Well I drove to a Red Wing Heritage Store, got properly fitted by a knowledgeable employee. That was extremely helpful. and its nice to be able to get customer support at a brick and mortar store
I believe Nicks uses a leather shank because they don’t heat up like steel shanks. They’re predominantly known for making boots for wildland firefighters and steel shanks tended to get warm while walking on scorched ground.
@@latetodagame1892 huh interesting. Free extra functionality :) I swear I heard the breaking in thingy somewhere though; pretty sure it was either rose anvil or stridewise but idk at this point
I have the captain and the red wing moc toe but there’s just something about slipping your foot into a broken in pair of iron rangers that I can’t explain but they are awesome
@@wecanjump7512 that's what I'm leaning toward too. They're not available in my size right now, unfortunately. I'll have to wait until the next run is made. Fortunately I live in Minnesota, so I can make the 90 minute trip down to the factory.
@@not-a-raccoon Call your local RW stores, they usually keep a few pair in-stock. That's how I scored my 1907's. I know you mentioned military style boots, but if you are open to wedge sole, the 1907 is the best pair (IMO) they make. It's a Norwegian welt and you get a leather insole for only 10 bucks more than the regular moc.
@@not-a-raccoon One more thing, Nick's is running 20 percent off right now on in-stock boots. They almost never run discounts that high. You could probably spend $125-$150 more and get a boot that's twice as good. The officer boot and the Americana are good models if you like the IR. I know that's a hell of a lotta $, though.
I have a set of Golden Fox Boondockers. They are fantastic for a good pair of everyday boots. I find I wear them just as often as my Thursday Captains that I normally wear.
Just want to make sure to put Parkhurst on your radar. They fall in that 300-400 price range and while their offerings are limited at this time of this post, they've got big plans and I'm all about their new moc-toe.
I don't like the design of their Niagara (which is the only laced boot they have on their site in addition to a chelsea). The seams for the toe are too far in -- like an Alden -- which means you get visible stitching in your face without the boxy relief of a true moc toe. It's the worst of both worlds IMO. But thanks for the intro. I'd be happy to look at future designs.
I just got a pair of the wolverine Blvd cap toe. They are also quite narrow, which I wish they were a little wider. Definitely designed more for the office, date night
I have the captains and the iron rangers. I really wish Thursday would come out with a more similar round toe M, less pointed and dressy, like the iron ranger. I think it would sell really well and I’d pick up a pair.
Where did you get the idea that made in America = quality? Oh yes, your National brain programming about freedom etc. Have you seen the average American? And you trust them to do a good job?
@@philmcclenaghan7056 I get the idea that American made is quality because when I buy American made, it lasts longer than when I buy cheap from countries.
I prefer the slim silhouette of boots like the Thursdays.. own a few pairs in different colours. I tried IR and there's no doubt that the build is of higher quality (though you'd expect that for the price). I couldn't get past the Clown boots thing unfortunately, others love them of course. You've given me some ideas for higher end options though. Still, I look after my boots and get a few years out of them. I actually quite like the fact that they're not finite as I'm often ready for a change by then anyway. I suppose it's possible for many boots now to be such high quality, that they could last a lifetime. Not sure that is something I'd actually want though.
If you think Iron Rangers are clown boots then run, run!, from any temptation to buy Jim Greens. Pity, because JG's are the BEST build-per-buck anywhere. They're really great for fat guys --- who love top quality but can't look down and see their own feet! 🙂
@@georgegonzalez-rivas3787 Yeah, the JG's look like a very well made boot. I agree though, far too much Krusty styling for my tastes. Luckily there are a whole bunch of well made options to fit both mine and everyone else's style preferences.
Redwing Heritage boots are for Jeans, a blazer, and a night on the town. As a union tradesman I would never wear them on a job site. Redback boots are a working man's boot
The golden fox overlord is an amazing boot for 180. Leather welt. Good quality full grain leather. I like them better then the Thursday captain. Just as good quality if not better and much better looking in my opinion. And a bit cheaper
Nicks Americana is more expensive but it blows the IR outta the water in every possible way. Also more affordable than Whites. I would argue that investing in proper boots will save you money in the long run.
I Have Always Appreciated your Genuine interest in Boots. From Dressy to Military style to fashion and construction boots. Your the least snobby and most passionate of the boot RU-vidrs.
I wish you were a little more upfront about the Thursday Captains. They aren’t a real cap toe. If I buy a cap toe it’s because I want that added structure the added leather provides.
I'm a little surprised to see the Wolverine 1000 Mile left off the list. They are a really close competitor in that heritage boot niche, with similar-but-different-enough styling, and a comparablr price.
Yes, the 1000 Mile Cap-Toe with the mini lug sole has been seriously overlooked. It’s better made than Thursday and much more dressy than the Iron Ranger.
1000 mile wolverine is not even close to the quality of a Captain. The wolverine has a tendency for the most outer part of the outsole to separate from the boot.
@Cole Trick I have a pair of Thursday Captains and a pair of 1000 milers, and I have to say that the 1000 miles are much higher quality. The Captains are good boots for the price, but they are made to meet a price point. I wear my Captains when I need a black boot, but I wear my 1000 miles when I need a brown boot, or a walking boot, or a driving boot, or a light duty work boot.
You forgot the Thursday Loggers in cacao that you also have. Yes. It’s a fake cap toe but it has a Vibram fighter outsole that’s 1/2 thick with a Cuban style heel. I also have 2 captains and 2 pair of GS. The diesel’s and the Ottawa. My diesel’s are the dune cxl and my Ottawa’s are the crimson cxl.
Love my boondockers. Got them as my first ever heritage boot. I wear a size 13 shoe and this has been a comfortable boot for me. Soft flexible leather, not really any padding in the ankle but it's comfy to walk in for me. Best $130 I've ever spent on apparel from Amazon
Forget this stuff, get some cobbler union George boots: Construction: Goodyear-welt + Norwegian stitching, Leather: Pebble Grain Top-Grade Calfskin Or some Meermin.
Rhodes Dean boot. Super well made, better than the Thursday, and cheaper. I own both, and most Thursday boots just do not age well, but the Rhodes boot still looks great. Comes in cap toe and smooth toe, has the same studded rubber outsole, also comes with 2 sets of laces. Easy upkeep, they recommend mink oil.
Found 3 pairs, one I got straight from Huckberry for $180, other brand new on eBay for $79, And one used on eBay for like $50 in an auction. All 3 different colors, all 3 still look great.
Made in Mexico, imported via Huckberry which shows them as 'sold out'. Some of the models are attractive alright. *Guessing* I would say they are probably at a Tecovas-level of quality (since they come from basically the same place) which is good value, but not super-boots. No website? So they specialize on bulk sales to vendors. A store brand. Better than buying from China, that's for sure. And much less hassle than buying from Malaysia. But you might want to check out Jim Green which has amazing (Portland-area) quality --- if you like the wider design.
Steel shank is only needed for people that spend a lot of time on climbing hooks like tree trimmer or lineman, or a ladder. The size of the steel shank really won’t protect much area for nail or other empaling injuries.
I know a lot of people that wear high quality boots. Out of all of them I have never heard anyone compare Thursday boots to $400 to $500 boots. Don’t get me wrong Thursdays are not terrible, they’re just Anywhere near the same level as the Iron rangers.
Don’t buy Thursday boots. I rather pay extra to get the heritage, made in USA, the iron ranger! the best boots I have ever own! I’m soooo happy with my iron ranger!
Who gives a f where they're made? Let me guess - You want to give back to the American people? The same people you step over at the sidewalk without giving change to? Hypocrite.
Leather shank is cause nicks consumers are always lineman or firefighters Imagine a fire fighter having steel shank in the boots..... its a conductor of HEAT But this video is so off course everywhere The nicks boot made sense, but the grant stones? And Thursdays? Not making any sense at being iron ranger alternatives
I would like to share my experience with leather shnks. They tend to go too weak on the point of almost feel like they are bending (sagging) making my feet sunk in the middle, you know? Is that just me or not?
ive nerver seen or heard of the Golden Fox Boondocker before but to me its the best looking boot on this list, its what a boot should look like and i love that it hasn't got speed hooks (i hate speed hooks)
I own both thursdays captain and redwings iron rangers….redwings are much better. Thursday are much more comfortable out the box. Honestly redwings has the set standard so well that when you look at overall value you might as well get them lol.
After break in which are more comfortable? I believe Thursday comfort comes from a thin strip of EVA so a thin EVA insole could always be added into the iron rangers.
@@MadelnMachines tough one but would still lean towards thursdays. It truly does have a sneaker feel. However, I noticed after 5 plus hours that my heel gets fatigued in the thursdays. Wore my red wing Beckmans around Munich ALL day and there was very little to no fatigue
I have the boondockers. They were my first pair of GYW boots. They're super comfortable but the build quality is meh. Plastic welt and the leather is super thin. They're definitely worth the money without question.
I am german and made in China is not an option for me. I try to avoid ist whenever possible. So I bought the iron ranger since it is pretty good available here in Germany
Unfortunately they’re a bit overpriced now. Add a leather vamp lining or midsole and yeah they would be close to $350 but still you could just get better boots for $350. Glad i got mine for $285.
Ordering a pair of Nicks might be a little challenging because of the size. Can anyone compare the size of their Nicks with a pair of their Iron Ranger? 8 D in Iron Rangers fit me like a glove.
The Thursday captain is quite possibly the best boot imo. I wear it's sister, the President, quite often. It's breathable, yet warm enough for all conditions and situations 🔥
Unfortunately, only Iron Rangers and Moctoes are available here in Manila and they’re f*n’ expensive! Although, we’re glad that we have a new custom boot maker named Willie’s Leather.
Just buy Truman's already. Nick's is the best quality, but like White's, is priced quite a bit higher. The IR is now made differently (not better) than the older heritage quality at a increasing price point. And Thursdays are what they are, a fairly priced boot but certainly below the longevity and quality of Truman.
The red wing blacksmith is actually the best boot besides the iron ranger. All these other boots besides the nicks and Truman’s have their cons and not worth getting. Thursdays issue is that they don’t feel like a real boot, they feel more like church shoes. And for the grantstones, those are too flat and weird looking. The helms don’t have a cork filling, they use foam. The only con with the nicks and Truman’s is that those are crazy expensive. None of these boots are perfect lol. So might as well get the iron ranger 🙄
Those Americana's look like Black CXL, not waxed flesh. I don't think Nicks offers anything but Brown waxed flesh if I'm not mistaken. Give them a year and they'll probably have a nice teacore patina going on.
Thursdays Captains are the Made in Mexico lower quality knockoff version of the Iron Ranger. Not sure how you can claim with a straight face that they're an alternative. Synthetic materials, thinner cheaper leather, fake toe cap...did I miss anything?
Awesome video! Quick off subject question. I bought a pair of black shoes and applied Saphir Renovateur right out of the box and noticed some black paint on the glove I was using to apply it. Is this normal?
The quality issue with China has more to do with the fact that Americans buy the cheapest junk and then associate that with “oh it’s made in China”… but China makes some amazing stuff, it’s just that we don’t tend to buy it.
Hi Bootspy, love your Content and I have a question, as a boot disciple, what do Disciple, about the Thursday Duke? Keep up the great work with your content and love your humour, you info you give out and your vids. I listen from Escondido California and you are a boot Disciple. Love Luis P S.: Neither boots are perfect but, I love your videos and please reply.
Does anyone know if the Truman boot in this video is a "true cap toe" like is on the Iron Ranger or is it just decorative but not actually an additional piece of leather covering the toe. Thank you for your help.
I literally just bought a pair of Iron Rangers today! Then I sit down to look at You Tube and this video is first on my feed. WTF! Darn Google bot. So far their awesome, they're going to need some break in though. But who cares, one does not need comfy, cloudiness, softees with spongy, pillows soles. You need to build tough feet.
Iron rangers are a good boot but almost unbearable to walk in, if they just change the foot bed and insoles they could have a boot that people could wear on the job site not just to dinner with their friends
This guy… If you can’t get an IR, if you are trying to find an alternative to the IR, this one’s kind of like an IR….just buy an Iron Ranger and start with the original, will last forever and get better with time.
Thursday is at least an entire class below the Red Wing and 2 or three levels below the Nicks. There's no comparison... you shouldn't be comparing them. And don't recommend made-in-china boots! C'mon man.
And yes, I agree that Thursdays are a level below red wing. But they’re also half the cost. When I was searching for my first good quality boot, I picked Thursday and was super pleased. I love my iron rangers too, but Thursday hits a specific segment and they do a fantastic job there.
Nicks in-stock boots just went on sale for 20 percent off. And Grantstone is amazing, they just debuted a new design yesterday that is awesome looking. If I hadn't just bought a pair, I'd snag some
