1 YEAR with the RED WING IRON RANGER | STILL Worth It?

It's been one year since my first Red Wing Iron Ranger Review. This video dives into what I've learned over the past year wearing these iconic American Heritage boots.

Made with a 270-degree Goodyear welt, a Vibram 430 mini lug outsole, and an all leather and cork midsole, these boots are about as classic as they come.

I'm going to discuss how the leather has performed (even though I probably didn't treat it as well as I should have---more details in the video).

My biggest issue with boots over time is always the heel. Especially the right heel. Durability in this department can really make or break a boot experience for me, so it's important that the outsole holds up.

I also mention the Thursday Boot Co Captain a few times throughout the video as a less expensive alternative.

For more of our Red Wing videos, follow the links below.

To skip ahead, use the timestamps below.

0:00 Intro
0:58 Style
2:00 Amber Harness Leather Quality
4:20 Vibram Sole Quality
5:30 Break In Period
6:11 Red Wing Sizing
7:08 Durability
8:36 Are Red Wing Iron Rangers Worth It?

#redwing #boots #mensboots

Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. If you click it and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.

[timmcpherson]

I bought my first pair of Iron Rangers a few months ago… (I’m 71, 6’3 and 290lbs…) and to cut to the chase, when wearing them, I simply feel like a real bad ass! Love it when I see people checking these boots out on me! Thanks RW!

[stephen]

I've had my IR Amber Harness now for 7+ yrs. Still going strong. I wore them everyday as part of my business casual attire. Covid hit and I now work 100% remote, so I don't wear them nearly as much, but when I do, I love putting them on and feeling the leather that has molded to my foot just perfectly. Great boot.

[casuallyworked]

I just picked up a pair of 8084 and completely agree with your assessment of if they’re worth it. I think you do a great job reviewing and giving neutral sound advice.

[sparkyjolt]

excellent video! i bought my coppers last year and put them through hell - wore them to work every day for months - but started a new job which required me to wear all black! so now the coppers are getting much needed rest and I have a pair of them in black as well ! Best shoe ive ever owned!

[justinsugay]

Just got a pair this week in Copper. Love them. Looking forward to breaking them in as I wear them more and I had cedar shoe trees ready and waiting. Good review, thank you!

[Ringleaderrik]

I have always been a "boot guy" and would buy a new lower-tier boot every year. Last year I finally took the plunge and bought the Iron Ranger. It has completely changed my boot game. Thanks to the IR and this channel, I now own the Grant Stone Diesel, (3) Beckett Simonons and have (4) new Grant Stones on the way in preparation for Fall and Winter. I have a bunch more that I am eyeing as well. In summary, the Iron Ranger is awesome, unless you like keeping your money.

[JMP-ETTAN]

I went down a whole size and they fit great, the guy at the redwing store helped me out with sizing

[piotrczopik]

Nice channel! I’m rocking my Iron Rangers for about 5 years. Still looking great. Best shoes I ever owned.

[doylehurt]

I just purchased a pair of iron rangers one week ago in copper and I love them! And thanks for the heads up on the shoe tree what an awesome boot

[achillesdanieladam]

You know what I have noticed. When someone is wearing a small size in IR they never look big or bulbous. It's just the larger sizes that tend to look big and not well proportioned for tapered jeans etc. Also they get old better than bigger sizes. This is a rule for every pair of shoes generally especially the lighter someone is the less pressure on the leather and soles so the shape remains overall better. Great video!

[santanalikesbanana]

I'm a women and a big fan of Red Wing Boots.
I myself own one pair (the frankfurter moc toe ones) that I thrifted because red wings are obvious pricy.
I the boots and really wanna buy another pair one day when I have the money.

Loved the video

Love from Germany🇩🇪

[cjk]

I became an official Red Wing addict about three years ago and haven't looked back. The Amber Harness Iron Rangers were my first pair, and I have two others. For me, it's the best looking, most durable and comfortable boot out there. I'd tell anyone looking to invest in a pair that it's well worth it. Great video!

[-Ball-Kyle]

I'm glad I went to the store to buy mine. I typically wear a 13, but ended up in an 11.5 for the rangers.

[Rigz]

Also got mine a year ago, and agree totally with you, still love them, also agree half size down is spot on for me.

[r.griffin]

Got mine last week in R&T Copper. I've been a hard 9Wide(EEE) all my adult life in every shoe style, including boots, and since everyone said go at least a 1/2 size smaller I ordered 8.5EE. Sure enough, they were VERY snug and I was glad I didn't go a full size smaller as some advised. Wore them a couple of hours the first day and used some KT tape on a couple of rough spots on the insides and massaged the leathers there and it helped a lot. That night I put the stretchers in them to widen them slightly and by the end of the second day I forgot I had them on! I've worn them every day since and I would say they were broken in by the third day. I replaced the laces with some good leather ones and keep cedar trees in them at night. I just hope they last. So far - very comfortable and highly recommended!

[martyvoorhies]

Hello. I purchased a pair of Iron Ranger Amber Harness about a months ago and your right about the break in period. I sized down 1 and half sizes which was a bold move but so far so good. My sneaker size is 12 and I purchased 10 1/2. I did this because my first purchase was a pair of Iron Ranger Black Harness size 11 1/2. After approximately 6 to 8 months I had to wear thicker socks so they would fit. The boots definitely have the clown shoe look but I can still wear them as I wear them to work. Your reviews are awesome. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[DigitalTheologian]

Another 7 year IR wearer. Only shoes I wear consistently. I over conditioned them early on, but they have still held up well and look great. Most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned.

[jamesajjr]

I have 2 pair of the IR’s. I’m still in break in phase, but they are getting there. The heel is kinda giving me some headaches, but generally they get a bit more comfortable the more that I wear them. I was wearing them in the beginning of our Minnesota Winter, but put them away thus far because it’s not a fun wear in a foot to 3 foot snow drifts. I’ll pick my process when the weather starts to taper down a bit. Great boots from a Great Wife. 😊

[stevehuber]

I bought a pair of copper rough and tough normally wear 11 but 10s fit perfect in IR love these boots Charcoal next. Look forward to your two yr review.

[purpleguy]

Can't think of a more universally loved boot. Got a pair a couple of years ago and normally finding shoes/boots that fit well is tough for me, I have pretty wide feet so most shoes ending up fitting a little oversized, the iron ranger though I could get in a size 9 instead of my regular 10/10.5 and they fit like a glove. Best pair of footwear I own without a doubt.