
The difference between making your grilled cheese with Delicious Aged Cheddar vs Stale Old Cheese Whiz.
Man the comments section is on fire for this one
hahaha! Facts! I've owned a pair of each and Red Wings every time.
Except Redwings look like the Stale Old Cheese Whiz.
@@markanderson3870 Dr martens are junk, good luck when they become utter trash within 6 months
I bought my first pair of Docs 35 years ago and wore them daily for twenty years. They were all Made in England, but I rarely got a year out of a pair, as I said I wore them daily, so they never got a rest. I loved them. I can't remember the exact reason I stopped wearing them, but I bought a pair four years ago (Made in Thailand) and they were utter crap and they were destroyed within six months.
That's when I decided to do some research and came across the Redwings. The first Redwings I bought were the 8111's and I've since added some Chukkas and Moc Toes to the collection. They are far superior to the crap that Dr. Martens are spitting out. If I ever wear a pair of Docs again they will be made by Solovair.
Doc's are cool, but Redwing's are way tougher.
100%
Docs are junk.
Docs are really comfortable. I've had a pair for over 15 yrs going strong.
@@travisadams4470 you clearly don’t wear them that much. If you do, you must use some duct tape to keep them together.
@@daveodanger Redwings are boring to the point of ugly.
Obviously theres no competition, red wing will always win, but i like that you’re trying to educate people that aren’t boot wizards.
Thank you! Usually people yell at me for comparing boots at such different price points but yes, that's my goal.
Solovair at all the punk and sks shows. Anything else at everything else. I have the burgundy rub, black cap toe and astronaut in oxblood for solovair but there's no punk shows now so I haven't worn them in a while
i just ordered my first pair of red wings today!
Congratulations! That's a big step in a boot dude's journey
Loved Dr.Martens in my Teens & 20's, Redwing's in my 30's, now in my 40's. I prefer well made but classically simple in design Crockett&Jones and Loake. But If I had to pick between the two, it would probably be Redwings. Love both, it's just because I had Dr.Martens in my youth, it will make me feel like i'm trying to re-capture my youth and trigger a midlife crisis.
Wow! My route too: Docs as a
teenager but 14 holers for the extra aggro look. Brogues by Crockett & Jones as they make me feel well dressed;
R.M.Williams when I lived in Australia (everyone has a pair). I bought Redwings because when I tried them on 'just to see what the fuss is about" I was in heaven: fantastic fit, comfort, look.
(I avoid UK made docs as breaking them is awful)
Crockett and Jones Chelsea’s are so nice.
My oldest pair of footwear is my Redwings Ironrangers. Resoled once and still going strong!
dm looks like a toy compares to red wing
Hahah you put it so well
Red wing look like clown shoes !
Dm looks like kids shoes
it’s comparing a boot half the price to another so also redwings just don’t have the look
Dm are trash if you walk in them for more then an hour a day🤷🏼♀️ and charge you the same or more for less quality (just my opinion. My friend REALLY likes them and that’s all that matters!😌☺️)
For people who like the look of Docs but want the better quality of Red Wings, the Red Wing Blacksmith in Black Prairie is worth a look. It’s obviously not the same look, but kind of in the same spirit. Plus, they age much more nicely. When the Black Prairie leather gets scuffed, the leather is brown under the surface finish. It’s much nicer than the gray that shows through on the Docs when the finish eventually flakes off.
Thanks Nick, as always, a well done comparison. I think the Doc's attributes would be as a cultural icon (in certain circles) and I have to admit, if one can get a full size that fits well, that sole is comfortable. I just don't understand why they don't offer 1/2 sizes... crazy. Also the non-MIE models have such poor leather. But the Red Wings (mine is the 8119 model) are my favorite boots. Each day I wear them, I really appreciate their quality, comfort, design and heritage. There are more expensive boots out there (Nick's Whites, etc...) but for the money, Red Wings are at the threshold of perfection. Cheers mate.
Have you tried the made in england DM range? Some of its 1460 versions are actually made from chromexcel supple leathers or cf stead hides.
Another upside apart from the half sizes is the RedWings can also be had in WIDE widths for those of us with clown feet.
I have a pair of Red Wings that I've owned since around 1997. The Vibram soles are almost worn through now but the upper leather is in amazing shape. I have a pair of Doc Martens that I've owned since 2006. The Vibram sole looks almost new still but the upper leather looks really weathered and worn. I actually love both pairs but the truth is the Red Wings may more than cost twice as much but they offer so much more value per wear and will last you (and eventually your kids) forever.
I have both and love the IR, but my DM are full grain leather, purchased in the UK over 20 years ago, they still look as good as new. I wore them at least once a week the first 15 years, I wish I could post a picture. what they sell today as DM is trash.
Docs used to do a For Life range where you could get them repaired, resoled, replaced etc essentially for free but unfortunately they discontinued it, probably because it lost them a lot of money. I've had the For Life 1460 Crazy Horse ones for nearly ten years, they only replace them now, but they're still honouring the guarantee!
Explain this a little more. So I could send my docs that need to be resoled to them and they’ll replace them? I have the made in England ones which aren’t cheap so they should offer that program to me 😂
@@JoshuaSlosser So Dr Martens used to have a program where if you buy their specific For Life range of boots, they guaranteed repairs and replacements basically for life, or for as long as you hang onto the guarantee code anyway, but only for this specific line. I bought my boots back in maybe 2012 for about £120, and I have had them replaced at least 4 times since then through the guarantee that came with that purchase. The program was discontinued in 2018 but they're still honouring guarantees from before this time. Basically, if your boots wear down to the point of having significant wear and tear and the customer support team verifies that this is the case, they will replace them for you, as they also stopped repairs back in 2018. The only thing you have to pay is a processing fee, which is about £20. It was a great deal, but they were definitely losing money with it given they discontinued it! They currently sometimes don't even replace them, they just give you a coupon for their website. I will say that the quality of boots that i've received as replacements has definitely decreased over the years, as the original ones were definitely higher quality and more durable.
@@yoloswaggins47 that would be an amazing program if they still offered it! I wish more companies were like Patagonia and they owned their products for life with a repair/replace program. That’s a damn shame about the quality decreasing. I think I’m going to sell my made in England docs as it’s not really a style of boot I have to have in my wardrobe and they just seem to be a ticking time bomb as far as quality is concerned. I thought I was getting the good ones with the made in England ones but it seems like “good ones” don’t exist anymore lol. Thanks for telling me about the program though!
@@JoshuaSlosser Patagonia definitely have a great business model, yes the prices are steep but you know you're getting quality that you'll have for life, i agree. I don't blame you for wanting to sell your Made in Englands, to be fair they are the "good ones" out of the selection of Docs, which tells you all you need to know about the quality of the other ones! They've sadly devolved from a quality boot company to a fashion boot company, I've seen plenty of vintage Docs which are much better made than their current offering. I would suggest Solovair as a higher quality and slightly more refined option!
@@yoloswaggins47 do solovairs have a shank? I know my biggest knocks on the docs in hindsight are the fact that they can’t be resoled (they supposedly can but it’s difficult) and they don’t have a shank. They’re just not built like a boot that’s their ultimate downfall. Preferably I’d like them to be more easily resoled too.
Nice job Nick. I can’t believe that you haven’t previously compared these two iconic boots. Having said that, you do a great job in reviewing these well known boots. As always, I enjoyed watching this informative and interesting video. Keep up the great work!...Ed
Lovely to see you, Ed! Thanks for commenting
I’m from the U.K. where DMs originate from and I’ve had several pairs over the last thirty odd years. I’ve always found them quite comfortable but nowadays I’d find them difficult to recommend. They are mass-produced in Asia nowadays and the quality of the leather and standard of finish has deteriorated. Even with regular polishing the leather is inclined to crack. They are now overpriced for what they are and I wouldn’t consider buying them again. Various cobblers in the U.K. can replace the soles and I’m not sure why the same service isn’t available in the US and elsewhere. Curiously they are available in half sizes here too, so I don’t understand why not elsewhere. Strangely they’ve never been more popular, particularly their vegan range, with the company having recently reported extraordinary sales and profit growth. Nevertheless, if people have the choice between DMs and full grained leather Goodyear Welted boots that any cobbler can repair, they should go for the latter.
my Oxblood Mesa looks exactly like your Amber Harness after I apply the mink oil haha I think doesn't matter what leather you chose, after few years of wearing and reconditioning, all the colours gonna look dark just like that
In the 90’s Doc’s and wheat Timberland were the 2 ubiquitous boots of choice. I remember Tim’s being a bit heavy but both boots were comfortable. Today, Blundstone and Thursday Boot Co, are the kings of ubiquity. Blundstones are light weight and comfortable on unimaginable levels. Thursday’s are well made and walk the line of casual rugged making them very versatile. Not going to turn heads w/either brand (not a bad thing), but they do work w/ many casual clothing options and make for good 1st affordable good boots. The next tier up would be Red Wing and Allen Edmond boots. Both have a ton of character ( more so than Thursday Boots because RW and AE don’t walk the casual/rugged line. RWs are casually rugged but they really lean in on the weekend rugged while AE boots lean in on the weekday casual.
lol can’t wait to see all the doc martens geeks come out of the wood work on this. It won’t take long.I remember how in denial they were on the first review video you made. Red Wing is in a whole other zip code when it come to quality compared to the Docs. I actually want to try out a pair of Solivar because they are apparently more Doc than actual Docs if you know what I mean.
Yeah they'll come soon enough once this video gets suggested to them, haha! Solovair is better, I tried them and did a video coming out soon!
@@Stridewise nice I look forward to seeing it.
Like I said before I wore my red wings blacksmith hiking in Brice Canyon & Zion over thanksgiving week and it was great, no problems with my feet, I loved it. Everyone else had their fancy hiking boots and either they lost their footing going up hill or they complained about their feet hurting. I wore wool socks .
Thank you. Im looking for a " everything " shoe I just found out store has some for damn near half price in hoping I get paid in time
I might have gotten a redwing roughout leather if i had seen any noice black friday sales
Haha I got a roughout Rover!
My local RW store had 20% off for Black Friday.
i tried to try on a pair of redwings and couldnt even get my foot in it it was so narrow
Gout?
@@daveodanger Nosir 4e feet I've had my whole life.
@@somedude1590 you must have some seriously wide feet. My feet are like the incredible hulks, width wise. But i wear Iron rangers, and Moc toes( granted in the wider toe).
@@blueband8114 yea its a real nightmare man. I bought a pair of Danner Super Rain forest boots in 2E and brooo I got like maybe 30hours in them over 2 years and theyre FINALLY STARTING to break in. When i fist got them my feet would tingle and go numb. Now theyre just harpey tingling when I first put them on and that turns into slightly uncomfortable after a couple hours.
I wrote Danner and they said the breakin can take a long time on wide feet cause the leather is miles thick. But im gettin there. :)
Good thing they come in wide sizes!
I have owned multiple pairs of redwings and Doc Martens. All of them work great for me. All of them very comfortable and have lasted. No issues with any of them. I say go with whatever you like the best and works for your style and usage. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.
Great video. Appreciate it!
Redwing for sure. Maybe my next pair of boots.
I realy need the review of crazy horse docs
Resoling docs are possible at a local cobbler but it wont be the air sole anymore. Apparently all the places that resole docs with a similar sole are in the uk. I assume cobblers couldve gotten the machinery used at the factory.
I wore Doc's to school in the late 70's and early 80's. I do not get the mystique about them. The soles split even back then. I remember my dad sealing the split ( on numerous pairs) with a hot knife.
Thing is every 'trendy' kid wore them back then. So to fit in and all.. kids who wore 'lesser' boots were mocked. Never wore them since being 17yrs old. A long time ago.
Doc Martens are cheap boots and, as such, do have their problems. But the soles were never one of them in my case. I've owned 5 or 6 pairs of 1460s since the 90s, with lots of wear/miles walked, and never got any split on any of the soles, including the two pairs I have now which aren't even made in the UK. Maybe the soles actually got better since the 80s?...
Had no idea that doc's were Solivair now! I am looking to get another pair like the oxblood 11 eyes I had in the 90's. Just can't decide between 8 or 11 eye.
Solovair
My brain says Iron Ranger, but my heart tells me 1460. I still plain on going with my brain soon.
This was a beautiful comment
Buy Solovair instead of Martens.
Martens have been terrible for a long time.
Probably since NPS Solovair stopped making them 😃
@@Chirn70 Does Solovair means "Sole of Air?"
@@Hopfroggerz well, I'd imagine in is a play on words to suggest that 😃
They're still an icon for a reason
if you are a construction worker, or work in a factory you get Redwings. If you work at the mall you get Doc Martins.
Just ordered some Charcoal IR's after buying beige suede Made in England DM's 24 yrs ago. Not sure I want to spend the extra to resole them. The uppers are in great shape. Outer sole getting worn down pretty well in a couple places. Good for a while longer worn sparingly. :)
Should've used the made in england docs as a comp
I'm old enough to remember when working men could afford Red Wings.
lol
Methuselah?! Is this you?
I'm old enough to remember when most men actually worked.
I work in accounting and it feels so good to take my iron rangers off after a hard day at the office LOL
All it takes is one famous person to wear them to ruin everything
Hey Nick, I know you've worked a lot already with Thursdays but would you be able to do a comparison of Thursday Loggers vs Nicks?
Lol thats funny
😂🤣😂
@@ljohnston5457 I think I already know which boot is going to come on top but I feel like the Thursday boot is comparatively purely aesthetic
I have both boots. It depends on what you like. Doc Martens is an iconic boot for workers and in the made in UK model has better quality. I would buy the Horween leather in the Martens to get close to Red Wing Iron Ranger in quality. I would choise both boots. The Red Wing for looking Denim bad Ass style ( something like Bad Lands film ) or Doc Martens for using you leather jacket outfit or military outfit. For a men both boots would be loved for women.... better than a pair of Jordans.... always.
These are exactly the boots I have. Bought docs before I knew anything about boots then I got the redwings. Probably would have not gotten the docs if I knew how poorly they were made but they are significantly cheaper so I’m not faulting them. They are what they are.
You should try the doc martens Combs Leather. Matte finish, very soft from the off, best ones I've ever had.
I remember in my punk rock/ doc marten days we went to the mountains and the snow seemed to get right through the boot. Might as well wear chucks! But hey, good times and we looked cool 😎
Hey Nick, what would you say is your all time favorite quality boot? Thursday DOESNT COUNT!!!!
hahaha. My favorite all time quality boot. I really like my Alden Indys. It's a pretty basic answer but they're really ergonomic, have lovely arch support, they stand out without standing out, and they're Indiana Jones' boots. Mine creased more than they should have at that price point but they're great and very dear to me
@@Stridewise I wouldn´t have guessed that, thanks for sharing :)
Tried all of them and reverted back to my nine year old pair of Red Wing 9107s. Most comfortable boot I've owned.
How does the Iron Ranger do on long walks? University student here, so lots of walking.
@@Surrealiantx I work in the IR and use the Work 9107 for casual stuff and the odd hike. Break-in period is a bit of a struggle but once they conform to the shape of your foot they're superb but I also run a thin foam insole to take a little of the shock (and odour) out. If you can find the 9107 Work or Rover, they're much more forgiving on longer walks. I hiked around 12 miles the other day in my 9107 Work and it was more pleasant than wearing the hiking specific La Sportiva synthetic boots I blew hundreds of dollars on. Try a few models on before you lay down the moula!
Please review Taft's Dragon boot V3? This version looks to be the best yet with the all of the updates in the V3, yet with the non-debossed uppers of the V1 (I wasn't a fan of all of the texturing of the V2).
*stridewise uploads about iron rangers* ah I love church on Sunday
God damn this is a great comment, thank you Blake
@@Stridewise I’m honored, keep up the good work
I think you might ght also want to bring up the fact that, there are several stores that sell factory seconds of Red Wings. And the price can often be about half of retail.. i have yet to find a factory second redwing that has something other than a small cosmetic imperfection. If someone is cash strapped that is a viable option
Could you make a video about the red wing Pecos?
Rovers are next, Jesse!
Dr Martens are fashion shoes-Red Wings are built for working people that are on their feet all day . I have boots from 1964 that are in good shape. Yes I am prejudiced as I worked there from 1964 to 2003. RW's are the cream of the crop. If you think you can't afford them break it down to a yearly cost based on longevity. RWS-the only way to go
As for traction try walking in Doc’s on a icy road in 20 degree weather. Can you say frozen shoe sole.
Look at a cross section of the Dr. Martins the made I England boots don’t even have a shank meaning they offer no arch support and will kill your feet after a couple hours.
I’ve had great doc Martens and good docs. I invested in Blundstone for work. Wow! Super comfortable right out of the box and very good construction. I’m an artist. I need a boot that I can wear all day that will support my foot and the rest of my body. Totally convinced.
Nice! Blundstone review is on the way.
I’ve owned the rangers and I’ve owned solovairs which are close enough if not better, I prefer the redwings but you’ll want the insole as they’re very uncomfortable other wise and I’ve worn more than a few boots and they’re the worst offenders , the docs ( or their clones) are good enough if you live in the city , no problems with snow yet but further testing will be required, but they’re pretty capable for rain storms to a degree and I’ve had great luck wearing them in mud believe it or not and they performed decently when my yard flooded , they’re not necessarily meant to get wet but definitely better vs a sneaker . If you want to buy once cry once go with the redwings they’ll last forever, the solovairs and yes spend that little bit extra for solovairs , will be much cheaper and be quite adequate if you’re just a regular person in the city and don’t work in construction . Oh and the solovairs aren’t bad as maybe a hiking boot I know I can walk a lot longer in then them my shoes and they worked for me when I’ve gone into the wood even when wet but the redwings are better I’ve literally walked through a creek in them and my feet were dry , meanwhile I wouldn’t take my solovairs near a creek for more than a few seconds but that’s not a big everyday problem for most people . Well both are good (if the docs are solovairs ) the redwings are my preference but go with what you like or listen to your wallet , feel free to ask questions so this post isn’t a mile long
I’ve done hiking and construction work in my Solovairs. Not to bad, but my KEENS are better for that stuff.
@@sidneygaylord477 KEENS ? Yea my point wasn’t that you couldn’t just that it’s not my first choice , should you vs could you
What I really like from the DM 1460 it has more of Combat look and it just fits my style better but I do love the the iron ranger
Stridewise, could you do a leather jacket compilation, with different pricepoints and explaining what makes a good leather jacket?
I should! I'm not super schooled on leather jackets, I think Schott and Aero are really good and Thursday is the best budget option, even though the lining isn't great on them. I do want to do more leather jacket stuff! Hell of a lot more expensive to get into than boots, which are already expensive haha
Could you do a review on the new Taft Dragon 3.0's? They seem to have gone with a new last and have new leather options, two of which aren't suede?
I'd like to but Taft are really hot and cold with me, I don't know. I'll hit them up again
@@Stridewise Aye thanks for replying man, keep doing what you do.
I bought some Iron Rangers a few years back so I'd have footwear that, if I take proper care of it, would last me for a decade if not longer. I was sick of buying new shoes every couple years. Little did I know I'd get sucked into this world of boots and just keep finding boots I want. Luckily, I got married which inhibits my desires to buy more and more boots. I don't want to have to keep explaining to my wife why I want this pair of boots or that pair of boots. Anyway, this is a long way of saying I really want the Blacksmiths.
That said I think you should see if you can get some Canada West boots. I haven't seen much content about them on TH-cam. I've got a pair of their Romeos and I love them. Had to get them on eBay as I don't think they sell them in the US as far as I know.
Do you have Hamilton watch on the video right???
can you do a review of Dr martens 1460 crazy horse, i think the leather is better quality
Are the sizes the same on dr m and redwings?
Red wing vs caterpillar CAT I did one the red wings were 3 to one against cats in last.
What denim are you wearing @ 7:12? Great review, thanks.
Thanks Firouz! They're Brave Star, check it: th-cam.com/video/_utQ6tnNX_Q/w-d-xo.html
Why not compare the made in England docs?
01:15
@@Stridewise made in England are maybe $250 better leather, thicker and more comparible. Readily available in USA. (?)
@@Snapple316 yep I'm sure there is a difference, I have MIE Toe Caps, Redwings and even Grenson and Wolverine... All very different.
I guess the OP is just trying to compare "top sellers".
@@lukemcevoy2385 they aren't that much better. The leather still isn't good and the boot is still shit. Tthese boots have been cut in half numerous times. They aren't worth it.
@@amanasd26 I tend to agree with you.
After watch this video, I made my decision to take red wing..now its on the way..thanks for the sharing...
Docs all the way. Real Doc people get it.
It would be funny to see you walking around with 2 different boots on
Alot of people wear docs at my job (amazon) but Im the only one that wears thursday boots' and I get alot of complements
My man, Stelio!
@Becoming Godsize they suggest safety shoes but they dont enforce it. And I have the terrocota captains, I feel I can wear those way more casually.
I bought Docs years ago, but they did nothing but hurting my feet. I tried and I tried, but had to give up wearing them.
I spend 250 on a pair of redwing 595, for a years now it feel amazing for my work. Before that I own a pair of doc, it did not last for 3 month. I walk, climb and be on the roof. Doc just won’t last
I rotate 3 pairs of docs 4160's weekly for work for mostly 10-12 hours each day and usually 6 days per week. One pair was made in Vietnam and other in Lao PDR. Excellent quality and very little wear on the soles over a year and a half. I also brush them off after each wear and treat them with Mink oil as needed. Super comfortable all day long. Tomorrow is my day off. I'll be stepping out with one of two pair of 4160 Crazy Horses that I only rock casually and never for work. Both pair of Crazy Horse's were made in Bangladesh. I don't care where they're made as long as they're the quality, comfort, and coolness I dig in Docs. Granted, I'm not wearing Docs while lazying about the house or having supper at my dear sweet ma's house just down the road. That's what Birkenstocks are for. Other than that....I pretty much live in Doc's I reckon. They are just da kine. I'll be wearing a pair of Docs when I step off the plane in Honolulu May 2023. Mahalo!
Rip open a Sagebrown case from England and maybe some HR Trask Bison boots
My first pair of good boots red wing iron ranger. Took it to Taiwan walked in rain and hiked in rain. Hiked in the Rocky Mountain. Fantastic boot I love them. That’s also when my wallet started crying because I’ve bought so many boots since.
Chalk and Cheese. Iron rangers are more than twice the price arent they?
Twice the price ya
as a punk, I'll always have a love for Docs, but they're not the best ever
Recommend Solovair. Same look but better quality. 🤘
get solovairs mate, far better boot
What colour are the Blacksmiths? Briar?
Yup!
I own a red wing and a doc martens, red wing is definitely softer and more comfortable to wear, but docs is no doubt more iconic than redwing. (I can't say it's a pity or not) But younger generation do prefer docs. (I really want those people to learn more about boots, but they don't care, they are chasing for Nike AJ and Addidas Yeezy)😢
Ironically the blobbiness of the doc martens is prob better if you actually work on your feet cuz your feet expand, but because the leather is so thin, you may not wanna work anything too harsh. Idk if one day youd wanna grab one of the industrial doc martens and compare.
It's hard to compare because the aesthetic is so different, if you like a classic british punk scene style then tan brown american work boots won't be what you buy. The days of Docs being a tough or work boot are behind them.
Iron ranger fit like a glove
DM’s are not great for wide feet and take a while to break in. IMHO.
i kinda wish the Red Wing boots were as tall as the doc martens
They've got 8-inch moc toes! But yeah, not Iron Rangers.
@@Stridewise but they do released limited 8 inch iron ranger!
@@umarzabidin yes this is true! hard to find though. but you're right i should have mentioned it
@@Stridewise oh yea, i also saw that they have the harvesters boots and the loggers, but they r only available in Europe
Red Wing is so comfortable out the box compared to Dr. Marten’s. I have the Iron Rangers and Moc toe pink (yes, pink). I bought both brands around the same time and I wear Red Wing more than docs.
I would love to buy boots made 40 miles from where I live.... But, there is never any wide sizes available from Red Wing..
Just depends on the model.... I've got two different pairs in EE width.
Doc's will crack at the top after a year too.
I cannot fathom the preference for a flimsy creased shiny boot. It is one of those things that has never appealed to me in the slightest, all leather creases, that's a fact but the Docs are just so flimsy and thin looking I don't see any support or protection from heat/friction that would justify the price and albeit lacking manufacturing from Asia.
I opted for a pair of NPS boots and after 2 months of usage they still look supportive and sturdy compared to even a brand new Doc Marten boot.
I do love the look and feel of Dr. Martens, but $150 for very questionable leather quality is not worth it for me.
Not true I’ve had my 1460 crazy horse drs for like 5 years and wear em everyday
@@liamgallagherrr hey Liam
no contest,red wings still rock!
Can someone explain what chrome tanned leather is please? And do it in a way a five year old could understand(yes I will provide you with construction paper and a box of crayons if desired). I assume it is not tanned with old bumpers and trailer hitches? So is it Chromium that's used to tan it? Also, how in the hell do vegetables tan leather? I've never seen arm on a carrot before! Please help, I am a leather tanning imbicil/virgin/noob(or newb, whatever)! Thanks so much y'all.
th-cam.com/video/vg5_kq10T0c/w-d-xo.html
Doc leather takes ages to break in, it blist my ankle and heel. My blacksmith starts to shape up just after third wearing
Yes, Docs leather is awful.
It breaks down as it breaks in , in my experience.
Go for Red Wing.
1460's made in England and not the cheap fashion knockoffs are what should have been used for an actual comparison. I alternate 1460's with a pair of Redwing Blacksmiths.
Do you have the English ones with the Horween Leather? Those are ones I'm considering.
I'm pretty sure that the 1460 is made in Asia AND in England. The one's made in England cost more.
You should of used dr martens ben boots goucho they got the americana look with the doc sole! Way cooler than the docs your comparing.
Red Wings!
Go Red Wing hunting at a Nordstrom Rack. Definitely find stuff there
tough choice poser or hipster go with the pink one to match that blue and pink blouse.
Finally a solution to my dilemma, thanks David
For all my wide feet people... I have duck feet and iron rangers feel amazing after breaking them in!
There's actually only one pair of boots here
lolol why are there so many more great comments on this video than usual
this is true
@@Stridewise people love to dunk on doc martens
Docs are the walmart of the boot world
Do people on the street ever notice when you wear mismatched boots?
I do wonder that! They're more likely to notice the big honking camera following my feet than the feet themselves lol
Red Wings Iron Ranger vs Solovair Derby boots (which is made in England “docs”) would be a much more fair comparison.
Not really since Soloviars aren't Doc Martens
@@Stridewise Solovair’s are made by the same manufacturers in England who originally made doc martens before DM moved overseas. The quality leather and air cushion soles are nearly identical in appearance. Solovair’s ARE what dr martens was.
th-cam.com/video/0DzVq9RsMMQ/w-d-xo.html
Great video again Nick. I think something to take into consideration is that some of this boots are a fashion statement. It's like the Indy boot. There's no way that the Indy is tougher than an IR, but it's the freaking Indiana Jones' boot which make it super cool. Same thing with doc's, they aren't great but they are the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Chris Cornell's boot. So just wear it as a fashion product.