thinking of buying my first pair of Red Wing

[sunny]

Recently I have been into buying things that gets better with ages. So I got my first RAW jeans 501xx and I'm already in breaking in process , although It's still a bit big after soaked.
I've been thinking to get a good quality boot that would last me for more than a decade. Red Wing 9016 is on my mind.
1.How long does a Red Wing usually last?
2.I usually wear 9, should I go for a 8.5?
3.Do I need to apply any kind of leather protector before first wear?
4.what other models do you like/suggest?
Thanks everyone!

 

[Andreas1965]

How long your boots will last depends on the way you're using (abusing?) them.

My oldest RW boots, a pair of 577, is now over 15 years old, been resoled 4 times and looks better than ever. It's all about taking good care of the leather.

Whenever I buy new boots I apply a good amount of boot oil, let it soak into the leather over night and then apply some beeswax leather protector. My boots are oiled up twice a year and I re-apply the leather protector about once a month. With this regime my boots seem to hold up well the test of time.

Apart from my old 577 I have a pair of amber Iron Rangers, black and brown Beckmans and a Japan Special boot (can't tell you the model number now). They are all between 5 and 15 years old and are in good condition, although being used for gardening, motorcycling etc.

I think starting your collection with the Beckmans is ok. I personally prefer the Iron Ranger, but that's just my taste.