Red Wing Iron Ranger, My Experiences at the Store and Wearing Them

[@tonycobb4562]

I manage a red wing in Baton Rouge and I always appreciate the feedback from these reviews. I’ve always used the tech as a starting point but with heritage I like to start with the Brannock. Last number 8 is one of red wings oldest lasts so I like to use older measuring devices for those boots built on older lasts. But it sounds like that device needs a recalibration. When there is a huge discrepancy like that between the measurement and what the customer typically wears, I will grab the Brannock just to confirm. My joke is that the Brannock never needs an update and the numbers are exactly where they were when I left the day before. I use the tech as a tool and not a hard and fast rule. I’ve only used it as a starting point and make adjustments as needed. I’m glad you landed on a good fit and feel free to use me as a resource anytime.

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thank you! I probably should have asked the store associate to grab a Brannock but I eventually got the perfect fit.

[@skyflier8955]

I went to a local store and he had an electronic scanner machine and it actually nailed the fit for me perfectly. Even right out of the box they felt pretty good, can’t wait until I break them in. I’ve only worn them for maybe 10 hours and they’re already doing great. The salesman who worked with me actually owned the store, and he said that the physical storefronts are independently owned, and it’s annoying that he’s got to compete with Red Wing selling the exact same shoes online- so keep that in mind when you go to a store.

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad your scan was correct. It must be annoying having to compete with your own brands online pricing and stock levels , I’m happy to support the local stores.

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

I wear Jim Green & Danner. The Red Wing factory, in Red Wing MN, is a beautiful 2 hour drive away, & we plan to visit the HQ & check out boots this Summer.

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@HariOmRadhaKrishna I’ve had my eye on some Danner Bull Runs, have you worn those? Would be so cool to visit the Red Wing factory!

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

@@xplorsocal2222 Danner Fort Lewis 10 inch (purchased 2001) & Danner Caprine hiking shoes. When I'm not wearing J.G. Rangers.

[@TheGoodeLife1975]

Store hunting can be fun and frustrating. Their bread and butter is their work line and they're usually more stocked in that department than the heritage line. Regarding the fitting: the market can only satisfy approximately 85% of people. The break in for some, because of their foot and ankle shape, can be difficult. I had zero issues with my IR and blacksmiths. On the 10875 I had a hard break in but love love love them now. Great boots. Glad you found your size. Great video Charlie

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thanks for watching! Store hopping is fun and the staff at the Red Wing stores are very friendly.

[@EdAb]

I too have found the break-in to be fine. My IRs felt almost perfect from the first time I tried them on, and generally, I have a horrible time finding shoes/boots that fit me. My Viberg Service Boots were much more difficult to break in. Red Wing quality of materials and construction is not as high as Viberg, but I think their life expectancy will be as long. Which is wonderful, considering the price difference. The Iron Rangers are great value for the money.

[@xplorsocal2222]

Good to hear that they were an easy break in for you too! Thanks for watching.

[@trageopar]

Holy cow! You have smaller feet than my 12-year-old son! well glad you found the right size anyway. Love my iron Rangers.

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@trageopar yeah man, I always joke that I have toddler size feet 😂, thanks for watching!

[@馬伕]

Cork is a cushioned filler. There is no.midsole. The insole of the boot is welted to the outsole.

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thanks for watching!

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@馬伕 from the Redwing website “Each pair develops a personalized fit and custom comfort over time thanks to leather insoles and a cork midsole that form to feet.” I like to use the simple info from the website because I am not an expert.

[@apd268]

Yeah their scanner thing was the same for me. I wear 10's in tennis shoes and when I bought my 10877's the scanner said I would wear a 10.5 lol. I wound up getting a nine. I don't trust their scanner thing for obvious reasons.

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thanks for watching, glad you got the right size boot!

[@Dukeofmamucas]

They look better with a leather midsole and heel stack. Especially with something like Vibram 100 sole

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@Dukeofmamucas a leather midsole would look great on them for sure

[@Dukeofmamucas]

@@xplorsocal2222 worth while when your ready for a resole. Supposedly it gives the boot better shock protection. Some people actually send in brand new pairs for redrafting. Personally I’m not a fan of doing that, but to each their own

[@Noitpure]

I too went to my local RW store to be fitted and the guy wanted to put me in an Iron Ranger a size and a half smaller than what I eventually bought. Thankfully there was another employee there who over heard our conversation and she resized me while he was on the phone attempting to ordered me the boots I wanted. She said they’d be too small and was right. Ordered my usual shoe size and they fit perfect. I doubt my foot would have even gotten in the boot size the guy originally suggested.

[@xplorsocal2222]

Funny, I got sized up and you got sized down. The computer they have giving the sizes isn’t too reliable. Good thing that other sales rep got you the right size before you left with the wrong one. Thank you for watching!

[@colinbenfield326]

I got iron rangers true to size and I’d definitely go down a half size next time. They’re fine with thick socks though and I love them but the vibram wears down quick. Had them 12 years now and about to resolve for a third time. Amber harness colour but I darkened them too much with mink oil. Enjoy your boots.

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@colinbenfield326 wow, 12 years and three resoles is pretty impressive!

[@markmullen1852]

I have a LOT of boots. Red Wing, Thursday, Danner, Rhodes, Jim Green etc. My Red Wing 8083's are by far the most comfortable boots I own. I also have a pair of 8111's but that Muleskinner leather is fantastic once broken in. I love them and they will outlast me.

[@xplorsocal2222]

I might pick up something in the Slate Mule Skinner eventually

[@markmullen1852]

@xplorsocal2222 Those are beautiful!! Honestly think you'd love them. Thanks for this video!!

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@markmullen1852 thanks for watching.

[@馬伕]

@@markmullen1852 Only problem I have had with Muleskinner is BBQ sauce.

[@josephlegocki6750]

i also am breaking in with thin socks, my foot is a bit bigger than the boot so breaking in the leather will form perfectly with my foot... check out the roughnecks, you can get them in e2... im going to rotate between my iron rangers in copper rough and tough and my roughnecks in briar oil slick... best of luck with the break in!!!

[@xplorsocal2222]

The Roughnecks look great! Not sure how I missed those, definitely considering those for my first Moc toes. Thanks for watching and good luck with your break in!

[@josephlegocki6750]

@@xplorsocal2222 i would like to update you on my roughnecks... if you have a wide foot, your metatarsal on you small toe side will begin to push the leather out over the welt and can cause discomfort/annoyance... even in e2 width this is happening so i cant recommend them in good faith if you have a wide foot... also the briar oil slick leather is much more supple compared to the oil tanned of the ranger... based on all the images of the roughneck i could find online, i would say that everyone with a wide foot has experienced this and odds are people are selling them on ebay because of it... just a heads up...

[@nuki82]

Iron ranger is not available in my country. Maybe through Ebay but I dont want to mess up the sizing. Love your review

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thanks for watching!

[@hndrksy]

Thank you for this review. Could you please compare them directly against the Numzaans? The Numzaans seem like a hulkier version of the IR's.

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@hndrksy I do plan a comparison video, be sure to subscribe so you know when it comes out. Thanks for watching.

[@nuki82]

@@xplorsocal2222 I´ll wait for it too

[@johnversluis3084]

I had my foot measure with the redwing laser device and they said I was a 10.5 d left and 10 D right and i picket up my pair back 2018 and after the break in and 90 day s later my feet had back heal ship to the point it made blisters I worn at work 10-12 hr a day Wow then 6 years later I had PNW co measure my foot and found that I was 9 to 9.5 EE width !! And they fit great !! I picked up a pair of Redwing 2408 is 9.5 EE and they great ! Don't trust there digital machine ask to use a Brannock Device they won't lie

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@johnversluis3084 that’s great advice, when in doubt trust the Brannock !

[@88sstraight]

Ha, my local store just had 3 very disinterested employees, and they certainly didn’t ask to measure my feet!

[@xplorsocal2222]

Bummer, the employees at the stores near me are really good.

[@aaronbrewer1742]

I did the custom fit machine at red wing. They fit me at a 11 d. What really fits my feet are a 8.5 ee.

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@aaronbrewer1742 wow, at least my width was right, yours was all over the place!

[@davidmartinez-t2h]

great

[@xplorsocal2222]

Thank you for watching!

[@Project819-qx5kc]

Are these construction boots?

[@xplorsocal2222]

@@Project819-qx5kc they could be used for that, but have become more of a fashion boot.

[@fessendenful]

I visited my local Red Wing store about a month ago. It had been awhile. Used the machine thing for sizing and tried a couple styles: IR and Blacksmith. Hard no from me. Comfort, materials and styling are average at best. This is not my first go round. I have broken in boots before. That was not the issue. Went home and ordered a pair of Trumans in Dark Coyote Rough Out. I am so glad I did. Night and day difference. I even prefer my Allen Edmonds...Lol and those cost $200 on sale/Military discount. Please support non corporation, made in America boot companies. Everyone and their pet cat picks up Iron Rangers and then they end up on eBay. Look at Truman, Nicks, White's, Viberg or even Grant Stone (CHINA!!! Lol). All much better quality and styling. My apologies for the rant. Please note these are my opinions based on real world experience. I gave Red Wing the benefit of the doubt and will not be looking back for a second.

[@xplorsocal2222]

I hear you. I’ve had a pair of the Grant Stone diesel Jungle Kangaroo in my cart for ages but haven’t brought myself to buy them, maybe soon. The Truman boots look really good too, maybe one day. Thanks for watching!

[@stardust7248]

amazing video i love it