Still Worth It? 1000 Miles in Red Wing Iron Rangers

Red Wing Iron Ranger 1000 Mile Boot Review - Iron Rangers are some of the most iconic and popular boots in the world and might be the most well known American made heritage style boots. I cut a pair of Iron Ranger in half last year but it's hard to really judge a boots longevity by looking at a brand new boot. This time I am cutting apart a heavily worn pair of Iron Rangers to really see if they last and if they are worth it after well over 1000 miles.

#redwing #ironranger #redwingshoes #redwingreview

[Skinwalker_skinny]

I know I’m late to the draw, but I have probably hands down the most worn slap out pair of Red Wing Blacksmith’s. They were on my feet every day for 6.5 years and have worked me through every job I’ve ever worked until I got a new pair last year. They’ve been in machine shops, welding fabrication shops, metal foundries, and blacksmith shops. They were in dire need of a resole but even though I conditioned them on the weekly, I wore the leather slap out and decided to retire the boots. I would happily donate them to the channel if you’re looking for a pair of Heritage boots that have met their absolute limit. Love the channel, and keep up the good work brother!

[otisdriftwood]

As someone who has done HVAC, construction, and manufacturing all in boots for the past 25 years I can assure you that when ANY element of your insole starts shifting around, you will be miserable for at least a couple weeks. Meaning even if you go buy a new pair on payday, the next week is going to suck because it will be spent breaking in the new pair. A well made and fully broken in pair of boots are worth their weight in gold. Not being distracted by your feet or legs being uncomfortable/hurting make a huge difference when you're wearing them 10-16 hours a day. Great video.

[terranempire]

In the cork defense, this pair is overdue for a Resole. any good cobbler would replace the cork in the process.

[Nowayjose-zr]

I was at a red Wing store here in St Cloud, MN getting a new pair of Moc Toe boots. The salesman mentioned something I never heard of before. if your feet sweat a lot you should condition your in soul every few months or twice a year with very little bit of the liquid style conditioner (not mink oil) to help keep them from cracking and deteriorating. Specifically the salt from your sweat will damage the leather. Makes sense as I was in the Navy for some time and out at sea our flight deck boots wouldn't last, not only from the non-skid but from the sweat and ocean salt. They wouldn't last 6 months. Keep in mind we got one pair and worked 15 hour days on average and even in port we had to work some days so maybe one day a month we didn't wear them.

[charlesbronson]

Finally, and yes they’re worth it even after 10 years. Also why is it even sadder seeing an actual used pair cut in half?

[gchampi]

The cracking of the insole is a classic example of why you should own two pairs of work boots and alternate between the pairs. Yes, it's expensive initially, but letting your boots dry out properly between wears easily extends the life of the boots by 3 to 4 times. I used to work in warehousing, and I went from replacing a pair of boots every 10 months to a year, to 2 pairs lasting 7+ years. The boots could've lasted longer, but I changed job & they got a viking burial (killed with fire)...

[PanchoSmitty]

I love my iron Rangers, one of the best boots I’ve ever owned. They are so darn tough and literally have moved me up mountains. My only only complaint is that temperature transfer from the ground on super cold days is almost instant due to no leather midsole on the boot. If I were to design a pair of heritage style boots I’d keep everything redwing does the same, but add the super thick midsole like we saw on the M1943s and replace the bonded leather portion with a hardened, boiled, top grain leather variant. Keep the cork, keep everything else, but add those two elements and you’d have a $350 boot that will survive any harsh climate with a pair of thick wool socks. Super happy with my redwings and will definitely buy them again.

[RoseAnvil]

ASMR restoration video of fixing up the other boot will be out next week! It should be interesting to see what’s hiding behind all that dirt and age.

[earthangel]

I love Red Wing boots. I've been a fan for a few decades. When I was a Teamster they used to make a paratrooper steel-toe boot in the late '80's (discontinued, but I still have a nice pair) I would work all day, take my shower get cleaned up and put my Red Wings back on and dance the night away at the clubs without my feet Ever hurting. True Story. Ima a die-hard fan forever and an Iron Ranger collector.
Angel from The Bay

[TheBorentino]

I just want to say thanks for all your videos

So far I bought two pairs of the Red Backs you showed
I’m an Aircraft Mechanic and I spend most of my time walking and those booths are a bless. One pair I put some insoles the other ones are just the way they came. Both are great!

Also man beside the great info on your videos. I’m a combat veteran and I find your videos so peaceful and well done that I use them as therapy when every my PTSD and anxiety start to mess with me.

Thx again best of luck this new year!
I hope one day we get the Red Anvil boot brand with the best of the best

[fuxaplexlegends]

10:37 Cork when it is fresh absorbs a lot of impact though. that is the only reason I would prefer Cork. Leather is soft and comfortable on your foot. But, it isn't springy. So, if you are walking on concrete that cork is going to squish and rebound. However, when it is broken down it is useless. But, you could just get Boots that you have resoled every couple years.

[keithgray]

Toaster is just the best cat. I love it when he makes an appearance, a cat with character!

[mrsparkle]

I don't see this happening, but it'd be so interesting to get ahold of someone's old Nick's boots with all those layers of leather and see how those compress over time. Great vid!

[andrewk]

Wow! What a great angle to provide on your channel! This is exactly the type of longevity reviews that people that want to see on these types of expensive boots, shoes and leather products! Keep up the great work and Thank you! Cheers!

[lafayette]

I love boots with such a level of wear. It's a nice feeling to live life without losing sleep over natural wear and tear on something practical, footwear and otherwise. That said, taking care of our possessions and extending the life and condition is worthwhile.

[Dylan-zmht]

Andrew sent in some boots and got roasted in return 😂

[baylorchapple]

Yes. I have a pair of Redwing Blacksmiths with a cork insole that I've worn for 1.5 years. I've noticed much more inconsistency in the insole compared to my Nick's Builder Pros. Not to mention the squeeking.

[hydr]

I’ve done at least 3, 000 miles at Home Depot in my red wing classic Moc’s and they’re still going strong with just one resole. My buddy wears thorogoods and he has to get a new pair every Christmas or about every 900-1, 000 miles.

[domenicfiorello]

Great to see how well everything inside held up but still a little sad to see these ones cut in half. These were in great shape. A resole resolves the cracked sole issue and the upper simply needs conditioned. They would have looked better than new if the owner took those two steps.

[butchcoolidge]

I have these exact boots, and they are all I wear. Mine are about 4 months old and I cannot believe how comfortable they are. Something with a leather liner and cork makes my feet feel great at the end of the day. I wear thin compression socks with them, and am surprised how easy the break in was. I’m wanting another pair in dark gray. I know it’s all about cutting them in half, but it was tough to watch. I’ve conditioned mine several times and they don’t need much more currently. I don’t do construction work, and I’m not sure I would use them for that if I did. But I enjoy lacing them up each morning. Thanks for an interesting video.