The Red Wing boot I have been chasing down for years! The Red Wing 8196

I review the Red Wing 8196 Classic Round Toe in Briar Oil Slick Leather. I bought these boots 8 years ago took them home and returned them for the 8152. So, before all the Round Toes go bye bye I had to hunt down the 8196 one last time!
Instagram: @givecjaminute.com
www.endclothing.com

[@wmanthonyphotography]

"Looking forward to breaking these in." This man is a masochist. I love my 8196s...now. The break-in, however, was the most painful of any boot I've had. Blister city for the first month. (Tip: Condition more frequently during break-in to soften leather.)

[@thesharpercoder]

The Briar Oil Slick leather is my favorite in a field of excellent leathers.

[@CJCook]

Yeah, i love the texture

[@btwarner2124]

I love those boots! I have a pair and I wear them all the time. Get lots of compliments. Great review.

[@CJCook]

I bet they are nice and comfy now.

[@carpediem4413]

Just got my first pair of Red Wings … the Iron Ranger (copper)… I normally wear a 13 in athletic shoes - wear an 11.5 in the Iron Ranger … awesome shoes… I’m hooked!

[@justicegusting2476]

Red Wing discontinued these for a reason and you showed why. They look like clodhoppers with the big clownfootlike round toes. I’ll take my 3141s everywhere and I get so many unsolicited positive comments about them, the latest one from my doctor who told me how comfortable they look. My 1907s are at the factory getting a resole and I can’t wait to get them back as they are my daily drivers.

[@nicholaslopez6384]

Can you make a update on this boot pls

[@Negoveioh]

Wow! I just had my private unbox session around here. My 8196's has just arrived! Like an hour ago. Brand new (from 2013!) for 140 bucks on Ebay. I couldn't be happier! I just love the round toes. Take care, my friend!

[@CJCook]

Round toes are the best. They have all day comfort and great support.

[@Negoveioh]

@@CJCook Indeed. The support is just amazing and different from any other RW style. It's a shame RW made them go away.

[@jools182]

No idea why red wing discontinued these. I have a pair and they are beautiful

[@CJCook]

Yeah, why would they replace the Round Toe with the Rover?

[@greggmetal]

Hi CJ thanks for your videos, if I also want to buy online this round tie and I’m 11 1/2 in the moc toe, is it the same sizing? Your help will be appreciated, keep up the good work 👍🏽👍🏽

[@CJCook]

I would recommend buying an 11 in the Round Toe.

[@pprfleming]

Hey CJ, noticing some old stock RWs online called "Briarwood", is this the same leather as Briar Oil Slick?

[@bengalvin71]

Is a round toe easier to break in than a moctoe? You seem to have an affliction, but I do very much enjoy your content and hope to see more, for as long as you remain solvent. Many thanks, Ben

[@taylorsukoshi6126]

Since no one else answered, yes. Round toes are easier to break in.

[@asg1277]

Not in my opinion. I've had these since 2013 briar oil. The toe box is very narrow. The rest of the boot, including the heel cup, bridge, instep etc. was broken as per usual as expected with Redwings stiff leather, very stiff footbed. Blistered mainly around the top of the back of the heels, just below the Achilles. I wore large bandage pads during this time, about a month or two of off and on wear which helped a lot. No more blisters, but the very narrow toe box has always been real trouble for me with these boots. Keep in mind that there is no lining inside these boots, and the insole is smooth leather. With cotton or wool socks, the inside of the boot is very slippery and your feet can move around. to prevent this movement inside the boot you have to tie the boots very tightly. The already narrow width of the toe box combined with tying the boot very tightly has left me in pain more times than I want to remember! I did just pick up a professional wooden boot stretcher and have been working the leather in the toe. so finally after all this work and perseverance after 6 years, they are becoming extremely comfortable!

[@nowaas66]

WOW CJ, your videos are awesome and much fun to watch, keep it going bro. BTW I have exact boots with only one minor different, mine was purchased back in 2012 and it has the Red Wing logo stamped on the side of the boots, I will send you some photos soon.

[@CJCook]

That would be awesome! I would love to see your boots. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the Briar Oil Slick Leather! Thank you for your support.

[@AJ-by6pd]

CJ do you know where I could pick up a pair of Blacksmith 3040 or Round Toe 8196 in US Size 8? I really love that Briar leather.

[@CJCook]

www.tripl3stitch.com

[@AJ-by6pd]

@@CJCook I saw that on your website, but I really need a size 8.

[@MeToo-py1tq]

Hi, what do you think of the Ox Blood color? Do you own that color? I’ve been looking for a color that is not the usual like a brown but want a color that does the same thing as a brown and then some. I’m starting to target the Ox Blood never though I’d be going for that color way. However, after trying them on they fit nice and looked very good. Ox blood color seems to cover and do what the Brown and Briar colors do. But please I’d like to hear your opinion. Thank you.

[@CJCook]

The Ox Blood Mesa Leather on the 8119 is gorgeous! I do not own that color yet. I love it, though. I went to purchase the 8119s at Red Wing but they did not have my size so I purchased the 3340s instead.

[@MeToo-py1tq]

CJ Cook Thank you appreciate all you responses and feedback.

[@CJCook]

@@MeToo-py1tq you are welcome!

[@MeToo-py1tq]

CJ Cook Well CJ you done did it to me my friend. I bought the 8119 last night as the store was closing. They were clearance for around 229. I feel like a new man haha! I was wearing them with grey jeans and a flannel walked into Target received 2 compliments from employees during my visit. Both said the color way was not “boring” and beautiful color especially this time of year. I also found some Spitfires in my size on Ebay jumped on those as well. Ok CJ you did this to me I’ll be sending you my invoice...HEHE!

[@CJCook]

@@MeToo-py1tq Congrats! I want them now, too! Hahaha! Yeah, the Oxblood Mesa is a stunner!

[@โกกิ-ฟ7ย]

ขอบคุณครับ

[@bearstearn3]

OMG. i just realized i picked up this same one here in canada for 159$+tax. glad i jumped the gun on this as it was the last one in stock in my size. did u find a few "scuff" marks around the shoes or is that how its suppose to be for redwing type of leather?

[@CJCook]

Great find! Yeah, the Roughnecks (in Briar) I bought had a few scratches but they are easy to rub/buff out.

[@bearstearn3]

i know i askwd you already how to clean/maintain the 8890's but do you treat the 8196 differently or use the same stuff? (red wing foam leather cleaner, all natural leather condition and leather protector)@@CJCook

[@CJCook]

@@bearstearn3 correct, I use all those for cleaning. The Briar leather takes on oils really well so you do not need very much.

[@JJ-lu6mg]

The Rover is very close to that round Toe boot but not the same. The Rovers are slightly longer nose on them where the round toe boots look more like a work boot. Is you have both it would be cool to see the comparison 👍🏼

[@CJCook]

Certainly! I am on it!

[@MeToo-py1tq]

Great video content as usual. Do you have an opinion on purchasing factory seconds? Pros or Cons? Have you heard any consistent inconsistencies on them such as quality control issues, color discrepancies, sizing? Your response is always appreciated. Thank you.

[@CJCook]

Thank you. I would rather not purchase factory seconds because if I notice the defect it will bother me like a stain on a shirt you know it is there others may not notice but you know it is there screaming at your eyeballs. I have spoken to a couple of guys at Red Wing whom own factory seconds and the issue, I did not notice till they pointed it out to me. It was still not extremely obvious. It was leather inconsistency disrupting the shape in the slightest. I have never heard of sizing being an issue for factory seconds.

[@MeToo-py1tq]

Thank you for answering very helpful..

[@jalcanites2939]

I have the exact same boots I got two years ago. I also have two Beckmans. My next RW boot will be the Blacksmith in the same leather as my round toe.

[@CJCook]

Blacksmith is a solid choice! Which Beckmans do you have?

[@jalcanites2939]

@@CJCook my first Beckman is the black one I got in 2013. My second Beckman is the cigar color I got in 2016.

[@CJCook]

@@jalcanites2939 The 9014s were my first Red Wing purchase. I still want the 9016s as well. You have made some great choices Jun.

[@ericlee8437]

Hi CJ-so if you could only choose one. 8196 or 2906. Which would it be and why? Cheers

[@CJCook]

8196 because if you wanted to resole the boot the options would be plentiful and styling the 8196 is more versatile.

[@allen31951]

Just found your channel. Appreciate your passion for Red Wings. I bought the Blacksmith in copper rough and tough leather. Waiting for the weather to cool a bit before wearing them. My first Red Wing. Do you have a collection video? Would enjoy some Red Wing care videos also. Thanks.

[@CJCook]

Thank you! Congrats on purchasing the 3343s. You will love them and they will age beautifully. The Blacksmiths are a very comfortable boot. I have yet to do a collection video but I will do one. I currently have two conditioning videos for the Beckhams

[@LukeFromUranus]

Which one would you recommend as my first Red Wing? Possibly combining great design, all round comfort and availability. Thank you and keep up the good work

[@CJCook]

Hello Luca, I would recommend the Blacksmith. Either the 3343 or the 3340 would be a great choice first boot. You will get all around comfort from the Vibram mini lug sole. The break-in period on the Blacksmith is minimal and they are versatile work and play boots.

[@LukeFromUranus]

After spending some hard time deciding which one to get between the Rangers and the Blacksmiths, I took advantage of a Black Friday offer and got the 3343 in copper. Cannot wait to try them on! Thank you for your suggestions, will keep watching. Take care

[@CJCook]

@@LukeFromUranus Great choice! You will love them and Copper Rough and Tough is a fine leather!

[@shoesnob7987]

What is your story? Are you the ultimate Redwing fanboy? I just got my Iron Rangers 8119’s today. I love them! I also got the 875’s a month ago. My third pair will be the loden moc toe’s that you’re wearing, I think. Or, the portage navy leather. Great videos!

[@CJCook]

Hey Scott, All great choices. How are you liking the Vibram on the 8119s? Yes, I am a huge fan of Red Wing. I wear the boots everyday. And, when I see someone on the street wearing Red Wings I stop them and chat them up about their boots.

[@shoesnob7987]

I’m loving the vibram’s on the 8119’s! Those Iron Rangers are amazing. Now I just need to add the 8857’s moc’s to my small collection of Redwings. Thanks for the great videos!

[@CJCook]

@@shoesnob7987 The 8857s are very impressive in person. I went to Red Wing with one idea and left with the Loden's I could not help it.

[@alejandrocaballero7197]

I'm jealous! I've been looking for that round toe classic in rough and tough. I have the rover but I want that style boot, unfortunately they have discontinued it☹️. Thanks for sharing the vid!

[@CJCook]

You can still find some Classic Round Toes. Red Wing currently has two styles on their site.

[@Ricardo8388]

www.redwingamsterdam.com/product/8196-classic-round-briar-oil-slick/

[@danbazinet8006]

You can still get various Round Toe styles in Canada too

[@CJCook]

@@danbazinet8006 Thanks for sharing! ROAD TRIP!

[@btwarner2124]

Keep looking. eBay and Amazon

[@CJL3]

Did we just become best friends?

[@CJCook]

I think so!

[@guestleather9442]

nothing wrong with the boots but the way he speak stop me from watching