Red Wing Iron Ranger 8085 | Review After 4 Years

[@remb9614]

Is it normal for these to be tight around the midsole of the boot? It’s almost like my boots are too skinny right at the heel block but I have plenty of room everywhere else. Specifically right in the arch, my foot is bulging out the leather. Is it because they are new? Should I have got a bigger size? Is it just this style? They are brand new and not broken in

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

It took me some time to break mine in. It did feel tight around that area for sure. If you’re mid-foot is too tight and bulging like you said, you may need to look at sizing. There’s a chart available on Amazon. Wider feet may require the EE, 2E etc... I understand this is brand new and if you are able to return it I would exchange it for a better fit. That’s up to whoever sold it to you. Or, call Red Wing and they can help you pin point to the right size. Good luck!

[@remb9614]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey thanks, I’m going to try to exchange them for a half size up. The girl that sold them never measured me or anything. She never even came from behind the counter. They felt ok in the store but at home they just feel tight. Definitely no room for big socks or an insole

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

@@remb9614 I also noticed my feet a little swollen late in the afternoon after I’ve been walking/standing. Just something else to take into consideration. These are awesome boots after it’s formed to your feet. Have fun!

[@remb9614]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey yeah I noticed that too. I think in the morning at the store they felt ok. When I try them on after work in the evening they feel tight. I’m going to go in the morning for an exchange. I know they don’t have them in stock though so best case scenario I have to wait for them to come in. I just hope they work with me, I got them a week ago and wore them around my house, not outside though. Thanks for your comments

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

@@remb9614 Where you able to exchange your boots? How’s it going? Hope everything worked out fine.

[@cesarvelasco4801]

I've had my for 3 months. From day one I thought they were comfortable. No pain when wearing them. Absolutely love them. I have 2 pair brown and black.

[@TheAnvil1971]

My 8111 are now 14 month old and look almost brand new. I love them so much and use them as often as I could. Thanks for your review and many greetings from Germany!

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Greetings and thanks for watching and your comments ! Congratulations on the 8111s! These are definitely an amazing piece of gear that definitely gets noticed aside from it also being so comfortable after the break in period.

[@drewengles4477]

I'm on week 3 of my IR's and even though it's still a little painful to wear them I absolutely love them. I could tell after the first day these boots will probably last 20 years.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

They do take a long time to break but it's worth it! Mine is aging really well and very soft on my feet. Well, the outside anyway!

[@dburgette7577]

Interesting...4 years ago they didn’t come with that Lug sole.

[@rockon21ful]

Looks to have a couple weeks worth of wear to me and I own 4 pairs of IR and know how fast the heels go bad & thread starts wearing off bottom of soles in matter of days and isn’t going to cause problems because of thread wear, those things are glued on to the max😎👍🥾

[@Orlanzepol123]

@@rockon21ful I was expecting the Nitrile Cork when he said 4 years . He said 2016. They look like they’ve been resoled though because the threat on the sole are so intact and the leather does look like it has a free years of patina.

[@1969bogdi]

@@Orlanzepol123 this guy has like 5-6 pair of boots! And he’s wearing them all. So he couldn’t possibly put too many miles on the RW…

[@shogekimura]

im glad you didn't recondition these ones. the copper rough n tough doesn't look the same after.

[@shirts2003]

Damn sexy boots! I love variations. My first and so far only pair are 8111s. They were painful, but now they are sooo comfortable, like slippers. I am now thinking about getting a pair of 8085s.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I found that the 8085 did give me a hard time during break-in. It does feel so much better after though. Can’t go wrong with the 8111 though!

[@editorodriguez6554]

Those are the 8085 Copper roughing tough. My brother has these and are beautiful boots. I have the 8111 which is the Amber harness Color.

[@brycecrousore1985]

Thank you for your service, American ass-kicker! Nice video .... just down the road from Red Wing, MN, here's to a great 2022 to you.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Hoorah! Hoping I can travel next year and Red Wing, MN is on that list!! Thank you!

[@rockon21ful]

I’ve got the same pair and they’re 8085 and one of 4 Iron Rangers I own: my 8085 look just like yours and they are a month old, your soles look brand new a the thread on the sole should starts wearing right away, if yours are four years old you must only wear them when watching tv, any boot being worn is going to need a resole job after two years and normally new heels in less than a year, ask you red wing guy and see what he says‼️Also Brian the Bootmaker in LA is the best at repairs and Northern Republic in Minnesota is close second and do repairs for Red Wing since they’re nearby each other. Also they didn’t come with that sole 4 years ago, they were smooth and slippery as hell nitrile cork soles & since then all IR’s have Vibram 430 mini lug rubber soles and is what you have on your pair of 8085 rough & tough leather boots and they look vintage out of the box‼️ Vibram 430 mini lugs were added to the Iron Ranger boots in 2019 I believe‼️🤔

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thanks! I rotate through many of the boots I own. I've had my use out of the boots probably more on top of my bike than walking around. I love the style of the Iron Rangers. I've just realized right now that I've used my military boots more than any of my other shoes/boots since I'm wearing that thing 5-6 days a week and sometime 13 -16 hour days. I'm saving up for a pair of 875 moc toes. I own a lot of shoes/boots but what the hell, YOLO! Thanks for the comment, information, and engagement. Heading to check out your stuff on your channel now!

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Trevor, I want to add that I agree that Brian the Bootmaker is one of the best. Awesome and addicting vids too.

[@rideyalife]

@trevor walker That’s what I was saying to myself too!! First of all that’s a 8085, not 8111. Second, the sole looks brand new for a 4 yr old iron ranger & third there’s no vibram mini lug sole 4 yrs ago

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

@@rideyalife These are 8085s and yes I was off on my calculations. I have 8 pairs of boots from Thorogood, Thursday, RW, JCrew, and my military work boots. June 2018 is when they replaced the cork bottoms (according to my communications with the company). I must have bought this one right then. I wanted the 8111 but got these ones instead due to the replacement. Aside from the bottom, they are the same boots (according to RW). I had plenty of use out of these boots majority of the time in the clean streets of Busan South Korea and onboard my Harley. I recently did a marathon wear of these boots and what can I say, they still look nice. Will wear it some more during my travels. At least it has seen five countries already. Definitely a recognizable pair of boots as I received plenty of compliments about it. Thanks!

[@Fulltang65]

I got mine on sale for 250 because they were the display model on the wall at the red wing store, but when I first tried them on they actually felt like they were wood they were so stiff but after three years they are super comfortable now,Plus the guy working there threw in a free can of leather conditioner because he said they were dried out from sitting out on the wall.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

That is awesome to hear and wow, what a deal! I was actually very surprised that the IR were selling for close to 500 bucks here in Japan. I recently just conditioned mine and I’m glad I did. It feels so much better and looks good. Great iconic boots!

[@gasaul5759]

I just bought a new pair of Blacksmiths for 25 bucks at a flea market on Tijuana. They're just amazing.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Oh wow! What a great deal!!!

[@kmb1]

I've watched a few of your videos now. I own a pair of 8085 Iron Rangers and a pair of 1907 Moc Toes. The Rangers are coming on 5 years and ultimately are great, BUT I"m loving the 1907's.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thanks for watching! I love both but use the 1907 daily as I work on my projects and the yard. It’s really tough!

[@sonnyj.6153]

It's 8085 if I'm not mistaken ??? I have a pair and I love it more than My 8111.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Yes it is and I made a mistake. I love this boots!

[@amarnoth]

No way those are 4 years old dude, mine are a month old and look way rougher than those. I don't get these boot/ style reviewers, ... maybe 4 years of office wear and carpet travel. Guys, get your opinions on boots from men that get after it, the only ones that count. Not trying to be mean but come on.

[@patrickmiao1698]

I like the Iron Ranger but it is not my most comfortable boot. I love my Red Wing 875 Moc Toe as well. Red Wing makes great boots and I have a few of them. But don't limit yourself to just red wing, Grant Stone, Parkhurst, Truman, Nicks, JK, etc... all make great boots.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thanks brother and I’m definitely going to try!

[@heathspears8881]

I have these and these soles just came to the iron rangers in 2019 bro these aren’t four years old.. look at the date behind the tongue.. and these are the 8085 mini lugs.. I have them all . Even the cork soles and the iron ranger/ indi boot colabs ... the soles dont last fours years brother... two years and their ☑️ finished.. the heels last one year maybe 18 months of daily wear! And they suck in winter weather.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’ve miscalculated the time since I own a few boots. I received a reply from RedWing and it was in June of 2018 when then stopped the cork soles and started producing the mini lugs. Thank you for the clarification. I will correct it on my video. I rotate through my boots pretty frequently and have not had to use them that hard since I’m always wearing my military uniform. I’ve enjoyed this one and looking forward to really getting at it this year to see how it shapes up. All the best!

[@COLDMKULTRA]

Great review Brother ... Thank you ... Red Wing Iron Ranger ... Propers Man's Boots ... (for proper Men!)

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thank you! This is the only boots I kept with me during my move. I’ll do more videos of it in action!

[@jeanmartox3570]

hello!! i wear a French military ranger to 1958 and i always wear today!!! thank's for your" revue!!

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Classic and a homage to the military! Thanks for watching!

[@jeanmartox3570]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey oh yes !! I am also French vétéran alpine troupes. This IS why my Inglish IS si Bad !!! In France the red wing are no widespread, the people Wear the bad quality, Chinoise Brand or sport shoes. Thank's you so much for your reply! See you soon on your chanel!!( Sorry for my Inglish)

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

@@jeanmartox3570 I think you’re doing okay with your communication skills. I can totally understand. Thanks! I’m surprised though that the cheap things that are made overseas are making it to France. I’ve always considered you all the center of fashion.

[@alistairjardine4289]

Those boots certainly have character!

[@nathanieljamison5614]

You are truly an Iron Ranger man. I have quite a few pairs of boots in my collection many of them have not even been worn but every weekend that I have off i just can't seem to stop wearing my Iron Rangers. I just don't know what it is about them.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thanks, I am for sure. If it’s a drug then I’m addicted LOL. It is a piece of American tradition and only a few left behind and left alone by global manufacturing takedown. Nothing wrong with switching a pair here and there. Your Iron Ranger would understand!

[@jeffloucks2120]

It's that beautiful silhouette. :)

[@qltyboots]

I’m torn between the 8085 and 8086. What to do?

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

A good problem to have indeed! It’s a matter of color preference and because the black ones reminded me of my military work boots I chose the rough and tough. Lastly, I am seeking a certain patina that can only be achieved with this color vs the darker ones. Cheers!

[@sillmarill85]

I got both 8085 and 8086 and I am happy with them!

[@FazeliSulaiman]

I hope ill still be ard in 20 years to see an update..but by then maybe i have a 20years iron ranger because of this video..

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’ll try way before that lol! Thanks for being here. I have a ‘new’ pair of boots from Red Wing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3WugXaLmL-ipck.

[@FazeliSulaiman]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey i will be watching your channel from now on..Subscribed!!

[@brianlambTN]

Great video! Subbed. I have had my 8111 since early 2020 and mistakenly oiled them into utter darkness. I hope to get the CRT soon though and won't make that mistake again. Will likely not apply anything for a couple of years. I want to get a nice patina as well.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thanks man. There’s balm that don’t darken leather. I have to apply it once in awhile because of our weather. It may dry it if I don’t.

[@brianlambTN]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey Do you happen to recall the brand of the balm? Also - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

@@brianlambTN I use Bickmore Bick 4 leather conditioner and bought it from Amazon. Try not to use too much and always try it out on a small area first before doing the whole thing to make sure it is what you’re looking for. I appreciate it Brian! Where you in the military as well? I’m actually retired now and on travel. On my way back home now..

[@brianlambTN]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey thanks for the help! No sir, I wasn’t in the military. I just have a ton of respect for all service Men and Women. Just the way I was raised. Be safe and safe travels my friend.

[@stevenroche9874]

Using Red Wing All Natural Boot Oil in the beginning would have greatly eased the break-in.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’ll have to try that one thanks! 🙏

[@stevenroche9874]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey You're welcome. Merry Christmas 🎄☃️🥾!

[@egjonnes]

This will darken the leather and completely change (destroy imo) the look of these boots. This leather does not need much care. Just condition it 1-2 times a year and use a waterproofing spray if necessary and you’ll be fine.

[@stevenroche9874]

@@egjonnes Yes, it will darken and make the leather soft and pliable. The boots will be conditioned and very comfortable, what most people want from boots.

[@frankcastle3827]

You should check out the new military boots that came out! They are sick!!!

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’ll definitely do! Thanks! Semper Fi!

[@ELEVOPR]

Wow you must walk on grass? I live in NYC and walk on cement sidewalks, some stitching is already wasted some. Not slot but you can see it's a used boot and only after about month of wear. Great looking boot, I thought they were Copper Tough & Tough from the color of the boot. Thanks for sharing.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’ve recently returned to the US from Japan and have put this boots through its paces. I made an updated video. It looks good!!!

[@charlesbronson240]

Those are 8085s. Cool video.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Hmmmm.... my mistake! Thanks for watching!

[@kamalmaden5788]

See U around man 👍

[@danfalen7104]

Cool video. But, 4-years without conditioning?

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’m actually in the process of an update. I finally have the right conditioning cream I want to use for this. I have tried my best to stay away from rain. It also helped that I only have used it for the most part in a clean city (Busan South Korea).

[@chipdouglas4502]

Are those the copper?

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Yes Chip, copper rough and tough.

[@kamalmaden5788]

CHEERS 🥂

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Aloha! 🤙

[@whereswalt2716]

Those look just broken in. Not 4 years old.

[@1969bogdi]

“4 Year review” it’s more like a 1 year review… he has at least 4-5 boots and wearing them all… :)

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Rock and roll! RW IR abused recently and video update available for your viewing pleasure. Cheers!

[@exodusvelo]

not even 4 weeks used

[@johnreagan9845]

Go Navy

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Hooyah! I served with the USMC as well so let’s not forget about them. Hoorah and Semper Fidelis!

[@KrispyCrem3]

My soles were more worn in 6 months. Walk more and they'll break-in faster.

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

Thanks, I’ve recently had better opportunity to break them in now that I’m home. I have a ton of boots but I do try to give the IR some much needed time.

[@Jorge_pdll]

Sorry but that it could be a 4year old boot! Not a 4 years of wearing! Looks like you just broke those in! 1 or 2 months of wear! Max!

[@StylishGreaseMonkey]

I’ve had some time to wear it lately and I’ve put this thing to some gnarly stuff. Video update coming up on how it handled.

[@Jorge_pdll]

@@StylishGreaseMonkey good!! Just wear them like you love it! Good work with you’r chanel!