Just got my Iron Rangers a few weeks ago in Copper Rough & Tough (8085) I really like the non-uniform color as it looks like a crossfade of two different tones from heel to toe
I got my first pair of Red Wings a couple of months ago. I went with the 3141 Work Chukka. They are finally starting to break in nicely. I love them so much! The Chukka has been on my wishlist for a long time and I’m stoked to finally have them.
@@coff33guy34 Wearing slightly thicker socks for the first couple of weeks helped to do some initial stretching of the leather and helped prevent blisters. Now it’s just a matter of wearing them when I can and letting it happen naturally. I’ve been in mine since the end of January this year, and I think there is still a ways to go on the break in. From what I’ve seen from others, sometimes these can take a year to break in, especially if you don’t wear them every day or for long periods each day.
Iron Rangers my first heritage, over three years ago (Oxblood Mesa) - like you’d said in one of reviews for it: I still reach for them over any other - when want speed putting on, or comfort, or ruggedness, for inclement weather, or if don’t know what I’ll be doing or getting into. The sole is firm, but I like that. Upper has wear but still looks almost as good as when I got them. Red Wing leather is impressive. Paid full price for mine: seems a bargain every time I put them on, in fact feels more like a reward and not something I paid for.
I bought a pair of Blacksmiths 3345’s a few months back and loved them. I then got obsessed with owning a pair of Iron Rangers and was able to find some about a week ago. The copper 8085’s. Gorgeous boots and I probably won’t stop there. It’s an addiction for sure. I enjoy your enthusiasm and videos brother, keep up the good work!
Appreciate the good vibes! The 3345 are sweet boots and that prarie leather ages beautifully. I also love the 8085 as I’m just a big fan of the rough n tough leathers!
@@TheMensch yes the prairie leather looks awesome as it ages, though I take such good care of them I don’t know if the brown will ever show through lol, and I’m really impressed with the copper rough and tough. It’s just a gorgeous leather and the color variations just add to its charm.
Same here brother. Picked up my first IR's in copper and after a few weeks wearing them just purchased two pair of 1000 Mile boots. Wanted to diversify my boot options. An addiction i never saw coming.....
@@drewengles4477 haven’t gotten a pair of 1000’s yet but they are a great boot, I’ve always liked them. I just got really hung up on Red Wings and there are a couple more I need for my collection but Wolverine is on my boot bucket list.
@@stevenkent1979 whatever you do don't pay full price on the 1000 Mile at $385. I'd been eyeing them the last couple weeks and Zappos listed them at a great discount but it was very limited qty. black for $287 and Cordovan for $266! The sale price was why i bought 2 pair instead of just one.
I love my Blacksmiths. They are a lot more comfortable than my Moc toes. I expected a tough break-in, but that wasn't the case. I've had them for months now. While they have gotten more comfortable, they were pretty comfortable on the first day. Not really the case with the Moc toes. Those required more of a break-in. Recommendation to those new to Red Wings....always use shoe trees! Especially on Iron Rangers and Blacksmiths. They will help to keep the toe box more flat instead of getting that significant lift.
Yeah they’re frickin sweet! Super glad to have them in the collection though I’m gonna have to baby them. I already got a few scuffs and I’m bugging out haha
Totally agree the 8111 is the best. The moc toe is not for me too narrow and the tongue is so hard to break in. I have trickers but they don’t have the room for the toes and even at twice the price not comfortable. The 8111 really comfortable, the leather is quite soft due to the oils, with the right size the break in is not painful, it does get the recognition and just a really nice boot. Congratulations on your collection, my next red wings will be the copper blacksmiths.
WOW!?! This is most impressive!!! :D The chukkas are my favorite, for sure!!! I have my own collection of loafers, as I like to dress up!!! Thank you for this, as always, and I can't wait for your next content, marvelous Mr. Mensch!!!!! :D
I got myself a Florsheim chuka. But I am having problem with how to wear. My slim jeans , don’t work. Maybe it’ll work with straight leg. How do you wearing them?
@@MikiBlue Hello!!! :D I actually have never owned a pair of chukkas- I just like that particular shoe from The Mensch's collection!!! Great question, and one that will be perfect to ask The Mensch!!! :D
It’s nice to see the younger generations learning About Red Wing shoes. Started purchasing Red Wing boots in the 1980s. Life as a pipe fitter quickly shows what works and what doesn’t. Red Wing is the stand alone company that provides long lasting quality and comfort with hard working tradesmen. Even if it has become a “fashion statement” with todays less masculine males. Great boots and I will always slave to the grind in my Red Wings.
That's right dad. You're the pinnacle of masculinity because you get your hands dirty. Welcome to the twenty first century, get over yourself. I don't like it any more than you do but its the soy boys that run shit now if you haven't noticed.
Hi there, love this video. Im also a "too many boots guy" lol. I absolutely love my Red Wing Iron Ranger boots, I started off with the Iron Ranger Copper boots #8085, because they seemed to sell out first above all the other colours. Then bought the Iron Ranger Charcoal boots #4606, they are both the rough and tough leather and absolutely love them. I sized down 1/2 size from my normal boots and they are a perfect fit, just enough room for different thicknesses of socks to wear with them. I didn't find the break in all that bad, since I was used to wearing a variety of boots all the time. If you're used to sneakers then yes, it will be a bit of a change for your feet. I wouldn't advise going for a long walk in new Iron Rangers but if you put them on and wear them around the house an hour or more each day for a couple weeks or if you have a job that you can walk around a bit, then sit when you need to, these boots will break in well, feel so comfortable and be the best boots you own., I plan to get the Iron Rangers boots #8111 in Amber Harness next. By the way, you got amazing sales, I'm jealous :)...I have got to check out Nordstom Rack. The best I did so far from any retailer was $45 off normal retail price on the Iron Ranger charcoal boots only.
I started collecting about 4 months ago, with my first pair being 8111 (amber harness) - I was immediately hooked......4 months later and I own 6 pairs lol. Iron ranger (Amber Harness) Iron ranger (Copper Rough & Tough) Iron ranger (Hawthorne Muleskinner) Blacksmith (Hawthorne Muleskinner) Moc Toe (Briar Oil Slick) Moc Toe (Olive Mohave) Currently toying with the idea of adding to the Iron Rangers by getting the black harness or ebony or charcoal. That'll then complete my red wing collection for the foreseeable future 🤞
The 8111s were my first, and likewise favorites, as well. Unfortunately they only see weekend wear due to business casual dress code throughout the week. Keep those light roughouts as a part of your impressive collection!
Bought my first pair of Redwing boots a few months ago, the 415’s. I like them fine, but they are insulated. I am a tennis shoe 11, and got a pair of 10.5 8111’s, for summer. I realized … even though I sized down, I could still fit a 4ply wool sock in those, so I picked up an additional pair of size 10’s. I’m Currently breaking those in, with a thin sock. It’s painful, but going well, I’m very happy with those 2 pair of 8111’s, and bought 2 more pair for storage. Wanted to lock in the price … 🤷🏻♂️
hey Mench, my name is kevin and i to love my red wing heritage collection, i we’re tied in actual pairs i have 4 iron rangers & 4 moc-toes. i love your collection i may have missed it but if you don’t have the mullskinner 8083’s you would really like them. they feel a little different on feet because of the different hyde of leather but still breaking mine in though. anyway thank you mench for keeping it fun.
Dude, hang onto your Hawthorne IR's. I wear mine all the time and I just don't let them get dirty and nasty looking. They do have a little indigo bleed on them, but I do like that. Just don't let them get nasty looking, you'll appreciate having them! It did take me a while to really enjoy them when I first got them too. But once I figured out how I wanted to wear them, love them!
Haha you think? I happened to get a great pair and they fit so well so I’m leaning towards keeping them but I’m just not sure they’re gonna get a ton of wear. But maybe I’ll find that they’re versatile and age well like you said 👍
I've style my Black Iron Rangers with brown leather laces to match the welt, then cuff a pair of indigo selvedge to the hem and find that look works really well. Got my 18oz on from Bravestar Slubverters on today. 15oz Ironside jacket and Black Harness boots on. Definitely working for me. That Beckman flatbox would look great with slim cut Indigo jeans or a heavier twill tobacco chino man. I'd rock that dressed up in meetings in London or, dressed down chopping wood in the back garden all week long.
If you put Danner boot oil or red wing mink oil on those 875's and 8138's they will be broke in within 2-3 days the oil softens the leather so much. It makes them patina much better as well.
My one indulgence in life is my boots. For me I am a sucker for Chelsea and Chukka boots. Im a general contractor and even for work I wear the red wing classic work chelsea boots. My favorite casual, run around, boots are the weekender chelseas. I think that they are over priced for being stitch out construction, but still love them. I may buy a pair of 3141 boots soon. Its tough because I have 5 or 6 other chukkas already…lol Oh man…literally just made this post and a pair of 3141 came up on ebay. Preowned, but look like they were worn no more than a couple times. Soles look perfect. $199. Less would have been better, as always 😁, but since the 3141 is out of stock everywhere…I am happy to have found a pair. My wife will probably kill me though, so will someone at least make sure that I am buried in them. lol
Wow, you're collection of Redwings is second only to CJ Cook man. I happen to own just 3 pairs of Redwings, the iron rangers in Amber harness and black harness and the Roughneck in copper rough and tough. I decided to move onto some other brands and now have the Truman boots in coach rambler and stone rambler. I really think it's time to move onto Truman boots or Nick's boots for you. Personally I would love to see your take on the Nick's Falcon in orange predator leather and the Truman boots in java wax flesh. Cheers
Haha thanks! CJ has pretty much every red wing boot out there lol - I would love to get some Truman boots their lasts look nice and get generous and they have some nice styles for business casual. Nicks would be awesome but man they’re pricey! I drool over them but would have to save up big time haha
Yup the C55 last ( Truman boots) is great for business casual man. I also buy into Nick's being a tad too expensive upfront although the value proposition is fantastic.
Yeah at this point I have a pretty big collection so I feel like nicks would be better if I decide to consolidate and get my rotation down to 4 or 5 pairs
I got a pair of 8113's (Hawthorne Muleskinner with cork soles), and they are definitely my favorite pair. It's all about the patina the roughout will take on. The wait is worth it. I recommend that you keep them!
Very nice review. I’m thinking about getting a pair of IR, but am curious if you feel any particular color would go with more items to possibly include wearing them with a suit? I wear 8” Carolina brown work boots daily. I keep them clean looking with mink oil. It darkened them a bit, but they look great. Very comfortable and great support.
Yeah they just look and fit so well I’m finding it hard to give em back. Just would want to preserve that natural color for as long as possible. Do you have a pair?
Definitely keep the rough outs! I bought a pair of 8085’s new in the RW store in Amsterdam and love them. Then I stumbled upon a pair of previously owned 8113’s with the ‘old’ soles and have to say, I love them even more! They only get better looking with age. I occasionally give em a brush and spray them with a water repellent every once in a while. I don’t wear em in the rain or snow though.That’s where the 8085’s come in.
@@TheMensch I have a pair myself and while you can never really preserve the complete original colour, I have come fairly close to keeping it that way for a years use now.
I have the ones that were hard to brake in I got them for $10 from a friend who couldn’t stand the tough breaking in 😂😂. I have two pairs of red wings and oddly enough no timberlands .
Those two are the best redwing boots, rangers for taking a beating while blacksmiths too pretty to beat up though they can also take a beating and look new after conditioning like the rangers. Coopers I like them more.
You should get a pilot wings pin for having this many pairs! 😂 Super super informative and appreciate the detail even as someone who doesn’t wear a ton of boots!
nice collection. fun fact: my first pair Iron Rangers ruined my knees. After 15 years i only wear RW with softer soles like the wedge, weekenders or the old wabasha ones. The cushion from the nitril cork sole is zero to none. I dont recommend them!
Yo, I have 4 different pairs of redwings as well as wolverines and whites boots. Although my white’s farmer / rancher boots are my favorite now, I wore the hell out of my Spirit lake Iron Rangers (Indian Motorcycle Release) before I got the White’s. Redwings are literally meant to last. Don’t get Thursday boots or anything, go for some good ol redwings from Nordstrom rack 👌🏽
Whatever happened to the 996? I wore a pair for 15 years, resoled them twice before giving them to goodwill. I still have a new pair that I've never worn, but cannot find any info about them to help me sell them.
You need to go on n a search for a pair of huntsman's. In black Klondike. You won't find those at a Nordstrom Rack. I don't know if you can find them for sale new in the US in fact, but ebay has them used. If you are open to other brands there are a ton of handmade brands however I highly recommend some Alden's. The boots are as comfortable as the shoes are.
The Mensch Alden's are all really comfortable. It comes down to the style you like. I would recommend going to a dealer and trying some on as different styles are made on different lasts so make sure you know what size you are on the various lasts. The funny thing is, I've been wearing boots my entire life and I have some unworn and worn pairs of various brands that are older than you. 😅. My dad bought two pairs of Nacona work boots when I was young. I wore one pair to death doing farm work, the other pair sits in my closet New in the box as I never got around to wearing them. They are probably 40 years old. They would generate some good conversation in NY or Boston among boot guys. 😁
@@TheMensch once you wear Alden indys you’ll never go back. Comfort is out of this world. Careful though they run wide for a lot of people. Especially their trubalance last.
Haha that’s incredible - I think I’m waiting for the right opportunity. My collection is pretty full but If I find a pair on sale I’ll be sure to pull the trigger
Great collection man I dream about the 9060’s I don't have that or blacksmiths I have some moctoes and two pair of iron ranger's (black harness and oxblood I wish I got the amber over the ox though oxblood scuffs up to easy in a not cool scuffed up kind of way
What is a mench ? I have a new pair of iron rangers that fit my foot like a glove fits your hand and I love them but those blacksmiths you have are absolutely beautiful I think.
Hey mensch, love the video! You are the reason I bought the 9060s and they are amazing I have a similar issue though they really only look good with some olive chinos I have. And are you looking to sell those 8076s??? I'm very interested if you are!
Yeah I think olive is my favorite pairing for the 9060 - someone else messaged me for the 8076 but send me an email at modmensch@gmail.com to follow up
I feel like the 8138s run big compared to the other moc toe leathers. Ii couldn't fit into an 8.5 with the 875 but when I tried in the 8138 it was way too big. Maybe just a fluke idk
Hi. Great video. Could you tell me what size and width iron rangers you wear? I wear an 8 EE in an iron ranger and I want to try to get one of the other style boots in your video. Seems like the other red wing boot style sizes are not all the same. Thanks!
them 8076 look awsome those in a amber harness would be awsome sucks japan gets these awsome exclusives and we just get many moc toe boots in finishes no one asked for xD
I sleep in my 8111 wife hates it but who cares . I like 9268 the best they are at redwing right now getting new tread I have a pair of the Indian engineer made in the u.s. to I like them alot also .
I want to buy red wing iron ranger boots and i need your advice about size.I wear all my shoes and sneakers in us 9 (Dr. Martens, converse, nike, adidas, catterpilar, salomon).My foot length is 27 centimeters.Can you tell me which size fits me?People sizing down half or full size down?My foot is somewhere between a D width and an E width.I used the printed branock measurements and the foot length is somewhere around 10.5 which is 27 cm or European shoe size 42.Should I order US 8.5 or simply take them in my regular size US 9. I don't have the opportunity to try the boots on in the store. I plan to order them through a friend from Germany. That's why I need your help.Greetings from Serbia.
What $250 is NOT a lot of money have you of any costume craft boot makers in Washington state NICK ,Franks Wesco they start at $550 and up over $1000 a pair and Nicks right now is 22 weeks out from start the order to get shipped !
I own about 30 heritage boots iron rangers, moc toe, black smith and pecos. What retailer did you buy the 8076 from I actually live out here in Colorado looking for size 8.5 also
Yeah it is, I myself also have to slow down on buying more boots this year. I looked up there website looks like there gone now. Would you sell your 9 8076? lol I just said I would slow down but have room for one more pair they remind me of the Alden Indy boots. And I’m gonna have to swing by Berkeley shop i live 15mins away from it.
Depends, i have the 8085s but i wish i had the 8111s instead because the rough and tough leather has a tendency to have loose grain, its also nubuck and scratches super easily and always feels dry and looks fuzzy.
Mensch what size do you wear in IRs? If you want to sell me those 8083s I'd be happy to pay what you paid for them. As long as you havent worn them TOO much.
Damn, man, do you work at Nordstrom Rack? How the hell do you find all of these Red Wings in your size? I go on the regular and do not find good stuff EVER
Update So I purchased a 6th pair of red wings but i think they’ll be one of my last pairs of red wings. I’ve pretty much experienced everything that red wing has to offer and I’ll be moving on to better quality boots.