Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots: Improved!

[@CarlMurawski]

UPDATE: I'm aware of the drama which has unfolded with Northern Republic recently. I can only speak to my experience with them which was very positive, though they also knew a video was being made of the process. I'd recommend doing your research before using any service, and this is no different.

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

please explain what youre referring to.

[@henryho2293]

After an hour of researching and reading reddit and yelp stories about NR, unfortunately I can't give my business to them. 1st, I love my IR 8119 way too much so I cannot take the risk that NR will loose or misplace my boots somewhere they couldn't find. 2nd, the PayPal refund issues is bad, very very bad. 3rd, I don't know the owner personally but based on what I read, he played the victim card a lot. I am so glad that NR didn't messed up your resole Carl but Potter & Sons took care 3 of my boots/shoes, and they did a fantastic job so I will go back to them. I still hope that NR can turn their operation around and provide a better service. We need to keep this trade alive but we cannot blindly support a bad business.

[@JoseMora-wc5zz]

@@henryho2293 thanks for taking the time and actually explaining. Subscribed

[@greyhoundTex]

I haven't heard from them in AGES, so I went to their store in-person when I was in Minneapolis last week for a business trip...the place is empty... There is trash thrown around inside, the work benches are cleaned off and strewn around, there is mail all over the floor and on the desks, etc. If anyone else had sent boots, like I had, consider them gone and the money gone as well. I am so incredibly bummed out.

[@alonsomontano9652]

They also rob me.

[@henrykeresey8201]

I wasn't sure I had a "boot problem" despite having seven pairs of boots, but I just watched twenty minutes of an Iron Ranger being resoled. I think I have a problem.

[@Rigz727]

Likewise lol, I was just laying here this Sunday morning thinking to myself, ‘I think I have a problem’

[@philcoletta3062]

I am right with you man

[@irishman485]

😂😂😂😂 so true I think I’ve got a boot problem especially watching this whole video

[@dustytriumph]

So funny. You're not alone here. I just fired off an inquiry to NR about a resole.

[@edyue1]

Could be worse, you could be sitting in a bar getting drunk or throwing your money at a slot machine 🎰

[@vernonbaros1195]

I bought Amber Iron rangers cuz of you 2 months ago. My first pair of real boots. I was skeptical about the sizing and thought it was too tight. But broken in, they are the most comfortable shoes I ever had. I also got a couple of different color Pisgah range laces, I also got Mad dog laces but I now prefer Pisgah due to more color options and sizes.

[@CarlMurawski]

Fantastic! I'm so glad to hear this!

[@billysinge8977]

My Dad’s a classic menswear enthusiast, as I am to a degree, and he resoles his own brogues. It’s a useful skill!

[@joshmahon8140]

Your dad sounds like a baller. That’s awesome

[@sputumtube]

They were great to start with, now they're f**kin' awesome. Lovely work from the cobbler.

[@sisleymichael]

The leather midsole was very nice. The outer sole was also kick ass. That pair of boots got fine treatment. Nice.

[@nlibby.268]

I think they look real nice, i like the green sole and the leather instead of cork must feel great broken in. Very cool to watch a craftsman do his thing. Awesome video Carl!!!

[@georgecarlin2879]

I have to say: I really enjoyed the music! :) Luv that new look on the IRs.

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

Seen a few resole videos and this one is right up there with the best. Congrats to the team at Northern Republic on the job and great video Carl. Top looking boots

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you so much!! Your support is amazing!

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

Todd Hallowell been a bumpy launch for us in the US with the world chaos but getting there slowly. Will keep in touch with the progress and thanks for the interest once again. All the best

[@JimGreenFootwearOfficial]

Carl Murawski More of a thank you for all your support🙌🏻 keep up the great work

[@maqsoodhassan8978]

Bought my first pair of IR's about 6 months ago and i love them. I remember breaking them in was damn hard (full day of walking basically. Almost dying at the end). Otherwise with the boot cream, they still look damn near new and i love wearing them. P.S. carl: thank you for the recommendations. I've bought two flannels from woolrich and i bloody love them. They really helped me through the wacky winter months here in the UK :D.

[@jimshen0308]

sounds like you are ready for a pair of Nick's

[@maqsoodhassan8978]

@@jimshen0308 i would actually love to. But, being a student, i have to start saving an arm and a leg before i do 😂😂. Definitely something i'll consider in the future. Would you recommend nicks over whites boots?

[@n2boots389]

Maqsood hassan Definitely

[@jimshen0308]

@@maqsoodhassan8978 I got my pair from Frank's. It comes down to your personal preference, such as, purpose of the boots, style, level of customization, and many more. I had a very pleasant time working with Frank customizing my boots. In the end, Nick's, White's, Wesco, and Frank's are all good brands.

[@scottcallister8821]

Yep, definitely go with Franks, best fit, detail and customer service out there. Plus you can get fitted by the actual bookmaker himself if you don't mind a looong drive😁

[@markellingsworth5242]

Carl, sent my Iron Rangers to Northern Republic for the same upgrades. They received them today. Thanks for the great video!

[@CarlMurawski]

Right on!

[@bloatedsodium7301]

You just gave those boots a new soul, love it!

[@CarlMurawski]

Yes! Thank you!

[@karlbertiljonsson7605]

sole*

[@bloatedsodium7301]

@@karlbertiljonsson7605 r/whoosh

[@jonfetzek3053]

@@karlbertiljonsson7605 either works, lol

[@XCRiders]

Them iron rangers after your little mod job is now an amazing boot love em

[@williamsallen608]

God those boots look sick! So much craftsmanship in the resolve process

[@Smoothbassist]

I had a similar thought when i got mine about 6 years ago, I went to my fave local cobbler and had her put Vibram Lug half soles and heel caps glued on to the existing sole. That way I have grip and when i wear them out I can have her peel them off and glue on fresh ones!

[@ZommBleed]

I'm sure with the cost of the original purchase and the cost of resoling them, the Nick's boots are equivalent or possibly even cheaper than the total of the Rangers.

[@dustinread6407]

These cobblers make it look so easy,till you try it yourself in the garage

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

Have you watched Cobbler Bob's videos on the topic? He shows why it "costs so much" to resole a shoe. It's not as easy as KZbin makes it look, lol. Definitely worth the money to me.

[@atsylor5549]

Experts always make it look easy until you get your little monkey hands on it. I like watching them work too.

[@SnD340]

I agree, anyone who is a skilled laborer is never easy to replicate

[@MrLlama999]

Stride wise has a great video with Bedo’s leatherworks where he walks an enthusiast through the process. Bedo is done as Nick is struggling with the first step.

[@bluesjazz76]

The most excellent job on iron rangers I've ever seen.

[@davidjfife]

Simply amazing work by this craftsman. I know where I’m sending my boots when I need a re-sole. I have never seen those green soles. But I love them.

[@miguelgutierrez1252]

Amazing work. The outcome is just phenomenal. Definitely an upgrade! The olive green sets it off. Looks manly.

[@lerianchan]

At 16:23 the heels look unbalanced- shouldn't the back of the heels touch the ground?

[@eleven.eastgate.twelve967]

I noticed that too. Wonder what happened there?

[@Moises-pp7nf]

Yeah, the heels look way off balance.

[@randolphmullinofsky4761]

That is actually a great design. That way your foot rolls when walking instead of a abrupt resistance when your heel hits the ground.

[@mattwilliams8144]

When you are standing in them they will

[@andrewsalazar98]

Carl doesn’t like when the back of the heel hits the ground first.

[@DeepFriedDoom]

I physically cringed when I saw the guy working the lathe while wearing his necklace.

[@dustinread6407]

Ya I can't believe he's wearing that necklace

[@edf2953]

What an unnecessary risk to wear a necklace while working with a lathe!

[@jimbennett1829]

Awe , I would do it . As long as it is a clip on tie , lol .

[@jimbennett1829]

I only wear clip on ties because I’m not putting a nose around my own neck

[@jimbennett1829]

Noose ,lol

[@JorgeHernandez-dr9ud]

Hey Carl @ 16:19 I couldn’t help notice how only the front edge of the heel is making contact with the ground. Why couldn’t they make the heel level? Have you noticed wearing these that because the heel is not leveled it effects your natural gait? If I received these boots I would of been extremely upset and sent them off to get rebuilt properly.

[@juancarlossandovalbaleon6987]

I mean... can he evem walk while wearing them? I'd feel the same, the heel needs to be fixed

[@svgs650r]

Interesting that the owner of the boots didn't reply

[@dolam]

I clicked on your time stamp and it looks like the video was cut short so as not to show that. Hmmm...I am very concerned about this.

[@davepelfrey3958]

Absolutely love the overhaul of these boots. Fantastic job!

[@dustytriumph]

I love this upgrade. Looks fantastic.

[@eleven.eastgate.twelve967]

NICE! I too sent some boots to NR for a resole with green Dr. Soles 1/2 soles & heels, 270 degree stormwelt on a vintage pair of Sheboygan 8" round toes. Looking forward to getting them back soon! Informative vid... Thank you! 🤙

[@davidoff59]

Oh it's Dr Soles. I was reading it as AR Soles for some reason

[@estern001]

Look up Bedo's Leatherworks. Steve is a master cobbler. He talks about getting the heel to sit right.

[@stevenschwagel8029]

I too noticed the heel wasn't touching the floor.

[@blacksharkpro3yt351]

Steve would see the curved resole as fail. Bedos work is topnotch.

[@nomadhawg]

Is there a part two? This video cuts off before the boots are finished and there’s nothing from you after on how they feel now or how they compare to the Nick’s.

[@CarlMurawski]

Yeah, I had to cut this short because of some issues with the (now defunct) company that resoled them. A part 2 is needed.

[@bonvi2you]

Thanks for letting me watch!

[@MikeR-el5ns]

Really neat to see the process... Much respect for all the work.

[@svgs650r]

After watching this video I understand why this business was circling the drain and are now thankfully toast

[@yota4004]

that cobbler/shoemaker is a craftsman.

[@NoBSBeardReviews]

Man those look great! You have me wanting to swap out my soles on my new IR 8085's!

[@billystpaul8907]

Forgot to mention, I do enjoy your videos...very informative.

[@holdthatblaow]

I spend so much money on nicks, white's, wescos and proudly wear them. Are any of those my most complimented boots? Nope. My Amber IR's are haha. I have a love hate relationship with those shoes. Nowhere near comfortable but weirdly great first date boots.

[@garymatter8306]

That’s really interesting. I’m deciding on my next boot purchase. Your comment regarding compliments compared with your other boots is interesting. Might seal the deal on the IR.

[@SugarMapleForge]

They look great Carl! Thinking I found my next pair!

[@johns.4862]

Just put an order in with Northern Republic the other day for this!!😁👍

[@wrbwn]

Big improvement over the factory sole. RW should notice a pattern and try a different sole, but if it's not broke...

[@devenwearshats7450]

I just got a set to replace my Danner bullruns and even though they're better built they feel more like I shoe in the 6" configuration, that extra 2 inches makes a big difference in stability

[@alecjones1587]

Hi Carl, sort of off topic but could you please include the brand / name of the product in your "products I love" list. Many of the links are for a store called backcountry which isn't available in the UK, it just redirects you to their UK arm, but then you don't actually get to see what product it is that you're recommending so I can't search to see if there is a UK supplier for it etc. Cheers, and keep up the good work.

[@yankeesfanforlife506]

They look great you just increased the value of the boots with that upgrade .. Redwing should use those soles and charge a little more if necessary .. the new mini lugs wear too easily , for sure they don’t match up to the Dr Soles

[@dan69golf]

Should the heal be that high off the ground on new pair, would affect arch once pressed to the ground. Any issues with that

[@danielguerrero2426]

That was amazing. Im so glad i viewed this video

[@fullmetalroyal1216]

The background music reminds me of the true blood soundtrack lol great video!

[@1k1ngst0n]

I was expecting you to wear them after the resole and then tell us how it feels and if that makes the Iron Ranger more comfortable...that would be a great follow up

[@АлексейКучинский-к5н]

Super job! Nice soundtrack! Best regards from Ukraine.

[@evandg13ify]

I had a pair of these and on the inside right at the ball of my heel was a seam. Chewed up socks in minutes then chewed up my heels. Besides that the 13s don’t come in wide and the 12s are still built on a super narrow sole. So needless to say they got buried in a closet somewhere and have never seen the light of day again

[@macfamily5693]

Love your videos. I am a huge Iron Ranger / Red Wing fan and customer. Great for the price and get compliments on them all the time. Recommend colored boot laces for a change of pace. Saddle soap, condition and polish often for fun and good looks. Thanks for all the great product recommendations.

[@grahamliebman8508]

The shirt you are wearing looks really damn good man.

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks man! It’s from Indigofera

[@zeshana438]

Hey Carl could you do a video on the best summer fabrics? Your video on cotton and wool was very informative, it would be nice to see a similar video on fabrics such as linen and chambray

[@AtomicSpaceman]

You should do more videos with process like this. Well done.

[@CarlMurawski]

More to come!

[@turo.c2k526]

Any suggestion where I could get work like this done ? I have suggested sending my boots to NR but I held on for a bit and glad I did because of all the info I have started to hear about them.

[@MikiBlue]

Carl I would like to see these boots on you. The reason for that is the finished product has its sole raised on an angle up and the hill of the boot up as well. Thanks.

[@RajGheevarghese]

Yes but also mention the added price for the resole for some maths and 🤔🤔🤔🤔.

[@charlesbronson240]

I heard everyone say the break in would be horrible but mine were comfortable the whole way

[@liljuanito123]

Man I love your movies Death Wish!

[@blueband8114]

I have no issue with my IR's either. Not so easy with the moc toes though.

[@jannismahler2518]

My IRs were fine but my Moc Toes were horrible. Break in was painful

[@hectorr71]

These look great! Great choice with the green!

[@CarlMurawski]

Thanks so much!

[@mattsmartialartsmadness5285]

A $200 resole on a $320 pair of boots? ;) They looks great. He did a fantastic job! 🖤

[@thefrog9119]

I would have loved to see a 360 welt conversion. Craftsmanship is top notch though and the soles from the Doctor are eye-catching !

[@SuperFlowback]

That sole looks awesome and great job by the cobbler🤘🏽😁🤘🏽

[@Mcbulle]

Think the Iron ranger do a good job being a heritage/history inspired boot. The nitrile cork sole feels a lot more like an early 20th century type of sole for that purpose. The new mini lug vibram more like a mild modern touch on it. Great and unique resoling done in video though. Thumbs up!

[@douganderson3804]

Hi, Carl. Now that Northern Republic has closed, whom would you suggest for a similar resole?

[@heystarfish100]

Those look great Carl! 👍

[@CarlMurawski]

Thank you! I’m psyched

[@knifesharpeningnorway]

What is better red wings or doc martens or wolverine or any similar priced boot? Near impossible to find them here in norway we do got lundhags though And is nicks the best bang for the buck in custom fitted boots? Im 31 now and want boots that will last at least 10 years of good use 3-4 days a week

[@krazmokramer]

I sent my new Red Wing Foreman Chukkas to Brian THE Bootmaker @ Role Club for a similar "upgrade." I'm looking forward to getting them back in a few weeks.

[@TheDieseldog]

Awesome vid. I only wear my Rangers on weekends as my job requires steel toe work boots (diesel mechanic) so it will be a while before they need resoled. Would love to beef them up like this when the time comes.

[@Sturnburn772]

why did he need to replace the welt? What did that accomplish besides a new color and damaging the upper more?

[@StolenAlias]

Spoke to one of the guys that used to work there, apparently the main dude (the one working on Carl’s boots) sold the company. Customer service problems were through the roof and i guess he just decided to cut his losses. Anyway the company is now under control of The Boot Repair Shop and is apparently slower than ever. Also I’ve heard that tons of people haven’t received their boots in months! All I know is I’m not touching this company with a 50 foot pole.

[@greyhoundTex]

Do you happen to have any more information? I sent them a pair of vintage, very hard to find boots back in October 2020 and haven't heard back from them... at the moment, I'm considering it a complete loss...and those boots took me ages to track down. I went by the Trading Post/Northern Republic store on 4.22.21 when I was in the area for a business trip and the place is guted.

[@StolenAlias]

@@greyhoundTex honestly man I’d contact the new shop and the old owner Greg. I’ve heard people threaten legal action and that got him to speak up. I’ve since found out that the old company is under investigation because of fraud or a felony or something like that. Sorry to hear about your experience btw.

[@greyhoundTex]

@@StolenAlias I can't find any contact information and the old contact information has been deleted/disconnected.

[@StolenAlias]

@@greyhoundTex you can direct message the new people on instagram as well as the old owner. The Boot Repair Shop & wulf_nr

[@sicnarf6971]

how are they now? changing from cork to leather looks like it changed the structure of the shoe. the heel is not flat on one of those boots at least

[@marcjohnson4385]

Did You say Corded soles and what do You think about having the speed hooks replaced with eyelets

[@jrharrelson]

I would have kept cork and double row stitching isn’t my thing, don’t really like the look and not sure if there is a benefit. The green soles look killer but the boot didn’t sit real flat when done looked uncomfortable lot of pressure on front of heel near the arch, just a guess of course, might break in perfect. Just an opinion.

[@paulcaban4881]

Hi Carl, I bought a pair of used Iron Rangers as project boots and would like to do a resole similar to what you did with the Northern Republic rebuild. Can you recommend somebody else that does similar rebuild work?

[@garethbaus5471]

I am assuming it is mostly a result of the heel being raised, but that angle looks like it might make a smoother transition when walking with a heel strike technique.

[@goodtimes1046]

Why no channel cut before stitching the outsoles? Are you worried about walking on the thread?

[@soggyfry6697]

Why is there no rubber in the middle? And how does this effect overall comfort and durability and waterproofing

[@danielirvine7468]

This was awesome to watch

[@shelbydohc24]

they look amazing, the folks at Norther Republic do a fantastic job every time.

[@wilfredprins9718]

At what size you think the american ranger will be out of proportion? (and start to look like clown shoes) They look nice in photos and on youtube clips, but if i order online I can't send back that easy. I want to be sure before i buy

[@teddybear9029]

Love the music!

[@robmatpol]

Hey Carl. What size are your IRs in this video? I like the proportions and am curious.

[@VF5]

What is your opinion on White's MP service boots?

[@jamesbeard2645]

I really enjoyed this video and I sent my boots to Northern Republic. I can't recommend the company. The communication is terrible, and the customer service is poor. Too bad, I really wanted to have the work done.

[@freddyfox5002]

I didn’t like the Iron Ranger sole so I did a lot of searching and finally found “-the” pair. Only to find put they were discontinued. Was the Thorogood DogdeVille. Also like the Java Waxed flesh but they are 500$+.

[@highflying19]

Thanks for this video! My IRs needs this! Just messaged them about helping. Just found your channel and I wish i could still buy Clutch Monkey jeans as well. Luckily i have 5 pair and a vest 🙂

[@budman1252]

Looks much better. What's the cost of the upgrade? I'm wondering how close it comes to just getting the Nick's in the 1st place.

[@heathspears8881]

Like my 8085s and 8086s no oil / just ruff and tough... wipe down with damp cold water and their back nice soft and rugged .. I only like the mini lugs ... I’ll take the same lug or a bit more thicker lug by little ..

[@dustytriumph]

Question....I am seriously considering this build....did you notice a big difference in comfort? I'm trying to decide this and a couple other options. Thanks!

[@dzavelion]

liking the jeans what are you wearing?

[@timberlandmike5918]

I absolutely love this new look it's such an improvement in my opinion 👍

[@irishman485]

I totally got a boot problem I just watch a 20 minute boot resole video 😂😂

[@rthack2]

Looks great! I'm curious what that resole set you back. What would something like that cost?

[@CarlMurawski]

About $200 all-in

[@bookbagman7012]

Vibram soles cost $80 by themselves

[@davidteltschik5767]

The heel doesn't sit flat on the ground. It looks horribly off to me.

[@mikeslimjimlim]

True, I remember him saying that he wasn't a fan of a low-block heel. I think he had that extended maybe 1/2" and that's why it's off.

[@johnhicks6367]

I agree, I wish they had tapered the heel stack so it wasn’t so uneven

[@KJ-iq7fm]

Wow, heel is so uneven, indeed❗️Thanks for pointing that out 👉16:20 👈👀

[@nlibby.268]

I think they just need to be broken in, maybe we see in a year update.

[@rogerr.8507]

The shoes seemed soooo flexible when the cobbler was prying the heel off... its like they stayed bent that way.

[@henryhartley9993]

Nice job...

[@edf2953]

Carl, I am really impressed at the finished product with the new sole you put on your Iron Rangers. The Cobbler did what appears to be a fantastic job with the 270 degree double stitched storm welt. I do have a question though, did the Cobbler replace the cork. I don’t remember seeing that in the video. Perhaps I missed it. In any event, this was a very professional resole with a lot of attention to detail. One other observation. I was surprised to see that the Cobbler replaced the welt with a new one, as there was minimal wear to the welt. Do you happen to know why the welt was replaced? Just curious. Thanks. As usual, your video is excellent, both in content and visual, audio interest. Great job Carl!

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

I too am surprised that they replaced the welt. Seemed unnecessary as the original looked to be re-sole worthy.

[@Idk-dd2gn]

he didn't replace the cork, instead he added a leather cutout as replacement for the cork. This works as leather and cork serve a similar function of moulding to the foot but I'm surprised because the cork didn't look like it even needed replacing. And I agree that the welt looked fine

[@callumsmith338]

@@Idk-dd2gn it’s one of those things where it’s preventative maintenance, which the bottom was open you may as well replace it, same thing with a lot of car maintenance

[@kailen98]

Looks good but the thinner sole looks better.

[@Jolly1-1]

What did they use instead of cork? It was a cut out layer of some type of material.

[@CarlMurawski]

That’s a thick slab of leather in place of the cork.

[@Jolly1-1]

What was the reasoning for removing the cork layer? For a curious boot buyer

[@greyhoundTex]

@@Jolly1-1 Leather forms to your foot's shape over time and won't "collapse" or fall apart/disintegrate like cork can do over time, especially when it gets wet repeatedly.

[@danielirvine7468]

But what is the price to get this done ?? I’m guessing closer to the nicks all up ??

[@CarlMurawski]

Yes definitely. About $200 for the resole and $325 for the boots. You'd be better off going for the Nicks from a financial standpoint.

[@BigBoss-cm6tq]

Hey Carl you should make a video on good boots for winter camping and outdoor activities (waterproof, insulated, tall shaft, a steel toe wouldn't hurt) so far I've been checking out the redwing logger max, but I basically live in cowboy boots, and there isn't too much information for them

[@billystpaul8907]

There is no perfect boot. There are great boots that are made. Red Wing is a good boot for the value. Red Wing sell's way more then Nick's does. I have always like my Red Wings, break in aside, they where my first hand-made boot that I own.. This cobbler is way too aggressive....! Maybe he should watch a few Trenton and Heath, or Brian The Bootmaker on how to do a resole...

[@856Dropout]

Is the video suppose to stop at 15:48?

[@krisputter7211]

I just got some iron rangers today and after putting them on and walking I heard a popping sound from right under the upper palm of my foot, on both. Is this normal for a new pair?