Your price made me a laugh. $125? That is hilariously overpriced for a wallet with a little bit of leather and stitching. My actual redwing American made work boot is just 100 dollars more. You really need to step back and look at yourself in the mirror. Comical!
Huge shout out to the motion graphics designer and editor! Loved these videos before, but the editing has been so helpful to understand exactly which parts of the shoe and leather we're looking at :)
They didn't open a factory in Asia to meet demand. They opened a factory in Asia to make more money. Also, these videos are slick as hell nowadays and the production quality is great.
@@damnfez Yeah I mean that, I don't understand why everything has to be shipped overseas to be made when there's pplenty of people here (in the USA) that can make stuff. I dont mind if its a tad more excpensive.
One thing about Irish setter is they also sell to stores at a discount. The warehouse by my house is constantly selling Irish setters which retail for around $200 for close to $150. For that price range I think it's a decent deal for what you are getting. Would love to see you cut open a Red wing SuperSole 2.0 one day and give your opinion on those. Those soles seem to have a high level of comfort, but ive heard some say its in expense of durability.
They’re not as comfy as you think they’re pretty stiff unless you’re heavier and have a arch in ur foot if you’re flat footed and not that heavy they’re gonna hurt after a few hours..
I own and have tried many different boots for work,looking for mostly comfortability & durability…Redwing,Timberland pro,Thorogood etc..& so far the Irish setters have been the most comfortable boots i own and use for work. Im a Jet mechanic & typically work 6 days a week 8-12hrs a day on concrete flooring and i can honestly wear these all day without feeling fatigue, or having my feet hurt afterwards. I feel like this boot is at a great price point for what it offers even though it is not made in the USA i most likely will keep buying these for work. (I keep my Thorogoods in the back of the truck as backup boots)
I would’ve probably given them a try back when I worked for a warehouse, but the waterproofing turned me away since my feet tend to sweat a lot. I ended up with rock rooster boots and when stacking three insoles (one flat firm, another flat cushioning, and a third rigid) I was able to go to around 14 hours before it started feeling uncomfortable, and I didn’t have any foot pain when using those boots. I was in a warehouse as a picker, so that was like 20+ miles in a normal 12 hour day on finished slab concrete while carrying 40-60lbs most of the time and 100lbs kinda frequently.
I got the taller version of this boot with a safety toe. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I went to the store to look at these. It was quite obvious they were not part of the heritage line, and the priority was immediate comfort. They more than lived up to that comfort and remained that way even after almost two years. I still wear them now. I had tried on many safety toe boots by the time I went to the red wing store. None were even close to these for comfort, all having some annoying pressure or sharp point inside it.
Wear the safety toe version every day outdoors in heavy construction. Super comfortable and great value. Have tried all non PNW boots and these are my favorites. RW and thorogood boots didn't last any longer before resole despite double the cost.
They where great boots back in the day. I got my first pair back in High School in 78. Since they moved to China, they are not made very well. Bought my last pair 20 years ago. Thanks for another nice video. I fear Red Wing is all about making the most money and will keep putting cheaper materials in all of their boots..And, yes, I would like to buy a Moctober shirt...
Currently work at a redwing store where this is our top selling boot with a couple of usa made supersoles behind it. 95% of the customers I speak to prefer comfort over durability and will take comfort. The wingshooter is the boot construction workers blow through in 4 months and keep buying because they cant wear anything harder. If i try to put a customer in 10875 a traditionally made moc with all natural materials i will bet money they are returning a week later because they can't handle a break in period working 12 hour days and typically only have a single pair of boots. I love our heritage and usa made boots but trying to get someone not knowledgeable about footwear into them and its asking for complaints about stiffness and discomfort. I like the wingshooters ive seen guys care for them properly and put 3 resoles on them. Boots with this constuction that prioritize a light weight and comfort are the go to for the majority of blue collar guys in my experience selling to the everyday average worker
When the local gander mountain went out of business, they had these boots for $65. I bought them out of my size and got pairs as Christmas presents for my dad and brother. They're definitely one of the most comfortable boots I own.
I work at Lowe’s in the garden center and these have been so good (I have the true wedge sole with a composite safety toe version). I’ve had them drenched in water, covered in mulch, dirt, and mud, I even took them fishing and stood in the water for a solid 10 minutes just trekking through the water. Perfectly dry feet. Been wearing them for only about half a year tho, but regardless, I agree they are super underrated
My grandpa gave me his very gently used Farmingtons 5 years ago. They’ve been my dedicated snow removal boots and now use them for my part time job. They’ve held up great for what little I’ve used them. Now that I use them at my second job they are wearing in great. Still comfy soles holding up.
So I’ve used IS Moctoes for about a year as a butcher and I can honestly say they’ve held up well. Definitely not a top of the line boot but I can’t really complain, no damage from wear to the boot at all except for the sole wearing which is to be expected. Great video!
I received these for free when working at a warehouse as a yearly workboot program. Theyre by far my favorite working boot i e received from the company. I always ask for these now.
I have a set of these boots and I love them. They are tough as nails so far with lots of hiking in the PNW and now in Texas. I've worn them sloshing across shallow creeks and through 9in of snow and I've worn them through Texas prairie and wetland. They've been great, and at the $200 price point the best "modern built" boot I've had the pleasure to own
I would say that these boots would certainly fill a good spot at $150. I had old coworkers who loved them. If you find it on sale, and you are a younger guy just starting out, I think it’s a buy
If you go into actual Red Wing stores they can locate you discontinued boots for $65, several older moc toes left. They might give you contact info for another store but you can get them shipped from the store.
Thanks for doing this honest review. We have been selling Red Wing and Irish setters in our little hardware store in Manti, UT for a long time now and we frequently get customers complaining about lined work boots being too hot in the summer, and frustrations with more and more of their styles being imported. Their import quality is definitely not terrible like other brands imports. But they all seem to have a liner. I too am preferential to unlined boots in the summer. They dont seem to hold heat and the sweat dries faster. The 953’s have been a solid, standby for me personally, but I wish they made that style with a dark colored wedge/crepe style sole, or a sole with a little bit of traction. But they are excellent work boots! I do have several import styles from Red Wing and Irish Setter and so far they have held up fine!
Considering redwing has the 1907, I think this is a good evolution for the Irish setter. It’s a modern hiking/hunting boot with old school appeal at a fair price. I think it’s a smart business decision.
I bought a pair recently and they are incredibly comfortable. I went in to buy some Thorogoods but they seemed tight on my foot while the cheaper Irish Setters felt wider with a larger toe box. The model I have are unlined with a wedge sole. My only complaint is that mine doesn’t have speed hooks.
I wear a pair of irish setter brand boots, they may not be meant to be rebuilt but they are actually fairly decent quality when compared to other boots in the same price category. Or at least they don't fall apart after a year. There is definite cost cutting, but it hasn't been in anything super critical. For reference I paid about $120 for them back in 2021, and have worn them roughly every other work day. In that time i have loaded trailers, worked as a cook, and I currently work as a blacksmith. One difference is that I wear a soft toe version of the Ashby which is primarily a work shoe.
I have a pair of Irish setter logging boots. They are about 8 months old and The sole it's starting to separate from the boot. Granted I'm pretty hard on these boots but this is not what I expected.
My brother had a pair that lasted 2-2 1/2 years. He kinda stopped taking care of them the last 6-8 months too. Sorry to hear yours seperated. I guess it’s somewhat luck of the draw.
I just picked up my first pair of Wingshooters to replace my Danner Cedar Rivers (this is also a boot I'd like to see you cut open for moctober). The Irish Setters are by far the most comfortable out-of-the-box boot I've ever put on.
I bought a pair of these 2 years ago. I purchased them for $179 on the internet. After I got them I wished I would have spent another $100 or so for real 875 Red Wings. I feel better after watching this video. Nothing wrong with them but if you're looking for the real deal just spend the money. There not bad and they are comfortable. I live in Idaho and wanted the waterproofing. Thanks!!
I got mine 3 years ago. Wore them first time for a 13 hour shift on concrete. They were awesome. My safety toe stitching has broken and come apart on my right boot. The heals on inside have held up. Some loose stitching on heals. I love these boots and will continue to buy them.
The Irish Setter Wingshooters are perfect for my application. I work in the environmental field and these boots hold up for the demands for hiking through wooded urban areas. In fact, I can wear these boots all day and my feet don’t feel sore and my back doesn’t hurt at the end of the workday. The only draw back is the soles do wear quickly but they can be resoled. For the price point, you can’t go wrong. I strongly recommend these boots.
I had an OG pair of Irish Setters. A friend found them in the woods off the side of a trail in the Adirondacks, they'd obviously been there for a while. She gave them to me, I oiled them until they came back to life, and wore them for several years. I outgrew them when I was about 30 (long story) and gave them to a friend. I wouldn't be surprised if they were still being used today.
I have two pairs of these exact boots, one pair are my daily driver and has been for going on 2 years, the other is the ones I wear whenever I'm not working. I love them, very easily broken in, have had no issues with my daily's except replacing the wedge sole every year seeing as how I work in a hanger and AOA which is all concrete/asphalt
I own the mic toe version of this boot, and it’s amazing how comfortable they are. I’ve taken them sailing, hiking, hunting, working, and out to bars. Always my rainy day go to boots.
I’m a plumber and the Irish setter is the best boot I have ever owned. The waterproofing is amazing the price is decent and I have bought a new pair every year for 7 years now because of how comfortable they are. Comfort is everything when you are working on your feet all day.
I picked up a pair of Irish Setters after going to my local Redwing store with the intent on purchasing a pair of Redwing boots...I ended up buying the Irish Setters and I love them.
i had a pair of these a few years ago to wear as construction work boots. They are extremely comfortable and reasonably durable, but you're right about the sole delaminating. I have a weird gait and I wear the outsides of my heels down fast, and once I got through the rubber bottom soles, they just disintegrated. I would be interested to see you cut up a pair of Wolverine I-90 moc toes. I'm not under any illusion that they are built using heritage materials or methods, but they are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn, and the first pair of them I had lasted me over two years when I normally kill a pair of boots in a year or less. Wolverine's Dura-Shock system would be interesting to see broken down, too.
I’m on my second pair of Irish Setter Ashby boots. I’m a local truck driver who delivers to farms, construction sites, schools, residences, etc. In short, I’m in and out of the truck all day, pushing and pulling heavy pallets around up and down on a liftgate. Work boots usually last me about 6-8 months. I bought the Ashbys because they were comfortable but had no idea how tough they were. I wore the first pair for two years before trashing them, and I probably could have had them resoled. These are some of the best boots I’ve ever worn. My only complaint is that they aren’t waterproof and not very warm in the winter. Other than that, extremely comfortable and long lasting, especially for the price. Mine were made in Vietnam.
I also tried on the Wingshooters, the ones you are reviewing, and they were even more comfortable, felt like walking on a cloud. The reason I didn’t buy them was because they didn’t have them in my exact size.
I've had these for close to a year. And holding up good. The soles do feel a bit slippery. I recently wore them on a 1500km (932mile) bike tour. I would wear them 12 hours per day. It felt fine. I would like to wear them in the winter and see how insulated they are. But overall happy with. Obviously would wish they were all leather here and there. But that would hike up the price. The red wing boots cost twice these. So I'll have to settle with these for now.
I own four pairs of Wingshooters and over two dozen red wing/irish setter/vasque boots, and can easily say they are the most comfortable boots I own. My Wingshooters see more wear than any other boots I own. My feet have never been happier than in my Wingshooters.
I originally bought the red wings before these and my feet hurt everyday. After 6 weeks of trying to break those in i gave up. I bought the Irish Setter 14 months ago amd wear them 5 days a week 10 hours a day. They just got the point that they need a resole. The inside of the shoes are still in really good shape with no rips or tears. The leather and stiching are still in great shape, just dirty. They are by far the most comfortable shoe i own.
I haven't worn any Irish Setters myself, but my brother wears the wedge sole moc toes for working on a concrete floor all day and he says they are the most comfortable boots he's used.
Funny, my job gave me a pair of these a few weeks ago. I looked up to see if you had a cut in half vid on your channel and didn't see anything until now!
So I'll say as someone who does sell this boot, it is a really good boot. I work in a red wing shoe store and I've got guys who wear this boot who will have like two pairs. They rotate back and forth and they'll resole them. I have a customer who is on his 10th resole. And I will say that the concerned points he made are valid. I would say that I rarely have seen issues with it. And at least my location. We sell about 100 pair of these a month. Was only one to two pairs coming back for defects. Most of the time when we see these boots come back they are for resoles.
Irish setter Ashbys are my go to for working indoors. Favorite looking moc toe. Every once in a while you'll find crazy deals. Last two pairs were $80. Regular $160. Walk 10 miles a day and they are comfy. I know. I gotta just suck it up and grab some thorogoods.
Definitely a shame to see iconic USA brands made overseas and lack the same quality as before. I just got a pair of red wing 10877’s and love them so far. I’m not too sure what the difference is between them and 877 but I’m pleased
I used to be a redwing sales man, I can tell you from experience, the only difference between them are the hardware you get with the boots(Eyelits and laces). The 877’s have waxed laces and silver eyelits, where as the 10877’s have gunmetal eyelits and no waxed laces. Also the 10877’s have a redwing embossed logo, I personally prefer the 10877’s for that reason alone. You can always go to a redwing store and they will change the eyelits free of charge as long as it’s a corporate store
Really enjoy these videos. I really wish they were USA made but they are the most comfortable boots I own. Can wear them at work or hunting or just casually. They have been good for me for 3+ years wearing 3 days a week on average with tons of life left in them. Sure they could be made more like red wings but I think with the comfort almost right out of the box and how waterproof they are it’s a sacrifice I’ll make.
I wear these daily in the brewery on concrete floors and they are by far the best boot out there in terms of comfort and durability. They stay soaking wet most of the year and rarely have the chance to dry out. When they do dry out, I try and apply mink oil, but that's only been two or three times. They are exposed daily to 180 degree water and caustic as well as a variety of acids and of course beer, and have yet to leak. As for wear, after a year, the inside still looks very good, with a bit of wear on the insole, but everything else looks almost new and the liner has zero wear marks. So far these have lasted me a little over a year. I have almost worn through the outsole tread pattern and the leather is starting to crack, but i cant see another leather boot that wouldn't show the same wear given the environment. All other boots I have tried are usually not fully waterproof or have glued outsoles that always delaminate. Best boot on the market for its comfort, durability and most importantly for me, its ability to stay dry.
I have a pair of wing shooters and work in boot components manufacturing 12 hr shifts 2 breaks and a lunch been there for two year and they are just now breaking down the white out sole lost its grip and wore threw the linner still really comfortable.... If you get this boot and Work that type of hours it's a solid pick just be ready in a few years for a resole
I have this exact some boot, with a slim foot pad, over all great boot, but the sole is soft for all day standing on concrete is perfect I walk stand sit all day for 8+ hrs , paid $210 and $70 for the insert , I'm super happy with it so far
I’ve been wearing these Boots for years and they’re the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned I have several pairs, I wear them for going out,work and also upland hunting. The pairs I use for work, I wear them for a couple months, I have Redwing replace the soles with Vibram soles making a good boot a great boot. My current boots, I wear for work are almost 3 years old the liner hasn’t ripped on the inside. The stitching on outside has still held up. I do take care of my boots, I clean them and use leather conditioner to help make them last.I’m a truck driver that hand truck delivers heating and cooling equipment. I do wish they’d bring back the 9 in dark brown It seems to be discontinued.
The redwing moctoe was a pretty decent boot. Unfortunately i work in concrete and those foam soles basically evaporate when your working on a parking lot all day. The toe threads get ground off the second you have to crawl along to finish said concrete. The flesh out Thursdays have so far been the best ive used yet (for the price point)
Top notch video and production value….not to mention excellent criticism. Excellent call out as well as giving the boot its due. I think you nailed it when you said that it isnt getting better…but its a decent boot for the price. I also came here to watch everyone complain about it being made overseas…all while people run out and brag how cheap they bought their latest whatever to their buddies. It was this race to the bottom as well as just flat out greed that sent production overseas. We did it to ourselves…and the companies were happy to facilitate it.
These look good, and for me comfort is everything. I have a pair of Redwing 3140 chukkas which I can no longer wear past the end of the street due to a small but extremely annoying heel slippage in one of them which has been getting worse with time, also the line where the toecap joins digs in - I've tried all the tricks, but nothing seems to work. They are also very hard to walk on due to the very thick leather insole. It's all very well having quality materials, but I prefer a bit of cushioning, which these ones seem to have.
Review duradero boots I just bought a pair, they’re very comfortable and the company is fairly new and make exclusively Moc toe boots in soft and steel toe in 6in and 8in varieties.
I have a pair of 807 Wingshooters. I'm in my 60's and use them as daily footwear, not hunting or work, but because they seem to help my knees more than any other boot or shoe. I don't know why really. I have Thursday Captains that are pretty good on my knees, but these are better for that. On bad days when my knees really hurt, these are what I wear unless it is hot. Hope they hold up, I'm sure for me they will because of my age and inability to stand on my feet for more than an hour and don't do any heavy work. Anyway, I would buy them again just for my knees.
Great video. Yeah, a total sell out. I struggled to find Made in USA boots until I found your channel. Been waiting for about 4 months for my first Nicks boots and they should be here in like 4 days. Love your content
I got a free pair of these with a composite toe from work. Within 2 months the foam like you had mentioned was delaminated in the toe area AND the toe seam failed and peeled up to the laces. I have to send them back but currently I’m rocking the trusty thorogoods and they haven’t let me down once.
I have only ever had one super durable and comfortable pair of boots and those were made for me by my father a polish apprentice trained cobbler. He made everything leather even coats and handbags!!
Finally, these were my first boots and i feel like they're the best inteo boots, because they're comfortable since the beginning and only get better when broken in.
I have a pair of these - the insulated version. They've been great, though it did take awhile for me to break them in - they pushed on my achilles in that one spot that's super-painful, so I had to break them in very slow. They do everything they are supposed to. As for where they're made and "the cheapening" - well, businesses do whet they need to do in order to make money, and bigger businesses have more options, and US worker wages haven't grown at all since the 1980s, so I have to wonder that had they kept everything stateside, they'd be making a boot that American's couldn't afford. I do kinda wish there were fewer synthetic materials, but they are good boots in my book.
I use wingshooters for pretty much every day use. I absolutely love them. I did have the ST versions for work and they weren't bad. Just recently replaced them with the redwing traction tread lights.
Great video, the quality of your edits is getting wild. I would not consider this a sell out. Redwing has their heritage line that is MITUSA. Not everyone is looking to pay that price range, so it’s smart to have options in different price points.
I got a pair of these about 6 months ago. I highly suggest buying a slab of eight or nine oz of vegetable leather and then cut yourself to insoles. Put them inside the boot and let it mold to your foot. I got rid of the foam insole. What Sunset has a pretty high toe box, you might be able to use both.
I'm going with it's design is based on what people want... People love the theroy of a boot built with all natural high quality materials. But it does take forever for those to break in. People like instant gradification.. So bring on the foam... I will say I have a pair of these as my wet weather boots, and I'm most impressed... I did remove the synthetic insole and replace it with a leather one..... Keeps the stink down.
I own 5 pairs of the wing shooters. And several pairs of Red wings mock-toes . The wing shooters are always water proof. I never get wet . I’m a plumber I’m always in mud and water . The soul will outlast the red wing heritage line . Definitely the best work boot I’ve ever owned . I still love my Red wings . 😮
I got the steel toe traction tred version of this boot from my work and they're super comfortable. I take them hiking a lot. Hopefully they last until my work's next free boot promo.
Been waiting so long for this! I even reached out willing to send my now over 3 year old pair in to cut in half with a new pair for comparison. These boots are really underrated. Their my favourite pair. The most comfortable. Iv worn then for feild mechanics, logging, carpentry, masonry, winter heavy equipment work, concrete, ranching, big hiking trips, camping. Everything. There going in for some custom work an s new sole soon. I also have the same boot in the redwing version(both 8" tall) an its already having stitching coming apart, that I repaired my self after 7 months. I wear both boots the same. I saddle soap all my boots an condition them my self. An have for a long time. An the Irish setters are a better boot then Red Wings. Altho I I do wish both pairs were build like the originals yes.
I passed... and they have added tens of dollars to the pricetag at the redwing store, I tried on a pair last Wednesday. I personally think most of the boot companies are kind of in cahoots you don't really find a deal you find the same of everything in the same price range of that $250 to $300 boot. I didn't think they were that comfortable to tell you the truth. Thanks for the video.
The stitching at the toe doesn't last long at all. But i do love how the feel. 25 miles in 3 days with 60 pound pack a couple weeks ago. Feet felt great.
I have had a pair of these for three years now, and wear them every season except summer when it’s too hot to even wear pants. They’re definitely worth it for the comfort. All the city workers choose these ones and I see them everywhere. They’re decent for sure, but my 1907’s are my personal gold standard.
I have these in black. Super comfortable but there’s a clicking sound coming from the shank area on the right boot. Going to take them to a cobbler soon
Bummed out it’s not made in US but with that said …my Irish setter have lasted me two years as a mechanic… I got mine for $180 . Very comfortable loved it
thanks for this. I have red wing supersoles. They're made in the USA but they are a molded sole. Mine fell apart after so long and I'm getting it resoled right now actually. They're low end red wings but they look sick and are really durable.
I'd love a review of the Ashby, I'm thinking of getting it for work this month, the wingshooters speed hooks get caught on ladders and they risk scratching floors as an interior painter. The wingshooter just lasted me 2 years, the toes worn out and the counter cover thing is blown out on the inside, I've been super happy with them.
As a pheasant hunter here in Ireland. I use the Irish Setter wingshooter and they are awesome I get about 3 years out of a pair but they get hell for those 3 years. For the comfort out the box you can’t ask for more. When your carrying a shotgun plus maybe 15 kg of cartridges all day during the winter breaking in new boots is something I personally don’t want to deal with.
Re: the wallet- "We've never had any returned for repairs" = "this guy is full of sh*t" but "We've only had one or two returned for repairs" = "wow, this sounds pretty legit." Subtle difference, but confidence-inspiring.
The waterproof lining in these boots has the same problem with dirt as it does with water. Finer dirt can find its way in through the seams, and build up over time. Totally unnoticeable at first, but over the course of a month or two working in dry environments it can really add up. It has sometimes gotten to the point where I feel like I have rocks stuck in my shoe that grind against the sides of my feet and toes. I recently just cut a hole in the inside of each so I can occasionally wiggle my finger around to loosen and dump it out. I'd strongly recommend against Red Wings with waterproof liners if you do any kind of excavation or hand digging work. I've ordered a new pair of Jim Green steel toes and will be switching to them as soon as they come in.
I went to buy a new pair of wingshooters a few years ago to replace a pair I had gotten years before.. They are targeted as hunting rather than work boots. The leather had a cheap, waxy texture and it was not smooth leather. Plus it had a work sole on it rather than a vibram lug sole. I ended up with Thorogood 1957’s instead.
Back in 2011 I got a pair of RW hiking boots with a steel toe for a camp counselor job I had gotten. Ten years later I was using them for my geology degree in the field. The construction wasn't amazing compared to other boots, but the waterproofing held up well and the steel toe saved my toes a couple of times in the middle of nowhere. Only issue was that an eyelet wore out and broke. Went to buy another pair and found that they switched to metal eyelets, fixing the issue
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Your price made me a laugh. $125? That is hilariously overpriced for a wallet with a little bit of leather and stitching. My actual redwing American made work boot is just 100 dollars more. You really need to step back and look at yourself in the mirror.
Comical!
Huge shout out to the motion graphics designer and editor! Loved these videos before, but the editing has been so helpful to understand exactly which parts of the shoe and leather we're looking at :)
Yuck
@@cottonhiker what?
I've had a pair of these for 6 years, and they still look amazing. I love em.
They weren't made the same 6 years ago
They didn't open a factory in Asia to meet demand. They opened a factory in Asia to make more money.
Also, these videos are slick as hell nowadays and the production quality is great.
Bingo
It always comes down to profit margins.
I would not mind paying more for a solid boot made here in the States.
@@Pineappleparty You can still get their MITUSA 877s.
@Pineappleparty if you mean that, there's plenty of boots made in America.
@@damnfez Yeah I mean that, I don't understand why everything has to be shipped overseas to be made when there's pplenty of people here (in the USA) that can make stuff. I dont mind if its a tad more excpensive.
One thing about Irish setter is they also sell to stores at a discount. The warehouse by my house is constantly selling Irish setters which retail for around $200 for close to $150. For that price range I think it's a decent deal for what you are getting. Would love to see you cut open a Red wing SuperSole 2.0 one day and give your opinion on those. Those soles seem to have a high level of comfort, but ive heard some say its in expense of durability.
They’re not as comfy as you think they’re pretty stiff unless you’re heavier and have a arch in ur foot if you’re flat footed and not that heavy they’re gonna hurt after a few hours..
I own and have tried many different boots for work,looking for mostly comfortability & durability…Redwing,Timberland pro,Thorogood etc..& so far the Irish setters have been the most comfortable boots i own and use for work. Im a Jet mechanic & typically work 6 days a week 8-12hrs a day on concrete flooring and i can honestly wear these all day without feeling fatigue, or having my feet hurt afterwards. I feel like this boot is at a great price point for what it offers even though it is not made in the USA i most likely will keep buying these for work. (I keep my Thorogoods in the back of the truck as backup boots)
I would’ve probably given them a try back when I worked for a warehouse, but the waterproofing turned me away since my feet tend to sweat a lot. I ended up with rock rooster boots and when stacking three insoles (one flat firm, another flat cushioning, and a third rigid) I was able to go to around 14 hours before it started feeling uncomfortable, and I didn’t have any foot pain when using those boots. I was in a warehouse as a picker, so that was like 20+ miles in a normal 12 hour day on finished slab concrete while carrying 40-60lbs most of the time and 100lbs kinda frequently.
@@walkermorales337 nice, maybe ill give them a go next time around i need a pair of boots.
The Ashby series of the Irish setters aren't waterproof, much more breathable, and great for indoor use on concrete floors.
I got the taller version of this boot with a safety toe. I am completely satisfied with this purchase. I went to the store to look at these. It was quite obvious they were not part of the heritage line, and the priority was immediate comfort. They more than lived up to that comfort and remained that way even after almost two years. I still wear them now. I had tried on many safety toe boots by the time I went to the red wing store. None were even close to these for comfort, all having some annoying pressure or sharp point inside it.
Here! Here!
Sounds perfect for the engineer in the factory who sits on CAD up front all day but has to walk the floor sometimes and work on equipment.
I've had mine for 2 years and are still very comfortable. $179 off the internet.
Wear the safety toe version every day outdoors in heavy construction. Super comfortable and great value. Have tried all non PNW boots and these are my favorites. RW and thorogood boots didn't last any longer before resole despite double the cost.
Yep my RW needed resole 10 months in @@JDCrae
They where great boots back in the day. I got my first pair back in High School in 78. Since they moved to China, they are not made very well. Bought my last pair 20 years ago. Thanks for another nice video. I fear Red Wing is all about making the most money and will keep putting cheaper materials in all of their boots..And, yes, I would like to buy a Moctober shirt...
How can you say they’re not made very well if you haven’t owned a pair in 20 years? lol
Currently work at a redwing store where this is our top selling boot with a couple of usa made supersoles behind it. 95% of the customers I speak to prefer comfort over durability and will take comfort. The wingshooter is the boot construction workers blow through in 4 months and keep buying because they cant wear anything harder. If i try to put a customer in 10875 a traditionally made moc with all natural materials i will bet money they are returning a week later because they can't handle a break in period working 12 hour days and typically only have a single pair of boots. I love our heritage and usa made boots but trying to get someone not knowledgeable about footwear into them and its asking for complaints about stiffness and discomfort. I like the wingshooters ive seen guys care for them properly and put 3 resoles on them. Boots with this constuction that prioritize a light weight and comfort are the go to for the majority of blue collar guys in my experience selling to the everyday average worker
Honestly learning that not only would I have to spend 2x+ what I had been but that I’d have to have at least two was a really hard pill to swallow.
Are the supersoles worth the money?
@@gregoriojuarez1579yes, by far. Take care of the leather and resole when needed and you'll get 10-20 years out of one.
How long is the break-in period for the 10875? A rough estimation would work.
@rogueinvestor2375 I'd say atleast 2 weeks to be truly comfy, even modern work boots I tell guys to give them at least a week or 2
When the local gander mountain went out of business, they had these boots for $65. I bought them out of my size and got pairs as Christmas presents for my dad and brother. They're definitely one of the most comfortable boots I own.
Duuuude !! Been using these every day for a whole year mon-fri, walk an average 6 miles a day. These boots are under rated
I work at Lowe’s in the garden center and these have been so good (I have the true wedge sole with a composite safety toe version). I’ve had them drenched in water, covered in mulch, dirt, and mud, I even took them fishing and stood in the water for a solid 10 minutes just trekking through the water. Perfectly dry feet. Been wearing them for only about half a year tho, but regardless, I agree they are super underrated
Extremely underrated
I’ve got several pairs and love them for work, Hunting and going out.
My grandpa gave me his very gently used Farmingtons 5 years ago. They’ve been my dedicated snow removal boots and now use them for my part time job. They’ve held up great for what little I’ve used them. Now that I use them at my second job they are wearing in great. Still comfy soles holding up.
I have the Ashby boot, which I love. It was my introduction into this whole boot world. They're light and super comfortable.
So I’ve used IS Moctoes for about a year as a butcher and I can honestly say they’ve held up well. Definitely not a top of the line boot but I can’t really complain, no damage from wear to the boot at all except for the sole wearing which is to be expected. Great video!
thumbnail is insane
Lol, how?
@@chrism4008its implying it's dog leather
At least that's what I thought lol
A true delicacy in the proud Eastern lands, of course they wouldn’t waste the leather
rose anvil makes pretty legit videos but with the least legit looking thumbnails lmao, but its for the engagement and the content is good
That’s super funny. It’s an Irish setter dog hahaha not dog leather
I received these for free when working at a warehouse as a yearly workboot program.
Theyre by far my favorite working boot i e received from the company. I always ask for these now.
I love these boots, I do paving work and wear my boots for 12+ hours a day and these are SOOO comfortable and they haven’t fell apart on me yet!
I have a set of these boots and I love them. They are tough as nails so far with lots of hiking in the PNW and now in Texas. I've worn them sloshing across shallow creeks and through 9in of snow and I've worn them through Texas prairie and wetland. They've been great, and at the $200 price point the best "modern built" boot I've had the pleasure to own
I would say that these boots would certainly fill a good spot at $150. I had old coworkers who loved them. If you find it on sale, and you are a younger guy just starting out, I think it’s a buy
They’re currently on sale for $170. Seems like a much better price for the product
If you go into actual Red Wing stores they can locate you discontinued boots for $65, several older moc toes left. They might give you contact info for another store but you can get them shipped from the store.
@@Myers100684Really?
Thanks for doing this honest review. We have been selling Red Wing and Irish setters in our little hardware store in Manti, UT for a long time now and we frequently get customers complaining about lined work boots being too hot in the summer, and frustrations with more and more of their styles being imported. Their import quality is definitely not terrible like other brands imports. But they all seem to have a liner. I too am preferential to unlined boots in the summer. They dont seem to hold heat and the sweat dries faster. The 953’s have been a solid, standby for me personally, but I wish they made that style with a dark colored wedge/crepe style sole, or a sole with a little bit of traction. But they are excellent work boots!
I do have several import styles from Red Wing and Irish Setter and so far they have held up fine!
Considering redwing has the 1907, I think this is a good evolution for the Irish setter. It’s a modern hiking/hunting boot with old school appeal at a fair price. I think it’s a smart business decision.
I bought a pair recently and they are incredibly comfortable. I went in to buy some Thorogoods but they seemed tight on my foot while the cheaper Irish Setters felt wider with a larger toe box. The model I have are unlined with a wedge sole. My only complaint is that mine doesn’t have speed hooks.
Irish setter Ashby.
most RW stores can install speed hooks for free! I work at one and did some on my own boots, game changer!
I wear a pair of irish setter brand boots, they may not be meant to be rebuilt but they are actually fairly decent quality when compared to other boots in the same price category. Or at least they don't fall apart after a year. There is definite cost cutting, but it hasn't been in anything super critical. For reference I paid about $120 for them back in 2021, and have worn them roughly every other work day. In that time i have loaded trailers, worked as a cook, and I currently work as a blacksmith. One difference is that I wear a soft toe version of the Ashby which is primarily a work shoe.
I have a pair of Irish setter logging boots. They are about 8 months old and The sole it's starting to separate from the boot. Granted I'm pretty hard on these boots but this is not what I expected.
My brother had a pair that lasted 2-2 1/2 years. He kinda stopped taking care of them the last 6-8 months too. Sorry to hear yours seperated. I guess it’s somewhat luck of the draw.
I just picked up my first pair of Wingshooters to replace my Danner Cedar Rivers (this is also a boot I'd like to see you cut open for moctober). The Irish Setters are by far the most comfortable out-of-the-box boot I've ever put on.
I own a pair of these boots and I love them. They are really comfortable and have held up extremely well.
I bought a pair of these 2 years ago. I purchased them for $179 on the internet. After I got them I wished I would have spent another $100 or so for real 875 Red Wings. I feel better after watching this video. Nothing wrong with them but if you're looking for the real deal just spend the money. There not bad and they are comfortable. I live in Idaho and wanted the waterproofing. Thanks!!
Bought these about 2 years ago. Returned them the next day. The seam in the heel split after 1 day.
I got mine 3 years ago. Wore them first time for a 13 hour shift on concrete. They were awesome. My safety toe stitching has broken and come apart on my right boot. The heals on inside have held up. Some loose stitching on heals. I love these boots and will continue to buy them.
The Irish Setter Wingshooters are perfect for my application. I work in the environmental field and these boots hold up for the demands for hiking through wooded urban areas. In fact, I can wear these boots all day and my feet don’t feel sore and my back doesn’t hurt at the end of the workday. The only draw back is the soles do wear quickly but they can be resoled. For the price point, you can’t go wrong. I strongly recommend these boots.
I had an OG pair of Irish Setters.
A friend found them in the woods off the side of a trail in the Adirondacks, they'd obviously been there for a while.
She gave them to me, I oiled them until they came back to life, and wore them for several years.
I outgrew them when I was about 30 (long story) and gave them to a friend. I wouldn't be surprised if they were still being used today.
I have two pairs of these exact boots, one pair are my daily driver and has been for going on 2 years, the other is the ones I wear whenever I'm not working. I love them, very easily broken in, have had no issues with my daily's except replacing the wedge sole every year seeing as how I work in a hanger and AOA which is all concrete/asphalt
I own the mic toe version of this boot, and it’s amazing how comfortable they are. I’ve taken them sailing, hiking, hunting, working, and out to bars. Always my rainy day go to boots.
My steel toe Irish setters fell apart after a year. $250 down the drain. Definitely look elsewhere for a well made boot!!
I’m a plumber and the Irish setter is the best boot I have ever owned. The waterproofing is amazing the price is decent and I have bought a new pair every year for 7 years now because of how comfortable they are. Comfort is everything when you are working on your feet all day.
L.L.Bean still sells a kangaroo leather upland hunter's moc-toe boot for $250.
I'd be interested in seeing it cut in half and reviewed.
I picked up a pair of Irish Setters after going to my local Redwing store with the intent on purchasing a pair of Redwing boots...I ended up buying the Irish Setters and I love them.
i had a pair of these a few years ago to wear as construction work boots. They are extremely comfortable and reasonably durable, but you're right about the sole delaminating. I have a weird gait and I wear the outsides of my heels down fast, and once I got through the rubber bottom soles, they just disintegrated.
I would be interested to see you cut up a pair of Wolverine I-90 moc toes. I'm not under any illusion that they are built using heritage materials or methods, but they are the most comfortable boots I've ever worn, and the first pair of them I had lasted me over two years when I normally kill a pair of boots in a year or less. Wolverine's Dura-Shock system would be interesting to see broken down, too.
I’m on my second pair of Irish Setter Ashby boots. I’m a local truck driver who delivers to farms, construction sites, schools, residences, etc. In short, I’m in and out of the truck all day, pushing and pulling heavy pallets around up and down on a liftgate. Work boots usually last me about 6-8 months. I bought the Ashbys because they were comfortable but had no idea how tough they were. I wore the first pair for two years before trashing them, and I probably could have had them resoled. These are some of the best boots I’ve ever worn. My only complaint is that they aren’t waterproof and not very warm in the winter. Other than that, extremely comfortable and long lasting, especially for the price. Mine were made in Vietnam.
I also tried on the Wingshooters, the ones you are reviewing, and they were even more comfortable, felt like walking on a cloud. The reason I didn’t buy them was because they didn’t have them in my exact size.
I've had these for close to a year. And holding up good. The soles do feel a bit slippery.
I recently wore them on a 1500km (932mile) bike tour. I would wear them 12 hours per day. It felt fine. I would like to wear them in the winter and see how insulated they are. But overall happy with. Obviously would wish they were all leather here and there. But that would hike up the price. The red wing boots cost twice these. So I'll have to settle with these for now.
I own four pairs of Wingshooters and over two dozen red wing/irish setter/vasque boots, and can easily say they are the most comfortable boots I own. My Wingshooters see more wear than any other boots I own. My feet have never been happier than in my Wingshooters.
I originally bought the red wings before these and my feet hurt everyday. After 6 weeks of trying to break those in i gave up. I bought the Irish Setter 14 months ago amd wear them 5 days a week 10 hours a day. They just got the point that they need a resole. The inside of the shoes are still in really good shape with no rips or tears. The leather and stiching are still in great shape, just dirty. They are by far the most comfortable shoe i own.
I haven't worn any Irish Setters myself, but my brother wears the wedge sole moc toes for working on a concrete floor all day and he says they are the most comfortable boots he's used.
Funny, my job gave me a pair of these a few weeks ago. I looked up to see if you had a cut in half vid on your channel and didn't see anything until now!
So I'll say as someone who does sell this boot, it is a really good boot. I work in a red wing shoe store and I've got guys who wear this boot who will have like two pairs. They rotate back and forth and they'll resole them. I have a customer who is on his 10th resole. And I will say that the concerned points he made are valid. I would say that I rarely have seen issues with it. And at least my location. We sell about 100 pair of these a month. Was only one to two pairs coming back for defects. Most of the time when we see these boots come back they are for resoles.
Irish setter Ashbys are my go to for working indoors. Favorite looking moc toe. Every once in a while you'll find crazy deals. Last two pairs were $80. Regular $160. Walk 10 miles a day and they are comfy. I know. I gotta just suck it up and grab some thorogoods.
Definitely a shame to see iconic USA brands made overseas and lack the same quality as before. I just got a pair of red wing 10877’s and love them so far. I’m not too sure what the difference is between them and 877 but I’m pleased
I used to be a redwing sales man, I can tell you from experience, the only difference between them are the hardware you get with the boots(Eyelits and laces). The 877’s have waxed laces and silver eyelits, where as the 10877’s have gunmetal eyelits and no waxed laces. Also the 10877’s have a redwing embossed logo, I personally prefer the 10877’s for that reason alone. You can always go to a redwing store and they will change the eyelits free of charge as long as it’s a corporate store
Really enjoy these videos. I really wish they were USA made but they are the most comfortable boots I own. Can wear them at work or hunting or just casually. They have been good for me for 3+ years wearing 3 days a week on average with tons of life left in them. Sure they could be made more like red wings but I think with the comfort almost right out of the box and how waterproof they are it’s a sacrifice I’ll make.
I wear these daily in the brewery on concrete floors and they are by far the best boot out there in terms of comfort and durability. They stay soaking wet most of the year and rarely have the chance to dry out. When they do dry out, I try and apply mink oil, but that's only been two or three times. They are exposed daily to 180 degree water and caustic as well as a variety of acids and of course beer, and have yet to leak. As for wear, after a year, the inside still looks very good, with a bit of wear on the insole, but everything else looks almost new and the liner has zero wear marks. So far these have lasted me a little over a year. I have almost worn through the outsole tread pattern and the leather is starting to crack, but i cant see another leather boot that wouldn't show the same wear given the environment. All other boots I have tried are usually not fully waterproof or have glued outsoles that always delaminate. Best boot on the market for its comfort, durability and most importantly for me, its ability to stay dry.
I have a pair of wing shooters and work in boot components manufacturing 12 hr shifts 2 breaks and a lunch been there for two year and they are just now breaking down the white out sole lost its grip and wore threw the linner still really comfortable.... If you get this boot and Work that type of hours it's a solid pick just be ready in a few years for a resole
I have this exact some boot, with a slim foot pad, over all great boot, but the sole is soft for all day standing on concrete is perfect I walk stand sit all day for 8+ hrs , paid $210 and $70 for the insert , I'm super happy with it so far
I’ve been wearing these Boots for years and they’re the most comfortable boots I’ve ever owned
I have several pairs, I wear them for going out,work and also upland hunting.
The pairs I use for work, I wear them for a couple months, I have Redwing replace the soles with Vibram soles making a good boot a great boot.
My current boots, I wear for work are almost 3 years old the liner hasn’t ripped on the inside. The stitching on outside has still held up.
I do take care of my boots, I clean them and use leather conditioner to help make them last.I’m a truck driver that hand truck delivers heating and cooling equipment.
I do wish they’d bring back the 9 in dark brown
It seems to be discontinued.
The redwing moctoe was a pretty decent boot. Unfortunately i work in concrete and those foam soles basically evaporate when your working on a parking lot all day. The toe threads get ground off the second you have to crawl along to finish said concrete.
The flesh out Thursdays have so far been the best ive used yet (for the price point)
Top notch video and production value….not to mention excellent criticism.
Excellent call out as well as giving the boot its due. I think you nailed it when you said that it isnt getting better…but its a decent boot for the price.
I also came here to watch everyone complain about it being made overseas…all while people run out and brag how cheap they bought their latest whatever to their buddies. It was this race to the bottom as well as just flat out greed that sent production overseas.
We did it to ourselves…and the companies were happy to facilitate it.
These look good, and for me comfort is everything. I have a pair of Redwing 3140 chukkas which I can no longer wear past the end of the street due to a small but extremely annoying heel slippage in one of them which has been getting worse with time, also the line where the toecap joins digs in - I've tried all the tricks, but nothing seems to work. They are also very hard to walk on due to the very thick leather insole. It's all very well having quality materials, but I prefer a bit of cushioning, which these ones seem to have.
Review duradero boots I just bought a pair, they’re very comfortable and the company is fairly new and make exclusively Moc toe boots in soft and steel toe in 6in and 8in varieties.
I have a pair of 807 Wingshooters. I'm in my 60's and use them as daily footwear, not hunting or work, but because they seem to help my knees more than any other boot or shoe. I don't know why really. I have Thursday Captains that are pretty good on my knees, but these are better for that. On bad days when my knees really hurt, these are what I wear unless it is hot. Hope they hold up, I'm sure for me they will because of my age and inability to stand on my feet for more than an hour and don't do any heavy work. Anyway, I would buy them again just for my knees.
Great video. Yeah, a total sell out. I struggled to find Made in USA boots until I found your channel. Been waiting for about 4 months for my first Nicks boots and they should be here in like 4 days. Love your content
I got a free pair of these with a composite toe from work. Within 2 months the foam like you had mentioned was delaminated in the toe area AND the toe seam failed and peeled up to the laces. I have to send them back but currently I’m rocking the trusty thorogoods and they haven’t let me down once.
I would LOVE a moctober shirt again. My first one has fallen apart from all the wear. Please Weston do a shirt haha.
I love em great winter boot,super comfortable and very waterproof
I have only ever had one super durable and comfortable pair of boots and those were made for me by my father a polish apprentice trained cobbler. He made everything leather even coats and handbags!!
I have these exact same boots, and I could not be happier with them. honestly
Finally, these were my first boots and i feel like they're the best inteo boots, because they're comfortable since the beginning and only get better when broken in.
Love that you delved deeper into Irish Setter! I have the Elk Tracker 1000g insulation boot, so I am hoping you get your hands on those someday
The production level of this video is insane, come a long way since I started watching way back! Bravo!
I have a pair of these - the insulated version. They've been great, though it did take awhile for me to break them in - they pushed on my achilles in that one spot that's super-painful, so I had to break them in very slow. They do everything they are supposed to. As for where they're made and "the cheapening" - well, businesses do whet they need to do in order to make money, and bigger businesses have more options, and US worker wages haven't grown at all since the 1980s, so I have to wonder that had they kept everything stateside, they'd be making a boot that American's couldn't afford. I do kinda wish there were fewer synthetic materials, but they are good boots in my book.
I use wingshooters for pretty much every day use. I absolutely love them. I did have the ST versions for work and they weren't bad. Just recently replaced them with the redwing traction tread lights.
I’m conflicted between these two models. Any advice?
Great video, the quality of your edits is getting wild. I would not consider this a sell out. Redwing has their heritage line that is MITUSA. Not everyone is looking to pay that price range, so it’s smart to have options in different price points.
I got a pair of these about 6 months ago. I highly suggest buying a slab of eight or nine oz of vegetable leather and then cut yourself to insoles. Put them inside the boot and let it mold to your foot. I got rid of the foam insole. What Sunset has a pretty high toe box, you might be able to use both.
I'm going with it's design is based on what people want... People love the theroy of a boot built with all natural high quality materials. But it does take forever for those to break in. People like instant gradification.. So bring on the foam... I will say I have a pair of these as my wet weather boots, and I'm most impressed... I did remove the synthetic insole and replace it with a leather one..... Keeps the stink down.
I own 5 pairs of the wing shooters. And several pairs of Red wings mock-toes . The wing shooters are always water proof. I never get wet . I’m a plumber I’m always in mud and water . The soul will outlast the red wing heritage line . Definitely the best work boot I’ve ever owned . I still love my Red wings . 😮
This is why I continue to rep my Redwing Moctoe boots made in great old Minnesota!
I got the steel toe traction tred version of this boot from my work and they're super comfortable. I take them hiking a lot. Hopefully they last until my work's next free boot promo.
The boot that introduced me to moctoes, and the best I’ve worn to date. I love my Wingshooters.
Been waiting so long for this! I even reached out willing to send my now over 3 year old pair in to cut in half with a new pair for comparison. These boots are really underrated. Their my favourite pair. The most comfortable. Iv worn then for feild mechanics, logging, carpentry, masonry, winter heavy equipment work, concrete, ranching, big hiking trips, camping. Everything. There going in for some custom work an s new sole soon. I also have the same boot in the redwing version(both 8" tall) an its already having stitching coming apart, that I repaired my self after 7 months. I wear both boots the same. I saddle soap all my boots an condition them my self. An have for a long time. An the Irish setters are a better boot then Red Wings. Altho I I do wish both pairs were build like the originals yes.
As a cobbler I will now keep track of how many of these come in for re gluing, I get alot of chinese product because of poor glue,
I passed... and they have added tens of dollars to the pricetag at the redwing store, I tried on a pair last Wednesday.
I personally think most of the boot companies are kind of in cahoots you don't really find a deal you find the same of everything in the same price range of that $250 to $300 boot.
I didn't think they were that comfortable to tell you the truth.
Thanks for the video.
The stitching at the toe doesn't last long at all. But i do love how the feel. 25 miles in 3 days with 60 pound pack a couple weeks ago. Feet felt great.
I’ve had a pair of there elk trackers for years now and they have been great for the price point , even got them resoled 👍
I bought a slim wallet several months back. Leather feels great and is breaking in nice
I have had a pair of these for three years now, and wear them every season except summer when it’s too hot to even wear pants. They’re definitely worth it for the comfort. All the city workers choose these ones and I see them everywhere.
They’re decent for sure, but my 1907’s are my personal gold standard.
I have these in black. Super comfortable but there’s a clicking sound coming from the shank area on the right boot. Going to take them to a cobbler soon
Bummed out it’s not made in US but with that said …my Irish setter have lasted me two years as a mechanic… I got mine for $180 . Very comfortable loved it
So glad to have found your channel! Sometimes the algo is spot on.
They saved money by making them in Asia and I saved money because I refuse to buy them. It’s a win win.
Yea I can’t disagree with that logic lol
I have Redwing treadlites. They’re made in Vietnam with US materials. They’re incredibly comfortably.
thanks for this. I have red wing supersoles. They're made in the USA but they are a molded sole. Mine fell apart after so long and I'm getting it resoled right now actually. They're low end red wings but they look sick and are really durable.
I'd 100% buy a shirt! That design looked dope.
I'd love a review of the Ashby, I'm thinking of getting it for work this month, the wingshooters speed hooks get caught on ladders and they risk scratching floors as an interior painter.
The wingshooter just lasted me 2 years, the toes worn out and the counter cover thing is blown out on the inside, I've been super happy with them.
As a pheasant hunter here in Ireland. I use the Irish Setter wingshooter and they are awesome I get about 3 years out of a pair but they get hell for those 3 years. For the comfort out the box you can’t ask for more. When your carrying a shotgun plus maybe 15 kg of cartridges all day during the winter breaking in new boots is something I personally don’t want to deal with.
One of the top 3 boots you will see on commercial construction site. Along with the red wing 405 or 805. Then thorogood
Two pairs of the 896 very comfortable. The boots I have ever made in Vietnam. Thinking about buying a pair of that you're doing your video on
Re: the wallet-
"We've never had any returned for repairs" = "this guy is full of sh*t"
but
"We've only had one or two returned for repairs" = "wow, this sounds pretty legit."
Subtle difference, but confidence-inspiring.
The waterproof lining in these boots has the same problem with dirt as it does with water. Finer dirt can find its way in through the seams, and build up over time. Totally unnoticeable at first, but over the course of a month or two working in dry environments it can really add up. It has sometimes gotten to the point where I feel like I have rocks stuck in my shoe that grind against the sides of my feet and toes. I recently just cut a hole in the inside of each so I can occasionally wiggle my finger around to loosen and dump it out.
I'd strongly recommend against Red Wings with waterproof liners if you do any kind of excavation or hand digging work. I've ordered a new pair of Jim Green steel toes and will be switching to them as soon as they come in.
I went to buy a new pair of wingshooters a few years ago to replace a pair I had gotten years before.. They are targeted as hunting rather than work boots. The leather had a cheap, waxy texture and it was not smooth leather. Plus it had a work sole on it rather than a vibram lug sole. I ended up with Thorogood 1957’s instead.
I just bought the same pair really comfortable out of the box like your saying
Back in 2011 I got a pair of RW hiking boots with a steel toe for a camp counselor job I had gotten. Ten years later I was using them for my geology degree in the field. The construction wasn't amazing compared to other boots, but the waterproofing held up well and the steel toe saved my toes a couple of times in the middle of nowhere. Only issue was that an eyelet wore out and broke. Went to buy another pair and found that they switched to metal eyelets, fixing the issue
Ll Bean still makes some pretty sweet waterproof Kangaroo moc toe boots, check them out