Red Wing Boots - Your Opinion - Page 91

Can you guys recommend me a pair of redwing boots?

I am a 25 yr old structural engineer...most of my days are spent sitting at a desk but I do go out to job/construction sites occasionally and my old pair of timberland work boots are shot.  I'm thinking it's about time to upgrade to something a little more quality.  I figure a good pair of redwings should last me a looooooooong time especially if I can get them resoled eventually.  They will get some casual wear away from work too, considering my only other "boots" are a clarks desert boots and wallabees.  I think I prefer the moc toe look  with the white vibram sole but I'm open to whatever.  

I've read the other thread about wolverine boots...are there other companies I should consider?

Just went on the website...I guess I'm deciding between the 875, 1907, and 9111.  

If you're going to sites maybe a model with steel toe cap to protect is a good idea?
 

Ehhh I considered a steel toe but I really don't think it's necessary.  It's not like I'm doing the actual construction work.  I just walk and climb around on the job site to see how the process is moving along and make sure I don't see any glaring mistakes by the contractor.  

Like I said, I'd like to be able to get some casual wear out of them also so steel toe may be a bit much.

The Iron Ranger is a popular model. It lacks the contrast sole, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing considering you may, at some point in the near future, want non-contrasting boots to provide a more subtle boot for occassions of different natures. As an engineer I toiled through steel toe or not, and eventually decided to buy some old wolverines w/ steel toes for that function, my boots now are for comfort and looks over falling debris protection. In the wolverine realm, 1,000 mile boots get a lot of praise for comfort and durability. Again, though, not a contrast sole. So if you wanted a more/less timeless look, go normal sole and try the Iron Ranger or 1,000 mile (wolverine). I know that's not exactly what you want to hear, but the contrast sole may not be in favor, with the regards to style, for the entire life of the boot. Just my thoughts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrizzleCizzle 

The Iron Ranger is a popular model. It lacks the contrast sole, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing considering you may, at some point in the near future, want non-contrasting boots to provide a more subtle boot for occassions of different natures. As an engineer I toiled through steel toe or not, and eventually decided to buy some old wolverines w/ steel toes for that function, my boots now are for comfort and looks over falling debris protection. In the wolverine realm, 1,000 mile boots get a lot of praise for comfort and durability. Again, though, not a contrast sole. So if you wanted a more/less timeless look, go normal sole and try the Iron Ranger or 1,000 mile (wolverine). I know that's not exactly what you want to hear, but the contrast sole may not be in favor, with the regards to style, for the entire life of the boot. Just my thoughts.

so what exactly is the difference between the Iron Ranger and the 9111?  I see a cap toe, and different sole...

Is there a breakdown anywhere online of the key differences between the different red wing styles?

If you can still find them.

I would recommend the 8131 that i am having now.

According to the shop i bought it, its one of their toughest or thickest leather.

Should last you a long time and perfect for the site.

Other models have softer leather but maybe wont last as long?

My feet are more of a EE size but they only come in D.

So it still hurts like a bitch for me when wearing it....hope to one day break it in.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by takashi78 

If you can still find them.

I would recommend the 8131 that i am having now.

According to the shop i bought it, its one of their toughest or thickest leather.

Should last you a long time and perfect for the site.

 

Other models have softer leather but maybe wont last as long?

 

My feet are more of a EE size but they only come in D.

So it still hurts like a bitch for me when wearing it....hope to one day break it in.
 

Have you considered either shoe stretchers (never used them, just heard of them), or wearing thick, thick wool socks for a while to try and gain some space? Your foot will feel a little cramped, but the sock should relieve some of the friction, and maybe - just maybe - you may gain a bit of space.

Oh, and is Takashi from initial d? I'm trying to recall. Loved that stuff.

I actually had the RW shop use a machine to stretch it a little when i bough them.

I usually wear thick socks when i wear the 8131 but living in a tropical country is kinda hard lol.

What actually made the 8131 soften abit was when i first cleaned it after about 20wears over few months. I then applied one thin layer of RW conditioner on the boot and put it inside a normal plastic bag. Tied it, left it in the trunk of my car and let it "bake" for one afternoon.

Then another thin layer was applied again.

This ended up reducing i would say 50% of the pain i was feeling when wearing it when new.

Searching on wiki i found out that the area which was hurting is actually around the "Metatarsus" part of the feet.

Maybe i do need a EE size but damn the 8131 widest is only D.

Oh and that nick was just something i picked up during the MIRC days.

Damn i feel old.

Kept it til now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsekh 


They are different shoes. Leather, outsole, captoe, speak-hook, heel-reinforcement, color...

right but that still didn't answer my question about is there a breakdown somewhere online that explains the differences between some of the more popular redwing models?  the redwing website doesn't get very specific.  my nearest redwing store in over an hour away so i'm trying to educate myself to some extent before making the trip.

Try emailing RW customer service.

Both my times i did they reply within few days and answers are what i am looking for.

http://russellmoccasin.com/leather_care.html

Finally found the article i read about the boot in the bag "method'.

Just picked up a pair of brand new Heritage Lifestyles.  $19.01, shipped.