Hammer or Anvil? Blacksmith Boots - Red Wing 3343 Copper Rough and Tough

[@kinslowrainer3982]

Nice review! It's extremely thorough. You speak very well, too, with the precision of a literature professor rather than a construction worker.

[@ChrisMedici]

I have these boots - love them! This is an exceptional, in-depth review. Also, I appreciate the history about Vibram soles - never knew the backstory. Cheers, Mate!

[@elwalker9034]

Ahhh!! +$500 down under. Woah...I also landed a virtually new pair off eBay here in the US for under $200. No wear on em. Great review, you're a great speaker.

[@_SkyEye]

As others have said, this was a wonderful review. You’re talented, sir.

[@dustingaddis2423]

I now have three pairs of Red Wings, black Iron Rangers, 875's, and these same Blacksmiths. They're my favorite. Currently out getting a new sole put on them, can't wait to get them back in hand!

[@gregp.t.8473]

Nice looking boots, this is the model I’m interested in! Thanks for the in-depth look!

[@TomUK7]

Finding your Redwing size is a tricky process. I drop a full size down in their No.8 last boots like the Rover and Blacksmith. Initially, it will be a very tight fit. Almost impossible to get your foot into the boot. But once the leather warms up and undergoes regular movement you will be amazed by how much they stretch and mould to the shape of your feet. They then fit snug and you feel quite agile wearing them. In short, they need breaking in which is quite a business! The reward is worth it though. I wear mine in the evenings initially before taking them on short walks. And then wear them on a more regular and longer basis.

[@danielpotter8957]

Most informative video I've seen!

[@aphantasiagreyman8445]

Great review. I have the Iron Ranger version and I can say the break-in is no joy. If you have low instep flat feet this is probably not the boot for you. Sizing down 1/2 size from Brannock is probably the most you will want to go down as the boot's waist is very narrow and the toe box narrows quickly. From experience I would not use Redwing's recommendation of a full size down if you have flat feet. There simply isn't enough stretch in the leather to make this work and while wearable the boot will be very uncomfortable even after break-in. My half size down Iron Rangers are moderately comfortable after break-in but far from a go to boot in my collection. They have been relegated to actual workboot only activities where I don't care how damaged they get. My Redwing experiment will probably end with this pair as the last is just not a good match for me.

[@pantofis]

I agree, sizing down if you have normal or wide feet is not a good idea at all.

[@waxedearth5425]

I’m genuinely curious of what your go to boots are. I was looking at IR’s for my next purchase.

[@Vultain]

I think that half size down stuff is mostly for an athletic shoe. My heel to toe is 11.5D, I do have a 12D flex point but I fit exactly a 11.5D. I have a lot of red wings in the closet the wrong size from following thr wrong advice. If it doesn’t fit, don’t buy it. At this point I even found a friend on reddit who needed a F or even FF width and probably a 10877 but they sold him an iron ranger in 10.5EE and it was all they had. Right heel to toe but his foot is too wide for it.

[@jakobdieckmann]

I have pretty normal feet. Full size down for me on the 8-last. Fits great 👍🏻.

[@RacksonRacksonRibss]

Red Wing lasts in general seem to be awful for people with flat feet, low instep, narrow heels, wide forefoot (like myself). I rarely wear my blacksmith anymore.

[@matthockman]

Love your reviews. Intelligent and thorough

[@waxedearth5425]

Great review! Copper rough and tough is a unique leather, Oiled Nubuck. Lots of pull up. I know Briar Oil Slick is more versatile but there’s no denying the unique beauty of this model.

[@jameslarue2878]

I just picked up a pair of Blacksmiths in Black Prairie. This is my first pair in the number 8 last, and I have to say that they fit well, immediately comfortable. I have been sized on the volumental machine, and tried them out at the store. The store manager himself fitted me, at just a tad under the previous measurements. Half down from my Brannock is about right. High quality materials and craftsmanship. Thanks for another thoughtful review.

[@AlSiguenza]

Always enjoy your reviews, and your FB pics on heritage boot club

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you!

[@sinwaters909]

Very good fashion sense keep it up. More black smiths please

[@mohamedkhimji4898]

Excellent review. Thanks for posting. Thorough and precise

[@terryharris1856]

My foot size is 10.5. D. I GOT THAT SIZE PERFECT for iron ranger In nike I'm 11. So .5 size is true from sneaker size Great channel happy I found it greatly appreciated educational and calm

[@kenrankin5814]

Ditto! Same here, and love my IR's.

[@drewengles4477]

100% agree and love my IR's. Just got some 1000 Mile's and those are like butter on the feet even during initial use but I still love the feel and aesthetics of my IR's more.

[@NielsTorske]

Thank you. A very thoughtful and informative review of an American classic.

[@mottopanukeiku7406]

Great review. You are so well spoken that this could be ASMR :) Planning on getting a pair of the Blacksmiths but am going back and forth between the Copper and the Briar leathers. I have a pair of the Work Chukkas in Briar and it is absolutely fantastic. However, it almost seems like the Copper might be more of a versatile color despite it being a bit more casual. Nice to have choices.

[@karthikpullela]

How did you go? I am tempted by the blacksmiths and going back and forth as well. Cheers

[@mottopanukeiku7406]

@@karthikpullelaI went with CRT. It’s a bit more casual than the briar and I have found that I wear RWs in more casual situations. CRT wears well with khakis a bit more than the briar for me. Really enjoying them and you can’t go wrong with either. The briar works both casual and a bit dressier so it is probably more versatile. FYI, recently got a pair of chukkas in Oro leather. Gotta be one of the best RW leathers out there. Cheers!

[@Maxfahrer]

Be careful with saddle soap. I used it on my iron Rangers after they were covered with mud. It took the color out of the leather and I had to recolor them. I use mink oil on mine since I need a waterproof boot in germanys rainy weather. The color lightens up with time again, though it gets really dark after applying the grease. They look like amber harness after conditioning

[@jaynern]

Most of the time I walk on a hard surface and i decided to replace my Blacksmith mini lug sole to a wedge sole. People can hear me coming from mile away with that hard sole and I can feel it hurt my knee. I hope it will turn out good.

[@ETY20]

I've had my heart set on a pair of Iron Rangers for a while now, but your review of the Blacksmith has me thinking about picking these up instead. Yours look great!

[@oldbuzzard76]

Thank-you for the great in depth presentation ! I am now a new subscriber .

[@bojackk108]

Thank you boot dad❤

[@Bootlosophy]

😂😂😂🫡

[@reehhaan]

i am your fan , great style of speech

[@almightyrizzob8682]

Gees, his look a lot better than mine. If my boots looked like that, I'd wear them with a suit!

[@jquill6]

I have the charcoal ones and they were stiff for a few days and then fine. You can wear them anywhere really and they don’t look as farm-yardy as the IRS. I’ve had mind for 2 years now and no sign of “clownshoeing” . I don’t use boot trees or anything. I still really want a pair of 8111s all the same

[@RIJKAARD1981]

Brilliant video….yet again!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Vibram now produce many hundreds of different sole patterns for various markets around the world. Much more than that if you count every rubber compound and thickness variant. And many soles are available in various colours. They also produce "proprietary" versions of their soles for around a thousand footwear companies and often each footwear model in a manufacturer's range will have their own sole version. You can download the Vibram catalogue for the soles produced for aftermarket replacement purposes,. which independent cobblers can obtain. The catalogue is produced for different regions but if your soles are worn or you are not happy with the ones on your boots or you just fancy a change,, you can see what is available. A word of warning that not all sole types will work on all boots (or all boot sizes) due to thickness or lug sole pattern issues or sometimes because they are not produced in your size if you have extra large feet for example. Some are also single piece soles which will not work with a stacked leather heels where a separate top lift is required.

[@brandonh.788]

Love your reviews! Your voice is very relaxing, and you always give great information.

[@terryharris1856]

Your so educational and calm explaining the boot. N

[@Aboutmyself9600]

Outstanding review! Redwing should pay you

[@Bootlosophy]

If only! Thank you

[@johnmutton799]

Neatsfoot oil by Naff, is great for these boots! Put on with a brush, then seal with mink oil! My iron rangers are done the same. Infact all my boots are treated this way! On oiled leather that is! Always go for the metric sizing, Japanese size, my size is 8.5 UK, Which is 275mm. I always do this on all Redwing boots. And they fit perfectly! Thanks for all the info you give!

[@paulsnell1274]

I have a pair of Iron Rangers in Black Harness and a pair of 9111 Round Toe /white Cristy sole in Copper Rough & Tough. I love the CR&T leather but want a round toe, no toe cap… with a dressier sole. So the Blacksmith 3340 Briar Oil Slick may be a good choice. Clearly I’m just trying to justify another boot… Great review … thanks for the info

[@RogerLoera]

I've had mixed results with redwings 8 last. I own a pair of iron rangers in size 9. There's exactly a pinkie finger gap from my longest toe to the toe box. The fit is spot on. I have a size 9 on the blacksmith's black prairie boots and my longest toe almost touches the toe box. They're pretty tight and they simply look small. I also have the beautiful rare 4585 logger boots. And holy moly there's easily a half inch closer to a thumbs width gap from my longest toe to the toe box. I bought a kiltie to hold my feet into place. Like I said a little inconsistent.

[@Bootlosophy]

I get the feeling that it’s in the lasting - sometimes pulled really taut, sometimes a little “relaxed”

[@gnarl12]

​@@Bootlosophy you're absolutely correct. The tension can be changed and usually they'll reset the machines after maintaining or cleaning. Also, the leather the boot is made of can also impact how tight the lasting is.

[@lh8372]

Great review. Please keep them coming. I love these boots. I own two pair of the Blacksmiths and three pair of Iron Rangers. My brannock size is a 10.5 ee with a high instep, but I tried these (and the iron rangers) in 11.5 d (bc they don’t offer in wide) and they fit. I’m not sure how or why, but they do. The extra length put the wide part of my foot slightly more to rear where the boot is the widest so it worked. My instep is slightly more to rear also, so it fits good. I just keep them tied tight and have no issues.

[@RokinLee]

As always very through review, a real joy, many thanks.

[@fadedsincedayone]

I like my boots slightly loose compare to sneakers so I always size half up. With these I’m so confused why one boot fits perfect and the other slightly bigger. I have to get creative with the way I tie the laces on the loose one. At least I just broke them in so let’s see what happens.

[@1k1ngst0n]

great job! more reviews please. I learn a lot from you : )

[@Bootlosophy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimbob119874]

I’ve come across your reviews on a few occasions and they are great! I was considering a pair of Iron Rangers but went with the black RM Williams Rigger Commandos instead. I just bought a pair of these copper Blacksmiths today and can’t wait for them to arrive in NZ from the US.

[@hashtag3650]

Loved your review! Very well done and wonderfully informative. I have the same pair in factory seconds and they are great!

[@elwalker9034]

🫢 don't tell 'em bout the seconds.

[@johnsantos9108]

Great vid! Thanks for posting.

[@AlbertSchnyder-r3u]

Would be very interested to know your checklist for ebay buys. Thank you. Al.

[@thomashansen3450]

it´s a perfect boot, except the mini Vibram soles which are uncomfortably hard especially the back part.

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

I have this very pair in size 11d us. They actually had about a single day break in as opposed to my moc toes which were at least two weeks. I like them enough to buy them in briar oil slick and charcoal as well. I love these blacksmiths

[@jerrydc818]

I’ve used saddle soap to clean boots while in the Army, it tends to dry up the leather. I would prob lean towards Lexols leather cleaner. They seem milder. Maybe a Bic4 leather conditioner. Doesn’t change the color but still conditions. Thx for posting. That’s a great color btw.

[@Bootlosophy]

Yeah, agree. But conditioning is different from cleaning though, and I wouldn't saddle soap without following up with a conditioner.

[@benmendoza4640]

Teik as always excellent review, you could do the review of 1000 mile wolverine boots? Thanks.

[@Bootlosophy]

Coming up soon!

[@jasonmiller9495]

Anyone else notice in the Iron Ranger line the different leathers fit different . Brown harness 10.5D fits almost perfect , Black Harness a 10 D fits great , Copper Rough n Tough I had to go to a 9.5ee because the 10 and 10.5 were long. I also wear a 10.5 in 875’s and the 10877 model . These Coppe Rough n Toughs though IMO are the nicest ones . Man the leather is durable. The Copper Rough N Tough fit just like my Jk Boots the climbers and Super duty 9.5ee . I’m lucky I went to the store for these because Inwould have just ordered a 10.5 D like the Brown Harness fit me

[@MK-zb9tx]

Great review. I currently have had iron rangers in CRT for 5 years. I made the mistake you mentioned with applying mink oil and now they are almost dark brown. It really annoys me. I’m thinking about moving on to blacksmiths as my next pair but I’m also debating on either the nicks Americana or falcons. These would be a more casual/work boot for me. Just not sure what to choose yet!

[@tommyinoz2100]

good job!

[@PipeThirsty]

Wow. This is awesome. Do you think the briar oil slick color would match as good with jeans ? I'm having a hard time deciding. Thank you for your informative videos.

[@Bootlosophy]

Yeah I think they’ll work, but I love the more tan colour

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

I had the same issue. Bought the copper rough and tough first , then went back the following month and got the briar oil slick. Both look killer with jeans although I really like the copper rough and tough the best

[@aminurrahman5609]

Hi Very informative video How does the sizing compare to the Red Wing Moc toes? Thanks

[@jmpak80]

Great review! Thanks. Really interested in your process of buying from eBay. I do have a question around shipping from the US to Australia. Do you use an aggregator before shipping it over to Oz?

[@Bootlosophy]

Tried an aggregator and found it a terrible experience. They take things apart to inspect and repackage it carelessly. Lost an article and despite insurance did not cover it.

[@jmpak80]

@@Bootlosophy thanks for the quick response. So you get the seller to ship to you directly? How much does it usually cost you to ship to Oz?

[@pantofis]

Sizing down as recommended by Red Wing employees was a disaster for me. Sure the width stretches, but the footbed does not. Not comfortable at all. Since then I ignore the sizing down advice and take my true Brannock size when shopping Red Wings, to much better results. I'd rather let them mold/shrink on me than stretch them out.

[@petersilecchio4417]

I can't size down also.

[@dyersnider5406]

Me too.

[@petersilecchio4417]

Me too I don't size down.

[@gnarl12]

This, if your foot/toes are coming over the footbed it's probably not the best fit

[@losdawg6265]

Totally agreed. Happened to me on my RW Roughnecks. My pinky toes was stuck in between the insole and the upper. It’s always best to buy slightly big over too small.

[@jmarth523]

Excellent video! I am just now in the market for either the IR or the Blacksmith in copper. Do you have a preference between the two? Do you have a preference between the amber harness or copper rough n tough?

[@Bootlosophy]

My personal preference is the Blacksmith in CRT.

[@aradoran]

Hi J M. I have the IR in crt and it is by far the most casual/work-booty heritage boot I own. It really does not work for an office environment, unless you want it for super-casual Fridays. Or just casual look. The blacksmith by not having a Cap-toe is more versatile style wise…like the 1000 mile. CJ Cook has some good videos on the Blacksmith and Blacksmith vs Iron Ranger. I think his recommendation is pretty solid. I pretty much only wear the iron ranger casually with jeans. I think you could wear the amber harness blacksmith with chinos. Guess it depends on what you’re looking for. Some people have really good style and can make lots of things work together…not me lol.

[@jmarth523]

@@Bootlosophy thank you!

[@jmarth523]

@@aradoran thank you! My style happens to just be rugged work wear for the most part. I am considering leaning a bit into chinos and maybe do need to consider a bit more versatility.

[@jakobdieckmann]

I own both in CRT. I wear blacksmiths to work and the iron ranger sometimes on casual fridays. I wear chinos. I also have Amber harness merchants. That leather is more supple, but I prefer the look of CRT in general. Blacksmiths don’t come in Amber harness.

[@craig7887]

Teik. I'm curious about sizing in these. I wear a 9.5 Truman 9.5 EE (79 last), and an Allen Edmond Higgins Mill in 9.5 E. Jim Green doesn't have width options, but I'm a 10 in both their Razorback and African Ranger and since they have a wide toe box they fit me great. I feel confident I would be a 9.5 in the Red Wing, but I wonder if you think I should go with the D width (considering the wide toe box), or if you think I should go to their EE. Thanks! Love the channel!

[@Bootlosophy]

No, I’d recommend you stick to an E. The toebox may look chunky but it’s more an optical illusion due to the toe spring. The volume in the toebox is a little higher but the width is close to the Truman 79 last.

[@craig7887]

@@Bootlosophy Thank you very much! I’m sure you saved me from having to send back a pair of boots for an exchange.

[@ughismyboss]

What fit are your pants/jeans? I’m trying to find pants like those. Thanks.

[@Bootlosophy]

Slim fit

[@karthikpullela]

I'm in Australia and looking for lace ups leather boots. The conclusion confused me a bit! Hahaha. I don't want Chelseas so not RMW. Do you have any recommendations that are good for the price? (Just subscribed) thanks

[@Bootlosophy]

RMW do lace ups as well if you don’t mind the near $700 price. If you don’t mind not made in Australia, check out Thomas George Collection. Redback do lace ups but I think they’re not GYW. I’m afraid we don’t have many volume makers and most are handmade MTO and hence pricey - Wooten, James Young.

[@richardodouglin3855]

is the copper rough & tough a nubuck or full grain leather? On the redwing site the iron ranger in crt is listed as a full grain leather but on models like the 1907 and blacksmith in crt is listed as a nubuck leather. So is crt nubuck or full grain leather? Maybe it’s different on the iron ranger crt?

[@Bootlosophy]

I’ve answered your other query. Did you mean to type it twice?

[@richardodouglin3855]

@@Bootlosophy thanks for answering! How about redwing Amber harness leather? Like the iron ranger in Amber harness? Is the Amber harness full grain leather?

[@richardodouglin3855]

@@Bootlosophy also you have some great reviews! Keep it up man!

[@Bootlosophy]

@@richardodouglin3855 yes

[@williamswiger7547]

Great review. I have a pair of Iron Rangers and Blacksmith in the copper rough and tough. The Blacksmith ones got soaking wet when new in a heavy downpour and the leather started flaking off in some places on the front of the boots. Had to mink oil them when they dried out to preserve the leather. The Iron Rangers when brand new were not uniform in color at all. The sides of the boots were considerably darker than the rest. Again, used mink oil to try to even out the color. The leather on the Blacksmiths appears to be much more pliant/thinner than the Iron Rangers. I have or have owned almost all the heritage boots from RW in my collection. Many other brands as well......lol

[@Lion-qi8ej]

I over-darkened my new Blacksmith Rough & Toughs with the Red Wing Boot oil. Will “time” lighten them or must I saddle soap them ? My goal was to just make the toe area look darker and burnished but I went to heavy on the boot oil. Thanks for any advice. I love the boot. I have the Beckham and the Iron Ranger in black. Love the Beckham the most.

[@Bootlosophy]

You can saddle soap them, that will help a bit, then let time do the rest

[@pattgsm]

I’m a 9.5d on Brannock but wear a 8.5d in RedWing. Red Wing boots relaxes greatly after break in. 1/2 size down is a safe but not accurate recommendation. Go a full size down if you want a proper fit after the break In period so not to end up w/ the clown shoe fit. Super tight at 1st but in the end there is plenty of toe room and no pinching anywhere throughout the upper.

[@drewengles4477]

I'd have to disagree with you. for my Iron Rangers I tried both full size down and half size down and the half was firm/tight during break in but now they are perfect. for the 1000 Mile boot you can definitely go a full size down though. always best to go to the RW store if possible I suppose

[@pattgsm]

@@drewengles4477 I think we can both agree that they should feel tight initially and will relax very noticeably. I got my 1st & 2nd pair from my local Red Wing store and I gotta tell ya, salespeople expertise is hit or miss 1st time was a huge miss resulting in a loss and eBay listing. 2nd was dead on using a full size down broken in boot. The salesman was my size and insisted that I try on his boots. But feet are tricky and different and will change shape depending on skeletal structure, how you walk/run and types of footwear you wear regularly.

[@drewengles4477]

@@pattgsm very good points. Definitley best to try in store if an option especially if folks are buying their first pair of RW's. Also like your mention of eBay for folks on the fence to blow over $300 on new boots. Check the crazy resale value of used Iron Rangers or Blacksmiths, they are almost the cost of new boots!

[@olegkaderly5638]

I agree with you. I own several pair of RW Heritage boots- both Iron Rangers and Blacksmith. I am also a 9.5D on Brannock, and while half size down fits fairly well… 8.5D has proven to be the best fit. It’s “comfortably snug” and truly feels like a firm handshake. I greatly enjoy the feeling of a secure fit of boots in my feet. So, I’d agree that going a full size down is a good idea, even with thicker socks at play. I’ve walked plenty in my iron rangers, and have not had any pinching or hot spots. As a side note- I DEFINITELY 💯 recommend visiting a RW store in your area, and getting properly sized on their digital Brannock device, as well as traditional one. The digital one gives you an image of your feet and provides far more in-depth ergonomic data, based on which you can make a more savvy buying decision.

[@SmoothGuyTO]

@@olegkaderly5638 That's weird. I visited a store where they scanned my feet and they arrived at the same size as my Brannock device size. 6EE. However since they don't have a 6 Wide, I had to go up a half size from my Brannock to a 6.5 Medium. I don't mind the extra toe box length since everything else fits nice and snug and the bend in the toe is also good.

[@matthockman]

Copper rough and tough is a Nubuck leather.

[@richardodouglin3855]

is the copper rough & tough a nubuck or full grain leather? On the redwing site the iron ranger in crt is listed as a full grain leather but on models like the 1907 and blacksmith in crt is listed as a nubuck leather. So is crt nubuck or full grain leather? Maybe it’s different on the iron ranger crt?

[@MrGetItDone7]

What service boots would you recommend for an office job?

[@Bootlosophy]

Price range?

[@MrGetItDone7]

@@Bootlosophy under 400

[@Bootlosophy]

@@MrGetItDone7 Thursday Captain, Parkhurst Allen, Grant Stone Diesel, Wolverine 1000 mile, Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill (on sale)

[@MrGetItDone7]

@@Bootlosophy thanks!

[@AB-jm3iu]

I like you videos, can you make them shorter? Best regards.

[@jakobdieckmann]

Anyone experience these laces being SUPER waxy? That’s my only dislike with this boot. Hopefully they’ll get more supple with age. So far not so much. They are tough though 😄.

[@aarondeancurtis2199]

Yep same here. Really waxy.

[@Jason.F.]

What is the reason of a acknowledging the traditional custodian's of the land? Is there some kind of cultural upset about this going on?

[@Bootlosophy]

It’s just the respectful thing to do

[@jonathanbellows113]

Wish the blacksmith came in wide

[@hawth8648]

They do now!

[@jonathanbellows113]

No way !

[@hawth8648]

@@jonathanbellows113 only seen it in stock once. Should have bought multiple sizes as I ordered too small. Hasn’t been in stock since.

[@ThaGreatestAlexander]

break the rules boot snobs, wear with a suit.