Best for patina? Red Wing 3345 Blacksmith Black Prairie

[@ivanbrownflower9828]

One of my favourite pairs of boots. I'm not a fan of black but had to for work, so knowing the brown would gradually come through was an enjoyable rebellion😅 Have worn these to a wedding and whilst doing gardening; they're an excellent all-rounder. The patina is slow to come through; mine had none until I spent an afternoon on my knees cleaning out the kitchen cupboards at work on that sandpaper like lino floor. Suddenly ready for patina thunder dome!

[@DevonReviewer]

Ha! I will make sure I use these for DIY and chores to ensure their full potential is unlocked!

[@liljuanito123]

I domed these in the first Stitchdown Thunderdome. Used them to crawl under my truck to do oil changes, brakes, regular maintenance. The brown undertones really came out to where it probably looked like I was doing it on purpose but I was really just living life. I even did it with a pair of Vibergs, i spilled brake fluid on em, bearing grease.. but they've turned out to be one of my best looking boots after they got cleaned up. On the black Praries, to calm down the bright brown teacore, i applied Red Wing's black boot creame and then brushed. I was thinking it would turn it all back to black but it didn't. It made them have a nice dark brown where the teacore is. They look even better now. I should've done that for my last photo entries. But these are sleeper boots that will show that beautiful teacore.

[@DevonReviewer]

I didnt even know about the Stitchdown Thunderdome until I posted this review.. dont know if I could commit to a single pair of boots for a year... has anyone gone for a traditional english boot? Such as Trickers?

[@prospect_joe9813]

@@DevonReviewer Trickers is a sponsor

[@KurniadiPrathomo-sp5zd]

Nice review. Those two pairs are legend.

[@ronaldbrashears9866]

Really been going back and forth on these or moc in the black prairie! Wish the iron ranger had this leather

[@RokinLee]

I always down size half a size be that moc toes or rangers/black smith and chukkas. In my experience the moc toes can run big but nothing that a thick sock won’t solve and chukkas thin and tight. I also use a aftermarket inner sole. Plus I have carbon fibre arch supports! So anything that I say is very specific to me. When researching last size differences it seems much thought was put into toe room to make the boot applicable to their historic task.

[@justiceforall8574]

Very nice boots indeed thanks for sharing.

[@DevonReviewer]

Glad you like them! I have been waiting to try this leather for a long time!

[@crucify40]

I have this same exact pair of boots! I think we even wear the same size as well. Bought then a couple of years ago and I love them. I haven't worn them enough to develop the teacore effect yet. Plus I tend to baby my boots and not run them dry like you do. I live in California so it's often too warm here to wear them very often. Only slight downside is that they feel heavy on the feet. I reckon it's that hard vibram sole. My 1000 mile boots with leather soles are much lighter feeling, even though they look like a very similar boot. Congratulations Mr. Devon. These boots feel like they'll last a very long time.

[@DevonReviewer]

I dont find these particularly heavy, but then again I have been wearing the IRs for ages!

[@mrchrisroden]

I have a pair of these in Copper Tough I think it’s called and switched the laces out for a thick leather pair I got from my Vibergs. Top tier boot now, amazing value for the quality.

[@EdAb]

Very cool, when can we expect an update?

[@aspinorl]

I'm going to buy these. The pictures of the patina I've seen are stunning. What is your advice on: maintaining the colour of the Copper rough/Tough Iron ranger? Also, thoughts on mixing clear/coloured wax polish together? I'm thinking of doing my Black Harness Iron Rangers with a mix of clear / ox-blood wax polish - any advice? Great videos mate.

[@TomUK7]

Did you try on a full size smaller than your normal size before opting for the half size smaller? I am amazed how big the no.8 last fits and was shocked that I went from a uk8 down to a uk7 for the Rovers and Blacksmiths. I wear uk8 in Timberland, Clarks, RM Williams, Panama Jack...you name it. Blacksmiths? uk7! Incredible.

[@sergiousera4905]

Same here, I have to go 1 full size down for RW Mocs, Blacksmith and Iron Ranger. Otherwise I feel my foot moves too much

[@markhayes789]

I haven't rubbed through to brown yet. They're gonna be beautiful someday!!!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I have these boots and have to admit to being a little disappointed with the leather. The scuffs and scratches do appear brown but just end up looking like the boots haven't been cleaned and are splattered with bits of mud. I do like patina normally and have the 2950 Rovers in copper rough and tough which is a fantastic leather but I find it hard to embrace the way these are developing. I may experiment with black shoe cream if I don't warm to these brown scuffs.

[@cast1450]

I have changed the laces to the taslan brown black ones, same on the Iron Ranger. Looks better I think, its looks now like the Moctoe 8849 with black prairie leather.

[@joachimogereau4531]

Treated myself for a pair of these over the summer. Similar to you looking forward for patina to develop over time. They are quality boots.

[@DevonReviewer]

Yep, thats the main attraction of these boots / leather.. planning to put some miles on these as soon as possible!

[@Trex100]

I would love to see an update on this video. What do they look like now?

[@teddybear9029]

The waistcoat’s looking good!

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks, I am really enjoying it, first time having a waistcoat!

[@simonpittick6423]

I have the moc toes in black prairie. Still breaking them in. You start to get patina on the tongue pretty quickly where the laces rub. Just picked up the beckmans in black klondite which is similar to black prairie.

[@DevonReviewer]

Good point on the tongue, will be pleased to have a look at what will come for the rest of the boot!

[@sergiousera4905]

I went a full size down for these and the Iron Rangers. They feel tight but i guess I like a firm but not restrictive hold. I guess my feet are not too wide

[@noelwarner8874]

Interesting leather. Looking forward to the six month review.

[@wescobts]

Nice review, yes put those boots to work !!

[@coinecc]

The black prairie leather seems great, these are probably the model I'd get if I got another pair of RW's. I have the black klondike leather (2015 Huntsman model) and I'm glad the weather is cooling down; perfect fall and winter boot for me.

[@DevonReviewer]

Nice! I am not sure if I fully understand the difference between the Klondike and Prairie?

[@coinecc]

@@DevonReviewer I think they're basically just different shades of brown on the inside (the leather feels different by touch a bit too). It's more of a caramel brown color on the klondikes, quite a bit lighter than the prairie leather but ultimately about the same. The black klondike is used more rarely, it seems (only special/limited editions)

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks I will keep an eye out for klondike opportunities... the prairie is winderful!

[@lgroves336]

I have 9 pr of Iron Rangers in different configurations. I like the BS but I need it to come out in some unique leather color.

[@crucify40]

Mr. Devon, did you ever do an update video for these boots?

[@DevonReviewer]

@@crucify40 filming it today 😀

[@crucify40]

@@DevonReviewer lovely. Look forward to that.

[@dorian93]

I was very tempted by the flatbox in Klondike but £400 rrp was too high for me for a RW.

[@montecristobal]

Hi. I just bought exactly this model of boots. To be honest I would have preferred them to be completely black, without the teacore base. Unfortunately this option was only available on the Iron Rangers but not on the Blacksmith models. I'm not too interested in the patina at the moment. Maybe when it shows up I'll change my mind. What do you think is the best way to keep them black? I appreciate your advice. Thank you.

[@DevonReviewer]

I think you can probably keep the all black look with some good black boot polish.. that will cover any of the spots where the core is showing.. you can always let them patina if you get bored of the solid black look later

[@ash36230]

Been looking up some Red Wings a few months ago, but the only place I've seen them on offer (least where I am) is online and my foot size is awkward. They do look nice though

[@DevonReviewer]

Worth picking up a couple of sizes first time you buy if you arent sure, returns are often free or only a few pounds / dollars

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Check out L.L. Bean's "Bucksport" boots.

[@Jim661]

Do you mind me asking what size you are in a UK trainer?

[@davidallen346]

Lovely boots 🥾🥾

[@mikebonsall2449]

Quick question re your Iron Rangers, do you use shoe trees? I've recently bought a pair and am considering getting a set of cedar trees for them. Lots of people suggest using them to help avoid the top of the boot sinking just behind the top cap.

[@DevonReviewer]

I am a big believer in shoe trees for formal shoes / boots but dont use them for any of my RWs. I guess I am happy with my boots looking a bit more beaten up... they seem to hold their shape pretty well!

[@g.shumway5925]

You ABSOLUTELY need shoe trees. My boots basically look brand new even after 7 years because of them. Get them from Woodlore (the split-toe ones). Don’t bother with the ones they make for boots…those are awkward. Only get cedar, not plastic. Woodlore makes shoe trees for other companies, so even if you get other branded trees (Joseph A. Bank, Allen Edmonds, etc.), they’re still going to be the same as Woodlore. Lastly, I don’t like to leave them in permanently for fear of warping the heel (though it probably won’t). I put them in right after I take them off (since the cooling off of a shoe is when the most creasing occurs), and then I take them out later but no less than 4 hours. I don’t remove them completely, but I just take the back spring and point it upwards out of the boot so that pressure is no longer being exerted. But honestly, you can probably just leave them in and it’ll be fine…that’s just more paranoia on my part. But yes, absolutely get them for each leather shoe you care about.

[@ianpruett7825]

I’ve had these for a couple years and never cleaned them. They’re getting pretty beat up in the front and mostly brown now, definitely need to touch them up soon

[@bariti86]

These looks identical to 9060 flatbox Klondike leather. is there a difference between both other than a structured toe and a different sole?

[@DevonReviewer]

The 9060 have a fancier sole construction "gro cord" and are built on a different last, with slightly different leather... but visually almost identical

[@bariti86]

@@DevonReviewer Do you know what is the difference in the leather? They look identical and they both are painted black on top to show the patina with use. I am trying to understand why they have 2 separate names for the same leather. Or can it be just about marketing?

[@g.shumway5925]

I wouldn’t say they’re visually identical, the main difference being the edges. On prairie leather, the edges (for example, where the eyelets are) are brown, whereas the Klondike has more of a gold/straw color.

[@bariti86]

@@g.shumway5925I have the 9060 and they do look very very similar :) the sole is different, and there is no white stitching, the welt looks lighter on yours. And a little darker hardware. Leather does look identical though. Gorgeous boots, I went to the RW store in London to purchase the 8111, but these 9060s were limited edition, and I could not resist :)

[@brycecrousore1985]

Thank you for another great video. BTW - in addition to the plandemic, shortly thereafter Red Wing's entire site was hacked and held for ransom. The hijacking took away any chance for online sales which - you can imagine - sent the entire company into chaos and scramble mode for a long time. Can't wait for the updates as these gorgeous boots age and show off a sassy patina. Just down the road from Red Wing here in Minnesota, best wishes.

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks for the info! They seem to be back on track now, there are no QC issues with these to my eye... got them on now, waiting for that first pop of the brown core to come through!

[@blueband8114]

I had a pair a few yrs ago, I had to send them back due strange creases in the leather, in different places on each boot. Shame though, as they were nice boots.

[@DevonReviewer]

@@blueband8114 Interesting, having seen a few pictures online of these boots after some wear, I think the leather may have a looser grain than others and be prone to deeper creasing.. I am cool with that, so long as the patina comes!

[@_bats_]

Pretty much blank slate patina machines. They look fairly smart now but are going to be brilliant in a year or so.

[@DevonReviewer]

Absolutely, the leather evolution starts now!

[@_bats_]

@@DevonReviewer they're a bit pricey, but Pigeon Tree Crafting does a brilliant belt that's brown leather hand-painted black designed to complement Red Wing's teacore boots. I have one myself with the double-prong quick-release buckle and it's fantastic.

[@Boombatty]

I have a pair of these and I can’t get on with them. They slip on my heel and destroy it

[@DevonReviewer]

Sounds like the sizing is off, have you tried thicker socks?

[@brunonjezic6208]

Will you take them for tunderdome?

[@DevonReviewer]

These would be ideal for a techno festival!

[@brunonjezic6208]

@@DevonReviewer they would haha. I meant on Stichdown patina tunderdome though. But they do suit festival and get some great patina from it

[@DevonReviewer]

Ha, I hadnt heard of the Stitchdown Thunderdome until this review... glad to have found it now but I am not sure if I can commit!

[@brunonjezic6208]

@@DevonReviewer i belive it would be fun for you as well. Im glad to be pearson bringing the good news haha

[@StolenAlias]

Yeah they patina well but you really have to do some work in them before they start to age.

[@DevonReviewer]

I will do my best to give these a hard time!