Red Wing Iron Ranger vs Blacksmith - 10 Differences You Should Know

Not just the toecap! Guys often ask what the difference is between Red Wing's two most popular boots and while it's easy to think that it's just it's just the toecap but nay, I've identified no less than ten differences. They are!

00:00 Iron Ranger vs Blacksmith
00:40 The Similarities
01:13 1. The Toecap
01:30 2. The Price
01:38 3. The Laces
02:00 4. The Eyelets
02:27 5. The Collar
03:00 6. The Height
03:10 7. The Backstay
03:50 8. The Triple Stitching
04:16 9. The Available Widths
05:03 10. The Leathers

See more comparisons:
#redwing #redwingironranger #redwingblacksmith #ironrangervsblacksmith

[drzaius]

Great info. As a motorcyclist, I would never forego the toecap, which significantly increases the lifespan of the IR - toe shifters eat through cheaper boots within a year or less - my IR are 6 years old and only some loss of stitching at the left toe cap to show for it. No degradation of the toe cap itself. I’m super happy with mine, and I even love the (much) darker patina I got from using the Redwing store clerk-recommended mink oil LOL. Love these boots. I thought about trying the Blacksmiths, but after this video, I realize they wouldn’t work for the bike, so they wouldn’t really work for me. Many thanks!

[gwaddles]

Enjoyed the comparison and now I’m wishing I had the Blacksmiths!

[thejimmykim]

This is hands down one of the best channels around style content. Thank you for making these videos!

[jquill]

Just pulled the trigger on a pair of charcoal blacksmiths, changed my mind on the iron rangers, needed something a little more subtle

[DalesLeatherworks]

this is a very useful comparison!!! like you said, at surface level it just appears the difference is in the toe cap, but when you look closer, there's so much more to appreciate. especially loved your insights into the collar differences. well done son, you managed to pack a TON of information into a video just under 7 minutes!!!!

[conanbear]

I grew up on a cattle ranch but didn't like cowboy boots. So I wore Doc Martens until I was a teen got my first job. I saved up and bought my first Iron Rangers at 17. Those boots lasted 5 years of working as a surveyor, carpenter, hunting, and building the occasional log cabin or house.

When I moved into manufacturing I bought a pair of redwing steel toes. Those lasted 6 years of walking concrete plants, structural steel shops, welding shops, and site visits. I maintained my boots the best I could and sealed any cuts when they occured. The thought of "Do they dress nice" never crossed my mind.

For me, I needed comfort (I am an 11 wide) and durability. For the cost and what i put my boots through, I prefer the Redwings.

[blitz]

I have both of these boots and I love them both, though I'm more partial to the Iron Ranger. I have the Iron Ranger in Amber Harness (8111) and the Blacksmith in Copper Rough and Tough (3343).

[vetteit]

Bought my 1st pair of RW's!!! It is the IR's in Black. Worn them for a total of 3 days and break-in doesn't seem as bad as some have described. On my feet for 6 to 8 hrs a day and very tolerable. Very good quality and happy with my purchase. Actually thinking of getting another pair in Rough and Tough. Went a 1/2 size down and EE, Fits Perfect!!! Contemplated Blacksmiths at the time but Love the IR's.

[seantnichols]

I have two pairs of Blacksmiths, one Black Prairie and one in Copper. I swapped out the laces for two tone leather laces and it makes a HUGE difference in their appearance.

[KamfaKing]

Hey Nick, there is also a Blacksmith in Black Spitfire, which is basically a rough out black leather. Very happy with my pair. Thanks for the vid.

[therover]

For my first pair of RW, I went to look at Iron Rangers but went home with a pair of Blacksmiths. Aesthetically more pleasing, but they took months of daily wear to break in, and creases a little too much. I keep them oiled so they are a shade or two darker than its original copper color.

[steveeab]

Carl Murawski did a video on how to fix your over conditioned leather boots. I couldn't help but think of your Iron Rangers

[JohnGregoryGarza]

Definitely go with the black smith if you want something you can wear to work or out to a casual/gathering event of some kind. It passes as a work boot and a dress boot

[jasonwagg]

I really wanted a pair of the Blacksmiths but I will have to settle for the Iron Rangers in Amber harness as I have a EE boot size...

[poorbadger]

Regarding your over-darkening them.... If you washed with Saddle Soap - or even acetone - and re-conditioned with say RW Leather Cream - wouldn’t they go back to approximately their original shade?

[Rufio]

Nice. This is the comparison I was waiting for.

[CH-bpbj]

Thanks for the great content! I picked up my blacksmiths in black this week. good!

[jamescooper]

Thanks for the video Nick.
Hoping you had a merry Christmas with lots of new boots under the tree.

[Mark.G]

I'm here because of Rose Anvil. So far so good. Mark in Milwaukee 🧀

[fullmetalroyal]

Hey nick, saw your part of the vid on carl murawskis channel and just wanted to say I'm glad you're doing better man and also fresh cut 👍 lol