I consider these to be mostly brown in color. But in fact the Briar Oil Slick gives that subtle hint of red which only adds to their versatility! If these aren’t the perfect boot, they’re near the top of the list!
I recently purchased a pair of Ice Cutter 2930 off eBay. Super comfortable with a nice wool lining for some extra warmth. Perfect for winter wear in NYC.
I am one of them discovered 3340 Through your video and got a pair off eBay in good condition, good price. Over 40 people watching and couldn't waste a second to purchase it. So happy that I got one of rare models from RW. Thank you so much CJ.
Have to say I really enjoy the deep cuts you review. Happy to see some variety of reviews that move beyond the iron rangers and moctoes. Particularly happy about the pairing section of the video. Nice to see how the potential boots match up with different pairs of pants.
I was worried at first when it came to matching it with different pants and shirts. Surprisingly they do well with a lot of different chinos and denim. I will say, although less formal looking, the 3343 is a bit more versatile. The reddish hues that come out of the 3340’s can make them look a little out of place with some shirts and pants. The 3343’s can match with just about any color.
I've been wearing Black Doc Martin's since the age of 22 (I'm 49 now - holy shit, where did the time go) and I just bought my first pair of Red Wings a few hours ago. The 3340's in Briar and I surfed on to your review. Love the music and can't wait to break these in.
It's the discontinued 952 with a different sole. I'm on my 4th pair of 952's over the past 20 years. When I found out it was discontinued, I went on ebay and found 3 pairs for future use. The 952 listed for $149. Change the sole, switch a few threads to white, add a leather strip to the back and double the price.
I finally hands on 3340 as you recommended in the video. I have to say...3340 is the dopest..super doper comfortable boots I've ever owned. I do own several redwing boots 8111,8086,8084,Beckman black, Nicks boots, Whites boots...Wolverine 1000 miles,,,but this is super simple everyday boots ever! I had to watch your video so many time to buy 3340..but It's really worth of money..Thanks CJ for recommendation!!!
I agree, I have the same boots. I’ve worn mine for 10 months daily on concrete floors and they hold up great. I do prefer a little black polish on the toe, it really elevates the overall look in my opinion.
Gotta agree with you,Blacksmiths by far the most comfiest and easiest to breakin.I got the 3342 in Bourbon Yuma about 2 years back.That colorway and leatherisnt that common these days and the leather has developed into a mix between the briar oil slick and the Copper rough& tough.Hope you can do an episode featuring the RW Girard boot which i think is an Asia exclusive style.More power to the channel.
Just ordered a pair, can't wait to get them. They seem to be harder and harder to find these days. I'm glad I was able to find a pair my size. They look amazing!
Hi CJ! I had picked up mine , long dreamt about 3340 today from TriBeCa store. I am in New York right now. Bryan, from store, proper gentlemen, had waited for me to collect it despite store being closed due to corona virus outbreak.Stay safe everyone and be a boot!;)
Came across this video last week, bought this exact pair 4 days ago, paid $30 extra for overnight shipping and am so glad that I did all of that. Before now, best thing I owned were Chippewa (still good)...but Redwing is in a different class
Nice video and beautiful boot!! I own an IR rough & tough and a Blacksmith in rough out Hawthorne. I find the Blacksmith more comfortable the more I wear them. Tried Beckman's, but they just don't work for me as they cut into my tendon too much. I definitely want to get another smooth leather Blacksmith though. And you gave me a nice recommendation. Thanks!
Great choice! I have the 3340s and have always treated them with the RW boot oil and it has darkened them to an oxblood color. I love the patina on em!
Those are some damn fine boots! I love the work Chukka #595. They look great and it's as close to a sneaker feel to an all leather wook boot. Soft leather lining is awesome. I wore them for work in a warehouse and shipping yard. They feel awesome on your feet even after 12 hours. I'll be getting some of these blacksmiths soon as well as a pair of black Iron Rangers to round out my boot collection.
I can't say that they are the best red wings but they're awesome pretty comfortable, stilish, just a great pair of boots, definitely they worth every penny!!!
I received my Blacksmith on a Thursday. The following day, Friday, I wore it for 11 hours straight with no problem at all. This is the most comfortable RW I have, out of the box, among my 6 RW boots.
I finally got a pair of 3340s! I'd been looking for ANY pair of Red Wings in Briar Oil Slick for a while as I have no Briar Red Wings in my collection. Last week I decided to check Sierra Trading Post to see which (if any) Red Wings they had in stock. I was excited to see that they had ONE pair of 3340s left. BINGO! My size! (what are the chances?). Just found them on my door step! Thanks for the inspiration CJ!
I have these and the rough neck, I wish the iron rangers were in briar oil slick. It's the colour. I have some cigar beckmans that had oil spilt on the toe and left black lines on the toe. So I dyed them. They are the darkest brown I have seen. And everyone asks were I purchased them! But wish I could get iron rangers in this colour, they would look wicked!
CJ, thanks for these videos. I am planning to buy my first pair of Red Wing boots on Saturday and am having a hard time deciding between the 3340 and 9011 (Beckman). I want a boot that can handle mud/snow/rain well, but can also dress up well for nicer restaurants and venues. Can the 9011 handle all of that weather, or is it going to be too much fuss? On the flip side, I wonder how well the 3340 will "dress up" after it's been scuffed and worn in. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Thanks Just found the channel Enjoying the approach Do you own Iron Rangers? I own two pair. I use leather, or composite / felt or wool inserts ... depends Many make the error of shoving in cheap, counter-top inserts... Maybe some Gene Ammons? Jug.
This is a true story; The names have not been changed! My father found a pair of authentic Red Wing chukka boots in a second hand store in Hollywood. They lived in my father's improvised "mud room" long after he passed. With regret they got tossed out when we finally moved from there. When I go my boots are going with me because I just couldn't pass on without them.
I personally love the Iron Ranger look more than any other boot, regardless of brand. These boots you reviewed are definitely nice. Probably my 2nd favorite.
I’m with you on that . The Iron Rangers are my favorite also but the Blacksmiths are sweet . I also love the 8 in Moc toes . The 10877 from the work line which are made in America and the 877 from the heritage line are also great boots. Really I will take any of the Heritage line.
I put mink oil on mine and they turned a deep rich red color, also don't show the scuffs, some people like the scuffs call it "patina" but I did the same with my rough and tough, they went deep black like harness, call me a rebel but scuffed up shoes don't appeal to me.
HI CJ, I am pulling the trigger on a pair of the blacksmiths in black spitfire and was just wondering if the sizing on these is the same as the iron rangers. I tried a pair of Iron Rangers on at a local Red Wing store but they didn't have the Blacksmiths in stock. Thanks!
These are hands down my favorite boot I own. I have three pairs of Iron Rangers in Hawthorne, oxeblood, and Amber harness, one Beckmann bought factory seconds in black feather stone, one cooper in Amber, and these in briar oil slick. The contrast between the dark reddish leather, the raw edges, and the brass eyelets are gorgeous plus they patina sooo damn well. After two years they still look new since I baby them but have even considered buying a second pair with fears that they may discontinue at one point or another even thought it’s unlikely
Where'd you buy the 2 dark pairs of denim jeans you wore around the 5-6 min mark? Looks good. Perhaps a video on denim to complement the boots would be good for future! Thanks man
CJ, a bit of assistance, if you don’t mind. I had my heart set on a pair of Beckman 9011 in the black cherry Featherstone until watching this review. I’m looking for a “dressier” pair of boots to wear this winter. I would appreciate your advice.
Hey! If you are looking to go dressier the Beckman is the way to go. The Black Cherry Featherstone leather is absolutely lovely. Although, the break-in period on the Beckmans will take longer than the Blacksmiths. Also, the Beckmans are being discontinued...which is so sad. You may want to snag them whilst you can! If you live somewhere with heavy snow and ice the Beckmans are not the greatest but you will look GREAT!
I've got the IR's , blacksmiths (roughout in black). Rovers , 875's , Beckman chukka's, Pecos, and engineer's , forgot the number . By far the easiest to break in and look at are the Blacksmiths.
I just found out last night that Red Wing made these boots for Brooks Brothers as the 4522. They have the nitrile cork sole and leather lining in the vamp. No speedhooks, all eyelets. The combination of all of those things make me think they would be your grail boot! Although the eyelets are dark brown, not this antique brass look. Black instead of brown piping up top as well. Annnnd, I see a pair on eBay in size 9D. But they're going for $415 with the Make Offer feature available. My size as well, but I don't think I'm willing to pay that for them.
I Like my 9215 chuka foreman better, because of the toeway , blacksmith toe is wide IMO, but the leather is superb, they look good on you, good boot , I love the review.
Debated so hard between these and the iron ranger last year. I’m now saving up for the iron ranger to switching and comparing. Red Wing make beautiful and durable boots. Thanks for the review
CJ Cook, I got the charcoal rough n rough just to be different:). I’m still breaking in the copper rough n tough moc toe. I love RW heritage boots. Thanks for the reviews once again
I have the Blacksmith 3341s as well. I LOVE them! I even skateboard in them. I will do a review of the Blacksmith 3341s soon. The 1907s are a classic - - two very good choices!
Just ordered a pair of these in charcoal to compliment my Iron Rangers. My one and only complaint with the IR is that I would have liked some sort of impact absorption and the leather insole is a little hard. Im an 11 in most shoes but a 9.5 wide in my IR. Is sizing for these just as crazy and what size did you order different from your usual size to be able to fit an insole?
I have the 3341s as well. They were the first pair of Blacksmiths I purchased. You will love them! The Iron Ranger and the Blacksmith are both made on the 8 last which means the sizing will be the same. I do not use a full insole insert for comfort. I use a Dr. Scholl's half insole insert so my toes have room. So, I did not size up...there is enough room. If you find any discomfort you could wear a thinner sock which I have done as well.
@@CJCook ok that's good to know. My IRs are a wide but I ordered these in D in 2 sizes and will keep the one that fits. As for the half sole, that's exactly what I was thinking. Thanks man.
Does the Blacksmith 3340 run true to size? If person usually buys a 10.5, should they order a size 10. Obviously it's best to try on a boot first...but if one is ordering online it's more of a challenge. Just wondering...Thanks!
Hello David, The Blacksmith is made on the same last as the Iron Ranger which run big. If you usually buy a 10.5 in sneakers or a Cole Haan boot for example a 9.5 Blacksmith would be ideal.
I decided to subscribe and heed your advice, and deciding on which boot to get. I live in Miami. I decided to get the blacksmith in this video (this boot and color seem so versatile), then I get the Beckman, and the Iron Ranger. Any thoughts or recommendations
Hi! I took a trip to Miami last April. My first time down there and I brought the 3340s. The only boot/shoe I packed. They worked perfectly for the day and transitioning to the night. The Blacksmith is a great choice!
I had a pair of supersoles for about 7-8 months. They literally fell apart, chunks of the sole were just falling off, stitching coming undone. Was told since I didn't still have my original receipt that they wouldn't honor the warranty.
Red Wing boots look really nice, but I think the sole often looks boring and a little too low. I prefer the sole edges on the Wolverine 1000 Mile for example, with the leather sole look. These would've looked even better with sole edges closer to 1000 Mile than just plain cork in my opinion.
3345s...Congrats! I think the Black Prairie Leather is beautiful. I have not tried them on but I have been eyeing the 3345s each time I go to Red Wing. The leather is going to take of some lovely characteristics as it ages. The 9075s next year will be made with the Black Prairie Leather.
@@_glenn_ Thank you Glenn. The Black Harness leather is a true black leather. The Black Chrome leather has a grey base. The Black Prairie leather has a brown base similar to the Black Klondike leather. So as you wear the Black Prairie brown will start to reveal.
Is this boot still the top choice as of nearly nov. 2018 ? Big picture: What would you prefer Redwing change or add to their lines in terms of: leather, soles, foot beds, laces,/ lacing, comfort, colors, designs...? I for one would like a few more 8 or 10 inch options Also some mention the vibram is colder wearing verses the cork on many styles Your thoughts aka walking the streets of NYC Your cleaning and any preferred waterproofing products / options include?
Yes, the 3340 is still my top choice. I would love if Red Wing made available more of their international styles to the US market. It would also be nice if Red Wing gave two sets of laces (different color option) with their Heritage boots. Walking in NYC the Vibram mini lug is extremely comfortable and works in all weather conditions. Mink Oil has always been my go to for treating my leathers. Yes, some leathers darken from Mink Oil but I find it to be reliable.
Hi CJ, I intent to order the 3340 but not sure about the saiz of this RW. My feet are 10 ½ inch long on manual measurement with medium width. Does RW has a guide measurement on sizes?
CJ, I bought the 3340 and wore them for six mos. Took them to Redwing Store and had the Postman 9196 sole put on. Now I have a Briar Oil 3340 Rover. Extremely comfortable.
Great video good sir!... I am torn as to whether I should get some of these or some 8196's... As someone who has both, which ones do you like better? (Not considering the fact that the 8196's are discontinued)
Well, if you can find the 8196 buy the 8196 because they are difficult to come by (unless you live in Europe or Asia). NOW, with that being stated the 3340s are extremely versatile. From a style perspective, they transition from day to night with complete ease.
HAHA!... thanks for the insight... yeah it looks like I could either get some on ebay or the same place you got them (8196's) for roughly the same price.... I don't know though... I am still torn...I have 7 pairs of Red Wings already, do I really need any of these?...hmmm... I am loving your videos by the way... they give me a new outlook on our favorite boot brand!
Thanks!... I will probably get the 3340's before the year is over... let's be honest!... hahaha!...so far I have a pair of 1907's (With roughneck Vibram sole), 1 pair of 875's...1 pair of 8111's with beckman Roccia soles, 1 pair of 8114's, 1 pair of Rover 2950's (Copper rough and tough), 1 pair of 4552's (Brooks Brothers Iron Rangers with the Roughneck style Vibram lug soles), 1 pair of 9014's in the mail, and now these 8196's will be in the mail soon!... I will drop hints to my GF about the 3340's and maybe I can score them for Christmas.. I think I might have a problem...
How about sizing vs Iron Ranger? I wear Iron Rangers and Moc Toes in 9.5 D. Got me a pair of Rover 2950 in size 9.5 and they are too long!. Any clue if Blacksmith will fit same as the Rover?
Iron Ranger, Blacksmith and Rover are all made on the last...which means you should size the same. You are most likely wearing an Iron Ranger a half size too big. My Moc Toe size is a half size up from my Iron Rangers, Beckman, Rovers and Blacksmith
@@CJCook Thank you, CJ. I was thinking same ( last #8) when I was ordering a pair of 2950 Rovers in size 9.5D. But they definitely are too big for my feet. Yet, the Iron Rangers fit me almost perfectly (got 4 pairs). In size 9 Iron Rangers felt too tight. Go figure:) The Rovers are visually longer too. The Rovers seem to be wider and have more volume in them Just ordered another pair of 2950 Rovers in size 9D and a pair of 3343 Blacksmith in size 9D. Will see how that works.
@@CJCook HI CJ. I am overseas so I received my order of two pairs of Red Wing boots only today. The Rovers 2950 in size 9D fit me perfectly but the Blacksmithes 3343 in same size 9D are too short. The Rovers in same size are definitely longer boots. My feet are on the narrow side. I wear Nike running shoes in size 10.5.
that? This boots looks like an iron range, but is slightly different from an iron range? What number will be the style number? I also liked this boots very much. I definitely want to get it.
IR cost 25% more on average. So there is something on the quality of these last boots that makes the difference. Look at the heel, no 3 line stitches... that is build quality...
I am not sure what you mean? Do you mean the best boot made by Red Wing are the Rovers in Rough & Tough leather? If so, those are really handsome boots not as versatile with the cushion crepe sole but very nice.