The Red Wing Iron Ranger vs The HIGHLY SUPERIOR Blacksmith

The Showdown!
The Iron Ranger vs The Blacksmith

Instagram: @cjcookofficial
Twitter: @CJCook20

[haystephen]

I’d rather have the blacksmith over the ironranger but I have wide feet and need the EE width of the rangers

[MarkBrooks-yk]

Loving mine IR 8085 in copper rough had um 4yrs so so comfy & plenty of Great patina can’t beat um From MANCHESTER ENGLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 👍👍👍👍 .

[MeteCanKarahasan]

Omg, do you see the purple pull up on the brown iron ranger? It is impressive, let's give it that.

[iHustleLXXXI]

Why not just get a pair of Grant Stone Diesel's. Those are super dressy compared to the blacksmith and to me, they look so much better than the Blacksmith.

[Kwisss]

Do you prefer 4606 or 8111 on the IR? I may get the Blacksmiths someday.

[Paddythefriendlykiwi]

Yeh. I have the IRs 8111s and 8084, and a Blacksmith in the Hawthorne. I would really struggle on my next pair after just buying the Black Cherry Featherstone Beckman.

I know I need another Blacksmith in my life, but, if the IR landed in the UK in that Leather, it would be hard to refuse. I wear them usually with Selvedge denim stacked to the neck of the boot.

The Blacksmith needs some red leather in the UK. The Oxblood with that brass hardware would be insane.

[Goodvibes]

My Red Wing Classic Moc and Iron Rangers in wide are the best. If only the Blacksmith came in wide instead of regular only. The Blacksmith are just too tight on my feet. Your Red Wing boots are way too clean. Go out there and play in the dirt..Hahaha

[Mrod]

I’ve never worn my 4585s... I just like to open the box and look at them

[AJMacDonaldJr]

I was in a Red Wing store a few years ago and I asked about a pair of Blacksmiths, which I had seen online. They didn't have any, but they did have Iron Rangers, with cork nitrile soles. I tried on a pair, that fit me great, and I mentioned the price difference. The guy sold me on the Iron Rangers when he said he would let me have them for $300. I wore them out of the store and they're become very comfortable over the past few years.

[frankfattore]

Sorry, brother. Gotta disagree. I love the obvious rugged superiority of the IR!

[willsparklin]

Personally, I'll take the Rangers over the Blacksmith. I own two pairs of IR's; one in black harness and the other in copper rough.
I wish RW would offer some safety toe options in the heritage line though. There's a few of us out there that want the form, but need the function.

My preferred boot (the Chippewa Ellison) is no longer in production. Pretty much the Blacksmith with the option for a steel toe. I'd buy a pair of 3343s (or another set of IRs) in a heartbeat if I could take them to work.

[charlesbronson]

Getting a 3340 with a custom nitrile cork soon. Also, finally another red wing video!!!

[TakoNekko]

You are the first person to mention how the IR looks like a clown shoe after long wear. If I needed them for factory work, I would do the IR for the extra toe protection. Otherwise. Blacksmiths all day, every day! :D

[degu]

This got stranger and stranger as the dude went on.

[randomrantsable]

Always thought I wanted an Iron Ranger but after seeing how passionate CJ is about the Blacksmith in his videos, pulled the plug and got a 3340 this past Black Friday
IMO, they just look more classy than the IR and can be easily dressed up or down accordingly. If you're going for a more rugged, casual look, the IR may fit better.
They're also relatively comfy and have already started breaking in after 3 - 4 walks around town

P.S. reminder to grab some leather cream at the store when you're picking up your boots. You pay double the price online

[tbfbbu]

Have two pair of blacksmiths coming tomorrow. 2963 & 3340. After filling up on IR and moc toes... looking forward to these!!

[TexasSwamp]

As another owner of the 3340's I have to agree whole heartedly about them being the more versatile of the two. I can dress them up, or down, and always get compliments on them. That being said though, those 8084's look awesome worn in. Maybe I have another pair of red wings in my future.

[rachavya]

There is nothing wrong with a boot by its looks. In fact, if your occupation is modeling, you must judge a boot by its looks. Ugly weirdos like myself, can't go slowly by appearance. We have to take into consideration things like comfort, both initial and overtime. Durability. Traction.

It is not the author's fault that I have to go to a different review to get answers to those questions.

[robgerety]

How about doing an honest days work with these boots?

[dannyleung]

I still think the Beckmans are the best. too bad they don't make them any more. I don't like the vibram mini lug soles. they're the least comfortable to me