If you prefer black through & through, consider the Red Wing 2955 Blacksmith in black spitfire leather. Basically a rough side out, black leather. Good stuff.
I got a pair for Christmas and I absolutely love them. I always watch your reviews and find them very helpful in my choices. I wear Redwing boots for Style as well as for Work. I like to buy things once. Because you can end up paying more when you buy cheap.
Mine are in the mail. I'm really glad to hear about the firmness of the sole and lack of shock absorption because, at the other end of the spectrum, I had a pair of Sketchers a few years ago that had the gimmick of a memory foam insole and the 'knuckle' of my big toe joint became very painful and the pain would last for a wee while even after I took the darned things off. I ended up just donating them to a charity shop. Before I discovered proper boots, largely due to your channel and the fact that I wanted something proper, that was welted and future resolable by a cobbler, I've owned 3 pairs of Eccos. The sheepskin Hydromax died because of the hydrolosis decay (or whatever it is) and, although the upper is absolutely beautiful, they only have a cosmetic, fake, welt and polyurethane moulded soles, which disintegrated and isn't replaceable. Throwing them away is gonna hurt a lot. I still own their plain toed Track II which are surviving and serving me quite well. I've learned that this is because I wear them quite often, so that heats them up regularly enough to stop the PU soles from crumbling (apparently, it's cold storing them, like in a cupboard for long periods, that causes the kind of PU the moulded soles are made of, to absorb atmospheric moisture, which leads to them breaking down; it's supposed to be 'ecco-friendly', for when they end up in land-fill). If someone, such as yourself's, extensive collection was an extensive collection of Eccos, you could wave bye-bye to actually walking on any of them, ever again, if you'd had them in storage or on the shelf for a period of 4 or 5 years. It's wastefulness and planned-obsolescence, dressed up and spun as environmental concern. Anyway, the extant Track II's have solid, firm footed footbeds and insoles and they are ergonomically great for comfort and walking. That's why I'm glad to hear that the Blacksmiths are very solid, that way, too. Finding out about, and buying, the likes of Red Wing instead of Ecco, etc, I feel like I'm experiencing a similar sort of 'knowledge of quality' upgrade as I did when I started buying watches like Seiko, Casio Oceanus, G-Shock and Longines, etc. instead of just fashion brands, Nixon and Fossil. Thank you for costing me money, hehe.
The scuffs are cool if you are into a rough look. My gramps has had the same boots for years. He polishes them with a bit of black shoe polish in the morning. Always looking dressed to the T. I have this pair. I use black polish on the scuffs, they are my favorite.
Love my blacksmiths. I like them more than the iron rangers. I have a friend who has a pair of thousand miles and we have compared them. To us the only difference is that hers are on average shinier than mine because of the chrome tanned vs oil tanned leather. And the red wing has a rubber sole which if they are your main everywhere boot is nice. I recently got a pair of nicks with a lug sole which are significantly nicer but should be for the price. I’m hoping to do some pimping on my blacksmiths when I resole them. I want to make them a leather sole like the wolverines with A higher stack logger shaped heel like my nicks. It’ll be a pretty unique looking pair of boots I think will be perfect for summertime with a really classic sleek style
They differ from ron Rangers in several other aspects other than the toe. The upper cut being flat also adds a totally different flavor, making them a bit less casual
Thank you so much! Just shot them yesterday and in the editing process--should be out in the coming two weeks! thank you so much for watching and commenting!
I’ve my blacksmith charcoal’s for over 18 months . I think now they are well and truly molded to me , firm but very comfortable boots ….once they’re well broken broken in. I think it’s takes longer than 1-2 months
Great boots, get even better once broken in. I wore a pair to the Nationals of the North-South Skirmish Association which always has mud, sharp rocks, fires, extreme heat weapons oil and cartridge grease; great place to destroy shoes. Wiped them off with a damp wash clothe and applied Red Wing boot oil and they looked like a broke in new boot. Despite the abuse It looked good enough to wear to World War II days in Redding, PA’s dance. Have had several men stop me and ask where I got my boots. Very comfortable once broke in. Will probably ad a black pair as I got the rust ones.
I have a pair coming in to my local redwing store in this or charcoal (depending on what they could get in 9 and 9.5 to try on before taking home) but I'm psyched and this video was great for getting a better understanding of the boot (especially as I haven't owned a nice pair of Heritage boots before).
@@BootSpy Well I haven't had them for long, but I love the look and feel. After walking 2.3ish miles to my campus and then back one day, I think the boots are fairly broke in as my feet haven't hurt since then, and I love the feel of the soles slightly hard tapping on smooth floors that you don't get in athletic shoes, plus the feel of that cool raised heel. Overall I absolutely love them!
@@vibeauxssxuaebiv3489 Nice dude! So glad to hear you're liking them. Also, thank you for coming back to say so...not many people actually do that. Here's to several years of rocking those Blacksmiths!
Last time i went to a redwing store to try to get some shoes fitted it went really bad, the guy brought me out a half size up from what i normally wear, and told me its ok you want that extra space which is bullshit. so i really hope the next time i visit a redwing store i can get something fitted the way your supposed to.
Red Wing's marketing scheme is really shabby. Heritage boots can only be bought at Red Wing stores at MSRP. Boots from the work line can be found and ordered at independent dealers, usually at a significant discount. In my experience employees at the official stores don't have a clue what they are talking about.
The rough and tough leather is actually a corrected grain waxed leather, if you want them to stay the same color treat them like suede, either way the blacksmith is a great boot, wish they were still producing them, redwing says they are working to resume production but they told me that 6 months ago also so I'm skeptical.
A great line of boots for work i have several pairs of the black smiths and iron rangers and were them everyday for work as electrican put them on at 500 am and in them till I get home at around nine at nite love them
Loved the review, William! Been debating between all three boots you mentioned in the article. I have 2 pair of the newer Vasque Sundowners made with redwing leather. I’m looking forward to the copper/spice version of the Blacksmiths - hopefully for Christmas. Since I always wear mine with a pair of Superfeet the folks at a nearby (2hrs) Redwing Outlet weren’t much help on the fitting. What should I be feeling (looking for in a fit) since I know they will loosen up with time?
Love them. My 2nd RW boot ever, purchased at the Red Wing, MN basement “outlet” as factory 2nds that look flawless. More versatile than Iron Ranger in that it’s *slightly* dressier and the contrasting brown welt looks perfect with the black prairie leather’s brown under layer.
you´re comletely right. The sole, especially the back side is too hard for walking long distances on pavement. I put mine to my shoemaker today to get some softer soles in the back part ( sorry, I don´t know what it is the english word for ).
I will say that even after having SOOOO many pairs of boots in the last three years (went down the rabbit hole bad)? I always go back to my Blacksmiths. They are just so light, comfortable, and such a streamlined boot compared to like my Nick's or White's. I understand the Nick's and White's are a heavier duty boot and would ultimately out last my Blacksmiths given the same wear and environments. I also want to say that I love my Nick's and Whites. They are amazing boots! But, for everyday wear? I really prefer my Blacksmiths over any other boot I've ever owned. The break in is almost non existent, the comfort after the break in is second to none, the quality/durability are all I'd ever need from a boot, and to me the looks of the boot. My god it's such a great silhouette of a boot. I agree with CJ when he says "if you look up boot in the dictionary, the Blacksmith is what you'll find". Just flat out great boots.
Really Great review i was on the fence which one to get and definitely gonna get some i think im gonna go for the briar but the black ones are pretty cool as well
I tried. I just can’t wear hard soled boots with blocky heels anymore. Spoiled with my Oboz, Salomon, and Thorogood cristy soled boots. It’s really uncomfortable to go back.
I want work boots but i also want a Wehrmacht style of leather boots and i can wear gaiters with it. Simple, modern, and stylish. But i can atill get labor done.
In my opinion the Blacksmith is a much better quality boot than the Wolverine 1000 mile boot..there’s no comparison and I find the Wolverine to be way over priced
hey man I've been trying to save for this boot for a long time now but i just can't because it's alot of money and it's also alot here in indian currency which is why i couldn't afford it at this moment is there any way i can be gifted this?
Would love to give my hometown boot maker some business. I live about 40 miles from Red Wing. But, I can't. They don't make anything in a wide size. That makes no sense. And, when there is a wide size, they are never ever in stock.. So, my money is going to Portland Oregon..(Danner) NYC..(Thursday Boot) and Helm (Austin TX)....
I wear size 9 sneakers and I got the 1907 moc toes in 8.5D. Fits me perfect but break in is a biiitch. I'd recommend going down a half-size but up to you.
Great content, man. Just subscribed. I really like these Blacksmiths, I'm only hesitant because they aren't offered in wide sizes. Where I live, I have to order this sort of thing online. Would you recommend these at all for a guy with wider feet, or should I play it safe with a pair of Iron Rangers since they do offer the EE width?
Thank you so much for watching---I really appreicate it! If you order through Amazon, the risk factor is low---it's super easy to return these days (there's a link in the description, wink wink :) ) It's a tough call---you definitely can't go wrong with the Iron Rangers. But if you like the look of the Blacksmiths better, I'd say give them a shot. The bigger toebox should help a lot.
Add the 8084 black Iron Ranger. Black dye and oil through and through. Yes, it stains white socks, but you'll never have brown leather showing under the black surface finish.
I like your review. Just bought the blacksmith 3345 last week. I’ve been wearing them for a week. I don’t mind some blisters but what bothers me is that the it doesn’t have much shock absorption. I work in a factory where I have to stand around 8 to 10 hrs per day. Do you think it will get more comfortable as I wear it? Any suggestions?
It'll definitely get more comfortable over time for walking, but standing will always be a little tough. A good option for your working boot is the Thorogood Moc Toe. Tons of shock absorption, but I don't think it looks as cool as the blacksmith
Hello and thank you for the very Cool review! I want to ask 2 question: 1-when you talk That the blacksmith lack of shock absorption can you compensate with a hiking/sport insole (i have the IR/Harvester/1907 and i use insole Always in all) . 2- Is the same lack of shock absorption same to the iron Rangers ? If yes It wouldnt be a prob for me . Thank you
they are identical to the Iron Rangers, except for the absence of the toe cap, and the flat line, at the top, instead of the angled one. I bought mine half a size up, and use an insole. They're perfect !
Thank you for your great video. I’ve thought I would get Iron Ranger (black harness) as a Christmas present for me, but after watching this video.... I don’t know which to get... anyway I subscribed!
Thats a great review. I am new to american boots and thinking of buying a pair of Blacksmiths as my first pair of Red Wings. Since there is no store near me, maybe you can help me with sizing. I have a Dr. Martens 1460 in US 8 , is it similar to it or i still need to go a half size down. thanks
I don't personally do much work in the Iron Rangers or Blacksmiths, but I know of many people who do. They're not the most cushion-y, but they'll definitely stand up to wear and tear on a job site. That's what they're designed for
No sure if you reply, because i don't see any from you :o/ Do you know if you can have this matt painted back onto the boot? after to much color showing through it's going to to like its been abused. I know some like that look, but some like the clean boot look also :o) Thanks for sharing.
hmmmm... they fit narrow at first, but they break in to your foot for a standard d-width. My best advice is to go a full size down, rather than a half size. The bump toe gives you plenty of extra room in the toe and you should still feel a bit of snugness on the sides of your feet. Let me know what you decide! And thank you so much for watching!
The Blacksmith is all brown leather with a black dye on top. No such animal that's black through and through except for the Iron Ranger. So, add the 8084 black Iron Ranger instead. Black dye and oil through and through. Yes, it stains white socks, but you'll never have brown leather showing under the black surface finish. Bought my 8084 IR a few months ago. The toe cap really isn't that noticeable on the black IR boot as much as it is on the other colors.
If memory serves me right, there is an older black Iron Ranger made for the Japanese market that you can get here too. It's a chrome tan black leather through and through, not oil. Polishes to a high finish and has the old nitrile sole instead of the new 430 mini-Vibram sole.
@@SkylerMills Yes, that IR for the Japanese market is style 8114. You'll have to stop in a Red Wing store or call them to query their databases to locate one in your size. They do have a nationwide and global database showing what store has what in the world. Cheers.
I just saw this today, but I'd love to see a comparison of the Red Wing Blacksmiths and the Wolverine 1000 mile. I'm looking for a boot with an oxblood color, so I'm leaning towards the Wolverine's, but this Blacksmith has some features (e.g. the obvious toughness of Red Wing construction) that have me struggling a bit. So a review would be awesome! :)
Hey Joe, thank you so much for watching! I actually do have a review of the Blacksmith vs the Oxblood Wolverine 1000 Mile---it's the perfect vid for you--- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jWXmDV1V0YY.html
@@BootSpy that's awesome! Thanks! Oh, and great vids! I've watched several and have subscribed. All I wear are dress boots and sneakers, so your vids will be great when I go window shopping. I'd love to see a review on Beckett Simonon or Taft to see what you think.
@@vintagejoehill awesome, thank you so much! And that's great news! I have new Beckett Simonons coming in tomorrow and a Taft Jack Boot review coming up soon. I have the Taft Jack review written up and live on BootSpy.com if you want to check that out, but the video will up be up in the next two weeks if you prefer that
Nice vid. I think wolverine copied Red Wing’s style. The Blacksmith style was made by Red Wing first just like the Iron Rangers that everybody and their mother has copied…
Why would you review a boot and say “it took me two weeks” or “four weeks…” to break them in? Without saying something like - I worm them 2-4-6 hours per day for 2 or 4 weeks? Do / did you wear them while sitting at a desk for that time frame or are you on your feet during this timeline? Saying it took you a month to break in tells me (us) NOTHING of what to expect. Do better for you upcoming reviews sir.
You keep saying resole. I'm a machinist. My Redwing Pecos boots are over 20 years old and have never been resoled. They do split time with a pair of Carhartt leather shoes that are over 20 years old also. The Carhartts were resoled about six months ago for the first time. I can't imagine you're that hard on boots. I would estimate that I've worn each pair over 25,000 hours each and the snake isn't even completely worn off my Pecos. I should also note that I'm 6'4" and 275 pounds. I destroy low quality shoes just from my size.
"Scuffing off the paint and showing the natural leather..." sounds pretty awful to me. So far I have no interest in getting these vis a vis another Wolverine 1000 Mi.
It's from Banana Republic--I got it maybe 4 or 5 years ago so I'm not sure if they still have it, but it looked even crispier when I first got it (before 5 years of wear)... definitely a good purchase!
What, you don't pee on your boots before you wear them? In all seriousness, that was actually on the boots when they showed up in the box...I'm not sure what it was, but I figured it would disappear after a few weeks (it did)
@@BootSpy They have SO many red wings there. I also got a 875 for $63. They're usually around $120-160 but every now and then they will have them sub $80
Tell me again why I should spend 300 plus to have blisters on my feet for over month? How is this company still in business? I think these boots last so long because nobody wears them due to lack of comfort.
I have a high instep and wear a size 13 in most shoes. I wear a size 12 in Red Wing Blacksmiths but a 13 in Red wing Sawmills. Never once had a blister or felt any discomfort, blisters, swelling, rubbing anywhere when wearing these boots. I have been walking in them all day since the day I’ve made their purchase. Like anything, your mileage may vary.
Do some research on quality boots. Most well built long lasting thick leather boots take some time to break in. It’s part of the construction. After the break in they are the most comfortable pair of boots. How are they in business? I think this ignorant question is a reflection of yourself.
Bro, you have to let them break in. Like a baseball glove it takes time. Once they do they feel like sneakers. Welcome to adulthood where the best things in life sometime take work ;)