Are Red Wing Iron Rangers Worth the Hype?

[@glumberty1]

For me, the break in was easy. I love the way the feel when they are tightly laced and snug. It's a good boot for the money.

[@andylehman1705]

This was also my first heritage boot. For me the break in was easy compared to the Red Wing moc toes for me. Enjoy.

[@TheGregdabender]

Moc toe aren’t work boots. They made these moc toe iron rangers for the scene boyz. I have a 15 year old iron ranger 8111s. I’ve made so much money in these WORK boots. My son son in law and nephew got their start working in boots…..moc toe? 😂

[@plaiddad276]

I bought a pair of those a couple of years ago and loved them from the start. By the end of the year I had also gotten a pair of the Iron Rangers in black (YES they do come in black). Once they broke in (didn't take long). I usually wear a pair of Merino wool socks (sold cheap at Costco) with them and they add a lot to the comfort. Order some of the Red Wing care products- the balm and the oil- highly recommended. But for hiking and field use I purchased a pair of waterproof Irish Setter Wingshooters, also by Red Wing. For absolute comfort on hard and uneven surfaces you can't beat them, and they are half the price as the Iron Rangers.

[@a.c.1250]

Breaking in takes patience… getting to know your boots and vice versa. I have the 875’s and still breaking them in after a month of constant use, so far so good. Hope you enjoy every single day of wearing them. Cheers

[@gwizz9175]

These are on my wish list. Have a pair of 875s which I love. 😊 I also need an EE width which limits available options. Only the 8111 available in that width, which is OK coz that's the one I want.

[@markmullen1852]

Congrats man. I have 2 pairs of Iron Rangers and love them both. Just wait till they soften up a bit and break in. They are a totally different boot after you wear them for 6 months to a year. Don't be afraid yo get them dirty. With good leather boots, you need to condition them with leather conditioner at least once a year. They're gonna look awesome once they patina!!

[@shakebake2680]

Do they loosen up quite a bit after 6 months or conform more? Some folks talk about how they actually shrink in length a touch because of the slight curl of the front despite using shoe trees. Thank you.

[@markmullen1852]

@shakebake2680 The leather will loosen up but the insoles with completely conform to your foot. IMO they just keep getting better with age.

[@averyj.steele1074]

People always make a big deal about breaking these in but I really don't buy it.

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Agreed. Because they have *any* break-in period, some people really take notice. Sure, months to mold to your feet, but only a few days to a couple weeks until you can wear them all day without discomfort. Honestly, it's not as bad as breaking in dress shoes I was forced to wear as a kid. Compared to a PNW work boot... yeah....

[@fetterssv]

The break-in is no big deal. Probably after 30 hours or so they start conforming to your feet. After 100 hours they fit like a glove. Never even a callous during this time period.

[@ethanbaran6158]

Personally my white's and JK's were much easier to break in than my iron rangers, but I also got my sizing down much, MUCH better when going to the pnw brands than I did with redwing so there's also that issue for me. I think if I got the size down with RWs there would be little to no break in.

[@simongreen525]

​@@fetterssvMy 8111's had a little lump in the left boot at the lower heel right at the back. That took the skin for months. Very nearly gave up on the iron rangers .

[@Inbal_Feuchtwanger]

I got a kick out of wearing ankle socks with new boots, hey sometimes you gotta learn the hard way though. Yeah nice thick socks that pull up past where your ankles will rub is a must. Another thing to consider with breaking in some boots, sometimes the worst part isnt week 1 but week 2 or 3. I also keep a roll of moleskin in my vehicle so when an area starts to rub me wrong I can tape a layer on my foot in that spot and it protects that spot before allowing blisters and such to ruin your day.

[@MakeWithZac]

Lesson learned 😅 I like the moleskin idea!

[@christiandietz6341]

Since today morning, a new proud owner! My first "wingsies" and boy, are they some tuff mofo's!😂 i also got the conditioner with them and breaking them in will be some sweet pain in the...foot! I like the big "clown-shoe" toebox too. Thank you for the video.

[@Trex100]

There are a lot of interesting methods for breaking in boots. My method was to put them on my feet and walk around untl they felt great. 🙂 I have that same model of Iron Rangers. Mine are a couple of years old. I love them. Totally worth the bucks.

[@casey.rob.]

It’s a good idea to get cedar boot trees to help them keep their shape and remove any excess moisture. Also gives the boots a fresh scent each time you lace them up.

[@MakeWithZac]

I do love the smell of cedar

[@Rosie-di6ed]

8111 is definitely a good choice! I own a pair myself along with a pair of blacksmith, as well as the Mule Skinner referring to the styles obviously Redwing brand. The easiest was the Mule Skinners I like theses alot. I've been using Iron Ranger redwing boots since 1995 altogether about six pairs I've been through never a regret except for the break-in. After that, it's smooth sailing.

[@utubekebs]

The "Break-in" period for any boot, is the "rite-of-passage". Once after they break-in, trust me they will fit like a glove. You would want to wear them all the time! Get another, perhaps the 875s, which some have found have a longer break in period. I'm on 4 years on my redwing, all still with original sole. I do cycle them with other gyw boots tho. Don't forget to get boot trees, to keep it in shape, and most importantly horse shoe brush and conditioner, like bick 4. Condition once a year, brush every odd wears.

[@pootatoe861]

i own 2 IR for 6 years, never noticed a breaking in discomfort. just gotten more comfortable as they age.

[@Gloocoos4]

I just got a pair of 8085s a month ago. Absolutely in love. I’ve also got a pair of 8086s I’m wearing right now that I got in 2013. They’re still going strong!

[@MakeWithZac]

Honestly the best looking boots out there. The leather is comfortable after break in too!

[@SeriousMist]

Copper Rough and Tough is the easiest break-in leather I had from Red Wing. Glad you found the perfect size at first try. Many people don’t understand the mistake they made in this department and blame the product or the company. The toe box stitching will NEVER expand. A pinched little toe at first try is a no-go ! Are the laces too short ? Then the boot is too little. A hint of heel slipage will improve with wear but not a heel going 1 inch up and down. Etc.

[@Craig2760]

Finally Got my first pair 3 weeks ago and I love them.

[@saucyg6371]

I’d bet that it wont necessarily stretch that much, but it will def form to your foot shape. Might still be a little snug, but still relatively comfortable. Definitely done buying sneakers these days unless they fit a specific purpose like running or basketball

[@MakeWithZac]

100% agree with the sneaker comment!

[@TheGregdabender]

Get them moc toes jelly roll. I have 15 year old iron ranger 1811s. Still a tough boot made me a lot of money. My son also wore these for his job my son in law and my nephew. Get a moc toes your not built for tough work boots….better yet get some new balance. Red wings weren’t made for office people….made for strong hard work.

[@MakeWithZac]

Thank you for being my first brain dead comment!

[@TheGregdabender]

@@MakeWithZac move along with them moc toes. Youre missing the point. All good tho

[@pinoyswisshiker7119]

Its a good looking boots. I have same color as yours, I also have the black and ox blood. Never had a problem wearing it the first day as I have so many hiking boots 😮😅.

[@elmarty4803]

I never had a problem breaking them in. I was pretty impressed with how comfortable they were for as minimal as they are. I will say that the mid calf socks are a must. you can wear them with anklets but I would not do it all the time. I love my rangers.....that being said....you are spending a bit of money on them so know what you are using them for

[@MakeWithZac]

I agree, people made it sound like I would break my legs breaking these in but it really was only about 2 weeks everyday use

[@1965zimmy]

I didn't find the break-in period to be too bad, however, when it came time to resole, I went with Vibram Christy outsoles. It transformed the boots to something much much more comfortable. The soles won't last as long but it's worth it for me.

[@MakeWithZac]

I almost got a second pair so I could have a wedge sole for heavy work days and these for less in my feet in concrete days

[@jozy5154]

Yes great boot. I definitely put them inserts in though

[@williamtharp561]

3 very quick comments …… shoe/boot brush (horsehair), wooden shoe trees for shape and moisture, and Venetian Shoe Cream.

[@MakeWithZac]

Do you have any brand recommendations?

[@williamtharp561]

@@MakeWithZac I’m a RW guy as well. I’ve got a couple pairs of IR’s, Blacksmith’s and Moc’s. I went through the same exercise as you did with sizing, etc. The Moc I especially like is the 1907, which is the same “copper rough and tough” leather as well. Honestly, after my initial couple purchases at my local RW store, I couldn’t rationalize the cost and bought additional ones on EBay. My theory is that some people buy them at full retail, can’t deal with breakin, or whatever, and they sell them at a substantial discount. Hope this helps.

[@echeolas]

Lucky number 13 subscriber! If I didn't just order something else, this would have helped make my decision on these

[@moisesmera7913]

you will need to do the heel blocks more consistnelty but 3-4 years is accurate. ifyou want when the resole is done is better to get a leather midsole and the actual sole done with glue. it iwll resole much more that way

[@RPerez6241]

The fastest way to break in thick leather boot is to buy a baseball glove leather treatment. I use one called Hot Glove, rub it on the boots flex points and put in an oven on a low heat setting for about 5 mins. The Hot Glove treatment will activate by the heat. Take the boot out and while still warm flex it with your hands and in about 5 minutes that boot leather will be soft as if you been wearing that boot for a year.

[@MakeWithZac]

I've never heard of this but it makes sense, thank you!

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Nice review and great looking pair of boots!

[@troutbumandsam5394]

I have the RW Rover 2950, same leather but a softer sole....discontinued but can be found if you look. Might be better if you are standing all day//all the best troutbumandsam

[@patrickmiao1698]

They were a bit stiffer than my other heritage boots, the sole was definitely harder on the foot. I loved the upper, fit great in the toe box and heel, a little to large in the upper above the ankle. They broke in well, especially the sole, was surprised how much more flexible they got. Love my Iron Rangers more than my 875 moc toe. I feel that it needs a midsole, can still feel rocks on the ground. Look forward to recrafting it when the heel wears down, will put a leather midsole and a vibram commando lug sole.

[@MakeWithZac]

Just looked that combo up, those are awesome!

[@lgroves336]

I have 9 pair of IR. All different. I have Nicks / Whites / Viberg too. That being said my IR get a bunch of feet time. If you shop IR on the web you can find coupons from dealers and pay no sales tax. I paid 290-320 for mine. I bought one disc color on eBay in like new condition.Break in? Start off wearing them 2 hrs and increase 1 hr per day. take a extra pait of shoes. Do NOT start off with 8 plus hrs day one. Learn from others that it is a PROCESS.

[@MakeWithZac]

The ankle sock incident was what really got me 🤣

[@hectorb3960]

First heritage boots I got and I loved them until I realized I’d gotten them a little too wide. They definitely took on a too bulbous look. Nice boots with a unique look but prefer a number of other boots

[@edrader]

i just resoled my jim greens african rangers and my red wig moc toes with vibram 2680 soles which are much softer and much lighter, both are important if you are on your feet all day

[@tshooter4419]

It's been a couple of months since your red wing ranger initial review, how about an update?

[@MakeWithZac]

I like that suggestion! I picked up a pair of 1222s a few days ago and might do a few boot videos coming up here

[@MakeWithZac]

3 month update should be dropping Friday!

[@JG-gz4uk]

Let’s be honest to ourselves these boots are uncomfortable even after break in a year. But he’ll these look so good vintage style.

[@MakeWithZac]

Is it the hard soul or just the style that's uncomfortable for you?

[@shannonandsheila1403]

Uncomfortable how in the world are these Uncomfortable these are the most comfortable thing i have ever put my foot near

[@matttherrien9608]

​@@shannonandsheila1403people that hate on the Rangers never broke their's in.

[@stevecrawford7814]

Love the look of the Iron Ranger, not my most comfortable boots, but they have held up great.

[@MakeWithZac]

What's your go to for comfort?

[@stevecrawford7814]

@@MakeWithZac my old Wolverine thousand mile in Horween Chrome Xcel natural color. Soft as butter.

[@neonnoodle1169]

@@MakeWithZac Anything with a wedge sole is going to be tops for comfort over these. Iron Rangers are great boots but they are not "work boots", they are dress boots.

[@shogekimura]

ive got 4 pairs of iron rangers. Amber harness, 2 copper (one pair i ruined with too much conditioner before i knew any better, so i bought another pair) and hawthorne muleksinner. so far the muleskinners are my favorite. literally zero break in time due to the more malleable nature of the rough out leather.

[@MakeWithZac]

That's dedication! Have any with the traction tread?

[@shogekimura]

@@MakeWithZac yup! 2 with the traction tread and 2 with the original. i prefer the traction tread as it gives more grip without changing the overall appearance or adding really any noticeable thickness to the sole

[@ricardo950535]

If you've never bought or wirn constantly (sunday church) leather shoes or boots, hell never owned baseball gloves, then that "break in" thing is a new concept. Vast majority of what ppl wear today is temporary and comfortable.

[@MakeWithZac]

It was a weird experience but the leather on these fit incredibly now. If only they made a wider size 😅

[@devilkilla77]

Walking around on concrete all day you need the MOC toe. The crepe sole on the MOC is better for the concrete floors. They actually have a new boot that's an iron ranger with a crepe sole but I'd go for the moc

[@MakeWithZac]

Thanks for the tip! Is that the "traction tread" ?

[@neonnoodle1169]

This is 100% spot on...for all day on concrete you really want a boot with no heel so just a wedge sole (crepe is the material...sometimes it's other materials) but a wedge sole is key as it is soft and FLAT to distribute your weight evenly on the ground. I'm honestly always surprised when I see people using Iron Rangers as work (or hiking?!) boot, but lots of people seem to do it.

[@bamseskylling1978]

Good honest review

[@rangervapes571]

Compared to sneakers, OK a bit tougher break-in, but compared to boots, very easy break-in. Get some Nicks for a tough break-in.

[@MakeWithZac]

I have a pair of Travelers in Predator Orange on order!

[@daniellmarcussen2599]

For me it took months to break in the Iron Rangers - but then they got really comfortable.

[@MakeWithZac]

Did you do anything special or just wear them? They get more comfortable every day for me!

[@daniellmarcussen2599]

@@MakeWithZac Nothing special. I just wore them - not everyday and not for whole days in the beginning. It took time, but it was worth it.

[@MakeWithZac]

Looking back at this comment now, its the most underrated way to do it and I am glad I took your advice!

[@dzakisuda]

I bought a pair of IR 8085 two weeks ago. I'm enjoying the experience of breaking-in the boots without any outside help like leather softeners. A natural outcome later.

[@schunkelkaiser6864]

how much is the price for this excellent boot? in germany it's hard to buy such stuff. only 2 shops in 2 german towns. in amazon, i have to wait months for them. never wear such boots before. i want them really. in germany we must pay 380 euro.

[@MakeWithZac]

In Wisconsin I paid about $340 USD. Looks like about 315 Euro. I'm fortunate to have a local retailer. RedWing is great but by no means the gold standard, see if you have any reputable boot makers in your country that do custom work!

[@schunkelkaiser6864]

@@MakeWithZac you' re right. i follow an illusion. there a many good boots outside. have you ever heard from panama jacks? fine boots for jeans and cargos. very expensive, 220 euro, but every cent worth it. fine leather, color and style. the feeling to stand in this shoes is out of this world. maybe i ll buy iron rangers in the next town near to me. so much money....and i don't know how it feels to wear them, because....this is a worker boot. normally this shoes are not good for the street and everyday life. maybe i am wrong. i hope i can wear them once in my life. the look is awesome. the older the leather gets, the better they look. with good cargos, chinos or well fit jeans they are a perfect statement for every fashion junkie.

[@vladyslav4]

usually nobody wears them right away for a full day :)

[@MakeWithZac]

All or nothing for this guy! I only wanted to cry a little bit because of the low sock....

[@vladyslav4]

@@MakeWithZac ok 😀

[@saucyg6371]

Sometimes you do if you’re someone that wants to get the break-in done as as possible and thug out the blisters

[@vladyslav4]

@@saucyg6371 sure

[@vladyslav4]

@@StarxPlayz7 🤣. 👍

[@cjanquart]

I tried on a pair of these from my local RW store and as much as I wanted to like them, I just had a couple of points where I asked "why did they do that?" There was a couple spots where the nail points hit the last but blunted, although I could run a couple fingers inside the footbed and found some slight burrs; not bad enough to feel like you're stepping on something but my OCD knows that it's there. No pull tab and the laces seemed thin for the size of the eyelets and speed hooks but that can be fixed. The backside of the hooks rubbing on the tongue isn't great but a kiltie could fix that. They didn't give me that "experience" but I'm 11.5 on the Brannock in a D/E width, depending on the last. When they run another sale, I'll probably pick up a pair to add to the rotation or just pony up the $600 for some Nick's Americanas and get 'super Iron Rangers'

[@MakeWithZac]

Exclusive just for you (and anyone else reading): I love these and will use them as dress boots but I ordered a pair of Nick's Travelers yesterday. I love the IR look but my knees 😬... RW only going to EE is also an issue for me

[@cjanquart]

@@MakeWithZac I have the Tactical and that HNW last is great...you knees will thank you for that wedge sole.

[@cormacbailey775]

Hello Greetings from Ireland. What is a kiltie genuine question as I am not familiar with the term thank u in advance

[@vladyslav4]

you should have bought something with soft outsole, not the hard one for concrete floors. Something like RedWing 875

[@MakeWithZac]

I really looked hard at the 875s! Still thinking those will be my second boot for the reason you outlined but I'm a sucker for the hard outsole aesthetic of the 8085s 😅

[@solarminer7194]

They fit me so well. After 9 hours of break in. No pain none. Lucky me.

[@mikeb.711]

I bought a pair of Blacksmiths 3 days ago. Mine are pretty much broken in as far as comfort. I went in fairly determined on buying the IR, but the simple styling of the BS caught my attention. And breaking in Iron Rangers at work? Haha.. I would never recommend that. Wear them everywhere, but wear the comfortable sneakers at work until your IRs are broken in. Did you try the Red Wing footbeds?

[@MakeWithZac]

I really like the style of the blacksmiths too! The first week I wore them was more office work than anything but once I got to the install site the next few weeks the knees were really feeling it. They broke in fast this way but not for the faint of heart. I have not tried the foot beds as my feet tend to be wider than even the EE wide foot beds 🙃

[@382946rthu]

Bickmore 5 will help with the break in

[@MakeWithZac]

Do you follow the directions to a T or have a different method of using that product?

[@moisesmera7913]

also no ankle restirictions over time. that goes away

[@MakeWithZac]

I am already starting to notice stairs being MUCH easier!

[@Eunegin23]

re they worth the pain to break them in? In my case no. My heals hated them.

[@MakeWithZac]

What do you wear now?

[@NoVaRedacted]

I bought these and immediately gave them away once I bought some handmade boots. Not because I hate them, just fit wasnt right no matter what I did I like the style but the fit from D to E is far too drastic in my size and neither fit right. The leather was so thin that I didn’t get the nice support feeling I was looking for. They’re a great boot but the generic sizing just doesn’t work for some people. If you can, try to get ahold of some nicks handmade boots! You’ll love these iron rangers for years to come.

[@MakeWithZac]

How quick was it to get hand made? I saw Nick's pop up a few times in my first grade level research

[@NoVaRedacted]

@@MakeWithZac they can get made in 3-4 months depending on what you go for. I suggest looking at their KZbin and just searching them in general on KZbin :)

[@Artaois13]

Nick's, White's, Franks, JK, Drews... are farrrrr above Red Wing. Get the 55 last for your high arch and you can specify any width you want up to some ridiculous widths. On Rose Anvil's channel watch some videos of him cutting open a Nick's Builder Pro and then the Iron Ranger and you will see the difference.

[@edrader]

you're still on the pink hipster "recraftable" cloud. if you are still wearing them in six months do a review.

[@MakeWithZac]

I look forward to showing them to you again in 6 months!

[@healthyminimalist]

350 isn't much money these days. A pair of crap running shoes are 100-200.

[@musashi-san____1409]

If you damage the insoles you will not be able to resole them. Use leather insoles, shoe trees, and wool socks.

[@MakeWithZac]

Do you have an insole recommendation?

[@musashi-san____1409]

@@MakeWithZac Shoeslulu lambskin insoles.

[@kimsmith6974]

Did he say "ankle socks" ????

[@MakeWithZac]

😞 mistakes were made

[@allengilby3054]

Just say it! Thursdays.

[@MakeWithZac]

And Ariat, LL Bean, Thorogood, and like 2 random Amazon brands. All too dang narrow!

[@MakeWithZac]

They are for someone, just not me

[@adriansmith3116]

There boots not shoes

[@liljuanito123]

Bro please get rid of the music. Can't hear you and it's pretty distracting.

[@MakeWithZac]

I'm a few weeks ahead but please jump back in and let me know if it improves. Thank you for the feedback!

[@sundayduffer]

hype? come on man....

[@MakeWithZac]

"Random Controls Professional Tries Hipsters Favorite RedWing Boot" just didn't have the same ring...

[@heyitsme3464]

I have some redwing iron ranger ambers for 8 months and yes I feel you!!! Beak in is a thing. But now the feel better than any pair of sneakers I own. The leather has soften and it broke in in all the range of motion places. The most accurate way I can ask Raven is like a sock now. Especially with the cork has molded into the shape of my foot, and I have just the right amount of arch support.🤌🏽👌🏼

[@MakeWithZac]

They get better everyday!

[@chrisnevergrowold330]

Super easy break in for me. My thursday captains were 1000x times worse. I love my Rangers, wear them every day.