Redwing Iron Ranger  

Nice review! I've worn these for 8+ years, have three pair. I've gotta disagree STRONGLY about one point you made. The "speed-hooks" at the top are fast, convenient, and made putting these on and taking them off, fast and convenient, and importantly, VERY easy to adjust tightness for different conditions. Early on, I was wearing them, and one of the speed hooks caught on something, as you discuss- it was bent outwards. I returned to the store, and the salesman said he could have them all adjusted or, if I preferred, have the speed-hooks removed and replaced with regular eyelets. I said sure. In the years since, that pair of boots has gotten WAY less use than my others, simply because they are a total PIA to put on and take off. Meantime, none of the speed hooks on any of my other Iron Rangers have EVER had a problem. My advice is to leave them there, and yeah, if they do get bent (as you say), you can just bend them back yourself. If they ever get messed up bending them, you can always get the Red Wing store to replace them. But I would NEVER (again) get them replaced with regular eyelets. Really enjoyed your review, thank you!

Great review! I personally own 4 pairs of Iron rangers I love the fit and never had break in issues with any of them .. if you go to redwing and get measured up and buy the proper size they will fit like a glove and you will enjoy them. if you order online and listen to people say order a half size down from your sneaker size they will not fit right .. as an example I’m a size 12 in adidas ultra boost and a size 10EE in the iron ranger .. by the way once you wear the redwings outside you will not be able to return or exchange them so the best thing to do is to go to the the closest redwing store and buy your first pair there before ordering redwings online.. and as for insoles, I have insoles in all my redwings they add comfort once the boot is broken in but break them in without the insole first ✌🏼️

I’ve had my 8085 for about two years now and I absolutely love them. They are my pride and joy. It takes a bit to get them to were you want them, but after that they are a part of you and only get better with time. They will last a long time. And I love the speed hooks. Great review

Everyone misses taking about socks. The socks you wear with these boots matter. I recommend darn tough hiking or boot socks. Light cushion or full matters but always weather DT and you'll be a happy camper

finally! the most versatile boot ever..u can dress up or down with these.. not too formal and not too casual..i own 3 pairs of iron ranger..cant get enough of these

you know what i really like about this review. The fact that you went into what sizes you wear for other shoes to kind of help me gage what size foot you have in comparison to mine.. not a lot of other people do that. thanks

Loving mine! Office casual, street worn and even Norwegian fjord hiking use... The break in was daily for 2 weeks, first week was pain... but they do submit so keep at it. I'd estimate around 70-100 hours of wear to get them to slip on comfy stage. I give them a good wash, brush and mink oil every 3-4 months. Also have 875s (Oro Legacy), similar experience, but they were a quicker break in. And Sawmill (Mohave) was by far the easiest, just a day or 2. If I was only to have 1 pair, it would be the Rangers.

Rangers are the best boots in the market period. I had to go one full size down on my 8111 & 8084 and on my 8085 a full size & half down. I wear size 13 regularly but my 8085’s are size 11.5 but thats the right size, crazy… Now for me the breaking period was super easy. My only issue is practically all the laces from Red Wing (except the 1907’s). Red Wing can make a better set of laces.

I use to work on the drill rigs in the Australian outback for 4 years. In that time I went through loads of different boots... but the Redwing 2233 was hands down the most comfortable. I'm looking at the Iron Rangers for a dress boot now too. Redwings are awesome

Currently on day 4 of my 8111's. It's been a few years since I've broken in a pair of boots, so my feet are pretty miserable right now.

The best way to break in a boot: When you finish work in the afternoon, take off your work boots and wear your new boots around the house for a few hours. Each day a few hours of wear around the house for a week or two, or they become comfortable and you feel confident that you have a feel of how you might survive a full days wear. If they start to hurt, take them off and wait until tomorrow. You are at home and you have this luxury after all.

Just got my second pair of iron rangers! The first pair I had for 2 years, beautifully shaped to my foot, I was even able to comfortable insert my orthotics once it was really broken in. That pair was taken away by EMTs when I was I an accident so I just got my second pair - still breaking them in but loving every moment of it.

Just got me a pair. I normally wear size 13 in Nike running shoes. End up buying 11.5 in the Iron Ranger’s. Yes, I put soft insoles to break them in. Later, I will put leather insoles. I I Take the insoles from my running shoes sized 13, and put them into the 11.5 Iron Rangers, they fit just fine. Therefore, they do run big. I am still in the breaking in process.

I've owned several pairs of redwing boots; one pair of iron rangers 8111s for 9 years. despite an incredible amount of abuse I have never, ever, had a pair of speedhooks fail. Ever.

Took me forever to get the right size. Had feet measured at 11.5. Ordered 11.5. Too big. Ordered 11. Too big. Ordered 10.5. Perfect. Incredible boot. Once I got the right size it only took a few days to break in. My favorite boot I’ve ever had. I’m talking about the 8085 copper.

Wearing mine now. Just got them today and I absolutely love them.

Good advice about going and trying them on. I bought a pair of Blacksmith model 3343 (Copper Rough and Tough leather). The Red Wing Store has a digital station and PC which will show your size and the pressure your feet exert when standing. I have not been on a Bradenton device in years, but I normally always buy size 10 in every shoe and boot. The Red Wing machine says I'm a 10.5 D (medium) which was a surprise. It also says I have good posture with the correct weight distribution. So, we tried a size 10 and it fit wonderfully. About 1 inch between the very end of the toe box and my toes. The width is just right and the boot broke in well in about two weeks. Nothing is rubbing at all. I also like that I'm building a relationship with the Red Wing store. They will be where I eventually go to get the boot resoled, and they offer free cleaning (you do have to leave them over night with the store) as long as you don't do it more often than once a month. The proprietor at the store was wearing Iron Ranger boots and they truly looked like they have been around for a while. But they look like they will last forever. These stores are really good and well worth a trip to visit.

Really quality and detailed review; good work. I enjoy my 8085's because I can wear them to my office job and also working in the yard or garage on weekends. and they clean-up nicely to wear them back in the office.

I bought the gel insoles at the Red Wings store per the clerk's recommendation because they said the boot was really difficult to break in. For reference, my previous pair of boots were the Katahdin Iron Works boots from LL Bean, which I've had now for 5 going on 6 years and still look great. I took about 100 miles of walking in the LL Bean boots before the steel shank formed to my foot. The Red Wings ones felt fine on the first day... as soon as I took the recommended insert out. With it in, the boot felt too tight and my stride wobbly. Don't waste your money on an insert. Spend the time breaking in your boot, and you'll be rewarded with years of comfort.

Hey boot guy great video. I have had my iron ranger 8085s for about 3 months now. No real problems during the break in period. Highly recommend them to anyone interested in getting into boots. I alternate my iron rangers with a pair of Truman Java waxed flesh,for work. So far so good on my feet for 8 to 12 hours a day walking about 5 to 7 mi a day no complaints.

For reference, I wear a size 14 in Nike shoes... and wear a 13 in the Iron Rangers.

Took me about 3 months to wear them in to be comfortable. I have them still 2 years later. No insoles, just the leather inside. Feels good.

I bought my Iron Rangers a year ago. I was warned about a tough break-in, but I just wore them out of the store and everyday after that. I didn't think it was bad at all. I recently put a wool foot bed in for the winter months, but my boots are already broke in for my feet. I love these boots.

I normally wear a 12, but bought these in an 11. They are tough to break in, and I wore them every day, but laced them in stages. I would lace them without using the speed hooks for two weeks, and then every week after that I would place up higher and higher one set of hooks at a time. They are great boots. I had them oiled at my Redwing store after 4 weeks, as they looked and felt a little dry. I wear them every day and they are versatile style-wise and comfortable.

Bought these boots in about a week ago..first impression was. .What a Masterpiece!. .my father was a shoemaker and he would be so impressed with these awesome boots ,the breaking period was not bad maybe cause I always wore construction boots the whole time otherwise highly recommended but to put them to work it would be a sin..thanks for the video.

The best insoles for all the heritage boots out there is Redwings Leather Insoles they add comfort without taking up to much space and it’s leather. It makes the most sense to me I agree that a a gel type insole in a heritage boot just doesn’t work well together. One exception is Thorogood boots but they are designed for the insole they make for their work line of heritage style boots. I have a couple pairs or Thorogoods and I switched the insole it came with and put the leather one made by Redwing and it’s comfortable but in that boot the best way to go is the one it comes with. Thorogood insoles are one of the best made dual density insoles you can buy in my opinion.

When I was a paratrooper in the 60's, we would walk through creeks in our boots and keep wearing them all day. When they finally dried out we would polish them with Kiwi shoe polish. They would forever be conformed to your feet. We could even run in them.

My favorite boots. I’ve had mine for about 3 years and they still look great. Very comfortable and like you say the color did change and looks great.!

I have a pair of Red Wing rangers 8111 and those boots are so comfortable they remind me of my military jump boots I could walk miles and miles with those boots.

I've worn these boots in Finland in -20 with a good pair of socks and couldn't be toastier! great great boot

Love my iron ranger in copper rough and tough! It took me 2 weeks to break them in. I was measured for 9.5 but it was too big for me, so I ended up exchanging for 9. Pro tip! visit your local retail store and wear your boot socks for measuring. I highly recommend these boots and be sure to get yourself a pair of Darn Tough wool socks as well. Next stop, I plan on getting a pair of Frank's.

Red Wing heritage on the 8 last is normally 1/2 - full size down from your arch measurement NOT NOT your toe to heel measurement. With that being said start out with your arch length then work your way down making sure the ball of your feet line up with the widest part of the boot and that it’s comfortably snug.

I love the speed laces. They’re boots!

I enjoyed this video as I do any video about redwing heritage line boots. I believe they are the best boot made. For many reasons,which brings me to my issue with some of the comments made in this video. He States they are not very comfortable,NOT TRUE! I wear these every single day all day. I ride my motorcycle,work on my truck, do landscaping, and many other forms of manual labor. These boots don't disappoint, they fit like a glove. It does take some time to break them in because of the thick leather used. I usually walk in water, re tighten them and go about my day. At the end of the day I oil them up. A week of doing that and you will never want to wear anything else. The other statement he made about the eyelets being cheap,I agree with. They are a bit flimsy but I've never had to replace then and had the boot 3 years now. What is good about being able to bend the eyelets is I don't tie my boots all the time. I will slip them on and run outside real quick and don't want to take the time to tie them,so I have my laces held in place by bending the eyelets onto them. Other than that everything he said is on point. They are not water proof at all. I found this out the hard way while riding my motorcycle through a rain storm. My feet we drenched and cold.Many more pros than cons tgough. A great boot for any life style.

Teddy Duchamp from “Stand by Me” all grown up. Great review

Having bought 4 pairs of redwing boots for work...im a cnc technician..i walk in coolant and oil. Work in 480v electrial panels. Crawl around in machinery the size of a room. I have worn through the leather and soles long before i had to bend a speed lace back...

Speaking from experience, I would say you definitely need to buy a smaller size. I bought mine online and ignored all of the talk about going down a half. I had to return them twice, as I actually needed to go down one full size. If you can, try them on at a store before buying. Worth the effort. Also, I found it was a good idea to apply some oil straight away. I gave mine a through cleaning, and then oiled them up. I had no idea how long they'd been sitting around, so I erred on the side of caution. Plus, these boots are as stiff as steel out of the box, so I needed something to ease the breaking in process. I don't wear mine super often (rarely in the summer), so it's taken ~2 years to make them really comfortable.

Good review. My 8111's took a while to break in. To speed the process I soaked then in bucket of warm water overnight until they were as wet as your sister on Prom night. (Learned this courtesy of the Marine Corps). After draining the water, lace them up and put them on your feet. Walk for a few miles/longer the better and the leather will conform to your feet. Finally apply your favorite leather conditioner. (I use Lexol). Now your boots are broke in and the leather will be softer, the footbed has formed to your feet. After this treatment I used wood shoe trees every night until they dried out to prevent mold. Newspaper works too but the wood prevents mold/bacteria growth. This method works for me and I guarantee good results with the Iron Ranger 8111. After this treatment the boots stretched a little and I had room for Dr. Sholls inserts to absorb shock. No problems after 3 years of wear and finally comfortable.

I bought a pair of 8085. Worn them 10+ Hours a day for 4 days, straight out of the box. Bought them nice and snug, no problems at all. Now I own them for around two weeks. They break in great! get even more comfy.

Just bought my first pair of Red Wing shoes today! That shit hurt my wallet. I was torn between the 8085s and the amber color but I decided on the 8085s.

The thing that surprised me most about these was how comfortable that higher back collar is. I avoided these for quite awhile because lots of modern boots cut out the back collar, or pad it, ostensibly for achilles comfort. But I find the higher back on these raises the collar off of that pressure area most 6 inch boots hit, and really spreads out the force. These have the most comfortable heel and collar of any boot I own, or have owned, including padded collar boots. (For me. They may be torture to others, as legs vary.)

Great review. I’ve have a pair of iron rangers going on three years now. Super worn in and comfortable. I’ve had the cork sole, not great on snow and ice but sticks to everything else. The speed laces aren’t bad, idk if mine are different but I can’t bend them with my fingers.

I replied to a comment, but I'll post an additional comment here, after your request for feedback. I have a pair of the rough out Iron Rangers and after they broke in, they are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own. As for the speed hooks, I prefer these for how easy it is to get these boots on -- no signs of the hooks getting messed up after close to 2 years of frequent wear.

My first pair of Iron Rangers was the 8113 Hawthorne Muleskinners. I wore them straight out of the box on vacation for one week in northern Arizona walking light trails with no problems easy breaking awesome boots they’re still my favorite of the 50 pairs that I own I will definitely keep these.

Wear thicker socks and they will keep you warm. (used them in Norway and Toronto). Use water protector spray and the water will not soak into the boot and make you wet

I love mine. It did take about 2 weeks to break them in, but once I did, they are as comfortable as any boot I’ve ever had. Love them.

Great review. On point, it took me couple of weeks to break them in, I wear boots every day, so it was not a problem, but my friend (crock guy) had hard time with them. You a correct about the copper color ones , bunch of new scratches every time even if I just went to get the mail😂 But I really love them 🤙🤙

bought first pair 4 hours ago. went to store, freaked by stories of sizing. for me, 11 in athletic shoe, 10 1/2 in street, 10 in my new 8505, perfect! so far break in is going ok. 40 days into breaking in my 21.5 oz selvedge denims. if they were easy, they wouldn't be so cool.

ive let these sit in my car over summer.. they looked fine.. but then i tried to put them on and the whole inside sole cracked open.. and shrunk.. i guess i have to get my third pair. lucky ive used my last pair for 2 years and they were comfi just a big to big.. even after walking in the store and the advice i got from the RW staff.. after 1 / 2 to 1 year they will have become a lot bigger..think about it.. the shoe is flat when you buy them so when you dent the cork your foot will drop into the cork and thus create room. but if you push your toes towards the front without tieing your laces i can still put 2 fingers behind my heel.. eventhough i bougjt my second pair even smaller thsn my first pair.. ill buy them even smaller when i go get s new pair.. make sure they are tight tight tight.. tbe leather will loosen the sole will dent this wil create the room you need so buy them tight! the boot shown in this video isnt worn a year round just a year with minimal usage. ive worn mine everyday and they will change a lot more shape wise and colour wise.

I just bought these a couple weeks ago as my first to pair of boots and I noticed something interesting: I can rub out scuffs with my thumb. I just run my thumb vigorously back and forth over the scuff and it comes out in about 10 seconds 👍

Got mine last week. Went down a whole size from my sneaker and old timberland chukkas. I am very pleased by this purchase. Will post pics after I gets some time in them. Thanks to the Boot Guy for the reviews. They helped me make the decision to get these boots..

I just purchased a pair in Amber and will be wearing them for the second time tomorrow. I totally agree about trying them on in the store. I tried on a size larger and a size smaller than I normally wear before getting the size that was just right. Thanks for letting me know to expect them to get darker over time.

I have the copper and the charcoal iron rangers. Also have the roughnecks and the beckmans but I love the rangers the most. I’d love to have the muleskinners if I didn’t know how shitty they’re gonna look in a year. I went a half size down on all my heritage boots and they fit great.

I own 2 pairs of RW Iron Rangers- one in Oxblood and one in Amber Harness. Both are beautiful and feel incredible in my feed, although Oxblood model is a bit tighter out of the box than the Amber one. Both are size 8.5 btw. Definitely not regretting spending $600+ on these as I know that with proper care they’ll last a long time.

"Comfort? Well... " LOL nothing more to say.

bought 8085 in holland on vacation. wore only them the rest of the trip exclusively. day 5 they were completely broken in nicely... and so where my feet

Agree with some comments but disagree with a lot. The speedhooks are great and really useful in comparison to the moc toes. Also, you must buy these on the smaller side as they will stretch laterally a lot. These look really big on this guy. Lastly, these boots are comfy and will be very comfy after a couple of months

I have had mine for 5 weeks now and i have worn them a lot. Rough n tuff copper. They are wearing in great. As soon as i took them out of the box i walked around the house for a couple of hours then started to wear them to and from work. I have had a few days in the city walking around (xmas shopping) 7 hour walks and now they are really starting to mould. The only slight problem i had was a tiny bit of toe rash from the toe cap but that went away. Absolutely great boots and recommend them. I am a uk 11 and went for that size and they fit perfect. A little tip when breaking them in at home is, walk around and bend down a few times. Really get the leather stretched and start to adhere to your foot. A couple of hours each day, Take your time and enjoy 😊👍

On a brannock thing I'm a 13 1/2 D on all Red Wing boots I'm a 13d . At present I own 2 pairs of the Iron Rangers and a pair of Moc Toes. The Iron Ranger is a good walking boot not to heavy and you don't feel like your lugging around 2 boat anchors like on a logging boots.

Kudos to the first guy who admits that he’s not an online boot fitter. I laugh at the forums when somebody asks what size boot should they wear, and 100 guys jump in and tell that person without looking at their feet or having them try on a pair of boots in person they immediately give all this ridiculous advice half size up, half size down full-size up, full-size down etc. etc. hilarious 🤣

I got these and I love them… ❤ I also put the leather insoles in them

Just picked mine up today along with the comfort insoles. Excited for the break in and the journey ahead. I finally broke down and invested in a boot I’ve been wanting for a long time now. You won’t be disappointed in this boot.

Bought my 8111's a year ago, and I absolutely love them! I wear a 10.5 normally, but got these a full size smaller. Break-in didn't take too long (maybe 2 weeks), but I wore them constantly. I like that they added the mini lug to these, but mine are the smooth bottom, so I don't recommend them in icy conditions! Heritage boots have no cushion to them whatsoever, so be prepared! Not necessarily a bad thing, I equate them to walking around barefoot. If you want the Harley-Davidsons of boots, then you'll love these boots as much as I do! They are the real deal!

Wore dr martens and timbs before. I bought 8111 nitrile cork a week ago and I could say this is the most comfortable boot i ever own. Never regret to spend money on this

Over-all, a good review. COLAR, It's undied leather! It needs oil which darkens the leather. It is what it is. Further, adding neatsfoot oil or mink oil softens the leather, facilitating required breakin. I oil new boots out of the box. WATERPROOFING, After a thourough cleanning in the Fall, prepare for Winter, apply the waterprofing, I use "Snowseal". (I live in Oregon). The RedWing "Iron" boot would be perfect for a "Dress'up" street boot, (IMHO). Lasts for years, is re-soleable at least 2 times and feels like a snug slipper after an oild breakin. EYELETS, Who fiddles with eyelets (hooks)? There shouldn't be any reason to mash them down in the 1st place! I' 2nd, eyelets allow for partial unlacing allownig my big foot easy entry. Easy to relace. I have a pair of Westco loggers heavy, lug sole boots, 46 yrs old that I still wear, no problem with the eyelets EVER. INSULATION, Buy the boot a 1/2 sz large, put on heavy boot sock(s) and a thick leather insert, if needed, (make your own). In Sumer, wear a lighter sock, add an insert if needed.

Sometimes we can make it to the store and we order online the best size when you purchased the shoes is a half size smaller I wear size 11 1/2 and my other boots and I purchase and 11 in these boots and they fit perfect like a glove

I saw the video last night. Thank you I was on the fence for a while between the IRs or the Blacksmiths. I went out today and got a pair of the Iron Rangers Copper Rough and tough with this new sole. I also stayed with my normal size 10D. I love them and couldn't be more happy with my purchase.

With my iron rangers, I wear a 11.5w for Danner and Welco. 11.5 ended up fitting me perfectly. I gave them a generous coat of Obenaufs oil (not the LP) and they really did seem to speed up the break-in. After a month, they fit like a glove. 8 months in, I forget I wear them on 12 hour work days save the occasional sweaty feet. Criticisms 1) The nails on the heel started to back out fairly early on. They've never fallen out, but it is an odd thing to happen on shoes of this cost 2) The speed hooks do bend. It is annoying, but 5 seconds and a set of pliers or a screwdriver will fix that. I haven't figured out how the rubber wears on these. My gold standard is early 80's Wellco jungle boots. After 10 years of heavy use, they hardly had any wear. Nothing has been able to compete with them.

Love these 8085 iron rangers I use Red Wing Leather cream does not darken one bit my boots are the same cooper rough and tough color after a year of wearing....I also have the hawthorne and amber harness in mini lug love em all thanks for the video boot guy keep on booting bro!!!!

Good job. Well said.

I just purchased my first pair of these boots. I typically wear a 13 in my every day boot( doc Martin's). I ended up with and 11! An 11! And they fit great. I added some of Red Wings Leather Cream on them to help break it in. Looking forward to getting just as many years out of these boots as I did my Doc's( 18 years).

I’m so in love with my rangers !!

I’m glad I took your advice and tried on the boots instead of ordering half size down cause my foot is 11 and the 11 boot fit perfect the 10.5 was way to small... great advice and great video!!

Once they sell all of their old stock the cork sole will no longer be available from what I was told. I like the mini lug you can hardly tell a difference between it and the old one and you're not slipping around when it's wet out.

I finally picked up a pair of Iron Rangers. I measure a 13 on the Brannock device and got a 13 in the boot. I tried and tried and tried to make a size 12 work based on so many others experience, but it just was too painful and tight in the toebox area (my toes were trying to explode through the sides and end). My toes are wider than the balls of my feet so sizing has always been tricky for me. I have had them for less than 24hrs, but I suspect the break in will take me less than 10 wears. My Wolverine 1000 Miles broke in very quickly and these are good bit stiffer...but nothing too abnormal in my experience.

Just over a month into my 8119 Oxbloods. Jumped in full throttle on em. Two pair of thick socks and normal walking. Definitely had some sore pups for a bit, but no blisters or heel bite. Biggest problem was the ankles. They were hella sore. Its funny though, when you put them on they are uncomfortable as all get out, but you can feel the potential of an amazing fit. After 4 weeks of only wearing them, they now feel completely bonded to my foot. Absolutely love them! just know if you get a pair, you will be terrified of getting them dirty cause damn they are good looking ;)

Love these boots. I've had mine for over 2 years. Still haven't broken them all the way in. That metal plate makes them hard to break in.

I just bought a pair of copper iron rangers today and I couldn’t be happier

One of the next IR reviews out there, nice job and thanks!

I always like to add redwing leather insoles for juuuust a tad more cushion. Made em so much more tolerable to wear to work from day 1 of break in

Mid weight boot. Comfort after breaking them in. Wear a few hours a day before all day. One day on, two days off will prevent blisters and hot spots. I use boot oil, inside and out to soften them up. Amber harness looks good after being oiled, dark at first then lightens up after a day or so. Suggest the vibram sole, the smooth ones are fine but you cant beat vibram traction. I get lots of compliments on how nice these boots look.

Wearing my Redwing Iron Ranger 8085 with a premium pair of blue jeans really makes my day special. It is a gem in it's own right. 🥾👖🥾👖🥾😎

Half a size down worked for me. I have that exact boot (same color as well). They're still less than a month old. I do agree if you have a RW store locally, go there and get fitted. Problem is that with many heritage boot makers, online is where you will order their product. Luckily many companies have good return policies. Plan on returning a lot of pairs of boots as you figure out your size.

i disagree with the eyelet speed lace comment, i have three pair i love them completely sold best shoe ever, speed laces are fine

Excellent color preservation technique!

Had mine for almost a year now and I love them. First day they were tight but after that they loosen up quickly for me. I will definitely buy another pair.

I picked these Iron Ranger boots the year they came out with the heritage line back in 2012. 8111. They took me about a good 3 months to break them in. Not easy or fun but I recommend wool socks so you don't get blisters. Also make sure to always wear thicker socks with these boots as they only have a leather insole. I still wear these boots almost every day in the winter months, and like he said they don't do well in cold weather. Also I don't recommend standing around in them for long periods of time. If your walking around you're fine. I keep mine looking rough and only clean them once a year so the leather don't darken to much.

Comfy from day one, love em! ps didn't size down ... Dave UK

I found the heal on the cork sole had less wear for me then the vibram.. 6 months vibram heal angled off 1\8" -1\7". 6 months cork 1\16" . but yes the cork nitrile is slippery. redwing hack take a Dremel and engrave small X's in the front ball area. way more traction on wet cement or slight ice.

I've been wearing boots for about the past 15 years now. These are actually really comfortable and not hard to break in at all. In fact, I woul say that after my alden indys, these are probably the second easiest to break in and are pretty comfortable outta the box. Even my moc toes didn't break in as easy

Wear a 12.5EE Brannock size boots and 11.5EEE Corcoran 1500 Army Jump boots, but found my 8084 black Iron Ranger size 13D a best fit. A 12EE was too tight and small. Break in? What break in? I've been in the Iron Ranger for 12 hours the first few days and loved it! A lot nicer than the jump boot stiffness!

I bought these few days back; can’t describ how much I love these. Amazing boots seriously.

It's good honest reviews like this one that keeps manufacturers on their toes. I appreciate the boot guys comments regarding the speed hooks, and I am happy to announce that it appears that Red Wing has hopefully now corrected that issue. My IR 4606 were made in March 2019, and the speed hooks cannot be easily bent, by simply applying pressure with your thumb. I tried, no go. I didn't go to crazy town on them, but they certainly seem to hold up under some pretty solid pressure. One thing to note is on the 4606 boot the eyes and speed hooks have a brass/bronze finish, so not sure if this is what is making the difference, or not? My guess in the masses spoke (thanks again Boot Guy) and Red Wing listened. Thanks again for the solid review. With regards to sizing, my shoe size varies from 8-10, manufacturer sizes vary, almost as much as individual feet. So the lesson to be learned is to get sized properly, and try each style of boot or shoe on prior to purchasing.

One of my faves. Looks great, so comfortable. I love mine.

I broke mine in pretty quick. Wore them around the house, conditioned them with leather honey, and then massaged them after each wear. They haven't formed to my feet yet, but I don't have to worry about blisters. Love em.

Great video.. I own an IR 8111 amber harness for almost 10 months now. Took me almost 2 mos to break in those genuine leather until it become really comfortable to wear. I wear them 3 - 4x a week for couple of hours. I didn't use insert on them and the leather insole starts to mold to the contour of my foot now. Great boots... 👍

I bought a pair of 8111, Amber Harness Leather two weeks ago and love them. When I tried them on in the store, they looked better than the pics! Tough boots but not bulky. You don’t need inserts. I’ve worn them about four days, all day, and they are still being broken in. As for the speed lace hooks, they must’ve fixed that problem by using a stronger metal because that was the first thing I checked, and there was no give. I wear boots, combat and dress, and these are awesome everyday boots.

a great pair of boots for sure. i do agree that the worst part is the break in period. i used some Red Wing Boot Conditioner to soften them up and it helped. it did darken them quite a bit though. then some months later i used some neutral shoe polish to add some protection from moisture. finally a year and a half later they are broken in enough to where i can wear them out for an evening (6-8 hrs) without any foot pain.

I have this pair for two years, but in gray color. took a while to break in, but they feel great now. I have the compress smooth sole. is kind off heavy, but had very little wear. Would recommend these boots.

Black rm Williams for work... But the iron rangers are my daily drivers... I honestly didn't think they'd ever break after 2 weeks of daily wear... Then all of a sudden, perfect... Best footwear I've ever purchased