Review: Red Wing Iron Ranger 6" Heritage Boots

Thanks for supporting me on Patreon: www.patreon.co... Red Wing Model 8111, the Iron Ranger in Amber Harness Leather, is a fascinating heritage boot model not only for it's historic namesake, hearkening back to the Northern MN Iron Ore rush of the early 20th century, but also because it represents a reinvention of a long lost heritage boot style. One of the most popular models in the heritage boots niche, I consider what this model may implicate for the renewed interest in heritage goods.
Click here for my comparison of these to Red Wing Moc Toe Boots:
• Comparing Red Wing Moc...
Specifications:
-Premium full-grain leather upper with tonal stitching and reinforced quadruple stitched cap toe
-Lace-up closure with speed hook closure
-Leather and Cloth lining
-All leather footbed
-Goodyear welt construction
-Triple stitched upper
- Nitrile cork outsole
- 6" Boot
-Style numbers: Black Full-Grain Harness Leather 8114, Hawthorne Burnished Muleskinner Leather 8113, Amber Full-Grain Harness Leather 8111 (reviewed in this video).

[@555Gear]

If you want to see these boots compared to Red Wing's Moc Toe style, click on my new vid here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGTMhHaIm9GqmKM

[@XCRiders]

I like the fit and feel of the iron ranger a little better than my 1907 mock toe. They’re both great

[@Mouko]

Before anyone gets hot under the collar about the Japanese designer of boots described as "American Heritage", the Japanese have been infatuated with early to mid-1900's American apparel for a while now, so it is very likely finding these styles was the passion of his youth or that of his peers.

[@cradlemonsterp9309]

The Japanese also make the world's best whisky and denim.

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

​@@cradlemonsterp9309 Nikka Yoichi is so damn good

[@jthebk3864]

The funny thing is how passionate Japan has become about old school American quality goods. I’ve seen some awesome jeans and boots come from Japan

[@6000geac]

Really enjoy your videos, this one helped me make my choice on whether or not to purchase some Iron Ranger boots, well I've got two pair of them now. I purchased the Amber Harness and the Hawthorn Muleskinner and they are absolutely my favorites, I find I wear the 8113 the most and even took them hiking in Colorado last August, they did very well surprisingly on my hike to Estes Cone Peak(11,001 ft) 4 miles up and back down again, no slipping or sliding either direction and combined with a nice thick pair of Alpaca wool socks they were Amazing. Thanks 555

[@ZstripeW]

Yours is the first review I've seen that mentioned the designer of this boot; very interesting! Also, great use of the word "hoary"!

[@BeardlyGentlemen]

What an informative and in-depth review. I can see the care and attention to detail you've put into this review. I've learned pretty much everything I need to know about these Redwing boots. Thanks mate! Cheers, BG

[@nightsky199]

These boots are classy, rugged, sharp and very aesthetically versatile and pleasing. Got a pair of the amber harness and charcoal rough and tough...these boots are like pets to me, you clean them (brush cleaning), feed them (oil conditioning) talk to them ( j/k kinda) and they won’t let you down

[@jonkomatsu8192]

Now, this was an interesting historically based review. Being of Japanese ancestry, I find it doubly cool that the designer was, so to say, "from my tribe." Neat! Mahalo!

[@555Gear]

+Jon Komatsu thanks for watching!

[@bryandavison7657]

555 Gear, I just had to comment on the refreshing nature of your gear reviews. I originally stumbled across your channel when I watched a review you did on the TiBolt pen. I was so impressed that I started watching reviews on items in which I didn't even have previous interest just to enjoy the experience. Your presentation of the products mixed with your narrative and music is memorizing and professional. Your narration is concise, well thought out and creative. I enjoy the use of your vocabulary. ( I don't have to wade through the um's and repetition of almost all reviewers and the handheld camera that forces me to the medicine cabinet for Dramamine.) The historical perspective you give on some of the products I find very interesting and the extra effort makes your reviews much more enjoyable. Thank you for the effort you put forth to create a product and experience that is not only informative but enjoyable to the viewer. It is very apparent you take pride in your work and it shows. I look forward to watching many more of the reviews even if I'm not particularly interested in the product. ;) Thank you again.

[@555Gear]

Bryan Davison Hi Bryan, thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to check out my work. I feel most rewarded when viewers like you appreciate my work. Glad to have you here! --Andrew

[@urbanmyth7915]

i've got three pairs, black harness, hawthorne and copper rough and tough. by far the copper looks and wears the best, took the shortest time to break in and gets the most compliments.

[@matttherrien9608]

I don't have much money but I would like a second pair of Iron Rangers. I'm a believer after four months with these on my feet.

[@fobudomh]

I have not pointed out this before but your camera work is amazing .

[@UARAF16]

First thoughts were: "Oh man, I can see what some people say about that toe box looking bulbous/clowny." Definitely love the review though and I'm hoping to see an update vid on those worn in moc-toe boots!

[@555Gear]

It doesn't help that I have huge flat feet! Thanks for watching and I'll be glad to do an update vid on the 8138's!

[@richardfletcher9541]

Use a shoe tree to help avoid this.

[@gsgleason]

Great video and history lesson. My 8111s are some of my favorite.

[@BirdOfPrey7]

Cool story! Even more, because I love the Iron Ranger Boots most and I met Aki Iwasaki just a few days ago in Vienna at the Red Wing Shoe Store 👍🏼

[@madhopstimmy]

are you actually mark ruffalo?

[@HuntingWolf82]

Tim C. Chan Perfect lol

[@PeterPing]

Now I can't I hear it lol.

[@harshnama1]

I am watching this video, and I just recognise your voice and what I found that yesterday I was watching your video for Khakhi field mechanical. I do like the vintage stuff as you. Iron ranger 8111 and Hamilton Khakhi 😀

[@Orlanzepol123]

I don’t like brown boots but because every style professional said that brown should be the first color of shoe of boot in ones footwear I bought the 8111’s. Love the silhouette and the color is growing on me., I love the 8084’s a bit better. No doubt I will use both.

[@matttherrien9608]

The black Rangers are killer.

[@Baitullmaqdis]

that's a pair of handsome boots .. good man

[@555Gear]

Thank you!

[@fritzthecat8830]

Great Boots. Real quality. Lately I have found something that the Americans are able to do! Red Wing Iron Ranger. Greetings from Germany.

[@555Gear]

Hello and thanks for watching!

[@fritzthecat8830]

My Uncle is shoomaker he is doing riding boots and he call this boots ok

[@Dunkaroos248]

Check out Allen Edmonds and Alden shoes, a couple more iconic American brands

[@livinglargeandfree8322]

I'm glad I came across this and happily subscribed to your channel.....

[@555Gear]

Thank you very much and welcome!!

[@AP0LL0edc]

Excellent video! I've been looking at these and the Wolverine 1000 mile boots. Thanks for all the info.

[@555Gear]

Thanks for watching, I've heard great things about those boots

[@johnshoosmith]

I very much enjoyed your writing

[@AvoidingChores]

Great-looking classic boot thanks for doing this overview

[@brianmora2254]

Great video. It made me fall in love with these boots! I wanna buy em ASAP!!

[@555Gear]

brian mora Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amacro11]

Excellent review in depth but not to long very well researched and well depicted I will need to check out their motorcycle boots

[@555Gear]

amacro11 Thanks for your time!

[@fron645]

I am a Red Wing lover. Great explanation and video!

[@bwl14]

Fantastic review! Couldnt have been said any better

[@JamesMinerTattoo]

Excellent work. Thanks for your videos.

[@555Gear]

Thanks for your time!!

[@stevanz1]

Just brought a pair and they're great!

[@555Gear]

Cool, enjoy!

[@Foxr6]

Wow excellent video! Thanks for the post.

[@craigslistrro709]

Absolutely love these boots.

[@TransHaus]

Great, now I have to go buy a pair

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Excellent history of the boot!

[@splootan]

Nice! I now have a pair with the Vibram sole

[@555Gear]

Great combo!

[@chevyhighrider]

I've got a question regarding sizing. Everyone says to size down 1/2 or a full size smaller. In the Redwing store they put my foot in the metal measuring tool and the little slide that measures your arch said I should be 10.5. however, my toes were only at like 9.5 or 10. They grabbed me a pair of 10.5 from the back but even snugged up good I feel like there's room for my feet to move inside.

[@kyleleung333]

Great maintaining skills, mine just look brand new, I want them worn asap.

[@Orlanzepol123]

I think the 8111 will be my 4th Red Wing boot and might change the Vibram Mini Lug sole with the Nitrile Cork sole. I think they should’ve kept at least all the Iron Rangers with their Nitrile Cork sole.

[@SeptienPatterson]

You went above and beyond on this video. Great job man. Those Red Wing make black boots?

[@555Gear]

+Raiterio Patterson (Septien) Thanks! Yep, the RW Beckmans are very similar and come in black. Have a good one!

[@Ricardo8388]

+Raiterio Patterson (Septien) Iron rangers are in black .. I got this copper colour and bought caramel colour today. I almost bought the black ones cause they looked so good with the brown seem. But The caramel colour popped more under my levis and were so cool so bought those!

[@Shane97]

Is it normal for the stitching on the toe cap of my iron rangers to come off a bit? If not what should I do?

[@vagotil]

great review, keep on going)))) have a question, what socks do you wear or can advise when it becomes warm about 12-15C? I was thinking about these tracking socks etc

[@555Gear]

Smart wool! Thanks for watching!

[@lterbieten]

Nicely done

[@Winchester1973]

Great video. Love the history!

[@iDragid]

How is the grip or traction on Iron Ranger outsoles? Do they work well in rainy or snowy day?

[@rsaathoff]

I love these boots. How are the soles for 8 hr work days? Do they give support for the back. I do goundskeeping in the Southwest. Using shovels, digging, water occasionally etc. I am just wondering if these would be good or should I look at something else?

[@DevonReviewer]

Loving these boots and your videos are great! Good research and delivery! Go you think the nitrile sole would out last the white soles on the moc toes, mile for mile?

[@555Gear]

Great comment, and I appreciate your compliments! Yeah I would say they would outlast the moc toe traction tread soles.

[@DevonReviewer]

555 Gear I think the ranger or beckman, may be my next purchase! Keep up the good work!

[@555Gear]

Thanks!

[@JordanCole.SaltandLight]

I’ve never seen a more exquisite boot. It feels as though the good Lord created it just for me. We are destined to be together, Haha.

[@watchmanexpert]

I prefer my iron Ranger 8085 I wear every day , my moc toe is little uncomfortable for me I don’t know why is to flat hard to explain

[@cameronmcpeak5183]

I cant imagine in anyway that this is a "heavy" boot. Iv had work boots that were up to 3 1/2, 4 lbs. awful nice looking boot though too bad you cant get a high top style. What do you think of Obenauf's boot treatment?

[@cameronmcpeak5183]

Sorry 6 1/2, 7 lbs haha wrote down what was on the video for some reason

[@alx252]

you can get high finish. also water polish... i get my ir high shining

[@dorusie5]

They are pretty light for boots.

[@HeyHowsMyDriving]

Is it normal you see the gap between the outsole and the heel?

[@benxgoh]

Great review, thanks :) love my IRs

[@benjaminthorpe7990]

I'm sensing you have a higher opinion towards the moc toe as it seems the iron ranger keeps being compared to it? Plus i really love the dense nitrile cork sole, it lasts for heaps longer than the moc toe!

[@XCRiders]

Fit is perfect for my long low volume size 13 feet

[@thegrizzlydipper]

Excellent review

[@kilroy4123]

how do these do against water and being submerged?

[@DrLongSchIong]

Is that a seiko diver I see? Nice watch! +555 Gear

[@garygary9310]

Great review by the way! I am subscribing to your channel.....I have a question I am getting this boot from Red Wing store they didn't have my size so they ordered it and this weekend I get them. The question I have is should I oil them out of the box or wait a wile!

[@67herby89]

I’ve had this same boots now for two years and I totally love them. Built to last. One question, what jeans are you wearing in this video??

[@erelmatita3559]

Hi! I am wondering if the nitrile cork is slippery during rainy days (usually on pavements or asphalt roads) ? I live in a tropical country, but here it rains a lot. I am considering to get this one, but curious about its outsole traction. Thanks!

[@LLUrbanAchiever]

erel matita they're fine on wet pavement or wet cement, but slick wet surfaces like inside building lobbies or on wet marble can be slippery. They are very slippery in ice and snow.

[@erelmatita3559]

Thanks! it helps me a lot to consider buying this one, or the vibram lug sole one. but I guess just to play it safe, I'll get the one with vibram lug sole. thanks again!

[@WheresAdam]

Hi there! would you recommend putting shoe trees in the Iron Rangers?

[@555Gear]

+Adam Koh no harm in it for sure

[@beanie0026]

Nice Review! I loved the history of this boot company. Very interesting. On a side note any new pen reviews coming?

[@555Gear]

william bedenbender Thanks! Yes, I have couple on deck!

[@alwynroberts2277]

Great review, can I ask how much does the leather give/ stretch over time? Here in Finland we can only get them in width D which for is a little tight, will they stretch much over time as I would be buying them for my work boot so I will be them for 8 hours a day at least. Thanks and loving your channel, only just found it.

[@matttherrien9608]

You want them tight. They'll give.

[@jacobhale7979]

Great video, still cant decide between the iron rangers or the 1000 miles..how long have you had these boots?

[@555Gear]

Both solid choices...I've had mine for a couple months now!

[@luismorales1677]

what is better mock or iron ranger?

[@555Gear]

I like them both!

[@MasterofPlay7]

did you find a oily smell with the iron ranger? My new boots have this weird oily smell and my white socks dyed yellowish from wearing them.....

[@jmoak311]

My 8085’s left a similar light brown/yellowish stain on a few pairs of my grey socks but that stopped after a few wears. I didn’t notice any smell although the leathers are oiled and waxed etc at the factory. (According to what I’ve read etc)

[@stevethetree1991]

Are the nitrile cork outsoles suitable in a city that gets a lot of rain? Or is it too slick?

[@555Gear]

Steve They're pretty slick IMO. I like RW's moc toe boots for grip more.

[@stevethetree1991]

555 Gear Thanks for the reply! Trying to decide between Iron ranger and Beckman. I like the look of the IR more but my city gets rain up the wazoo.

[@greyarealove]

Steve Red Wing now make the Iron Ranger with a Vibram lug outsole. Might be hard to find, but it is the 8119 model.

[@stevethetree1991]

Blipalot71 Oh wow, too bad I already pulled the trigger on the regular iron rangers haha Thanks for the reply though. If it's a problem (which I really doubt it will be) I'm sure they can be resoled with a different type of sole.

[@MichaelVinvent]

+Steve you wont be disappointed

[@lukie117]

Do these come in a 4e width? They look really nice

[@555Gear]

You may have to custom order them but yes

[@realmudderducker177]

You should do an update video on these

[@555Gear]

I'll be doing an update review on my 8138's soon!

[@realmudderducker177]

+555 Gear ok nice even better, keep up the awesome content!

[@augustomartinez4096]

how much did you have to down size with the iron rangers?

[@555Gear]

For me I have to size down a half-size

[@augustomartinez4096]

oh ok, so having a little extra room for your toes is normal? i was wondering cuz i saw that break in is supposed to be a little hard, but my iron rangers feel very comfortable from the get go that made me wonder if i didn't down size enough, i don't want them later on to be lose on my feet. thanks for the advice

[@jmoak311]

I recommend 1 full size from your brannock measurement. I measure an 11 and have a 10 iron ranger, moc toe, and weekender chukka. After break-in I honestly think I could have gotten away with a 9.5 IR. For reference my sneakers are 11, dress shoes 10.5 but in red wing I’m a 10.

[@jmoak311]

Just realized my comment came 5 years late lol.

[@stlfe]

what's brand jeans?

[@eberlined]

I see the Seiko Sumo on your wrist, great looking piece, full review coming soon?

[@555Gear]

Doug Eberline Yep! Probably in the next couple weeks! Thanks for asking!

[@joesan3597]

Thanks for the cool review. I would like to know if these boots would look good with a suit? I'm looking forward to buying a dress boot and I'm leaning towards the Iron Ranger, Wolverine 1000 mile. From what I have found, the IR's last longer and are more durable than the 1000 mile. So, could you please let me know if the IR would be good with a suit?

[@555Gear]

+Joe San personally I'd go with the Beckmans for a more formal look

[@joesan3597]

+555 Gear I ended up getting the beckman chukka 9048 in teak featherstone leather. This looks lot more formal than the Beckmans!

[@Donquijote007]

good job dude!

[@555Gear]

Thanks Don Quijote! Best wishes hunting giants!

[@Ricardo8388]

subbed.. nice review!

[@555Gear]

Awesome, I appreciate it!!

[@dirtydan8576]

What kind of raws are you wearing?

[@red19841984]

Bravestar selvage?

[@mikezeke7041]

do the lace hooks bend?

[@natehill4571]

no

[@perry1997]

MADE IN THE USA 501® ORIGINAL SHRINK-TO-FIT™ SELVEDGE JEANS?

[@555Gear]

Thanks! Actually these are Gooddales.

[@ISawGold]

hard to live up to a true fight for justice with a commercial product, but I get your meaning

[@junkman226]

have you thought about reviewing some Chippewa boots?

[@555Gear]

junkman226 Yes I have, the ones I've handled were great!

[@jacobtorres6658]

What kind of jeans are those ?

[@yogranmazpimp]

Jacob Torres not sure of the brand, but it's certainly selvage denim

[@vetlebrekke5075]

maaaab you guys are so lucky to not have size 16... I cant find a decent boot, damnit! ;_;7

[@luismacedo6908]

Are these osha approved?

[@alx252]

the thong the same leather thinness than the entire leather of the moc toe.. :)

[@petrosspetrosgali]

where are the materials from? the website says they are built in the US of A with imported materials. are they any different from a shoe made in china? and it looks like the Whites and Nicks are FAR superior to these.

[@555Gear]

RW imports some of their leather and some of it they make themselves at the Foot tannery. Depends on the model. I need to check out Whites and Nicks in person, but from what I've seen in Wranglerstar's vids, the Nicks are definitely on a higher level

[@petrosspetrosgali]

I've read the nicks use all American material

[@kekistani2373]

the only thing imported was their soles which is Vibram. An Italian company

[@Commander_HW]

They look VERY good, but they feel VERY bad!!! So bad that I couldn't walk in them more than 10 mins continuously.

[@limjazzdedragonheryadi1290]

nice SEIKO.... :D SBDC 027?

[@phototristan]

I tried these on once but found them a bit too clown like. I guess I'm spoiled by my Aldens.

[@555Gear]

I had that experience with Brogue Rangers but not these. Aldens definitely avoid those lines completely

[@MarcP5267]

I can't wear any of the Heritage Redwings because of my narrow feet.

[@willgrant3480]

Marc Possoff they make a few in wide, way better fit!

[@Liveon378]

Are they steel toe?

[@joekillip6505]

Dont bye red wings im out 300 after i wore them 5 times and sent them in and they refused to fix or send them back

[@hectormoreno204]

Mi caras pero super

[@Ainttnoway]

you dont wear insoles with these boots?

[@jmoak311]

You can but most don’t. Took a few weeks to break in, like a high quality baseball glove.

[@bent540]

these look like standard 30$ danish army conscript boots

[@urstank980]

Elmer fuds boots

[@JohnWick-bd3uv]

Lol

[@AA-nj4mr]

You sound like the KZbin scares lol

[@carfordelgado]

There is not boot like the iron ranger.

[@mr.v1014]

The bulbous toe is a deal breaker for me, what a shame for an otherwise great boot.

[@freddyfox5002]

I don´t see any utility in these dress boots. Nothing more then a fashion statement really.

[@knightowl7]

Just not a fan of the bulbous toe cap...give me a fine made Northampton made boot from loake ,crockett and Jones ,trickers and the like so much more elegant and versatile. Those shoes are useful it you work Ona construction site,but I certainly wouldn’t wear them around town in casual clothes.

[@jackruss4]

Hey phototristan. The quality and style of a quality boot, does not start or end with leather. My opinion is much more severe on the quality and style that are associated with Alden boots, than your less than professional opinion of the Iron Ranger line of Red wing boots.