Red Wing Iron Ranger 6 Month Update
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- I have been wearing the Red Wing Iron Rangers consistently for the past 6 months. I talk about how they have been to wear, and my overall experiences.
Amazon Links
Iron Ranger: amzn.to/3EMyBv8
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Jack of all trades, master of none. You comparing the iron ranger to 6 different pairs of boots, kind of speaks for itself.
If I could only own one, it's the iron ranger.
These boots are like a wild horse. Taming is hard, but once done, they become your best friend.
I've had mine for about a month. Doing bathroom renovations/ mechanic stuff. Overall I love them. Break in wasn't as tough for me because I got 1/2 size too big on accident. Had to put a insole in it so my laces work right. I really like how much softer it makes the boot feel actually. I was disappointed with their water resistance, so I put mink oil on them. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, don't be afraid. They're taking on a maroon color now with all the scuffs and wrinkles lighter. The way I use them, I'll be happy if I get at least 5 years out of them.
Yes, they take a long time to break in. But they last a really long time and are resolable so you could very possibly have top quality boots for decades with this purchase. That's why I invested in my 8111s. Also, I actually use them for lots of hard core outdoor work and clean them up for casual dress. Extremely versatile in my experience. Red Wing waterproofing spray makes them virtually waterproof unless you are spending literally hours standing in more than two inches deep water. Walking through typical puddles or working in wet grass and leaves -- no problem.
Just bought myself the first pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger yesterday.
I watched your video a few weeks ago and it helped me make the decision. Thanks for the great contents!
Thanks for watching, hope the boots work out!
I got the Iron Ranger boots and they broke in very quickly for me but I stand all day in my job but little walking. They broke in quickly for me , I just tightened them as tight as possible and ignored the store's sizing advice and just got my same sneaker size. Best boots ever, comfy imho. I just like the non comfy sole with no cushion. For me that offers better back support instead of sneakers.
My main advice to get good comfortable use out of Iron Ranger boots is to invest in good socks, wool socks.
I love an honest opinion from someone who knows what they are saying
Terrifically insightful review. Cheers 🍻
Thank you, cheers!
This was a fantastic review! I've watched dozens of videos about Iron Rangers and this is the most thorough "real world" description of your experience, and you hit literally every question I had. I hope your channel continues to grow, as you've got a lot of great insights to share!
I have had mine over a year. They are great boots for someone just getting into heritage boots. I made the mistake of getting a pair of Nick's Handmade Boots and after breaking them in and getting used the the support and comfort they offer I can never go back to wearing Iron Rangers.
My 1 month old 8111's are killing my feets :D Nice to hear that they are getting better with time 😊. Thanks for a great review
How is the boot now ? I bought one 2 weeks ago and is killing me
Iron rangers are a challenge to break in. It’s definitely a slow process I feel mine are getting a little easier but I’m not up to to point of walking 5-6 miles in a day after a mile and a half they start to tear up my feet. I’ve put an insole in mine and a heel pad to reduce blisters also I put moleskin tape over my little toes to prevent blisters. Tying them up tight seems to help.
Although they’re nice boots it’s 2023 and it’s possibly to make a military grade boot that you can wear straight out the box for a whole day and not get instant blisters. Maybe redwing should have a look at making their boots more comfortable because the initial user experience is awful.
Good review! Just got the same boots today and went for a 3 mile walk. I’ve spent a long time in the army and I know that you can bruise your feet if they’re not conditioned overtime for wearing boots. It’s a big difference going from tennis shoes or cushy rubber hiking boots to actual boots. You have to condition your feet for wearing boots. In time your feet will toughen up and not be so sensitive.
Yep. That’s my experience. My feet are used to the lack of cushioning.
You have a point. These boots bring fatigue to the foot after a few hours of wear. I have experienced it myself. Walking on concrete roads for a few miles and then my feet will already feel like it needs some rest. I guess it is because of the sole which is really hard. I have moved on to Truman boots Java waxed flesh with a Dainite sole on it which is much more comfortable to wear over longer periods. I'm though considering getting the 8083 sooner or later. I love the look and style of the Iron Ranger boots from Red Wing.
I bought a pair here in Dublin a week ago. The store guy was encouraging me to get a size down but that was so uncomfortable I coildnt even stand up in them. I insisted on the next size up. They were very stiff ( as you'd expect ) but I could tell they were just right. I started to wearing them for the first 4 hours per morning at my job doing church maintenance / gardening.
They got a little sore but not excruciating. I also notice they feel better each day. When you wear these boots you actually feel the quality on your feet. The feel solid and constructed with care.
My advice if buying your first pair is don't stick religously to the "one size down " rule. Go with your gut feeling as you try them.
💯, glad you didn’t trust the guy in the store. They steered me wrong in NY as well, then they wouldn’t take the boots back! Go with your normal size, put an insert in if it’s to big.
Thanks for watching!
I go through the complete opposite comparison process. I choose my iron rangers and blacksmiths over everything else except over like shower sandals 😂
They actually are a true work boot. Developed for the iron mines in the 30s. Solid leather, steel shank, durable rugged construction. Other than lacking more modern tech these sure do great for work.
100 years later there are far better work boots that are more protective and more comfortable
You must have sensitive feet, I didn’t have the problems you experienced. They are a thick leather boot, they’re supposed to take time to break in. Nick’s Boots take three times as long to break in which by the way, are the best American boot made!!! Nick’s Boots!! I love my Iron Rangers big time
Best review I’ve seen on any shoe, covered everything. I was surprised to hear you had pain in the arch when climbing on a stair or something like that, Rose Anvils channel showed it having a metal shank when he opened it 🧐🤔 interesting.
Thanks for the kind words! The pain I was feeling was because it gets narrow in the middle of the foot. The support is pretty decent, being as it has the steel shank.
Yeah it was three grooves wide and he said he hadn’t seen a shank that wide before.
@@tommilano5431 pro tip. put an insole in your boots. much better arch support. i uae the sole brand cork insoles, they are great. if the boots do not have a removable insole like the higgins mill, i size up from d to e, and they fit right in. thank me later.
Thank you. I’ve been thinking of doing this to get more comfort.
Your body heat is what breaks them in more than anything. Just wear them around the house a lot. One day you will put them and you will instantly know that they have broken in.
The different leathers have different break-in periods. The Harness leathers, like your 8111, take the longest to soften up.
This is true. One day i just realized i wasn't thinking about them. Somewhere about two/three weeks of daily wear. Since then no issues. Put them on and go.
Good review. I'm picking up my first pair this weekend. I expect a long break in period too. I sit behind a desk all day and want them more for style. I plan to make them my go to boots to wear on a daily basis still.
This is the perfect review, I want to get a pair of these for work. I spend extended periods of time getting up and down in the crouch position. I'm very glad you covered this.
I just picked up a pair at the annual clearance sale in Red Wing, MN. Paid $130 for the Iron Rangers, and grabbed a pair of 877’s for $160. Now to break them in.
Just got mine yesterday, they are feeling pretty stiff, i know ive a long way to go with these but like my 875s im sure the effort will be well worth it. 😊
Awesome, hope you enjoy them. They are well made boots! They didn’t work out for me in the end, the destroyed my heels.
Thanks for the honest review. I'm glad they finally worked for you. I think most people might have given up on the boot. I am considering the Iron Ranger and found this review helpful.
Very nice update 👍. I've had the exact same experience with my Iron Rangers. In my case, it takes about a year to make them really comfortable. Patience is the keyword!
You’ve got a lot of patience, were there some special areas to break them in that long? I’ve had a great experience molding them perfectly in less than two months. Model 08084 (black). Maybe that’s because Iron Rangers are very close to my feet shape out of the box. The only trouble is to care for them properly here in Ukraine. Had to order Venetian shoe cream from U.S. Amazon. By the way, what is the price for the Iron Rangers in Denmark? 20 years ago, I was quite impressed by the prices for Ecco shoes in Copenhagen. Sure, those were made in Denmark and Thailand only that time, and much better quality than most of the modern Eccos. Still, about the same price range, as RW it was. I ‘d guess, it was the deliberate decision to go downhill, and make the mid market shoes under the Ecco brand?
@@user-fd9mr4pi2h The reason why it takes me that long to break them in is, that my job requires modern safety footwear, so I can't wear them many hours a day! Problem number 2 is, that I have too many boots in rotation 😅. The Ecco brand was something that we were very proud of, until they moved the production to asia. It is really a shame when that happens. And I also think, that the quality has declined. The price for the Iron Rangers here in Denmark is 380 USD.
Thomas Denmark are there any upmarket Ecco models? Such as, some small domestic production for the local market, or for the loyal customers worldwide? Here in Kyiv I can only find inexpensive Chinese and, at most, Slovakian made ordinary shoes, very close to a Skechers quality and price range. I’ve got some 20 years old Ecco moccasins, very good light brown oiled leather, great with blue denim. Can’t find anything of the kind, so have to wear them rarely. Bought Iron Rangers Postman 101 shoes, which are extremely hard to break in. Those feel more like Dutch wooden shoes, and I have blisters every time I wear them. For the $300 shoes I would expect some more friendly experience. Those 1999s Ecco were comfortable right out of the box.
@@user-fd9mr4pi2h I have never heard of any DK exclusive models. I guess it is the same no matter which country you are in. Back in the 70's and 80's, everyone wore Ecco shoes. I don't remember when I last saw a person wearing Ecco's. But yes, they are very comfortable out of the box. Young people today are wearing sneakers, no matter if it is summer or winter! And they are from Nike, Adidas etc. When I was young, it was Ecco shoes in the summer and Ecco boots in winter time.
Thomas Denmar
I got a pair of red wing blacksmith's and they had no break in time with the copper rough and tough leather
The copper rough and tough leather is nice. I’ve heard it’s a bit softer as well.
@@tommilano5431 yeah it's way softer than the other stuff
I think the R&T is harder to break in than Harness leather. Harness leather feels almost as soft as leather gloves.
the good thing about red wing boots is people always buy the wrong size or give up trying to break them in so there's always lots of second hand red wings for sale
The store employees are always telling people to size down and then it destroys their feet.
Great video man! A update on your Thursdays would be nice too
Thank you. That is on the list as well!
I feel like he's the only one telling the truth about the comfortability and break-in period on these boots.
I bought the Blacksmith and haven’t worn them in yet, just on and off a day here a day there. I find them very comfortable with a foam insole. Looking to get iron ranger next.
with all due respect,for my 2 cents worth, if brands like Levi's, Ray Ban, &Red Wings have been around for a hundred years +they might be doing something right so issues like breaking in time and fit and price are things I consider a minor matter. enough said!
Yeah, I guess....
Buddy, I don't know what the hell you're talking about. Mine broke in almost instantly and your rant about walking up stairs and hitting a spot that hurts your feet? There's a damn steel shank, a wide one, that's precisely in the spot your talking about. ??? Go back to sneakers. Boots are not for you.
😂😂😂💯💯💯
I’m on my 2nd day and they already feel good! For fitting, I’m an 11d on the brannock and 11d on red wing’s fancy measuring device. My 11 D’s fit perfectly
So you wear size 11 in sneakers and red wings?
I would never buy these for extended use. The moc toe with the Vibram crepe style sole is a pleasure to put on every morning before work.
the Iron Ranger has something all of the other boots do not have.... Made in the USA, pretty much hand made and it's also the only boot that had military service
It's a great, well made boot!
They broken inn very nicely and greaves
Perfectly…. Keep them 😎 I have all
Of the iron rangers and the amber harness is my favorite but I wear my copper 8085 for the patina… the achieve suck patina compared to the 8111s also charcoal sick patina…. I like to dress my ambers up and the others I beat up 🤕 but still keep them in tip top condition!!
Red Wings are notorious for long brutal break-ins. Had my Iron Rangers for 2 years now and i still don't think they are broken in yet.
This is ridiculous if your boots aren’t broken in after 2 years you either haven’t worn them or theyre 8 sizes too big. You’ve likely got the wrong size on or they’re genuinely just not comfortable for you
I have the same boots, and I hated them after a month of trying to wear them in. I took them to Bedo’s and he overhauled them for me. He added a leather midsole and a christy outsole. Now I wear them nearly everyday for work. I’m like you, some days I drive all over and others I’m on my feet for 8-10. Now I don’t have to check my schedule to see what boots to wear. I honestly think the 430 outsole was just too hard for what I do.
Thank you for a great review I also own the iron rangers in Amber harness and Ebony (new leather) I also wear Knicks boots and whites boots and both Nick’s and white’s boots are far more superior in arch support and overall construction and yes they are a lot more money but they are worth every penny :)
Great review. So many people agreed with you. I'm so glad I watched. U talked me out, u have the excellent alternatives. Yes they may or may not last as long as the RW IR, but at least one won't be in pain!
From pain
Comes pleasure.
These boots are great for those that endure.
6:42" about that part the narrow area i have't notice that, thanks for remind me, becoz i just bought my iron ranger today.
The Eccos are the twin deaths of style. Give me the IRs any day.
Weirdly, mine took only a few days to break in. I was scared at first when I received them how stiff the leather was especially the capped toe box, but I conditionned them with foot beef tallow right away. I think it helped with the process.
If you think those are hard to break in.......stay away from heavy duty Whites. I wore a similar pair of Williams 200 days a year for 10 years working in a steam plant. That's what a boot like this is made for. I'm thinking of getting a pair. My Whites are overkill, better suited for outdoor work.
Tom, great review. You just need to hammer these boots a lot more. I think the Iron Ranger is more for the one or 2 boot guy that wears them a lot and really gets that footbed broken in. I'm in my late 60's and can wear them all day in my shop happily. I have hunting boots and hikers as the iron Ranger will not do well in those tasks. Perhaps you sized them wrong? I walk my dog 2.5 miles on pavement each day and have zero issues with pain, quite the opposite. Then I wear them all day until the evening.
really good insights in this video, thanks!
You’re welcome!
A lot of people say its really tough underfoot and you can feel everything. I imagine they feel like dress shoes which isn't really what I want. I'm tempted to go for the iron ranger traction tred instead even though I already have the 875 oro crepe sole. There's also the Rover if I want to get the copper rough and tough leather. Maybe your feet became tougher over time too in response to the boot?
The sole is pretty thin. My feet have gotten used to a variety of shoes, from cushy adidas, to minimalistic vans, to leather soled dress shoes. Your feet will definitely get more calloused, but these soles are pretty tough on the feet without any extra insoles.
@@tommilano5431 I guess they probably feel like my leather soles dress shoes. I would definitely want an insole at least but maybe try traction tred is better for me. Traction tred still feels firm in my opinion so a cushy thin insole paired with that is probably the best I’m going to get. I am quite interested by the same 917 GTX though.
I'm thinking of buying these but I'm a little afraid about walking in the rain with these.
I don't know if the soles ever break in or your feet get stronger and you subconsciously change your gait to accommodate the hard sole.
I felt the same way with these boots. The soles got more flexible, but not by much.
Hope you’re using shoe trees.
Red wing lo mejor de lo mejor
You have the wrong size. I have the 8111, never had that problem. I’m 10E brannock and wear a 9EE Red Wing
Glad you reviewed I live in Medellín Colombia as expat. Will be going back to the US in Oct for about 3 weeks . Have one pair of RWs that is water proof but got into a fairly bad moto wreck and it took a few of the eyelets off. In past had a RW chuck but over time about a 20 yrs. period they got lost. So when I am home I want to get Rangers and chukka boots. I ride my moto quite a bit and it does rain here every day for a minute or two. Also considering the cheaper ranger like RW. Question is how do you think they will hold up on Moto riding? Also in a min in the rain? Thanks kindly!
I'm used to my Redbacks - the most comfortable boot on the planet. Not sure how I'll go with the torture breaking them in.
Really nice review!
Thank you! Glad you’ve enjoyed it.
Good video thanks. One thing I want to double check. Do your feet get wet if it’s raining? I have never gotten wet feet in oiled leather boots.
Did you get the extra foot bed for 20? Did you get 1/2 smaller than original size? Do you feel they stretched on the foot portion of the boot? You mentioned it did stretch on the upper section.
Where get the blue Jean I have pair of red wings 8111 I need some jeans for fall/winter 2022
These are the Levi’s 511. I wear these and a pair of traveler jeans by banana republic.
Pretty sure the boots didn’t get more comfortable but your feet got used too the boot. Hope everyone that watches this understands that all feets are different and some people have no problem wearing boots like this this from day one and others don’t.
Everyone over-conditions these. The leather is so oily naturally.
I agree.
I really like them . So I quess you just have to take the time to break them in .
If you havena "normal" shaped foot, they will mold to all the curves and hug your feet like a glove.
Hi just a question can you wear this boots in summer months? Or is it sweaty?
It is unlined, so it would probably be good in the summer. I haven’t done it, so I can’t say for sure, but you should be good.
I own a pair and they are the most uncomfortable boots I own. In 90* temps you will feel the heat of the blacktop or concrete you are standing on as with the cold weather.there is no Insulation in between your foot and the sole very impractical. This was my first and last pair I have bought not worth the money at all.
Is it me or do they look quite worn for 6 months use?
They get scuffed up easily.
How do your laces lace up ? My very top hook on the upper is very close together .the rest of the hooks are spaced out nicely. I just thought that it might be a problem the more they break in. Also mine where 1 month old went for an hour walk with my son and got blisters they are much better now tho
Mine lace up pretty close to each other. My left ankle is a bit thinner, so the top of the two leather pieces almost touch, but the rest aren’t that close.
Can you please let us know abt sizing difference between iron ranger vs Allen Edmonds?
I'm new to boots, what conditioning do you use to condition your boots?
I'm hoping you can help me size the boots I have for resale. There are various numbers and letters on the tongue but I'm not sure which indicates the size: N G 3B 56013 (or could be 56C13). They're oil-resistant long wear non-marking and I'm assuming they're steel toe work boots. I'd love some instruction on how to read these numbers. I tried Google but couldn't find what I needed. thanks
Hi Tom - what size are the your boots in the video?
I’d wear it with khakis and a blazer
I have worn it with khakis. As long as you polish them a bit, they’ll look fine.
What are the other shoes? Link? Thanks.
What do you use to condition them?
Red wings own conditioner. I think it’s neatsfoor oil.
www.redwingshoes.com/accessories/care-products/Neutral-Boot-Cream-97110.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-cegjcTe8wIV1sDICh0KJgvGEAQYCCABEgKMlfD_BwE#
Привет.моя стопа 27.5см.какой размер ботинок нужен ?
What brand conditioner do you use for these boots?
When a Millennial overthinks too much.
Hahahahaha exactly
I'm guilty of this
Are these 8085?
These are the 8111s.
@@tommilano5431 thnks for the reply.I would like to know what is the difference between 8085 an 8111 IR?
@@gulamyazdani7657 the 8111 is an amber harness leather, like a medium brown. The 8085 is their copper rough and tough leather, which is a lighter brown that gets darker around the crease points of the boot. It shows more patina. The 8111 is more versatile.
What is you preference among the two?
@@gulamyazdani7657 8111s
Hi hello how are you sir
That review sounds like a couple a chicks I know
just sell your red wing boot.....lol
Not real work boots. They were 100 years ago
Agree. I no longer have these, I moved onto more functional boots and footwear.
If you whine that much about the break in don't buy Nicks Boots.
Thanks for watching.
"Wear"😂 dude gtfoh you barely wore these. Ive had mine for 2 years now and already need a resole. Just look at your heel pad and sole and we can tell you dont wear these. NEXT!
I lasted 5 months with mine. Most uncomfortable boot I’ve ever worn, and they do look like clown shoes. Gave them to Goodwill. Get yourself a pair of Nicks or Whites, you’ll never look back.
I’ll have to look into Whites and Nicks. I’ve heard great things.
GENZ I think IR start looking clownish when you get into the larger sizes. Maybe starting with size 11 they start looking a bit like Ronald McDonald shoes.
@@Orlanzepol123 damn I noticed you on quite a few boot video comments Mr Orlando Cruz!
@@matttherrien9608 Yep! : ·)
wussy.
Most uncomfortable boot ever. Only one place for these overpriced POS boots IMO- The dumpster. Now have 1907 and much better.
I agree. I’ve since moved on from these since they would destroy my feet.
@@tommilano5431for real ? So you don’t own tht pair of IR anymore ?
Six months is a joke