Red Wing Men's Iron Ranger 6" Boot

First, I heavily researched a pair of new boots tirelessly for months. My primary goals for the boots I wanted were to be leather, hard wearing, but also be able to be worn with semi-dress clothes as I work in an office environment. I also wanted to be able to wear them outdoors to do light work or in my garage-shop. They needed to be a very versatile and good looking boot. After trying these on at the store and seeing the price I was a bit skeptical if these Iron Rangers would meet all my needs. I was also skeptical since there was a lot of hype on-line over these boots. I needed to find out if it was in fact hype. After having these boots for a bit IMO it was NOT hype. Sizing - I normally wear a size 11 shoe and when I tried them on in the store a 9.5 or 10 seemed to fit okay. The lady at the shoe store told me to go with the 9.5 which I ended up doing, but then after wearing them around the house for a bit I returned them as they were too tight on my toes. I looked on amazon and found a much better price so I got the size 10, one size down. Second, these are real men's leather boots. I saw a lot of comments on how hard they were to break in. Don't expect them to be fully comfy out of the box or wear like a sneaker. Set your expectations that these are leather boots with a goodyear welt construction. They did require break in but I wouldn't say they were super hard to get broken in. My method for break in - I wore them about 2-3 times a week for 3-4 weeks and they are fully broken in and surprisingly comfortable. I treated mine with Dr. Martens wonder balsam that I had left from an old pair of Docs once a week during the break in period. That really worked wonders and softened up the leather nicely for the break in period. Third, these are American made so what more do you need to know. I've started being more conscious of where my goods are made. If you look at most shoes out there they are made in China or another foreign country. It's a good feeling knowing that you're wearing something quality that is also supporting the American economy and the workers. Also, keep in mind that you can send these in to get re-soled when they are worn out. That's a huge benefit when you consider the price and how comfy they will be by the time they need a new sole. All in all - I have a few pairs of other boots of varying materials and I find myself reaching for these more than any others. Out of all the boots I have they aren't the most comfortable, but they look great for office work or just wearing around town casually. The more I wear them the more comfortable they do become. I am very happy with these boots and really look forward to wearing them. I'm half tempted to get another pair in a different color - maybe after I've worn these for a few years. Highly recommend!

These boots are Beautifully made and should last for many years. If you look closely you will see craftsmanship and attention to detail. This is an American boot from Red Wing, Wisconsin. They are like boots that were made completely by hand over 100 years ago. Fortunately they do not cost like those boots did back in the old days. At around $300 they are not inexpensive, but they could cost well over $500 or $1000 as many handmade boots cost. These boots fit true to size and feel comfortable right from the start, but over time they conform to the shape of your foot for an even better fit. In any way you choose to judge them they are outstanding boots. Most testimonials say that Red Wings are the best boots made. Since my introduction to Red Wings I have learned the difference between boots and shoes that claim to be boots. I did not mention the quality of the leathers used in making Red Wings. They are top quality US hides. They are not synthetic leathers. They are more durable than the artificial materials. Quality leather ages well and takes on a patina that the fake leathers don't. Quality leather can get scarred that can add to it's beauty. The cheap stuff will tear often resulting in a ruined pair of boots. I am disposing my inferior boots and replacing them with Red Wings. Most of the throw away boots cost more than the Red Wings. Finally the looks, the style, of the Iron Ranger are so eye catching that strangers stop me and ask, "are those Red Wings?". The Iron Rangers are Red Wings are classic.

Very nice boots with typical QC problems. I knew I was a size 8 and they fit well. The sanding on the sole edges looked unfinished and rough. The leather welt where it meets the heel rand was not cut even. Remidied with sandpaper and a razor blade. Oh, one of the speed hooks was super sharp and I had to use a small file to keep it from shedding laces. I also added kilties and some older laces I had laying around to change the look. Overall, very satisfied for them being on sale. Would buy again!

My long journey to Red Wing Iron Rangers was long and filled with disappointment. There was a time when I thought it was normal to constantly cycle through new, ugly tennis shoes from Wal-Mart every few months Then late in college I realized I needed to update my style and I figured spending 100$ on something that looked nice was the way to go. I then went through at least half a dozen nice-looking but decidedly cheaply made boots from fast fashion brands such as Kenneth Cole. I thought I was doing it right. I was wrong. I randomly came across a thread devoted to men's footwear and I noticed none of the brands mentioned were brands I wore. And of course I saw many people recommending Red Wings - defending the price, too. This was far from my Wal-Mart days and was tired to replacing my shoes every few months because they were falling apart. I took the plunge and shelled out the money for these boots about a year ago. This is the first time I've ever had a pair of footwear which I know will last me far longer than a year. They're still in almost perfect condition and I see no reason why they won't last for another decade. With some brands you are paying more just for the label. For other brands you are paying for what the brand actually is. With Red Wing that is quality. I understand the American mentality that cheaper is better (I should know I used to hold fast to that notion) but you will save money in the long run if you buy something that will last and is built to do exactly that. I'm sure there are other brands out there that offer boots that are just as good or better than Iron Rangers but let me assure you that Red Wing is a brand everyone should strongly consider when looking for a durable, attractive casual boots. On the negative: The laces are a little short There is NO traction on the bottom which is perplexing because one would assume such heavy boots would be made for wear in colder months They run a little big

I'm not a boot expert. I did work at Timberland for 7 years and had to wear their boots for my shifts. I'm going to say that I "understand" how boots fit and how they should feel. But again, I'm not a boot expert. I was in the market for a new set of boots, mostly for looks. I REALLY like the way these boots look! I've read almost every review I could find and looked at countless pictures. I settled on the Copper Rough & Tough color. I am not disappointed. Sizing/Fit I've been wearing them for one week so far. The numerous reviews I've read had me torn in the sizing of the boots. I'm too lazy to go out and try them on in a store, so I bit the bullet and bought a 7.5; I wear an 8 in running shoes (Adidas, Reebok, Saucony, Asics), 7.5 in Vans, 7 in Converse All Stars. It seemed that the reviews were split 50/50 between a half size down to a full size down. I chose a half size down. They fit just as Timberland classic 6" boots fit. I am not disappointed and I don't have to exchange the size. Size 7.5 fits just right for my size 8 foot! There is room in the toe-box. I expect as they get better worn the space will lessen; not enough to where my toes will hit the front. The leather is a bit tough but definitely not the toughest/hardest leather I've experienced in boots. The tongue leather is the softest/thinnest portion. The left boot is "breaking" differently directly after the toe-cap; it pinches my toes when I squat on the balls of my feet. I expect that will completely disappear as they get better worn; I'm not concerned with the pinching. There is NO arch support. Don't expect it. Going a half size down still leaves room for me to have an insole but I'm not going to. I'm interested in seeing how the footbed wears in and conforms to my foot. I got used to wearing flat shoes since I started Crossfit and read all sorts of information on how Vans, Converse, and any other flat shoe is actually better for your foot muscles, so I'm used to the flatness of these boots. I do not have flat feet. These boots feel fine to me and I would not describe them as uncomfortable. The are surprisingly comfortable for boots; not what I remember from my Timberland days (a decade ago and I haven't worn boots since). The sole is lug-less; kind of smooth. It's advertised as oil-resistant, but not necessarily slip resistant. I stepped on a wet spot in the parking lot and I felt some slippage. I would not consider these work boots. I consider them more fashion forward. However, I was surprised at how much heritage there is with Red Wing; I had no idea. I've already gotten a few compliments on them. They look great. I'm looking forward to seeing them after much wear. I'm very sure they'll look better with age. I'm very, very pleased with these boots. They were very expensive (for me at least) but less expensive on Amazon than anyplace else ($60 less!). I expect to have them for a very long time. They're great. 11-06-15 Update: I've been wearing these boots about 3 days per week. They were stiff and my left was pinching where the toe cap creases. I was hoping for more give/molding to the footbed but it didn't go as planned. I ended up just taking an insole out of an existing pair of shoes and using that. The insole wasn't very thick but it added some cushion underneath the ball of my feet and some arch support. I didn't necessarily want the arch support but I did want some cushion to ease the hot spots under my foot (ball of feet and under my heel). The addition of the insert messed with the heel cup and my foot sat slightly higher in the boot. This caused some uncomfortable rubbing. I took the insole out and the boot had stretched nicely! Note: I was using the generic insole with thicker socks and spraying the outside of the boot with rubbing alcohol. I did this for a week and the boots stretched very nicely. They fit great now. The only concern is the footbed is hard and the ball of my feet feel it; not painful, just noticeable. I took a vacation to New York (first time) and walked about 10+ miles a day. I wore these for one of those days and had no problems with the fitment or comfort. My feet hurt but that was due to the amount of walking and had nothing to do with the boots (they hurt equaling on the other days, wearing other footwear). I just bought a pair of SuperFeet Green insoles (on Amazon of course). I put them in and they take up all the extra space in the boots. The boots fit snug with the SuperFeet in. Undoubtedly they will stretch more. The cushioning is nice and the arch support is nice. I'm not sure I like the insoles yet. The SuperFeet insoles raise my heel up more than the generic insole I was using before, however I don't feel the same heel-rub. It doesn't feel like it'll be an issue with these insoles. My heel feels nice and snug against the boot. Note: I noticed that my foot sits much nicer in the boot if I make sure my foot is all the way in the heel and the boots are laced all the way up, or at a minimum, to the second highest speed lace.

Perfect.

As guys often we have this need for like the perfect boots or perfect jacket and then we keep them for years. I was due for a new pair of everyday work/casual dress boots. I went through a few different options. Frye, Timberland, Dr. Martens etc. The Fryes were nice (I own a pair of dress boots and brogue dress shoes from them) but their specialty is more in leather soled or cowboy styles. Timberland felt too light and not durable and styling was a little too modern. Dr. Marten felt like inferior quality compared to when I was growing up and a little too "young." Then I bought these. I usually take a 10.5 in boots or shoes or an 11 in sneaker. I own british shoes, Grenson's ,that run a full size or size and a half big so based on that experience I bought a full size down and got a 9.5 to be safe. Thinking they would fit perfect without any insole help. Result. A little snug around the middle part but not so much in the length and toe room. But the leather was stiff and needs to be worn in. Not really that comfortable to walk in with that fit and they felt just barely too small. I tried some insoles to soften the feel of the newness thinking maybe it wasn't a size thing. Now they were def. too tight. But the fact is I could tell these were awesome boots and the ones I wanted so I'm returning them for a 10. I think they will be perfect. My advice: They do run big but do not go more than a half size down. And in terms of comfort you will probably want some insoles anyway so even if they are a little bit too big they will be perfect after you put the insoles in. They are such cool looking boots by the way. Subtle and classic UPDATE: Size 10 fits perfect. Awesome.

Let me say I carefully researched this boot for some time! This is by far the most expensive shoe I have ever bought. I was nervous about the size and fit. I wear size 12 in nike air, size 11 in vans old skool, and size 10 in clarks desert treks and clarks wallabees. I ended up purchasing these iron rangers in size 10D. They fit perfectly, and I am glad I did not buy 10E (wide). The boots will be slightly tight at first, but as long as you can wiggle your toes in the toe box the boots will stretch out just fine. I will say these boots are going to make you work for it though! The first week is going to be tough on the feet! My shins especially hurt because I normally wear sneakers. After about a week it is totally tolerable. It's a tough week though. I have been wearing my 8111 iron rangers daily for about a month now, and only in the last few days would I say they feel great. I was torn between the 8111 and 8085 iron rangers because of the smooth cork sole that the 8111 comes with. Ultimately I gave them a shot but found that the redwing heel was marking the epoxy concrete floor at my work. I called redwing about it and was told they don't have enough real world testing results to know if their heels mark or not. Strange for a company that has been making the same boot for 100 years. I got a great price on the 8111 through Amazon and decided to put a 430 vibrum mini lug sole on them through a local shoe repair man. He charged my $50 total for the whole job on both boots. So in the end I am rocking 8111's with a custom vibrum 430 mini lug sole. Feel great. Look awesome. Get tons of complements on them. Will probably buy more in the future, but will avoid the smooth sole, because it's just not for me. The 430 sole appears flat but has tread. Works well.

la verdad es una muy buena bota, lastima me quedo grande.

Schwere Qualität, makellos verarbeitet. Ich habe den Stiefel eine volle Nummer kleiner bestellt, als meine normale Größe und und habe immer noch gut Platz drin. Red Wing ist wohl der Meinung: ein größerer Schuh passt immer noch besser als ein zu kleiner, der gar nicht passt und produziert generell großzügiger. Das sollte man wissen.