I'm 71 years old. I got my first pair of Red Wing boots when I was eight years old, when Red Wing made boots in children's sizes. I got a new pair of boots every year after that as my feet grew. I've always had at least one pair of Red Wing boots, and currently have four pairs. Now I find out I'm a "hipster" for owning them...I just feel so cool...
Bought the IR 8085's a few months back and friggin' love them. I'm also 55 and kind of new going in they were popular with the Hipster crowd (whatever that is when you think of it). Just wanted to let you know I feel like a bad ass wearing them as well. Honestly, I think they look cooler on us "older" folks. Like 'NO' to the bright white New Balance's...!
I'm an old lady with many grandsons.I grew up my first eight years in Anchorage, Alaska and I had Red Wings too. When my children were teens I also joined them wearing Doc Martin Boots but I didn't find them really comfortable. I love Birkenstock shoes. I agree that cork makes a great sole. I think I need to suggest to my young men in the family they try these boots. All are outdoors men and hikers. Most now live in Oregon. I appreciate your videos. I'm 67 and My husband is from Yonkers! New York is a beautiful State. Love the Yankees!
Those comments are hilarious. I live in a very rural area. Grew up on 100 acres, hunting and fishing. Red Wing reminds me of growing up. That's why I wear them. They also look awesome. Being in Texas, wearing boots is normal and people wear them different ways all the time. The comments on how hispters shouldn't wear them makes zero sense. I bet those same people only wear running shoes when they're running too...
Haha thanks for chiming in Daniel! Yeah totally agree they were kind of funny and defensive sounding in my opinion. Who really cares what anyone else is wearing? And yeah I’ve got to get myself done to Texas and try on some real cowboy boots!!
@ALHAUSER Irony, NYC concrete is tough on shoes. Having a pair of shoes that holds up to that, and looks great is pretty stellar. Shoes that can go from an office, to a jobsite in the city, and then back without having to change shoes is awesome.
I love boots and well made goods. Enjoying that type of stuff doesn’t make you a hipster, people say hipsters ruin everything but gatekeepers who tell people what they can and can’t wear ruin everything.
Amen! I couldn’t agree more! Just don’t really understand why anyone would take that kind of approach. Seems to me to be a very sour and self righteous character trait - to keep things exclusive and only for themselves
Had no idea Iron Rangers were a Hipster thing until after I got mine I’m a plumber and wear mine to work almost everyday. Like that the have decent water resistance, but mainly like that they don’t track mud and dirt Only thing I knew about Hipsters was funny hats, thick rim glasses, lumberjack shirt and riding a moped Lol
Haha yeah honestly I’m not even sure what classifies someone as a hipster. If someone doesn’t do blue collar work does that make them unable to wear a quality boot? I certainly think anyone who thinks so isn’t as “tough” as they think
I'm a blue collar guy, and I was introduced to Red Wings as a work boot. I just bought a pair of 8085s because they look sexy and they scream quality. Nothing utility about it, they look good and they'll last a long time! If that makes me a weird hybrid working man/ hipster, I'll take it!
It's a throw back to when it was an excellent working boot , but the quality of that boot is still strong today .so hipsters can wear to show their fashion sense and working men can wear because they know their a tough boot . Life will always have 2 sides of the coin ,but you will enjoy life more when you can live with both sides 😁👍🥾🥾
The cork underneath the insole will disappear in about a year of usage. The most important thing is insole leather compression and the fact that the sole wears the most on the points of higher pressure, so the sole gets moulded to your foot and the thicker are the soles/insoles, the more comfortable boots will be.
Im 60. I’ve been wearing work boots since about 1978 - farming and construction. Redwings have been probably the best boots Ive owned. Iron Rangers and Roughneck are two models I’ve owned. Ive been rotating this two pairs for about 30 or more years and have resoled them a couple of times. I wear them nearly all the time, they become very confortable after breaking in. I have a newer third pair - the moccasins toe style with white sole. Can’t remember the model name. It’s really nice too and I do a little light hiking and camping in those. Glad you found a quality made boot. These are shoes that can last a lifetime
@@TheMensch i do have a couple pairs of shoes for casual wear and dress up time, and running shoes. Unfortunately running shoes wear out fast.. I wear those out quickly. The few good pairs of shoes I wear for casual time, and dressy ocassions are nothing special. None of those are very expensive, but have lasted many year. I'm not nearly as picky with shoes as I am with work boots. Maybe I should. Are there any good shoemakers tjat make a wingtip shoe around 400 as well made as redwings I have?
Critiques aside, here is the reason we buy Iron Rangers. Active lifestyles. If you participate in hiking, fishing, cycling, camping, sporting events, hunting or traveling, you get IRs. I have 2 pair. Like many of you I also have AEs, Thursdays, JMs and Fryes. But when I need an all arounder I grab one of my IRs.
I always thought people over exaggerated these Iron Rangers. I was wrong!!! Just bought a pair and holy crap these boots feel great and look great. I’m gonna be wearing them almost everyday driving and unloading my truck. I wear a size 12 in my Keen boots ,size 12 in Redwing 2219 redwing loggers and size 12 d in my Thorogood wedge soles , I am a size 10d in Iron Rangers. That’s crazy !!!! The last they used back in the day is so different then modern. So make sure if you buy these boots please try them on
I've been called a hipster because I smoked American Spirits and because of the music I listen to. And yeah, Red Wings are my favorite boots. Just this last week I got my first pair of "hipster" Iron Rangers. And I bought them just to be a casual fashion statement. And to geek out over their quality and the throw back to old work boots. The other Red Wings I've owned? The 4200 Dynawork and the 2217 Loggermax. I'm a union fire sprinkler fitter. And I've loved the rugged durability of a Red Wing work boot. I'm super excited for the craftsmanship and heritage of the Iron Ranger. I'm wearing this newest boot for looks when I'm not working. Suck it gatekeepers!
Looks like you didn’t use cedar shoe trees, that’s what causes the cracks behind the toe. The cedar extracts the sweat from the inside of the leather which dramatically keeps the leather much better conditioned.
So I was born and raised in the "Iorn Range" in Minnesota. These boots were so iconic here. My Grandfather had a pair when he work in the iorn mines. I would love to get myself a pair of these.
Wow that’s pretty awesome!! I would love to take a trip out to Minnesota and catch a hockey game or two! (We miss zuccarello here in NY) it would be really cool to see what red wing boots mean to the state of MN and to check out the factory. And btw I heard red wing has a shop near their factory where they sometimes have factory seconds sales and have boots for more than 50% off retail price
I’ve had mine for about 4 months now. I wear mine as often as possible. Even to work if I can. I work in construction and do some metal fab work so I change them when I’m welding. Not quite ready to fully initiate a $320 pair of boots, lol. That being said, I do beat them up a little bit. After some good break in time I’ll be a little harder on them. My philosophy is to just wear whatever you like and don’t listen to other people’s opinions.
I have probably 38 to 40 pairs of red wing boots, Seven Of them r iron rangers ,My favorite boots ever. They have everything, classic look and also pretty durable Compared to 877😢
Wow that is quite the collection! Would love to see a picture of all of them! I agree I think through all my collecting, the iron ranger is still easily my favorite both for its style and fit!
I love the message of anyone who wants to wear them should! Carl murawski said something similar, he'd be happy if a barista was wearing Nick's pro boots lmao
Yeah exactly! Carl is the man and I love seeing how upset he gets when people call him a hipster- they have no right since he works in a super blue collar construction job! And yeah I get super excited when I see musicians or people on the subway wearing the iron rangers too!
@@TheMensch all that macho stuff needs to go out the window and see everyone who likes them should wear them, why wouldn't they want to support american made and home team jobs!
Me too. They’ve felt pretty flat and hard so far, but they’re starting to feel more comfortable. I have 2-3 weeks of wearing them. I wear them to work for a day or two, then give my feet a break til the next week. I recently wore Them for 3 days in a row, so they’re getting better.
The Mensch on Menswear it’s my sixth day wearing them now. First few days were pretty tough especially at the sides since the leather wasn’t soft yet. It’s starting to soften now but I got a long way to go. Keep up the videos!
Will do! And yeah for me the sides and the collar were the big problem spots. The collar would dig into my ankles pretty hard as I walked but it definitely softens up in a hurry once the leather reaches it’s breaking point!
I just love the look of these boots! I will be intending to get a pair of them as I’m sick of buying timberlands that only last for about three years of constant use and tossing them away because they’re not made to be resold. The countless times I’ve read about people saying that they’re iron rangers are pretty much older than me, makes me want to get them even more! £280 is a steep hill to climb for me and I don’t have a lot of money but hopefully I’ll get lucky to buy a pair and not need to buy everyday boots again. Also hello from the UK! 😁
Thanks so much for your input! I def agree that the idea of having a pair of boots that looks fantastic but is also built to last is something universally appealing. I think they were the first item I ever bought that I was excited to put tons of wear into. Also hello! 🇬🇧
The Mensch thanks for you’re reply! I will be getting them soon. As getting older I’ve come to realise that smart investments actually save more money over time. I might suffer for the first month after getting them but I know they’re worth it. I spoke to the guys that have a red wing shop here in London and they said that they have serviced an older gentleman with boots he bought back in the late 70s! And he took really good care of them which is why they lasted for so long. Even if I can get up to 10 years of constant use that’ll be £280 well spent!
One thing I know from making my own clothing is good quality fabrics and textiles and good patterns and labor do make a difference. A workman is worthy of his labour and you usually get what you pay for. I've been willing to hunt and thrift used quality clothing in my old age but shoes mold to your feet and if I can I prefer to spend my money on the best new shoes I can afford when I can especially if they are on sale! I'm usually not to hard on my shoes and because I buy quality shoes and boots they last a very long time.
This is the first time I heard this hipster argument...I don't care who wears them, Red Wing makes great boots. The iron ranger fit my foot beautifully from the beginning, very easy break in. The leather is nice and thick and can really standup to abuse. My only complaint about the boot is that it has a harder than usual sole, at least harder than my Trumans, Grant Stones and Parkhurst boots. The boot doesn't have a midsole and I think this is why there is less shock absorption while walking. When I resole the outsole, I plan on putting a nice thick leather midsole and maybe a vibram commando sole.
I’ve worn the absolute crap out of my iron rangers over the past three years and they still look new. I’m trying to figure out how/why people beat their boots up so badly. I get compliments on my “new boots” all the time. I just giggle and tell them that they have several hundred miles on them.
Haha how do you maintain them? It’s true that the leather is super thick and they don’t really show age other than the slight discolorations on certain parts of the boot that see more contact like the toe cap. They’re the best aren’t they?!
the only down fall on my 8 year old iron rangers is that I got them in EE width with the idea that I would not have to go through the break in process that everyone talks about. Now that the leather is really broken in and has stretched to the point where I had to insert a redwing foot sole in order to keep my foot from swimming , they are super comfortable but when I look down at them i can't help but notice how big the toe box looks. I want to buy a size D width but can't justify it when these are still looking strong!!!
Haha 8 years is definitely something to be proud of! Hey there’s always room for another pair and you could get a different style of red wing since they have a ton of options!
These ain't the standard fashion boots at all, they look pretty yes, but they are durable tough boot that will take a beating for months and will look like new after conditioning. The vibran mini log sole is super durable and doesn't pick up much mud or dirt, and they are agile, you don't feel like wearing a pair of dumbbells tied to your feet. You can wear these in pretty hot weather and they breathe well and don't stink. The coopers in particular look like a work of art after some aging and conditioning.
I just got a pair and they would be a great work boot if you dont need much traction i lay pipe and dig ditches and I’d love to work in them if they were a little taller and had a more aggressive tread they are built awesome and thats what you want in a work boot just get a good “work” soul put on there
For an American made work boot from Red Wings, check out the Loggermax. They're 300ish bucks but I've had mine for three years. I'm a fire sprinkler fitter so they get grease and oil most days. Mud and cold and sun many days. They're absolute work horses. I just bought some 8085s for casual wear and that brought me here lol.
I had my iron rangers less than a year. Didnt wear it as much because of quarantine, and plus I live in a warm climate in the southwest. I only wear my leather boots during fall/winter season. I did break them in before quarantine, so I'm happy. Overall, did enjoy watching your video!
I’m a bootmaker but I work as a cobbler these days and wear my iron ranger amber harness everyday.. I usually have leather dust and glue and what not on my clothes when I walk back home and I have no doubt some people think I’m just trying to look tough or whatever but I find it funny and usually wouldn’t even begin to bother to explain lol For the record though red wings are by far a hipster flimsy boot they are extremely well built for the price point and very solid Goodyear welted construction with a thick 6mm leather insole. I can’t think of almost any other Goodyear welter that has a leather 6 mill insole other then red wing and that’s why I choose them Great vid man 🙂👍
Thanks so much! Good to hear you trust the rangers and you don’t care to explain to others why you wear them! Yea I agree I think that leather insole is a huge factor for me since they provide such great support after break in. To me it’s the reason other boots in that price range fall way way short. They often cut it short on the insole big time
@@Theredeemedchild2 I think that its great that someone like you who has a very active lifestyle can still appreciate this boot for its good looks! to me the greatness of the iron ranger is that it pretty much can appeal to anyone and everyone out there, whether its for fashion or function
I’m two days into my new iron rangers. I’m looking forward to see how they compare to my old boots. I’m not sold on the new soul... yet. I’ll give it a few years.
Which were your old boots? And haha a few years is a fair amount of time to assess the quality of the boot - and I’m being totally serious! Most people don’t give it more than a few days!
I've got rangers in both soles and i hate the new soles, they are too thin and soft for me, i feel every stone i walk on, but your mileage may very. i'm getting them resoled. i love my old rangersi've had for a while though, very comfortable and durable.
My left iron ranger has a loose grain or leather break same place yours does I’ve had them for 5 years and there’s nothing that will happen because of it , I even called redwing and they said 30 to 50% of there rangers will get that grain break and it does not affect the leather boot at all they did long term testing on it and found it did nothing that hurt the boots in long term use
Yeah that seems to be the case - still, I think loose grain is undoubtedly less attractive though and for that reason I’m still a bit disappointed. Don’t get me wrong I still love these boots!
The Mensch I whole heartily agree with ya my left boot has the grain issue as well it’s not as bad as some but it’s still there and my wolverines 1000 mile boots that was cheaper has none on all 3 pairs not a even slightly so idk... it is what it is I guess
Just seeing this now after picking up a pair of 8085’s today! Are you going to do a three year video? Would like to know if that loose grain is holding up ok!
I just got a pair of 8085s over the weekend. I'm having flashbacks to foolishly breaking in my brand new Loggermax boots on the jobsite 😆. It's gonna be a bit of work to break them in, but it's so worth it!
People do realize there was life before Instagram, right? Hipsters didn’t trend set or discover these boots just because they all started posting pics of them. These have been popular for almost a 100 years. If anything, hipsters conformed on this one.
Are they as tough as a pair of Nick's? No. Are they comfortable and a good mid-way between logging boots and city boots with a resole? Absolutely. Bone stock, the mini lug doesn't really have enough traction. Good for non-muddy environments though.
If you're wearing skinny jeans I can see how ppl would call you a hipster. I personally think skinny jeans are ridiculous. But I really don't care what you wear. Wear what you love. The Iron Ranger is most certainly a working man's boot. The history behind the boot is awesome. It's a fantastic boot and looks great on everyone.
The Mensch on Menswear. I think it is a good thing because it ties them back to their original purpose. Also, they are much better in the snow with the lugs.
Yeah I think one thing the flat sole desperately lacks is traction in slippery surfaces - I’ve actually found the iron ranger isn’t my first choice when it’s cold or icy out. It doesn’t contain heat very well and they slide all over!
I’m actually getting a pair of these next Friday. I’m getting a pair cause I’ve always liked the service boot style and they just look nice and when I tried on a pair they felt amazing. Also if I get the choice should I get the nitrile or Vibram sole?
For my foot type it’s red wing. Their insole is very high quality and extremely well made. You have to be okay with a hard leather footbed though. If you’re the type of person who needs some cushion, then I think Thursday is the better option
people still buy and build trucks form the 40's, but they wouldn't use them day to day on a work site. they are for show. heritage boots are for fashion. and they are awesome.
I love mine they fit a glove. I’m 70 years old and I’m not apologizing to buttheads who want to dictate what I wear. The probably can’t afford these boots and are jealous. I work in these boots everyday.
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Wear whatever trips your trigger. Are you buying boots because you like them or because you are concerned what people think of you based on your footwear? FOR ME...lace-up boots are uncomfortable and hot. I can't wait to get them off my feet. But that's just me. I also don't like the NYY. #foreverRoyal
I have a question!! Is the leather on these soft?? and what do you call boots that have the really soft leather that covers the ankle area!! please thnx and if not which ones have the soft leather Tnnxxxxxxxxx
The leather on these is extremely stiff when you first get them but over a few months they soften up- however these are the 8111 in amber harness leather from red wing which is extremely stiff. They make other leathers, most popular of all is the rough and tough leathers and those are very soft from the get go! So if you want a pair of iron rangers but with softer leather I’d recommend the copper rough and tough leather!
You can tell a lot about someone by how their boots look. When you see my iron rangers beat to death and muddy there is no mistake they are work boots. When you see a new looking pair outside of Starbucks, well there’s your hipster LOL
I don't know. I've got my beat up Loggermax boots from work. I just bought some 8085s to have a sexy boot outside of work. So am I blue collar or am I a hipster? And being from Utah, I prefer Beans and Brew too Starbucks when I treat myself.
A little OBENAUF will keep that leather looking great 👍 I wear them while I drive my tractor 🚜 on my fathers ranch and I wear them in the city 🌃 I’m no hipster but hipsters got good taste.
Way to heavy of a leather to be worn just for fashion. For everyday activities walking yard work, hiking etc you don’t need steel toes so the Orion ranger is a great option.
I came here looking for reviews from a blue collar perspective. But I won’t knock you for not reviewing them from that viewpoint. You’re at one of the top videos for a reason. You didn’t advertise this as a blue collar review so no knock here.
The Mensch on Menswear I have another pair of broken-in boots to swap them out with, so it hasn’t been too painful. Definitely giving them a workout, tho!
Hola the menchs, que talla me recomiendas para unas classicc moe , mis pies miden exactamente 26 centímetros y para las iron rangers q talla ? M servirá de gran ayuda tu comentario ya q vivo en México y me las traerán de usa, gracias
Hola metete en la pagina de red wing alli te dicen cuanto mide el.zapato por dentro ! La recomendacion es comprar media talla menos ! Mi pie mide 27.5 cm en brannock uso nike talla 10 us compre talla 9.5 us que es 27.5 cm y me quedaron bien !
