Red Wing Boots - Your Opinion

Alcibiades · Dec 10, 2009

Anyone see a non-J Crew version of this boot

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...7840/17840.jsp

Trying to see if its available for less than 325

HEWSINATOR · Dec 10, 2009

Originally Posted by HEWSINATOR

I am not sure how to distinguish though between a "crepe" RW sole and a gummy sole like on DB's.

Originally Posted by Get Smart

Your red wing chukkas? That's not a crepe sole. (or do you have another pair that you bought without my approval and authorization?)

Originally Posted by whodini

See, I didn't think they were a crepe sole, either, as I think of that softer, spongy crap.

And yet when I run a google image search on "red wing crepe sole," I see this:
http://images.google.com/images?q=re...N&hl=en&tab=wi

Aren't those my chukkas or do my round eyes deceive me?

This is what I was trying to get at. I am not sure that the white sole we colloquially refer to as crepe on here is truly. Or if only that gummy sole is truly a "crepe" sole.

whodini · Dec 10, 2009

I would call it what it is: a Vibram rubber sole.

LawrenceMD · Dec 10, 2009

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

Anyone see a non-J Crew version of this boot http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/Mens...7840/17840.jsp Trying to see if its available for less than 325
this is a vintage reproduction of the 404 http://www.lubys-tokyo.com/RW404-90s_.html this time J Crew actually do have a exclusively built collaboration. they don't make this model anymore (unlike the others they offer which have stock factory versions). but you can find these on ebay a ton because they were produced until the 1990's and aren't as collectable as the irish setters. example: http://cgi.ebay.com/RED-WING-MENS-WO...#ht_849wt_1035 just search red wing work boot...

rcd213 · Dec 10, 2009

Originally Posted by Blog Marley

size down .5 for RW beckman classic moc toe? anyone own them or have experience/comments?

I sized down 1 full size from my JPs and 1/2-full on my dress shoes. I have the 9010 black cherry moc-toe. Excellent boot, actually the first "relatively expensive boot" I've purchased. My foot is a 10 is JPs, and b/t a 9.5/10 for dress shoes. My foot is slightly wide, probably between a d-e. I decided to go w/ a 9 and they fit perfectly length-wise, and just a bit snug in the width. There's a bit of heel slippage, but based on other reviews, it should go away with time, as well as loosen up in the width. There was no way I would fit in an 8.5 though, and a 9.5 would've been fine w/ an insole/heavy socks. I'll probably slip a thin insole in if they're not as comfortable as I would like once I break them in.

My sizes:
JPs: 10
Conv. All Star- 9.5
Desert boot- 10
Dress Shoes- 9.5/10
RW 9010- 9
Running Sneaker-10.5-11
Basketball Sneakers- 10.5-11.5

hope it helps...

bob99 · Dec 10, 2009

I've uploaded a photo of my boots for all to see

So I mis-rememembered slightly - there is still tread in the middle (where the foot arches, but it's almost 100% worn off the full toe or heel. These boots are dangerously unwearable on any sort of water or ice. I stopped wearing them after nearly slipping and falling multiple times. I wrote a letter to Redwing, and they sent me back a form letter saying that boots wear out, and if I had them examined by an authorized dealer they would send them to Redwing for a possible 50% credit towards new boots, which I didn't bother doing as I'm done with Redwings. I might get them re-soled, if that's even possible. In the meantime, I bought a large pair of Sorel Caribou boots for walking around in the snow, and I'm very happy with them!

acidboy · Dec 10, 2009

just curious, bob99- how heavy are you? are you flat-footed? do you drag your feet when you walk?

bob99 · Dec 10, 2009

5'11", 175lbs, no noticeable foot drag or limping when I walk

My feet are by all accounts "regular".

Other people may have had better experiences with these boots, but I was personally shocked at how quickly they wore down. I've never had that happen with any other pair of shoes or boots, no matter how inexpensive they were. I paid a reasonable amount for the Redwings, so I was surprised. I may have been ill-advised on the sole type, but I'm not ridiculously hard on shoes.

Wu Dynasty · Dec 10, 2009

Wow and that's from 2 months of wear? That's crazy. I'd be disappointed too.

wiru · Dec 10, 2009

Originally Posted by Alcibiades

Anyone see a non-J Crew version of this boot
There are usually multiple pairs of these on ebay. You can probably pick a set for around 50 or 60 dollars, depending on how popular your size is.

Originally Posted by HEWSINATOR

I am not sure that the white sole we colloquially refer to as crepe on here is truly. Or if only that gummy sole is truly a "crepe" sole.
Both are really truly called "crepe." Vibram also makes a version of the white rubber sole but Red Wing's is proprietary and imo ages better

Jimmyleaf · Dec 10, 2009

I agree with Bob99 in that i can see noticable wears on the sole from my Irish setter boots. Ive worn it a for about 3 weeks or so and the sole is starting to decrease in certain areas. I guess these soles are just not meant for cement pavements in the mean, unforgiving streets of nyc...lol Kinda sucks considerings these bad boys cost just about 300 buckaroos...

Get Smart · Dec 10, 2009

Originally Posted by Racove

Classic Round Toe Wedge Boots: same sizing as GTs? Is it a nearly identical last?

yes same size and same last. BUT, it does come in a extra wide EE width option, but if you get D width it is same as GT

Get Smart · Dec 10, 2009

Originally Posted by bob99

These boots are dangerously unwearable on any sort of water or ice. I stopped wearing them after nearly slipping and falling multiple times.

anyone else have experience on wet pavement with the white vibram sole?

they *seem* like they'd have good traction in wet weather.

Racove · Dec 10, 2009

Thanks. Mad as hell that I missed the epaulet x thorogoods in my size. (PM if you have s for sale)
I'll probably try those, eventhough I sort of hate my GTs. Still won't break in after 12 months. I love my moc toe crepe soles though, so gonna chance it.

Racove · Dec 10, 2009

My experience is that you need a new pair of vibram white soles to make it through winter. Excellent traction for a few months ( wear twice a week or so) but then it's just not enough for snow. Fine for rain though. It might be worth noting that I have the Chinese RWI-inspired, but I bet sole is same.

All said I am happy with them and would do again. They are super comfortable. I have other boots with leather or true crepe soles and these just end up in same category. I might look to resole them. I bet it can be done.

Red Wing Boots - Your Opinion

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