Redback Boots: The Best Value Australian Work Boot (At The Time)

[@BaffiCatenaCanotta]

This review is like a PhD dissertation. Amazing

[@baronburgundy]

@@adamboston9540 Haha

[@southside1975]

This was the best review I watched about boots.

[@australianmade2659]

I’m an Australian and I no longer wear Blundstone for the very reason they aren’t Australian. Red Back is my boot of choice.

[@gubourn]

@Smartassdroid rossi look great. they are a classic. all the blundstones i see are chinese made. redback, mongrel, and some rossi models are the way to go

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Go Rossi gotta get the company bigger, they used to make the best motorcycle boots, now they dont

[@Halakah7]

Just like with Blundstones, some of the Rossi models are no longer made in Australia and are nothing like the Redback quality.

[@MarcP5267]

@@Halakah7how about Mongrel?

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

I am wearing my Redback boots as I write this. They are my favorite brand now. Blundstones used to be great but the quality declined after going to Vietnam for construction. They fell apart in a year. Contrast the Redbacks, fit better, steel toes, stay away from snow however. Good video.

[@thomasnc]

Why stay away from snow? Snow hasn't been an issue with mine.

[@soundmapper]

I've been a victim of Dr Marten work boots for years. They recently discontinued the boots I've been wearing, and it's the best thing that has happened to me in a while as I have ordered my first pair of redbacks. Looking forward to it. Fortunately, my employer reimburses workbooks every 6 months so I think I'll be getting a collection going :)

[@holygrail9887]

Great review. And the only one I have found to clarify the sizing issue without any doubt. Important, because I am about to order online. Thanks

[@baronburgundy]

Cheers. Yeah, figuring out sizing, especially with the shipping prices is a growing cancer (for even US sizing). With the Rossi, one website stated it was a 1.5 size difference. Ex: 7 AUS = 8.5 US. Now with Rossi, they make half sizes for US and not just whole size medium, whole size wide. I'm still skeptical with their 1.5 increment difference, when they offer a 1 increment difference. If Redback offered it in half sizes, like Rossi, versus their medium/narrow whole size I would go by 1 size difference. 8.5 US to 7.5 Australian; however, the Redback just work. Only problem is the toe cap not being ergonomic to the natural toe shape. Not something that is going to bug 99% of people. I definitely wear heavy socks with mine. Thought about tearing out the plaster in the toe cap to allow the leather to stretch... Actually, i've already tried. Not recommended. Haha.

[@holygrail9887]

I measured my feet yesterday after watching your video, and my L is 10.5 and the R is 8.5. This is after an accident long ago for which I needed alot of surgery and my R is a weaker leg. So, due to the half size issue with Redback (which I was sold on before this) I went ahead and ordered lace up Chinese Blundstones so that I can fit both feet better! Ah well, I tried to get the best but it just didn't work out for me this time. Take care.

[@baronburgundy]

All things considered, these Australian Pull On Boot companies tend to make a product lasting a lot longer than can be found on the US market. Just make sure to inspect it when it arrives. Make sure there isn't any premature damage from the effects of hydrolysis through too long of a storage. I imagine Blunnies have the worst problems with the product managed in another country, plus the sheer variety and quantity of stock they need to put out. PS: Redback makes some lace ups. I do wonder if having a tight laced fit increases abrasion though for the sake of traction and lowering the life of the footwear. Just an observation.

[@holygrail9887]

Thanks for the information, I will check them when they arrive, thanks.

[@MarcP5267]

I’m having issues getting the correct size. I’m a solid 8.5US regular width. When I tried a 7 Australian size, the issue is that my toes seem too close to the front, like 1/2 to 2/3 thumbs width. I prefer a full thumbs width. I was conscious of my right toes being close to the front walking around in the store. They really aren’t too close, they aren’t hitting the front. Just not used to it. All I need is just a little bit more length and I would be good. Maybe a more generous toe box? You mentioned Mongrel has a wider toe box than Redback. Do you really notice the fit difference?

[@baronburgundy]

From memory, yes it feels wider. People I have spoken to prefer redback if they have higher arches. I prefer Mongrel but have a medium to lower arch. If you go with a longer length, one trick you can always use is a thicker insole to make for a better fit.

[@MarcP5267]

@@baronburgundy I definitely have a medium to low arch. I’ll try Mongrel. Thanks!

[@VILLEGAS76able]

True that, gotta do your research cuz what use to be good products are now being made in countries where the quality is much cheaper.

[@xBobby]

Still liking them 4 years later?

[@xBobby]

@@danielschoeman5427 did you wear them for work or just casual. every boot i wear typically only lasts a year then its toast. some more some less.

[@chinesetomcruise]

Thanks, I really enjoyed this review, very thorough and analytical with an emphasis on utility. I purchased a pair in the jarrah brown (UBJK) after watching, i'm just hoping they fit my relatively slender but long foot. I have fond memories of this style of boot from growing up in Australia as a kid. Hopefully these will make a good everyday boot. Nice watch, by the way, I have the same one.

[@baronburgundy]

Definitely go for the whole size then with narrower width. It can be a frustrating experience to go for the smaller size and compromising with a less ergonomic toe box. If you do size up, or feel the fit is loose, be sure to try a thick insole, like wool you can find on Amazon to try and add bulk for a more snug fit. You can also sometimes find surplus wool insoles.

[@waynepeters4611]

These things are the most comfortable workboot I have ever worn to date great job redback

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Have you tried Rossi boots and mongrel

[@chinlaiyo9565]

Get some conditioner for them it softens them up makes them last even longer

[@deepbludude4697]

I know im way behind here, but I bought a pair of Redbacks when I was working in OZ I really liked em, but I left em behind when I did a Afghanistan deploymment came back to the states a year or so latter and the soles crumbled, is this still an issue?

[@baronburgundy]

Yes, all polyurethane boots have issues with hydrolysis. At this point, i'd only keep 1-3 (and ideally 1-2) polyurethane type footwear with me, because its maintenance is using it regularly. You get the benefit of of it being lighter than rubber, and a lot of people prefer their comfort over rubber; however, it is like a foam. The bubbles you can see out of the midsole are that, and it has, in theory, millions of tiny air bubbles to cushion each step. EVA soles in most tennis shoes are the same, a foam. EVA wears out faster in my experience though. I've talked to and seen experiences online of people whose Redback boots ended up lasting about 10 years; however, I am guessing it was their daily boot. The biggest issue I have seen with polyurethane is user issue of not wearing it for long periods of time, such as a rain boot, and then manufacturers producing so much quantity and a wide variety of models that they end up sitting on a warehouse, or store, shelf for a year or more before the seller receives them. You can see reviews here though: www.productreview.com.au/listings/redback-boots Most of them are a similar story to yours. Now, to Redbacks complaint, they have expanded massively in the past 5 years as they have tried to enter to US market. I tried looking at a pair of Redbacks recently, and noticed they have restricted the amount of people shipping to the states. So, I am suspecting they are at least aware, and trying to control the issue. I was looking at Blundstones in a local store a few months back, and under the insole found they were manufactured in 2018. Previously, I bought from Boot Warehouse in the AU, and they are not allowed to ship stateside anymore. My SO is using those pair and they are about 5 years old now. Redback has a FAQ page mentioning hydrolysis: www.redbackboots.com/faq I had a slip with Redbacks a few years back at work, and mostly stopped wearing them as well as one of mine was stolen. I don't see a company of polyurethane boot makers expanding with a good reputation without a very tight, on time, manufacturing and warehouse centralization. Alfa's M77 army boot has 2 models, and as far as I know, you can only purchase them on their website. There are two other Australian Work boots I have previously reviewed, Rossi and Mongrel. The Rossi boot, in my opinion, seems to be slightly lost in their direction. Their leather is really good, but I don't find their outsoles very comfortable. Added, their narrow toebox gave me a morton's neuroma that lasted about a year. Mongrel boots i'd consider comfier than Redbacks with better quality control, but I don't believe their outsole is as thick as Redbacks meaning the outer may wear through faster. Note that I also tend to prefer wider boot soles like Mongrels than taller ones like Redbacks. Here is Mongrel's reviews on that same website: www.productreview.com.au/listings/mongrel-boots You will find some of the same hydrolysis complaints though. Also, if you get a zipper model, I think a zipper is as fragile for being the first thing to fall apart. I've seen people recommend silicon spray for the zipper. Currently, the only polyurethane boot I regularly use is the Alfa M77's and they are my only boot above the 5 inch mark. They may not work as well in a hotter climate, and just use them for mowing, lawn, or other uses during the summer months. Thankfully, the studs make it easy to lace for short trips. But unless I owned a few pairs of shoes/boots (3 or less), and regularly used them would I use more than 1 polyurethane boot. I can see the farmers in the UK using Bekina boots, because it is easy to put on, and they need it for mud and manure. I can also see someone buying 2 Redback's or Mongrels to rotate out every other day, but wouldn't want to be the slave of wearing something regularly when the tool doesn't fit the job for that day. I've also seen rocks destroy a pair of polyurethane boots. So I can see it lasting many years on an auto shop floor with concrete as well as in the Australian Outback, but not so much climbing rocky slopes. Suffice it to say, a lot of companies are switching to polyurethane. US market just tends to be slower at things, such as switching from revolvers to a pistol. The direct attach machines cost about a million USD when I asked AF Boots, that used to manufacture Timberlands. Many Americans have been buying European polyurethane boots for decades now, and the only major boot company that manufactures polyurethane boots in the states is Thorogood/Weinbrenner. I'm sure i'm missing one, but the US companies like Danner or Red Wing get their polyurethane boots made overseas. But even some of the shell boot companies where the foot part of the boot is rubber (Schnee's PAC boot, Kennetrek, LL Bean Bean Boot) companies like Lundhag have switched to polyurethane for that bottom shell instead of rubber because they are lighter. You can see that their models look thinner than vintage ones. There is a guy in Salem, Oregon that will resole australian work boots by gluing a rubber sole on the bottom. myshoeman.com/redback_boot_repair.htm I wish more US manufacturers made boots with a glued or stitched sole that was lighter than the polyurethane alternative. I weighed my Jim Green's the other day and I think it was 2 lbs 8 oz. That's a 3 inch boot and an exception to the rule. The Alfa polyurethane boot weighs under 3 lbs as an 8 inch boot so less than an 8 oz difference. I looked online, and I think the mainline Jim Green Razorback? is over 4 lbs. Same goes for Limmer boots and most those Vibram rubber work boots. I've talked to too many wildland firefighters with boots like that that have chronic injuries, and I don't think it's just the weight on their back that's the issue. Many wildland fire boots today are finding alternative outsole materials like Haix or Danner's. They don't last nearly as long, but they are significantly lighter. I believe the statement that one pound on your foot is equal to 5 on your back. But the truth is many of those thick rubber Vibram outsoles are way taller in the heel than they need to be. They end up drilling out large sections to reduce weight in them. But why not make the outsole less tall if it doesn't impact durability and give the user more room inside the boot to customize it with a comfortable insole? Here's the Vibram outsole catalog: us.vibram.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-VibramUS-Library/default/pdfs/Catalog_Repair_US_2020.pdf I believe the SBR compound is the solid rubber, and that everything that is the Roccia and taller starts to use cutouts in the back of the boots, which only leaves the Vibram sheets, the Kletterlift, the 232 mini-lug, and voyageur. If I want ultimate durability (and weight) i'll skip the cutouts for a heavy outsole and go with something like Courteney Boots tyre sole that I have heard can go 10,000 miles. Plus, I think Vibrams tend to have only moderate traction overall. Sorry for info dump.

[@deepbludude4697]

@@baronburgundy Dude thats a huge intel dump ill have to re-read when I come n for the night just eating supper now...

[@tdr2512]

I have a high instep but these look ok to get on. What do others think?

[@baronburgundy]

I know someone else that uses these with a high instep and they are their favorite boot, but ymmv

[@jtcber]

Is the half size reasoning the same for Blundstone? I was trying out some sizes in store. 7 and 7.5 Blundstone Greenpatch specifically. Both fit very similarly. Then I take out both insoles to compare. To my surprise, insole for the 7.5 boot uses the same insole in the size 7 boot. Both insole marked 7 on them. Is it safe to say that if I want to wear a thicker sock in the boot I should get 7.5 instead of 7? The length stays the same. Only the width on the toe box is a bit wider. Also, does Redback include an extra pair of insole like Blundstone?

[@baronburgundy]

Depends on where you order for Redback. I have seen some include an extra pair, and others not. I'd ask the individual retailer. It's been a while since i've had Blundstones now, and was just about to say that they were like Rossi's with half sizes that are not just wider. According to Everything Australian, "Please note: Blundstone half sizes are just wider and not longer." So only get the half size if you are an E+ width in US. If not, just stay with the 7 if that 7 is comfortable for you. My sock comment is specifically if you size up instead of sizing down, particularly if you are a half size US. Albeit, socks definitely affect comfort.

[@jtcber]

Thanks for the reply. Do Redback fits similarly to Blundstone? I know my size on Blundstone. I am in Canada. There is no retailer that carries Redback so I can't really try for fit. I might order online at gooleys, Amazon, or Ebay. May I know where you are and buy your Redback?

[@baronburgundy]

It depends on the model. I can't provide relevant information, since it has been so long since I have owned Blundstones. Added, I have no idea what model they were. The comfort on both Redback's and Blundstone's were good, but not great. Redback's seem a bit lighter, but sizing up makes a slip on feel much clunkier as it drags behind. As I said in the review, the Redback fit was slightly constraining in the toebox sizing down, but compared to most boots on the market today, it is still a workboot toe (more anatomically fit). You can find them in some stores in the US from my experience. I have found eBay tends to have the best deals though. I tried as much as possible to buy from one of the Australian distributors. Some will send it without the bloody shoebox to save on shipping.

[@adrianmark613]

Lol.. my redback's midsole alrdy deteriorate and crumbling after 3yrs having it.. although rarely wear it

[@baronburgundy]

I chanced upon this website in the last year. www.productreview.com.au/listings/redback-boots A lot of individuals with a similar issue to yours. They restricted a lot of sellers to the US. So when I looked up the Everest model, they said it was discontinued. But it is discontinued in the states. One of the places I bought from 5 years ago was Boot Warehouse, which can only ship to NZ and Aus. I couldn't tell you whether restricting US, and possibly worldwide, shipments was to either limit the competition or have a more steady, limited output of models that may be deteriorating through hydrolysis - maybe both.

[@yckongful]

Hi, in your experiences, are Redback boots true to sizes? I have wide feet, high in-step, would you advice me to go for a half size up? I normally wear US size 10, thus should I go for a pair of Australia size 9 or 9-1/2 Redback? Thank you. My last try, I ordered a pair of size 8 and I can only fit in after removing the insole inside the boot.

[@baronburgundy]

An Australian/UK size 9 and a 1/2 is going to be roughly a 10 US wide, whereas a 9 Australian/UK will be a 10 Normal width. I probably would not size up to an AUS/UK 10, as I find sizing up too much on the Redback's made the fit more sloppy. I did find the toebox slightly more narrow on the Redback compared to Mongrel, but it wasn't as bad as Rossi. I would only go for the wider fit if you normally wear like E+ or wear thick socks or insoles.

[@BlackBird-fb8im]

good day! the 1/2 size of most aussie boots means that its the wider fit. size 9 and size 9 1/2 have the same length, it’s just 9 1/2 are wider. i hope you have bought the correct boot size.

[@JP-qn4uo]

Redback and Rossi Boots are the best. Blundstone are made in Thailand and India and have become rubbish. Redback and Rossi are 100% Made In Australia. Blundstone is pronounced “Blundstun”.

[@rogeriovitor2422]

What is the name of the New Zealand boot brand?

[@jdplatt7120]

It was not a boot brand. He said swandri (Swan dry) not Swan-dree as pronounced .

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Disposaable work boots are the go tax deduction and hard work these modern shoes last a year, you don't won't them to last longer anyway

[@NikonFM2n]

As long as they are made on earth by humans, I'll by it if they're good quality.

[@kinloss]

Hoping someone can help with sizing: I've heard the half size is equivalent to a EE width, which is great for my toebox, but my heels are an average width. Should I go with the wide size and hope my heel is fine, or should I go with the regular width and try to stretch out the toebox?

[@jdog6200]

William MacDougall I'm a ee and they are plenty roomy in my normal size.

[@atp1130]

What did you end up getting and how do they fit because I have the same problem

[@kinloss]

@@atp1130 Im roughly a size 10 ee (American) and went with size 8.5 aus, perfect fit.

[@JacobHamilton_22]

@@kinloss I wear a 10US. You say the 8.5 is perfect?

[@calicops951]

Do they make any with Kangaroo hide?

[@baronburgundy]

Not that I know of. Not all their models are visible on American pages however. Why do you ask though? Adidas moved away from kangaroo hide for political reasons, and i'm not seeing a lot of shoe companies use it. While a lot of people tout its strength to weight, it is a wild animal and thus harder to achieve a skin that is uniform. Every variation of kangaroo I have seen is too thin on its own to make a good shoe or boot, holding its structure without a liner. Once that kangaroo skin is broken through too because that lack of thickness, it acts somewhat fragile. The best uses I have seen for kangaroo are jackets and gloves, and ofcourse indoor soccer shoes, but i'd want something else for boots subject to torture unless these companies can get a cheap price for thick hides.

[@colinmacdonald7854]

@@baronburgundy yeah as a youth I had soccer shoes that I was told were kangaroo Hyde... I think they were Patrick's if I remember correct.

[@baronburgundy]

@@colinmacdonald7854 It's a shame that these environmentalists preach about stopping the use of leather, when the alternative is plastic in shoes. What's worse for the environment long term? So many of these synthetic uppers are fragile, overdesigned and wasteful. It's like in the 1970s when the food and drug administration decided animal fat made you fat, and when faced with everything tasting like cardboard, replaced fat with sugar and salt.

[@CroElectroStile]

at the time? what does that mean they arent good annymore?

[@baronburgundy]

Mine would have lasted the 3 years if they were not stolen, which I felt would mark the minimum for the price I paid in 2016. I said at the time of the video, as the field of a product genre is always changing. Someone could find a way to screw in a boot sole, for $10 resoles and develop an Australian work boot significantly cheaper, more durable, and having more traction than this, or Redback quality could take a nosedive. Sometimes I wait on these videos, and the information is outdated by the time you watch it. For example, as of this time Redback does not have the most stellar reviews: www.productreview.com.au/listings/redback-boots With some reports of hydrolysis. Some of it is clearly user error, such as a user using it 5 times over 15 years. Contrast that with Mongrel boots, which is much more consistent: www.productreview.com.au/listings/mongrel-boots I should have made a conclusion video on my thoughts of the 3 Australian work boot companies I tested, and gave a short comparison between them on the last review I did, for the Rossi or Mongrel one. In short, the Redback's I had the best experience with and felt were the best overall product, and appreciated the simplicity of their thick leather, no liner approach; however, I did not like the ergonomics of the boot compared to, The Mongrels I felt were the most comfortable, and I found a really good fit with mine. I did not like how thin their leather felt in comparison to Redback's though. Rossi I felt were the most stylish, but the company lacked ergonomics, and seemed to be stuck in the past, or otherwise not knowing their customer base well. So I would say Redback/Mongrel are on even terms, depending on your wants. I still think they are the best value Australian Work Boots out there.

[@piepiemushroom]

Ahhh all the Aussies hating on blundstones? They look way better , and still wear like steel? I get the upset at factory moving and there’s no one more loyal than an Aussie . But blundstones are still the holy grail of men’s boots !

[@jdog6200]

jefferson airplane Blundstone wear like steel? No. Not since they outsourced. Just go on any forum and Amazon reviews.... Horrible and don't last.

[@piepiemushroom]

Balderdash! I have had them for years ! No difference . It’s a snobbery because there made elsewhere . You can’t deny that blundstones look the best , and all other Aussies boots are coping the design . I get the buy local , but your buying heritage , history and quality !

[@jdog6200]

jefferson airplane It has nothing to do with being snobby, it’s that quality has dropped since being outsourced. I already told you. It’s well documented that the quality is horrible now. Soles disintegrating, leather flaking, soles coming unglued quickly, two shoes in a pair being different... the list never ends. Looks? Is that what you are judging a boot on? Good luck to you mate. I wear redbacks now and will be buying Rossi boots. Rossi boots look much better than Blundstone. Not sure why you are getting so protective about Blundstone. I prefer logic and reason to emotion. Again, look around... many many people are getting faulty boots from outsourced Blundstone.

[@piepiemushroom]

It’s a myth there’s no difference ? Quality the same . I guess wear what you like personally without getting nationalistic ! I mean you don’t get more Aussie than Steve Irwin ! And he wore bloody timberlands ! Peace out

[@jooled2u]

There is a BIG difference between old model made in Australia and ones made in Taiwan. Quality totally took nose dive. I bought my second pair and had to send back. I wrote them and that's when I found out about change in manufacturing site.