Are ALL Red Wings Made in USA? (5 Things You Don't Know About Red Wing)

[@Stridewise]

✪ SEE MY LIST OF THE 10 BEST BOOTS, PERIOD: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5zYeayvmsuBfac ✪

[@discosecret6363]

I’ve been wearing a pair of Irish Setter boots, for 16 months: I wear them daily and work them hard. It’s a great product, I would buy them again.

[@igniaulfsborg8946]

Huge thumbs up for this Nick! Have not seen 3/5 of these posted anywhere else. Thank you

[@eddieflueger4926]

When I graduated from red Wing high School in the early eighties, the job at red Wing shoe was considered to be golden. Now that same job will learn you roughly half of what a union laborer can make in a year. Most of red wings employees can't afford to buy a house in red Wing get red Wing shoe continues to buy more downtown real estate in the city andhas amassed an immense wealth by building their shoes overseas doubling the price while not raising the local wages to livible standards while the product quality suffers.

[@charlesbronson240]

Nicks, Whites, Wesco

[@jimmycroce9902]

Sad to hear that, thank you for sharing.

[@jcnpresser]

Dude that is with every business, it gets worse after every generation takes over. How can they get richer? That’s all they think about.

[@jay-rus4437]

Sad to hear. As a business owner I decided early on to let people “earn” their own wage. They cant have the dollar that I earn, but I also do not want the dollar they earned. What I have found is that my team works hard, and that ultimately does make me more money. We have employees that make more than we do, but that is because they choose to work more hours, or come up with solutions that allow them to be more productive. We have taught our twin sons, now 25 years old, to treat people with respect, to appreciate the skill and the work that they perform, and under no circumstance are we to take a dollar off another mans back. Yes, we can earn profit from the work they are performing, but that doesn’t mean we have a right to what that individual has rightfully earned.

[@zed625]

@@jcnpresser I think he's playing it up a bit. The union is what forced redwing to start producing boots overseas, specifically in MN they made it hard to innovate on the shoes (basically preventing redwing from laying off people who didn't want to learn new skills) so in the end all they could do was build heritage shoes there which didn't require new production equiptment/techniques Tremendous respect to redwing for keeping some production in the US, but they're gone because of the unions, not redwing management per say

[@CrispyFrenFry]

This is such a wonderfully informative video! I bought my first boot "medium" priced boots after watching your Iron Rangers review and now just placed an order for an Alden 405. Ive learned a great deal from you. Please keep up the good work! These boots are expensive but worthwhile so I just save up for months until I feel I know enough to understand whether or not ill like them.

[@NorthStarLeather]

Nice video thanks for the shoutout! Not sure SB Foot does any upholstery specific leathers regularly but obviously they can...they do sell to some of the other boot companies like Wolverine.

[@frankb5693]

Wow Nick, another video so quickly....you have been very prolific lately! I love how you keep us guessing what the next video will be...boots, sneakers, jeans, apparel or accessories! Thanks Nick!

[@kroninn]

I recently picked up my first pair of RedWings 6 months ago for work. They were made in Cambodia but, are still great, fully serviceable boots. They have the BOA system which is cool, easy on, easy off. I'm looking to get a pair of Iron Rangers and its nice to know, from another video you made, that there are still a good number of boots made in America. Thanx for the info.

[@hitenmistry96]

Great video as always. Just a heads up: there is one extra Are in your title.

[@warrenbfeagins]

I love Red Wings, but yeah things have changed and honestly Nick's, Frank's, Whites and Wesco are better AND American made. They're more expensive than Red Wings, BUT waaaaaaaaay better quality and that is not an exaggeration. Also, they don't make shoes for foreign markets that they don't offer to Americans like Red Wing.

[@waxa3869]

I know that Wesco at least does some foreign only stuff from what I can see. emptygarage.jp/SHOP/WESCOSTOCK177.html Tried to re-create it on the Wesco site using the Jobmaster model but wasn't able to get the wedge sole like they did for these ones. You might be able to get them to do it on a special request, but this sort of thing by the looks is mostly foreign-only. Not blaming them though, japan at least is a really good market for them so it's no wonder they cater to them a bit when it comes to fashion stuff.

[@warrenbfeagins]

@@waxa3869 Damn.

[@rinzler5549]

Ok boomer

[@ljohnston5457]

If people would the take time to do their homework instead of listening to hearsay there wouldn’t be any questions. I love my Heritage Red Wings and Vietnamese work Irish Setters. Thanks for the info and keep up the great videos.

[@nikhilsrl]

That intro, Nick. You are just getting better with each video you make.

[@Stridewise]

Thanks a ton, Nikhil!!

[@vikingstorm32]

I was buying the same boots from redwing for about 6 years. Every year I would go buy my new pair of boots. The last time I went to a redwing store I asked where the boots are. They said they no longer carry that particular boot but another boot they had had replaced it. I bought them and took them home. Under further investigation I looked at the tag and it said made in China. I was very disappointed. The boots never broke in and always gave me blisters and rashes. I just want my old boots back 😅

[@freddyfox5002]

You should do a review of the Red Wing SAWMILL before winter. No real reviews yet on YT. They looks like a great boot.

[@edf2953]

Good job on the video Nick! Nice to hear some refresher info on the leather tanning process. I’ve never owned a pair of Red Wings and feel as if I’ve missed out on some important right of passage in my ownership of boots:) I’ll have to look into the brand in more detail to see if I can find a boot that catches my eye. I’m sure there are many that will do so. Perhaps I need to get out of my Allen Edmonds rabbit hole?:)

[@Stridewise]

Good to hear from you Ed and glad you liked it! Yes Red Wing is an indispensable part of the boot dude's journey I must say but hey, you seem to have done well without them!

[@edf2953]

Stridewise HaHa, thanks for your confidence in my boot journey Nick...Stay safe!

[@AgonxOC]

AE, I like AE, but lately their stuff has turn downhill. It sad to me. As it’s one of my favorite. Their shell shows are amazing.

[@Freedom89984]

If you feel the inside leather lining of a RW moc toe you understand that they cost some money. A fantastic boot that gives you that all day comfort, way better than my Timberland boots.

[@AndrewSteel-qg3zk]

A question for Nick, if I may - at the same stage of your ownership, which leather uppers have proved a little softer or more pliable out of the nubuck 8890 or orio legacy 875 moc toes? Cheers from England.

[@sirloock8360]

I've had 2 pair of their flex bond boots that are made in China. No issues at all. Comfortable and durable.

[@loupblanc007]

Great video. I only buy boots when stridewise review it. I was wondering what to wear today... redwing moc it is😀

[@Stridewise]

YES! Good choice :)

[@steveeab2364]

This year I bought my first pair of stitched boots. I went with some Urban Loggers from Nick's Boots because they were about as American as I could find. Great boots for sure.

[@Stridewise]

Fantastic choice! You must have really done your homework

[@matttherrien9608]

How many Benjamin's?

[@steveeab2364]

@@matttherrien9608 5

[@matttherrien9608]

@@steveeab2364 All in or pretax? New from Nick's?

[@steveeab2364]

@@matttherrien9608 yes, from Nicks. I found the invoice and it was a hair under 500 out the door. This was with a discount code from special they were running at the time about 2 years ago. Doubt they get near that now.

[@boriskrivitsky3142]

Those black mocs are due for a resole. Any plans to do that and make a video of it?

[@Stridewise]

Yeah I low key want to fly to California and get Brian the Bootmaker to do it for me!

[@ianturnbow7011]

Stridewise You’ve gotta get on their waiting list. The shop is so swamped with orders.

[@loganyardley]

Enjoyed watching!

[@Stridewise]

Glad to hear it Logan

[@MrJcsolache]

Don’t see many reviews on the redwing 2918. Might be a good idea to shed some light on those

[@bootsbrandreviews4633]

Hopefully this provides insight to the uploader and audience. Red Wing America Is the parent company of multiple company's. So the short version is this. Red wing heritages marketing team, sales reps and products are managed and handled by completely different people. Different materials, marketing and production. Heritage Line is 100% made in the U.S for you guys that want to support the local economy and so on this is the line you would purchase from. While pretty much every line excluding the heritage is made elsewhere. To be fair they certainly market products and dance around where boots are made and assembled like most companies. So in short its pretty simple to determine what's made over here and what is not. To Blanket statement Red Wing makes boots overseas does them a huge injustice. If you guys do any digging you will find they are not only different lines but essentially different companies.

[@KamfaKing]

"To Blanket statement Red Wing makes boots overseas does them a huge injustice. " I couldn't agree more. Having said that numerous styles of their work boots are still made in the USA, by USA union workers, using USA sourced materials. See my comments regarding this above. BTW - huge props for your work at Northern Republic!

[@bootsbrandreviews4633]

Oh ok 😂😂

[@KamfaKing]

@Marc Carran In Red Wing's case, it is actually simple, very simple. I don't know how anyone could ask for more transparency on where their raw materials are sourced from, and where each boot style is made. I have worked with manufacturers that have spent years skirting around the FTC regulations regarding "Made in USA", and Red Wing is certainly not one of those companies, nor are they hiding anything. It's all listed clearly on their website for anyone willing to take the time to look. See links in following posts of mine on this subject here if you require further info.

[@bootsbrandreviews4633]

Exactly. All you have to do is a little reading.

[@KamfaKing]

@Marc Carran It's not complicated amigo, little fish skirt around this regulation because they know that the FTC won't have them on their radar, so they play games, and wave the American flag while using raw materials from overseas. Companies such as Red Wing would have to be INSANE to attempt to play games with FTC regulations. Obviously the folks at Red Wing aren't insane, they didn't get where they are today by playing label games with the FTC, or any other regulatory body. And as I have already stated in a previous comment ALL of their boots/shoe styles are clearly and accurately described on their website. It's not like they are hiding the fact that some styles of boots/shoes are produced in Asia, and/or some of the raw material comes from that part of the world. I don't know how much more transparent a company could possibly be. Remember, this topic is about RED WING, not some little nickel & dime outfit that no one is watching closely, because no one cares what they are doing.

[@JustFrugalMe]

I really enjoyed the video!

[@Stridewise]

Thanks bro!

[@Jebro439]

Great video even better information

[@Dscar1]

What are the boots @4:12? The Chelseas

[@charlesbronson240]

The weekender chelsea in copper rough and tough

[@JustClaude13]

China can do decent work if the boot company requires it. I have a pair of Chinese 1,000 Mile lineman's boots that have been quite satisfactory outside of the right outsole coming loose once and requiring regluing. Other than that the finish has been durable and the toes haven't crushed like some boots I wear. And speaking of foreign boots, have you looked at the Wolverine BLVD? For $200 I'm thinking of adding a pair to my work wardrobe. They look like they'll stand up to a print shop pretty well.

[@AgonxOC]

I just rather not support China. 1000 miles made in China? I though they are mostly US or Mexico!

[@JustClaude13]

@@AgonxOC I think so too, but apparently not all of them. Mine are stamped "China". The new BLVD boots are made in Leon.

[@remb9614]

Using some hot water with soap you can take a spoon and squeeze the dirt out of the white sole. You’d be surprised how good this works

[@danielirvine7468]

Interesting about the blue I thought sb did the whole lot including chrome tan

[@tommysmith7031]

I enjoyed this type of video.

[@TheMapleReview]

Good video!

[@nitina8564]

I think i should stop watching your videos as i am ending up spending more money than i should on boots. In the past 2.5 years I've spent around $ 4000/ on boots. And thats not enough i am planning to buy 2 more boots before this year ends. But i love watching your videos... Keep them coming.

[@Stridewise]

Haha I love it, I'm both proud and abashed to have led you to spend so much, but hopefully you can be buoyed by the fact they'll last forever and save you money in the long run!

[@isaacwakefield5915]

@@Stridewise they'll save you money if you stop buying at some point. That's the hard part. Hahaha.

[@nitina8564]

@@Stridewise absolutely. Love your videos and i am glad I've spent money on the boots as i love them and the way i take care i am sure they will last a lifetime. I am watching your videos again and again as 2 more boots are on my list this year.

[@edisonpaspuel2931]

Hi friend spending this shoes in chicago?

[@monkeyface6139]

Well made and informative thanks Redwing don't exactly lie, just keep the truth from plain sight. The tannery information from Redwing is a bit disingenuous It's not gonna change my love of those boots though.

[@Stridewise]

Me neither, I love these guys

[@KamfaKing]

Most folks should have been well aware of most, if not all of this info. Red Wing doesn't exactly hide any of this. If an old hillbilly from Northwest Canada can figure all of this out, so should anyone writing a blog about leather boots. For a starter - from the Red Wing website - Learn About Our Types Of Genuine Leather; www.redwingshoes.com/about-redwing/leather-and-fit.html as far as buying their leather in a blue state (chrome tanned) ..... so what? It's what they do with it after that, as in re-tanning the leather, that counts. As long as the quality of the blue leather is there, I don't care what State in the USA it originates from. It's not like the leather is coming from pig farmers in China. The leather is graded and selected for its quality long before it reaches the SB Foot Tannery in MN. Chrome tanning has a lot of added benefits, over veg tanning, than it simply being just a less timely process, hence less costly, for the tannery. And this is something important for most boot owners, both the 20 something hipsters, and guys like me, real-world workers that depend on their boots, chrome tanning results in leather that is more more supple , and has better water resistance than vegetable tanned leather. For myself, that is worth FAR more than being able to be like one of the cool kids, wearing veg tanned boots, and sporting a shell cordovan wallet. lol Add to that, some of the re-tanning processes at RW, also incorporate silicone (GASP), yes silicone, for additional water resistance. Silicone when used properly, can enhance the look, feel, water resistance, and breathability of a leather boot. Lots of interesting applications out there for those interested. www.stahl.com/leather/wet-end/polymeric Hope that helps clear up a few things. Long time Red Wing fan, IMO quality boots at a reasonable cost.

[@Stridewise]

I think you're misinterpreting the video as an attack on Red Wing when it really isn't, I adore them! I'm glad you like them too.

[@KamfaKing]

@@Stridewise Hey Nick, nope, not at all. I didn't view this vid of yours as an attack on RW. I was just a little surprised that some of this info wasn't common knowledge among the masses. I'm glad to see this info brought to the forefront, knowledge is power for the consumer.

[@dimweasel9470]

Yup you've gotten the drift my man.

[@1987StoneAge]

I’ve always found it laughable that there are some people who actually think that the US is the only country in the world that is home to artisans.

[@AgonxOC]

This is true that a lot of countries have great artisans!

[@GabeMacDonnell]

It’s often not that people are making that argument, but rather an either ethical or political decision to: •Support the workers closest to you, who share a common economy & interdependent society. • Support workers who have a decent wage & benefits, guaranteed by law •Support union workers out of solidarity “Ethical consumption” isn’t really possible, (all of us are using electronic devices made in appalling conditions,) but there are plenty of reasons to support American workers when possible, which have nothing to do w/ ignorance or xenophobia. The truth is, any country w/ the resources to develop a skilled workforce & provide them w/ quality materials can produce at an equally high quality.

[@pianofry1138]

Well I buy American and local because I like the idea that I'm supporting local people. A lot of good artisans live in Mexico too for example(shoewise better than Americans) but I'm not as inclined to spend money with them.

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

You are totally clueless and clearly don’t understand the reason why people like to buy American made products.

[@Ferien7]

So even though they don’t use veg tan leather, the heritage boot leathers are still made in USA?

[@Stridewise]

Yep!

[@heiner71]

@@Stridewise Are they? You state in your video that the Red Wing Tannery receives the hides half finished from somewhere else. Do you know where they come from?

[@dimweasel9470]

@@heiner71 He did mention Minnesota . Please listen carefully

[@heiner71]

@@dimweasel9470 He mentioned Minnesota for their own S.B Foot tannery but that is where they complete the tanning process. He mentions that the dirty and most toxic part of the tanning process is not performed at S.B. Foot Tanning, but that the leather is delivered to them in this half processed state. So the question still stands.... where are the hides processed before they are sent to S.B. Foot?

[@b1rdbytes]

SB sources their leather from feedlot ranches primarily in Nebraska and Texas. Processing up to wet blue is done in Minnesota and Iowa.

[@mikeogden5256]

Yep

[@Stridewise]

Totally

[@xxflamezxx1able]

Me after hearing number 3: *Shocked Pikachu*

[@Stridewise]

hahaha number 3 will BLOW YOUR MIND

[@Ya0Yao]

If corporations don't cut corners when they move production overseas, it's not an issue. Very often though, they do this to seek more profit and avoid regulations; and ppl who don't know better would blame China for it, not the thirsty capitalists. Fortunately, we do know better now. There's nothing wrong to support your local manufacturers. But also understand that it's often used as a marketing strategy. In the end, the customers should buy quality, not propaganda.

[@AgonxOC]

Blame it all on the thirsty capitalist! Did you know that capitalism is based on competition and that is something the consumer takes advantages of? If you don’t want something made in china, or the company that makes it, you the consumer has the option not to buy it. But I bet you buy it either way and then blame the capitalist while taking advantage of it. Ohh the irony. I blame it on China, for providing slave labour, the thirsty government and its high taxation, and the consumer mostly. Yes the companies play a role, but you have to look at it from all angles.

[@billystpaul8907]

Would love to own a new pair of Red Wings.. Price and brake in aside, I can never ever get a new pair cause they never have wide sizes in stock. If they made all of their boots in wide sizes, that would be nice. So, I am buying boots from companies that make their boots in Wisconsin, Oregon, and Maine... So, if Red Wing can wide sizes, I will return to the hometown company..

[@JohnEZang]

I know a lot of people have terrible break in stories but I have multiple pairs of RW’s and never had as much a one blister or redness. I think it largely comes down to people not getting their size right. Many people wear them too big. And you can find lots of deals out there for red wings. I’ve never paid over 2 bills for them. Takes time and patience but you will find a deal if you don’t buy directly from them. I suggest looking for your size on sites like eBay, Sierra trading post, Mercari, Nordstrom etc..

[@pranidhanaabhiyoga6485]

Believe it or not I found a seller at eBay (accidentally) who made Homage of Iron Rangers and 875 from China 😂

[@johnnydrama8709]

There’s a reason why the heritage boots are priced higher then the others.

[@charlesbronson240]

Every time I watch one of these videos I always see some middle aged guy commenting about how people that wear red wings for fashion are hipsters and I always try to explain that most people just wear them for the quality and longevity that the boots will offer you and that the heritage line is actually better made than the actual work line from red wing. I guess I should feel bad for the guys leaving these comments because from what I’m seeing, they’re just insecure about their masculinity and can’t bear to think about dressing well and not looking like a construction worker 24/7.

[@Stridewise]

Hahaha every day I get these comments. "a REAL man..."

[@DanKirchner5150]

my pair of chinese made red wings lasted 3 months before both soles completely fell off

[@pielucas439]

Mine lasted 6 months. Didn't even work in them, just wore them casually

[@DanKirchner5150]

@@pielucas439 ive since "glued" them back on but no more chinese redwings after these

[@pielucas439]

@@DanKirchner5150 they told me that mine had a defect warranty for a year, but bc I lost the receipt they wouldn't fix them. I just tossed mine. No more Red Wings period for me

[@DanKirchner5150]

@@pielucas439 i like doc martens better anyways

[@GabeMacDonnell]

It's unfortunate that Red Wing gave up on US-made, Goodyear-welted safety toe boots. I have a pair of Supersoles in rotation at work, & they've very well made. They can be resoled by Red Wing, for reasonable cost. But the sole is quite wide, & very soft. Good for traction, bad for durability & tripping hazards. I think they were about $250. For $160-230, Georgia, Carolina, Chippewa, Danner & Thorogood make excellent welted boots in the US, (tho Chippewa had a batch of bad heels recently.) Red Wing's leather has a (slight) edge in quality, although Thorogoods are about the same. Carolina has Union-made US boots for $160-170, of excellent quality, & Thorogoods are the most comfortable i've worn. My criteria for good boots is different from yours; I need toe & electrical protection, & comfort over 16-18 hours. But I've come to appreciate a Goodyear welt, b/c a good pair of boots are worth their weight in gold, & I can wear through Vibram soles in 6-7 months of wear, 8-9 months for the harder blends used by Thorogood, Carolina & Georgia. Plus, they look better!

[@AgonxOC]

Furthest from truth. All my work boots are RW and are US made. Some might have SuperSole, but there are still GW boots for work made in the US. For the price range you have listed, Carolinas will not be made in the US, unless on sale. Chipps (my other favorite boot brand) will also be a bit higher, unless you find them as Sierra. Dinner certainly cost in the 200s for US made boots. The Thorogoods will be a bit less quality than RW. I love a lot of these boot brands and when they make a US quality product I would buy it if I need it. I have quite a bit of RW, Wolverine, and Chippewa boots, most of them made in US with the exception of one made in Mexico (1000 mile Chelsea), which the heel fell out after two wears and I had the cobbler put stacked leather heels. The quality of the Chippewa are on average lesser than RW, but I get what I paid for. I still enjoy all my Chippewa and I will say on some are even more comfortable than RW.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

the last time I was at Red Wing, the only US-made GW work boots they had were the custom ordered Logger boots, & a Moc Toe that I’d have bought, except it only was available insulated & waterproofed. 9/12 months I need uninsulated boots. Are there others I’ve missed? I’m taking ASTM toe & electrical safety ratings. When I started out, Red Wings were significantly more common on job sites than they are now, which isn’t to say they’re not still popular or great boots. I’m just observing a trend across multiple job sites, in multiple states over the past decade +.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

I’ve had Thorogoods w/ tougher leather than RW, & vice versa. The Heritage Moc Toes I’ve got on now are tougher than my older pair. It’s true to say the RW SB leather is consistently excellent & durable. Maybe Thorogoods are more variable due to not owning their tannery. Georgia has an “SPR” leather on their US-made boots. I’ve had a pair for a year. It looks like SB leather, but not as soft. It is more resistant to chemicals, although mine have some mild cracking after getting repeatedly splashed w/ some harsh stuff. Certainly for aesthetics & overall quality, SB leather is tough to beat.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

Just double checked; the Safety toe Tred moc toe’s are made in Vietnam. So the Loggers are the last GW safety toe boots they make. FWIW, I don’t consider boots that don’t meet ASTM safety standards to be work boots.

[@AgonxOC]

17 XV negative, they make two GW made in US with safety toe. The rest are Super Sole welt, which is actually better than GW for wet conditions. 20 in total US made safety toe boots with two having GW.

[@solealto1649]

What is your boots size?

[@Stridewise]

11 in Red Wing, 11.5 in real life

[@adeadcrab]

hey nick

[@Stridewise]

yes Alain

[@providencedivine1]

Watched from Minesota

[@heathspears8881]

Thursday boots are getting very good 😌 about to take redwing down lol .. check out the caption tobaccos with the lug sole got a pair on Friday and their bad ass ... very thick leather . Thicker then the normal captions with studded soles ..you’ll like them .. check them out .. they also have a whiskey captain super thickness in leather as well !! And they have a new rough out leather with matte leather on the toe cap and heel. Im going to order a pair for Christmas 🎄

[@AgonxOC]

Not even close. Red Wing boots are great and long lasting. TB is more along the lines of 1000 milers. Casual boots, that will not take the abuse. They simply don’t last as long.

[@johnthornton7763]

Anyone with any idea about the obsticles American manufacturers have to deal with in order to stay in business know the competitive disadvantage they must deal with in order to stay open. Most businesses face a very hostile political environment well funded by the tax paying public that makes their lives tougher yet. Isnt it interesting to note that the companies that have some of the largest capitalization values are companies that don't produce anything, yet they have incredible political, cultural and social clout. It's a very strange but noteworthy correlation.

[@steveeab2364]

You absolutely make a very interesting connection. The last couple of years I've had the thought about the sad state of affairs when our big tech companies that, as far as I know, produce almost nothing of real value control so much money, power and influence. You are correct that our politicians seem to make it more difficult to do business. I always wonder how any small or medium size business survives in the massive governmental overreach of places like California. The old joke about having to give handies in the back alley to the bureaucrats may not be far from reality.

[@johnthornton7763]

@@steveeab2364 Our priorities are pretty screwed up right now for sure, many many great American companies have either closed or gone offshore leaving our manufacturing tradition and all the perks and problems that go with it, to China and Asia.

[@iamstable4591]

When you want to pretend you work for a living 😂

[@charlesbronson240]

No, we wear them because they’re quality shoes that look cool.

[@iamstable4591]

@@charlesbronson240 boots ....and I have ran through them in a month can’t touch Daner or Thorogood

[@charlesbronson240]

@@iamstable4591 Danner isn’t what it once was and Thorogood produces sub par work boots. Cant touch Nicks...

[@TheDobbermn]

Yeah, made outside USA and that's why they are 1/2 to 1/3 the cost. Why is this surprising?

[@charlesbronson240]

The ones in the video are usa made jesus christ

[@TheDobbermn]

@@charlesbronson240 Easy Bro.....He mentions that some are made outside the USA. Their Irish Setter line is made outside the USA and it IS 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of their USA made line. My point being if you have one redwing boot that is $120 and one that is $300 Its pretty obvious, the $120 line is not USA made.

[@weitzfc1]

@@TheDobbermn the point is that you can be stupid enough to buy $120. boots , that probably don't cost $5 to make and ship to the u.s. made in some anonymous chinese factory , where they slap the red wing name on it . look around and you'll find the same boots , in some big box , bargain basement store , for maybe $30. . my experience has been , you buy american made boot that will last for years , or the cheap crap , and the soles will fall off in six months . i saw it time and time again .

[@Barkingspider]

I remember when made in the USA meant something.

[@charlesbronson240]

Still does

[@Barkingspider]

@@charlesbronson240 totally doesn’t.

[@gavranarh]

I imagine most of people watching this and/or following your channel are interested in the heritage line of Red Wings boots - not the work boots. So the whole China thing is pretty much a non issue for your audience, I think. Besides their work boots aren't as well regarded as their heritage line in their respective field anyway if I'm not mistaken.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

gavranarh not in my case. From a tradesman perspective, Red Wing has slowly lost it's place at the apex of work boots, (Whites, etc. excluded due to rarity.) tradesman have their boots resoled all the time. Red Wing Supersoles can be resoled, but only through them. They've lost their top spot due to 1. outsourcing, (we tend to prefer US-made, especially union-made,) high cost, (Carolina & Thorogood are just 2 companies who undercut them w/ am equal or better boot,) & lack of availability. Back in the day, it wasn't uncommon for Red Wing to come to the jobsite to for everyone. But if you don't live near their store, good luck. But, Red Wings, at least the US-made ones, are still popular & very well regarded. I expected that, over time, if someone doesn't mind a glued sole, Keen's US made boots will overtake them. Supersoles are already ugly, so the Keens fit right in! I think Thorogood is the most respected, followed by Red Wing, then Carolina USA & Danner. In terms of popularity, I think its Keen, Carolina, Thorogood, Wolverine, Red Wing, in that order, for US made boots. You'll see Chippewa, Danner & the Georgia USA boots, too. Thorogood would be even more popular, except they're in such demand, (comfort & quality,) that it often takes awhile to find the boots you need in your size, unless you have a great local shop. But despite higher demand & less availability, they're at least sold at a lot of stores & online. Thorogoods are union-made & employee-owned, so they're conservative about ramping up production. FWIW, lots of younger guys, (I'm 35, but have 19 years already,) wear Timberlands until they learn what boot works for them and can afford something better. Irish Setters are somewhat popular as well, & the old Sears Diehards used to be.

[@GabeMacDonnell]

edkluk i suspect some of the differences are down to culture, in the sense of what you witnessed as an apprentice. For me, the old timers always resoled their boots, so us young guys copied them. It didn't hurt that it saved you a lot of money. I've also worked for places that either issued you boots, or gave you a stipend for them. But a single pair never could last a year, so resoling last years pair made sense. A lot of experienced tradesmen learned to rotate 2-3 pairs of boots to avoid wearing 1 out prematurely, & to let the leather dry being uses. This helps saves the upper. Now, guys who work w/ concrete, or chemicals, they'll tend to toss their boots b/c the leather is dead. And in colder regions, if you work around road salt, that eats up your boots too. Pipe fitters it seems, also go through boots, at least in part from wearing out the toes. When I spent a season in LA, the humidity & swamp water made new style boots like Keens real popular. There has definitely been a shift towards disposable boots, but guys who find a comfortable pair of resolable boots are reluctant to part with them. Almost pathologically slow, in some cases. (I shed a tear when a favorite pair was cut on some sheet metal. ) Tuff Toe is got at protection, but is just as often used as a last ditch attempt to save a pair of worn boots. 1 other cultural thing; nearly every job site I've been on, there's a negative reaction to guys with new tools, equipment & boots. As a teenager, i had a journeyman literally step on my feet to dirty up my boots, and toss my Estwing into gravel so it didn't look so new. I was horrified, b/c my mom bought them for me w/ the little extra money she had. But he wasn't hazing; he wanted me to fit in & guys don't trust green horns. & i 100% agree; the use of "work boot" to describe historical designs is confusing people, (like the fellow insisting the 1,000 mile & Iron Rangers are still work boots.) I know there are jobs that don't require a safety toe but it's hard for me to envision what those are.

[@ThijsLammerse]

Chrometaned is more waterproof

[@MadMan559est69]

1 major thing is that this fad, of the manicured man, who couldn't probably fix a sprinkler valve has caused the price to ramp up forcing the working man to buy crap like wolverines ect.... Redwing has forgotten about the working man.

[@Stridewise]

sprinkler valves fear me

[@charlesbronson240]

Im tired of guys like you leaving uninformed comments. If you’ve had any experience with red wing heritage vs their work boots you would tell that the heritage boots are built way better. (Except for the 10877 and 10875) The casual boots are literally built better than the work boots. That goes for most of these clothing and boot brands. (Not all) but most of the brands just make high quality stuff, which is why its expensive. So do some damn research before leaving these comments that show how much of a fragile man you are.

[@DancingSpacePotato]

Okay “Urban Style” I don’t know what you get paid or what you do to make your paycheck, but if you’re not making enough to afford the equipment you need, such as quality boots, then you’re not a “working man” by trade. I can agree that false demand can drive up prices in certain markets, but men taking care of their image has been a thing for so many thousands of years. I’d like you to take a look at a working man you may have already heard of: Adam Savage. Welding, woodworking, sculpting, machining, electronic work, leather crafting... he build his Land Cruiser, can reblock a hat, weaves his own bull whips, can forge a sword... yet still prides himself on his sartorial sense when not in workwear. Get over yourself and invest in your own life and work

[@charlesbronson240]

@@DancingSpacePotato thank you.

[@MadMan559est69]

@@DancingSpacePotato Stop crying, your eyeliner is melting off your face. What do you care, hell I bet you wear high heels. 😂

[@dannybennett6594]

Buy Danner boots . Made is USA

[@quickfoxxes]

My goodness Nick. Have you listened to yourself on this video? Your rushed commentary is less effective than you have demonstrated on other videos. Red Wing sizing continues to be an issue, and regardless of what the company, and others, have to say, quality control is questionable when standards are compromised for company profit margins. Something happened toward the end of the sixties with most US companies with increasing Unionized employee salaries drove the fabrication process abroad. That is when quality went downhill for most major companies. I look for the quality found in new old stock versions online. They are rare and pricey, but the quality difference is evident.

[@weitzfc1]

i want american made quality . today it's all about making the management at the top rich , while they try to sell us crap.

[@weitzfc1]

i'm not going to buy cheap foreign made crap at a high price , simply because it has the redwing name on it . when i worked construction , they used to tease me for spending the money i did on work boots . their foreign made boots wouldn't last a year . my redwings , didn't start to show wear for six. nowadays they take the name and manufacture out of the country , and sell their crap to americans.

[@MrDecelles]

Production in China is always questionable. They are often "made to order" by a fabrication consortium that will also sells to other companies and they can change some parameters of their shoes. I care about width and instep. I have found that Chinese do not care about these two parameters. Case in Point: My Fluevog Angel shoes were transformed into a shoe with a lower instep when they moved production to China. I am not against Made in China boots, Companies like grant stone seems to have the hang of it...

[@dimweasel9470]

Nick you aren't doing this with mal intent are you???? Thursday boot company incentivise people like you ( social media influencers) . Hope you aren't on the bought out " it's my honest opinion " bandwagon. You don't seem to mind them selling rubbish boots built on bad last with poor orthopedics , you actually promote their garbage less than 1.6 mm leather boots with a sneaker midsole (eva foam) quite unabashedly. Smells like a sell out trying to malign competition and raise questions about iconic boots.

[@jeffreygoss8109]

Fair points, but Nick is certainly not the only one to recommend Thursday Boots. Trenton and Heath push them too. I own a pair of damn near every boot (except trickers and their next) and the Thursday are pretty good. Actually they are very comfortable and have held up well. The EVA hasn’t dropped yet, but the future will tell. Ill keep listening to Nick but have some suspicion as well, but more faith. Full disclosure I hate redwing. They have crap quality and customer service. I have known employees at the factory and they hate the company and their job.

[@dimweasel9470]

@@jeffreygoss8109 Hi Jeffrey, I'm not accusing him of doing anything wrong. I'm only presenting my doubts and concerns as a viewer . Now it's upto each of us to have our interpretation of what we see and our opinions based on the way certain facts are presented at appropriate/ convenient times to make a certain argument . It is not so much about what has been said in the video as it is about how the facts have been presented. It seems to me as a motivated vlog executed at the right time in order to achieve a specific goal. Reality is after all an interpretation of what we experience. I see this more as a campaign and less as a video on footwear. It is not about what has been said,it is about " when" it has been said that influences my interpretation of this video.

[@ivanrod2550]

Dim Weasel bro you are tripping and who cares ! I have a pair of Thursday boots which I love , so making a redwing video is a Thursday boots commercial mmmok lol

[@dimweasel9470]

@@ivanrod2550 Redwing commercial huh 😂😂😂🤣🤣.

[@Stridewise]

Hey man, this video wasn't meant to make anyone think Red Wings are bad? I love Red Wings and own a million of them and recommend them all the time. Also I don't even have affiliate links with Thursday, I just dig them - but you're free to dislike them!

[@nickontherun218]

First, Red Wing is questionable.

[@Stridewise]

what's second

[@nickontherun218]

Stridewise I’m not asking you who’s on second

[@Stridewise]

@@nickontherun218 I'm asking YOU who's on first.

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

Them celebs don’t even know what hard work is!