I think that Truman (and Grant Stone depending on if you want more smart-casual or work and rugged) are pretty much much the best boot most people will need. After them I think there’s quite a steep drop of diminishing returns and unless you’re a real boot nerd with lots of money or an exceptional case like someone working logging, firefighting, linesman or unique foot physiology, it isn’t usually worth going above them two.
One company not mentioned is Parkhurst. I'd put them on the same level as Grant Stone in terms of price and quality. While Grant Stone tends to have more smooth leather options, Parkhurst tends to run more roughouts and waxed suedes like mohawks, ramblers and commanders.
I replaced my 8 year old IRs with a Whites MP. Much nicer profile, and slightly more comfortable. Motorcycle duty. I still use the IR as an apres ski boot, they get huge compliments in that setting, because they are beat to crap and everyone else’s boots are fresh off the showroom shelf. Nice one, I like your list. I’m trying hard not to buy the Truman in black oiled rough out, it looks so good!
I have a pair of Nick's Americanas in Predator Orange CXL and Grant Stones in Green Kangaroo and OMG the Nick's are the most comfortable boot I have I've gone as long as wearing them for 14 hours while still in the break-in period and just a dream...now I will say my dream boot is Sagara Cordmaster with green marbled shell cordovan...keep up the great work love you videos and been watching for years and glad to see you finally hit the 100k subs!! Enjoy that silver play button!!!
Great video as always. If I’m not mistaken, I think the new Beckman has had an upgrade in the toe box. It looks to be less clown like now. I love it. It’d be great to hear your thoughts.
The Axeman is absolutely on par or better than the Iron Ranger in terms of build quality. The standard leathers aren't as nice, but they do have the occasional custom option. The only caveat though, if you think the Red Wing is a chunky boot, look out. That Axeman is really beefy, not getting away with slimmer pants with those and they scream work boot.
Best IR alternative, IMO, is the Blacksmith. :-) I am sure a Parkhurst version - their toe-capped version is the Richmond, would also be a great alternative for anyone who insists on having a toe cap.
I have 1907s which I think are awesome. But I bought Grant Stone Diesels, color 8 Chromexel. They fit me a lot better and are classier looking. I LOVE mine.
Nice video, Nick. What about Oak Street Bootmakers? They seem often overlooked in these type of videos. Is there any downside with their boots? I really like their captoe trench boot 😍
Hey mate, have you heard of Canada West? They make their boots in Canada in Winnipeg. Reasonably priced though they do use some cost cutting corners but the boots are leather where it counts. Check out the Moorby line.
Parkhurst is another great option, right about in line with Grant Stone in terms of price and quality. I find that both companies lasts fit snug in the heel and roomy in the toes, just like I prefer, but that PH’s 602 last is probably the most comfortable pair of almond-shaped boots I have ever owned (I.e., excluding anatomical lasts). PH are made in Spain (Goodyear welt) or Portugal (stitchdown), as opposed to GS’s made in China. I’m okay with the made in China heritage of GS (I own 6 pairs) but I know that bothers some people. I also own 3 pair of Jim Green boots and am extremely satisfied with the quality for the price. They are not superbly finished like the GS or PH boots, but only boot snobs would be able to tell the difference. If I have one con about JG, it is also one of the pros about them: the lasts. Their last are super roomy and comfy, but they are not what most people would call attractive. The boots are generally built to serve function over form, and they have moved closer to appearances with their Numzaan boot, but you will likely get more compliments when wearing a GS or PH boot. I have not owned any Nicks or the RW Iron Rangers, but I hear a lot of people say how brutal the break-in is for the IR’s. I have owned some Franks, which are kissing cousins to Nicks, and I will say that I have never experienced a break-in from any other boot that even comes close to the Franks. I sold them because they were too stiff and tough for me. I can’t imagine that the IR could even come close to those, so if you are one to complain about the break-in on IR’s, then you should probably not go for the Nicks.
I got the challenger recently, good boot for the price and black label leathers. More expensive than the alternatives but worth it, also the grand stone is another level, best option for me especially with the variety of options they offer. I will be buying Truman soon as well
Thursday definitely knew what they were doing pricing those black label boots at the Iron Ranger price with the Mexican leathers at the old IR price. Between them and Drew’s contractor boot at nearly the same price point, it’s now hard for a casual boot wearer/enthusiast to justify going anywhere else for a woodsman healed service style boot imo
I think Bordon’s Tukano boot could fit into this list! This is also the first I’ve ever heard about the different use of sand quality, and it’s definitely something I’m interesting in learning more about
Bordon is a good option! A little more PNW than the Americana but less than the challenger. Must remember to add to the article - while also remembering that almost all guys looking for recs are looking for something cheaper
@ that’s a great point, I overlooked the fact that RedWings cost more here in the UK than in USA (here they are £329 = $427, though obviously this saves on paying shipping and import taxes on our end, plus next day delivery). I oddly find that despite our history with bootmaking, there aren’t too much options in the more durably built American heritage workwear fashion in England - I usually go to Jim Green who have there UK Store now. - Thinking of saving up for a pair of DogLeapBoots, who look to be by far the most PNW-like boots made in England (but at a cost!)
I would say nicks is the one. The lead time blows, but they can essentially make any size. Truman is more automated in their process. That allows them to pump out more volume, plus they pick some cool leathers. Parkhurst is kinda like that too.
Can you do a proper review Asphalte’s new Raw Boots? They look a little like the old Chippewa Service Boot (which I have and love but don’t think they make anymore). It’s probably not because it’s made in Portugal rather than USA. But, it looks a great boot in this category.
Same size! I learned recently that I may be a C width so I’d love another pair from the only company that does them haha but I’m perfectly happy with it
Not about IR but more about RW and GS…As much as I respect RW’s moc toe options, I just couldn’t get them to work size-wise and went with two GS brass boots instead (wedge and lug soles, love them). Also love my Diesel boot, which I got to replace my RW Blacksmith that I sold.
What would be my ideal would be a brand that’s independently owned, all handmade construction, made here, and comes in a narrow width. I got vibergs because they are considered the top of the food chain by many, but it bothers me that they only come in one or two widths. It’s doable but it could be better if they came in a narrow width, and they should for what they charge.
Try Nicks then, independently owned, pretty much handmade except stitching (it's called hicks handmade boots for a reason), made in Spokane Washington, and their models have widths from A to FFF. The only downside is the lead times, which was already mentioned in this video, 4 to 8 months.
Hi Nick. I have a pair of Iron Rangers and I do like them, but they feel a little tight around the ankle area. I can barely tighten the laces properly. The last itself feels wide enough. What brand would you recommend for an alternative?
Because everyone has different tastes. If IR’s were the perfect boot for everyone , then all of the other companies would not be in business. I own 12 pair of boots right now, and none of them are IR’s. I even used to swear by Red Wing work boots when I worked in the trades. I looked at some IR’s at the beginning of my boot obsession journey, but the intersection of price to quality was simply not there for me. I can buy boots that are just as good for less money (Jim Green) or much higher quality boots for about the same price or nominally more money (Grant Stone or Parkhurst). Nothing against IR’s, and it’s great if they are the boot for you, but the point of the video is that they are not the boot for everyone.
Good one - same category as grant stone but made in USA. The fact is most guys looking for this video want something cheaper so didn’t want to spend too much time on brands that cost more
haha yeah! i went to his place to film some videos a while back, he's a big heritage menswear fan th-cam.com/video/p_wtNNRbXXg/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/6lFHrvSF2nY/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/HuwnVeDECsA/w-d-xo.html
I want to state right here, for the sake of historical record that I will never own a pair of Grant Stone boots. They are widely recommended and admired by practically every youtube boot influencer I've ever viewed but it is overload and my gauge reads full.
Continuing on to the next part of this video. I really, really like my Truman boots. I'd put it in the really, really LOVE category except for the heal width being wayyy too much.
I love all of your alternatives, EXCEPT for the Thursday Challenger. They need to go back to the drawing board for that one. EDIT: I'd replace the challenger for the Thursday's Logger.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 87 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs โชคปรีชา"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YN6e7HVnekw/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for highlighting Truman boots. Most other people don't talk about them enough, likely because Truman doesn't play ball with influencers.
Consider me influenced. I'll take a look at them when these IRs have seen enough.
Have 3 pairs, best boot I own hands down.
Have you had any nicks, whites or vibergs?@RickNO1985
I think that Truman (and Grant Stone depending on if you want more smart-casual or work and rugged) are pretty much much the best boot most people will need.
After them I think there’s quite a steep drop of diminishing returns and unless you’re a real boot nerd with lots of money or an exceptional case like someone working logging, firefighting, linesman or unique foot physiology, it isn’t usually worth going above them two.
@@PhillTPT9totally agree. I have both of them, and love both brands.
One company not mentioned is Parkhurst. I'd put them on the same level as Grant Stone in terms of price and quality. While Grant Stone tends to have more smooth leather options, Parkhurst tends to run more roughouts and waxed suedes like mohawks, ramblers and commanders.
Parkhurst is fantastic. I've got 4 pairs and one on the way. Customer service and quality are outstanding.
They don’t have width options and it is difficult to get certain sizes
Excellent alternatives. I love your alternative series. A great way to find good quality and sometimes better product.
I'm glad the "more expensive" alternatives part didn't seem stupid to you!
Challenger mentioned what a beast!
do a review on the Beckman!!!! PLEEEEEEASE!!!!!!!!!!! We are all dying for your take on it!!!!
haha they said they'd send me some but I think they forgot
I'll add the Adelante Havana or Helm to the list
I replaced my 8 year old IRs with a Whites MP. Much nicer profile, and slightly more comfortable. Motorcycle duty. I still use the IR as an apres ski boot, they get huge compliments in that setting, because they are beat to crap and everyone else’s boots are fresh off the showroom shelf.
Nice one, I like your list. I’m trying hard not to buy the Truman in black oiled rough out, it looks so good!
I have a pair of Nick's Americanas in Predator Orange CXL and Grant Stones in Green Kangaroo and OMG the Nick's are the most comfortable boot I have I've gone as long as wearing them for 14 hours while still in the break-in period and just a dream...now I will say my dream boot is Sagara Cordmaster with green marbled shell cordovan...keep up the great work love you videos and been watching for years and glad to see you finally hit the 100k subs!! Enjoy that silver play button!!!
Great video as always. If I’m not mistaken, I think the new Beckman has had an upgrade in the toe box. It looks to be less clown like now. I love it. It’d be great to hear your thoughts.
Awesome video. Thanks for highlighting the alternatives. Urban Wolf Club has a budget alternative that some think is better than the IR’s
That's right 👍🏾
The Axeman is absolutely on par or better than the Iron Ranger in terms of build quality. The standard leathers aren't as nice, but they do have the occasional custom option. The only caveat though, if you think the Red Wing is a chunky boot, look out. That Axeman is really beefy, not getting away with slimmer pants with those and they scream work boot.
Best IR alternative, IMO, is the Blacksmith. :-) I am sure a Parkhurst version - their toe-capped version is the Richmond, would also be a great alternative for anyone who insists on having a toe cap.
Haha that is a slightly less casual iron ranger that’s true, but SO slightly (and the same last)
I have 1907s which I think are awesome. But I bought Grant Stone Diesels, color 8 Chromexel. They fit me a lot better and are classier looking. I LOVE mine.
Canada West if you can find them.
Definitely gonna have a midsole added on the first resole. Other than that, I think the IR is a great boot that will last me a long time.
Love it when a guy tricks out his boots on the resole like they’re modding a car
Nice video, Nick. What about Oak Street Bootmakers? They seem often overlooked in these type of videos. Is there any downside with their boots? I really like their captoe trench boot 😍
Hey mate, have you heard of Canada West? They make their boots in Canada in Winnipeg. Reasonably priced though they do use some cost cutting corners but the boots are leather where it counts.
Check out the Moorby line.
Parkhurst is another great option, right about in line with Grant Stone in terms of price and quality. I find that both companies lasts fit snug in the heel and roomy in the toes, just like I prefer, but that PH’s 602 last is probably the most comfortable pair of almond-shaped boots I have ever owned (I.e., excluding anatomical lasts). PH are made in Spain (Goodyear welt) or Portugal (stitchdown), as opposed to GS’s made in China. I’m okay with the made in China heritage of GS (I own 6 pairs) but I know that bothers some people.
I also own 3 pair of Jim Green boots and am extremely satisfied with the quality for the price. They are not superbly finished like the GS or PH boots, but only boot snobs would be able to tell the difference. If I have one con about JG, it is also one of the pros about them: the lasts. Their last are super roomy and comfy, but they are not what most people would call attractive. The boots are generally built to serve function over form, and they have moved closer to appearances with their Numzaan boot, but you will likely get more compliments when wearing a GS or PH boot.
I have not owned any Nicks or the RW Iron Rangers, but I hear a lot of people say how brutal the break-in is for the IR’s. I have owned some Franks, which are kissing cousins to Nicks, and I will say that I have never experienced a break-in from any other boot that even comes close to the Franks. I sold them because they were too stiff and tough for me. I can’t imagine that the IR could even come close to those, so if you are one to complain about the break-in on IR’s, then you should probably not go for the Nicks.
I got the challenger recently, good boot for the price and black label leathers. More expensive than the alternatives but worth it, also the grand stone is another level, best option for me especially with the variety of options they offer. I will be buying Truman soon as well
Thursday definitely knew what they were doing pricing those black label boots at the Iron Ranger price with the Mexican leathers at the old IR price. Between them and Drew’s contractor boot at nearly the same price point, it’s now hard for a casual boot wearer/enthusiast to justify going anywhere else for a woodsman healed service style boot imo
@@MemphisCorollaS agreed
I think Bordon’s Tukano boot could fit into this list!
This is also the first I’ve ever heard about the different use of sand quality, and it’s definitely something I’m interesting in learning more about
Bordon is a good option! A little more PNW than the Americana but less than the challenger. Must remember to add to the article - while also remembering that almost all guys looking for recs are looking for something cheaper
@ that’s a great point, I overlooked the fact that RedWings cost more here in the UK than in USA (here they are £329 = $427, though obviously this saves on paying shipping and import taxes on our end, plus next day delivery).
I oddly find that despite our history with bootmaking, there aren’t too much options in the more durably built American heritage workwear fashion in England - I usually go to Jim Green who have there UK Store now. - Thinking of saving up for a pair of DogLeapBoots, who look to be by far the most PNW-like boots made in England (but at a cost!)
Luosjiet makes great boots that look iron rangers. Only $200 $230 with taxes and shipping
Got my Jin green rangers resoled and recrafted .. I have a custom Numzaan coming
love the reviews but can you please tell us what jeans you wear bc i need some lol
Numzaan's are great! 7 November Rose Anvil drop of Rugged African Trooper
What about Urban Wolf Club? They have a good year welted captoe boot with a thick leather midsole for $150.
I would say nicks is the one. The lead time blows, but they can essentially make any size. Truman is more automated in their process. That allows them to pump out more volume, plus they pick some cool leathers. Parkhurst is kinda like that too.
Parkhurst is great but they’re so bad at keeping sizes/leathers in stock
@ yea parkhurst is kinda of a gamble/draw. Still a small batch/small run company. But man they are sooo good
@@Brajin1 100% they're great, i've been slacking on them lately but they keep forgetting to send me boots so it's a two-sided problem haha
Great video, thanks!
Love great choices!! All my favorites
Can you do a proper review Asphalte’s new Raw Boots? They look a little like the old Chippewa Service Boot (which I have and love but don’t think they make anymore). It’s probably not because it’s made in Portugal rather than USA. But, it looks a great boot in this category.
6:07 Nice watch bro. You should do a video on that.
Big fan of those roughout Americanas from Nick's. How did you size compared to Iron Rangers?
Same size! I learned recently that I may be a C width so I’d love another pair from the only company that does them haha but I’m perfectly happy with it
The John Lofgren combat boots are another (much much pricier) option that give the most IR vibes imo
Hey Nick, are those brown Diesel boots crimson? The color has a really nice depth.
Yeah!
Can you do Craft & Glory?
Not about IR but more about RW and GS…As much as I respect RW’s moc toe options, I just couldn’t get them to work size-wise and went with two GS brass boots instead (wedge and lug soles, love them). Also love my Diesel boot, which I got to replace my RW Blacksmith that I sold.
how does grant stone compare to redwing as far as durability?
Nick, do you anticipate making a dedicated video on the challengers or their black label line as a whole?
Yeah it’s getting edited right now, I do a direct comparison with the urban logger
@ awesome, I look forward to it!
What about the Luosjiet Classic Paratroop Boots for 219$?
What would be my ideal would be a brand that’s independently owned, all handmade construction, made here, and comes in a narrow width. I got vibergs because they are considered the top of the food chain by many, but it bothers me that they only come in one or two widths. It’s doable but it could be better if they came in a narrow width, and they should for what they charge.
Try Nicks then, independently owned, pretty much handmade except stitching (it's called hicks handmade boots for a reason), made in Spokane Washington, and their models have widths from A to FFF. The only downside is the lead times, which was already mentioned in this video, 4 to 8 months.
Hi Nick. I have a pair of Iron Rangers and I do like them, but they feel a little tight around the ankle area. I can barely tighten the laces properly. The last itself feels wide enough. What brand would you recommend for an alternative?
I think Trumans 79 last is known for being pretty wide at the ankle/heel , or you might just need a wide fitting boot
How about the Schott NYC service boot?
I can’t find any reviews on these anywhere
Wolverine 1000 mile boot without toe cap looks better!
Why would there be a problem with iron rangers? I had them for 3 years, but i really love them
I listed the POSSIBLE problems you might have with them in the first minute!
Because everyone has different tastes. If IR’s were the perfect boot for everyone , then all of the other companies would not be in business. I own 12 pair of boots right now, and none of them are IR’s. I even used to swear by Red Wing work boots when I worked in the trades. I looked at some IR’s at the beginning of my boot obsession journey, but the intersection of price to quality was simply not there for me. I can buy boots that are just as good for less money (Jim Green) or much higher quality boots for about the same price or nominally more money (Grant Stone or Parkhurst). Nothing against IR’s, and it’s great if they are the boot for you, but the point of the video is that they are not the boot for everyone.
I see you had to give up the maroon joggers for bigger pants. You’re eating well with all those checks from Thursday Boot Co huh? ;)
thought it was clear those maroon joggers are much too big for me now and i've lost a ton of weight, so i guess not!
1:49 Try to keep that leg straighter 😃
Golden Fox? Where ya been, Nick? No Urban Wolf Club?
Man that brand came out of nowhere, . You’re right I need to investigate
urban wolf is starting to get some hype on the youtubes
i know i'm getting so many people asking me about them hey, gotta look into them
Wallet saved 👌
That’s what I like to hear
You forgot to mention John lofgren combat boots
Allen Edmunds HM?
Good one - same category as grant stone but made in USA. The fact is most guys looking for this video want something cheaper so didn’t want to spend too much time on brands that cost more
stay away from thurdays if you love your lower back, they cause all kinds of issues
Wait a sec. Was that Hemingway Jones?
haha yeah! i went to his place to film some videos a while back, he's a big heritage menswear fan
th-cam.com/video/p_wtNNRbXXg/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/6lFHrvSF2nY/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/HuwnVeDECsA/w-d-xo.html
Just do a part 2
This is a perfectly hilarious title
Haha I put zero thought into it, a second ago it was just 'red wing alternatives.mp4'
I want to state right here, for the sake of historical record that I will never own a pair of Grant Stone boots. They are widely recommended and admired by practically every youtube boot influencer I've ever viewed but it is overload and my gauge reads full.
Continuing on to the next part of this video. I really, really like my Truman boots. I'd put it in the really, really LOVE category except for the heal width being wayyy too much.
Iron Ranger has very poor underfoot cushion. I can sacrifice a bit of quality for underfoot cushion. Thursday boots are way better.
Yeah it’s funny how for some guys the cushion is a total deal breaker and for others it’s what confirms the purchase
Funny title
thanks man, i gave it zero thought
I love all of your alternatives, EXCEPT for the Thursday Challenger. They need to go back to the drawing board for that one. EDIT: I'd replace the challenger for the Thursday's Logger.
And the Beckman, just like the Blacksmith, is only available in D width 👎
I'll add one: literally any other boot.
That’s a lot of boots, not one!
@@Stridewise That's a long video.
@@averyj.steele1074 youtube's first infinity length video, right here on Stridewise, ads every 8 minutes until you die