I've had the Blacksmiths for just under a year. The most I've ever spent on shoes (~€400 - Europe is expensive) but also the most satisfied I've ever been with a clothing purchase. Excellent shoes
Great boots. I've had mine for many years. My one big complaint is with the smooth soles. Zero grip when its wet out or if you are on gravel. Had them re-soled. Now my favorite daily wear.
Nice boots! I also own a bunch of Thursdays which I still love. But like you I finally picked up a pair of copper IRs and man they blow the Thursdays away. You can feel the redwing history with these things on. A special connection develops over time with each wear. Tough as nails and bad ass looking boots!
Great boot. Got my first pair of these in black harness back model 8114 in 2014! They used to have a smooth cork sole, I kind of miss that. The mini vibram is an improvement in traction though. Id recommend going a half size down for best fit unless you have wide feet. Remember boots will stretch width wise but not length wise, so the more you wear them the more they widen out a bit. Great boots, I’ve owned 6 pairs over the years!
I have the exact same pair, and I am not a fan of them. for me it's the sole. it's like walking on a block of wood. I am toying with the idea of having a cobbler add a midsole, and a sole with more cushion. I think this would help a lot. I love the look and the sizing, but they are uncomfortable to walk with for long periods of time. I do still wear them when I know I will be in the office all day not walking around too much outside.
@@jonathanmarquise422 Understandable. Curious as to how long you’ve had these? It did take a few weeks of hard wear (10 hour walking / driving days) for me to get comfy. But now they are great
@dakotajamesspicer I've had them for a couple of years. It's honestly just the sole. I think the insole has broken in nicely, and the leather has become pretty supple. It's just the lack of midsole and the outsole. If I was wearing them more casually, I would not mind. But I tend to walk a lot during the day, and mostly on hard surfaces. I'm looking at some blown rummer lugged soles. I do like the look of the boot, I just want some underfoot comfort.
yep. the leather is nice. I had amber harness. but the lack of a midsole and heel stack makes them feel flat and like you're walking on a hard surface. I switched to Truman several years ago and never looked back
Such a lovely looking pair of boots. Quality.
@@barryking3714 💯
I've had the Blacksmiths for just under a year. The most I've ever spent on shoes (~€400 - Europe is expensive) but also the most satisfied I've ever been with a clothing purchase. Excellent shoes
@@xntumrfo9ivrnwf ooohh I need a pair of those! Definitely worth the investment imo
Great boots. I've had mine for many years. My one big complaint is with the smooth soles. Zero grip when its wet out or if you are on gravel. Had them re-soled. Now my favorite daily wear.
@@Talon6551 Interesting! I think the stock version has a new sole that is much better at gripping. I’ve not had any issues so far
they look amazing
@@vitohogantara221 Agree! They are really developing nicely
Nice boots! I also own a bunch of Thursdays which I still love. But like you I finally picked up a pair of copper IRs and man they blow the Thursdays away. You can feel the redwing history with these things on. A special connection develops over time with each wear. Tough as nails and bad ass looking boots!
@@vertigo2112 They really do! It’s hard to beat that long history RW has. I’m really looking forward to the resole down the road.
Great boot. Got my first pair of these in black harness back model 8114 in 2014! They used to have a smooth cork sole, I kind of miss that. The mini vibram is an improvement in traction though. Id recommend going a half size down for best fit unless you have wide feet. Remember boots will stretch width wise but not length wise, so the more you wear them the more they widen out a bit. Great boots, I’ve owned 6 pairs over the years!
@@NDB469 great tips!
5:03 idk why the video just stops here 😭 there was like 3 more clips, 🤦🏻♂️
Great video! Did you have to put something on the boot before you started wearing them? Something to waterproof them?
@@kimberleespicer710 You can if you prefer! They do resist water naturally since they are Goodyear welted and the leather is high quality
Iron Ranger is a classic and a decent boot, but, if I was shopping for something like this today, I'd buy the Jim Green 719. Better and cheaper.
@@fessendenful i’ve heard good things about that company! Will definitely check it out
@@dakotajamesspicer the wax application for the toe area is great on your IRs. Really nice.
@ Thanks! I’ve been using that horsehair brush a lot. Definitely helps the shine
I have the exact same pair, and I am not a fan of them. for me it's the sole. it's like walking on a block of wood. I am toying with the idea of having a cobbler add a midsole, and a sole with more cushion. I think this would help a lot. I love the look and the sizing, but they are uncomfortable to walk with for long periods of time. I do still wear them when I know I will be in the office all day not walking around too much outside.
@@jonathanmarquise422 Understandable. Curious as to how long you’ve had these? It did take a few weeks of hard wear (10 hour walking / driving days) for me to get comfy. But now they are great
@dakotajamesspicer I've had them for a couple of years. It's honestly just the sole. I think the insole has broken in nicely, and the leather has become pretty supple. It's just the lack of midsole and the outsole. If I was wearing them more casually, I would not mind. But I tend to walk a lot during the day, and mostly on hard surfaces. I'm looking at some blown rummer lugged soles. I do like the look of the boot, I just want some underfoot comfort.
@@jonathanmarquise422 Gotcha. Hopefully getting that added will help. Do you have a preferred cobbler?
yep. the leather is nice. I had amber harness. but the lack of a midsole and heel stack makes them feel flat and like you're walking on a hard surface. I switched to Truman several years ago and never looked back
@@MetalBootGuy I need to look into some Truman!
What’s your favorite colorway of the Iron Ranger?
These copper are sick ❤ 3:22