Great info. As a motorcyclist, I would never forego the toecap, which significantly increases the lifespan of the IR - toe shifters eat through cheaper boots within a year or less - my IR are 6 years old and only some loss of stitching at the left toe cap to show for it. No degradation of the toe cap itself. I’m super happy with mine, and I even love the (much) darker patina I got from using the Redwing store clerk-recommended mink oil LOL. Love these boots. I thought about trying the Blacksmiths, but after this video, I realize they wouldn’t work for the bike, so they wouldn’t really work for me. Many thanks!
Yes! Great comment, it's why I took time to emphasize that it's a real toecap, unlike a Thursday boot or some other boots that just have the stitching there for aesthetic purposes. So glad this video was helpful for you!
@@davidcoleman2796 I 've never heard any youtuber say that thursdays toe cap was real, only that its false for purely aesthetic purposes. Not saying you are wrong though.
I have both of these boots and I love them both, though I'm more partial to the Iron Ranger. I have the Iron Ranger in Amber Harness (8111) and the Blacksmith in Copper Rough and Tough (3343).
this is a very useful comparison!!! like you said, at surface level it just appears the difference is in the toe cap, but when you look closer, there's so much more to appreciate. especially loved your insights into the collar differences. well done son, you managed to pack a TON of information into a video just under 7 minutes!!!!
Bought my 1st pair of RW's!!! It is the IR's in Black. Worn them for a total of 3 days and break-in doesn't seem as bad as some have described. On my feet for 6 to 8 hrs a day and very tolerable. Very good quality and happy with my purchase. Actually thinking of getting another pair in Rough and Tough. Went a 1/2 size down and EE, Fits Perfect!!! Contemplated Blacksmiths at the time but Love the IR's.
For my first pair of RW, I went to look at Iron Rangers but went home with a pair of Blacksmiths. Aesthetically more pleasing, but they took months of daily wear to break in, and creases a little too much. I keep them oiled so they are a shade or two darker than its original copper color.
I have two pairs of Blacksmiths, one Black Prairie and one in Copper. I swapped out the laces for two tone leather laces and it makes a HUGE difference in their appearance.
@@thofol I changed both the black and the copper to leather laces and it was better on both. I think you could dress up any pair of redwings with two tone leather laces.
I grew up on a cattle ranch but didn't like cowboy boots. So I wore Doc Martens until I was a teen got my first job. I saved up and bought my first Iron Rangers at 17. Those boots lasted 5 years of working as a surveyor, carpenter, hunting, and building the occasional log cabin or house. When I moved into manufacturing I bought a pair of redwing steel toes. Those lasted 6 years of walking concrete plants, structural steel shops, welding shops, and site visits. I maintained my boots the best I could and sealed any cuts when they occured. The thought of "Do they dress nice" never crossed my mind. For me, I needed comfort (I am an 11 wide) and durability. For the cost and what i put my boots through, I prefer the Redwings.
Definitely go with the black smith if you want something you can wear to work or out to a casual/gathering event of some kind. It passes as a work boot and a dress boot
Regarding your over-darkening them.... If you washed with Saddle Soap - or even acetone - and re-conditioned with say RW Leather Cream - wouldn’t they go back to approximately their original shade?
Obenauf's is hard to get off. I can speak from experience that saddle soap does nothing to it. Acetone might or Saphir Renomat I have heard actual success with. Mind you it takes a bottle or two to strip it out. Kind of crazy but Obenauf's is just like that!
Hey thanks man! Yeah I didn't even mention the panic attacks in that video but they are what really defined this year for me, haha. Not totally out of the woods but doing better. Appreciate you!
@@Stridewisesorry to hear that you are going through that; I had no idea! I have really severe anxiety; and I know how hard it can be. There was one point in my life where I was on the verge of a panic attack 24/7 for a few weeks. But it gets better! I promise! I wish you the best Nick.
Correct me if I'm wrong I understand that the leather hides are already tanned when they arrive at Redwings tannery. I think the hides get some extra tanning or finishing. It seems to me, it is like at the supermarket where the bread comes in pre baked, and then at the supermarket it goes into the oven for 20 minutes, and the supermarket advertise it as 'freshly baked'.
I think your comment minimises the amount of work the hides still go through at the Red Wing's tannery. The wet blue state they receive the hides in is quite rudimentary. Look at the array of oil tanned leathers they make available.
..... something about the shinier eyelets on the iron ranger would work better for a kilt, i think. i don't know why i think that but it seems that would tip the iron rangers for me
As a guy with around 25 pairs of Red Wings...Iron Ranger, Blacksmith, and Beckman (mostly), there is one other thing you need to know about Blacksmith that I have experienced, which is not an issue with the Iron Ranger. I have a high arch, and for me, I can pull on a pair of Iron Rangers, with no difficulty. But, with my Blacksmiths, I must use a shoe horn to get into the boot. No issues once my foot gets into the boot, but without the shoe horn, I am not able to wear my Blacksmiths. So, if you have a high arch, and want to rock the Blacksmiths, the 10ish bucks for a Red Wing shoe horn is money well spent.
I worry what it says about me that I am mesmerized by a profoundly nerdy examination of the differences between two boots I do not own. I found it a deep and satisfying essay.
Hi is there still a hint of brown showing in the briar oil-slick as it appears in your video and do you prefer this color to the popular copper rough and tough on the Blacksmith? I have the amber harness which I love on the Iron Ranger and am on the fence for the best color to choose for the Blacksmith. Thank you and Happy & Healthy New Year!
Hey. I love the color of your Iron Ranger boots. I think you said you darkened them. What color where they to start? Copper? Amber? Or Charcoal? Then what color polish did you use to get that dark color? Thanks!!
Yes there is, It took me about 1 week to break in the blacksmiths, I’ve had the iron ranger for more than a month now, and it still feels brand new. The break in for me isn’t bad at all. Only one hot spot on the tongue, but I can fix that by not tying my laces too tight.
Every boot video says to size down. I went to the Red Wing store and they did the foot scan machine on me along with the Braddock device. Both put me at a solid 10.5 C and they recommended a size 11. A 10 or 10.5 would have been very tight IMO. My first pay of Thursdays I sized down to a 10.5 but they returned them for an 11. Also, no one mentions sock thickness in all the boot reviews, huge different from a thin dress sock compared to a Merino wood hunting sock. I can't be the only one who does not "size down" unless a brand is know to run very large.
I own both these boots, and the iron ranger is definitely more robust. I wear my iron rangers more often. And they look less stretchy/ less dirty and less patina. My blacksmith laces break too easily, and the leather seems to be more floppy, or maybe I over conditioned them.
Love watching you vids, especially the Red Wing videos. I keep looking at air on Rangers but seeing them side by side with Blacksmiths makes me want to get a Blacksmiths more, but that may change. I was wondering have you did a review of the Moc Toe Briar leather or Hawthorne mules line in either IR or Blacksmith boots? Thanks
Thanks Stuart! I didn't do a review of that specific leather on that specific boot, but I can tell you I adore Hawthorne muleskinner and think it deserves a spot in any wardrobe!
Awesome video! Thinking I might pick up a pair of blacksmiths in copper rough and tough. Also good to know I’m not the only one who significantly darkened their amber harness rangers 😅
I did this with a pair of Clark's. I just cleaned them in the sink with dish soap . I let them dry over night. I then re condition them . They are fine now . No harm done . I don't know why he does not do this ?
I think that he destroyed them with Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP Leather Conditioner. Now they look wet and dead. But remember, he is australian, so we need to forgive him. :-)
If I was in the market for a service type boot, then the blacksmith would be my choice. With that said, I dont actually like lace service boots all that much. I do have moc toe 1907s, and they are worn fairly regularly. Most of the time however I prefer chelsea boots. Red Wing weekenders for super casual, work chelsea for work, and a nice roughout or suede for evenings out with my wife. I occasionally wear a chukka, but they always seem a bit loose to me. I have the correct size, but they arent a supportive feeling boot.
Iron ranger: External heel counter Double layer toe cap Slanted collar Nickel hardware Blacksmith: Internal heel counter with backstay Plain toe Brass hardware Rolled collar Didnt count the laces because you could always change them. Same with the eyelets but its a bit harder to change those.
I have been looking at the Blacksmith as I have a pair of Iron Rangers, another note is that heal cap is on the inside for the blacksmith instead of the outside, but it is still two layers with a Heal Counter between.
I want the Blacksmith but I need EE width. Same last should equal available widths so it doesn’t really make sense that they make a wide in one model but not the other
I've got some HH 4620 work boots that once had Vibram soles like the Blacksmiths except mine are worn totally smooth. LOL. I still wear them and they don't make them anymore. BTW gotta love the pistol squats. Wish I was limber enough to do them.
@@georgecarlin2879 No. The uppers despite my best efforts to keep them up have cracked and split at the creases in the leather. Also I have worn the top lifts of the heels down to where I am down to outer edges of the heels themselves. Been keeping my eye out for a pair on eBay or a thrift store.
I have the Chippewa service boots and they came with the flat waxed laces. I want a pair of Iron Rangers now, I might would get some flat waxed laces for them, I think that would be an improvement.
I’m pretty sure you already know this but if you use saddle soap it will definitely restore the original color. You may have to do it a couple times but it will work.
@@Stridewise 😎👍 Always, for me you’ve got the best overall boot reviews on RUclips‼️ Never feel like a company is paying you for a review, after every video feel I just got your honest review of the product and leave it up to me/us to decide if we can or can’t live without the product. I find this very refreshing whether it’s boots, jeans or bags and always enjoy when you’ve put a new video up. Guess I’ve got way too much time on my hands because I’ve started to go back and watch older videos for a 2nd or 3rd time and it’s amazing that I might not have picked up on certain things during the release of the video! So just keep up all the good/hard work, I’m sure there are many like me that really appreciate all the time you put into these wonderful videos‼️🥾🧦👖👝💼
What is your opinion about putting an insole inside the boot? I’ve got some actual work boots from Carolina, that I wear daily. I’ve found that some insoles for plantar fasciitis work great. They don’t extend to the toes, which is not needed and doesn’t effect the roominess. They also aren’t very thick, but definitely provide comfort.
Both boots are nice. Good value for the price. But, you never ever get the Iron Rangers in a wide size. Unfortunately, I’ll keep waiting. It’s been 2 years and counting...
I was looking for my first pair of RW today and I was leaning towards the IR but seeing the BS in store I leaned towards it and ended up buying them instead
I’m seeing so many comments saying the BS look aesthetically better and a more “casual” boot. In my opinion, based on this video, I prefer the IR for more of a casual everyday boot. Maybe that will change when I see them in person but as of now I’m eyeing the IR > BS
Nice comparison. I didn't read through all of the comments, so if I repeat someone else, my apologies. There's an 11th difference, and it's the reason I don't have a pair of the Blacksmiths, Iron Rangers go up to a size 14. The Blacksmiths do not.
Both look so much alike minus the cap, from a distance. However, I still prefer the IR. I have small feet and need all the help I can get to make my feet appear larger
I was a bit disappointed on the Iron Rangers; the toe cap does not go all the way to the stitching, (hence it looks like a clown shoe). If they would of re-enforced the toe cap to the “actual”stitching, then it would be all cool! I’ll probably get my Iron Rangers added a composite toe cap (and make sure it goes to the true stitching).
i wonder if you wiped the over conditioned iron ranger with witch hazel; that it may remove some of the oils. Then you can retreat them. Witch hazel is an astringent, which you probably know. i am just wondering if it could remove oils without damaging the leather. we use it on out face, so it should not damage the leather.
They sound similar because it's such a short vowel sound for me - americans draw out the O in Collar but it's fast for me - colla and culla. Most of the time it's distinguishable but not all the time!
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Great info. As a motorcyclist, I would never forego the toecap, which significantly increases the lifespan of the IR - toe shifters eat through cheaper boots within a year or less - my IR are 6 years old and only some loss of stitching at the left toe cap to show for it. No degradation of the toe cap itself. I’m super happy with mine, and I even love the (much) darker patina I got from using the Redwing store clerk-recommended mink oil LOL. Love these boots. I thought about trying the Blacksmiths, but after this video, I realize they wouldn’t work for the bike, so they wouldn’t really work for me. Many thanks!
You can also replace the captoe with the iron ranger. Same with the vamp on the blacksmith but it’ll take longer and be more expensive.
Yes! Great comment, it's why I took time to emphasize that it's a real toecap, unlike a Thursday boot or some other boots that just have the stitching there for aesthetic purposes. So glad this video was helpful for you!
@@Stridewise yes and i didn’t know it was a full toe + the cap, so I really appreciated that part. I owe you a beer!
@@Stridewise wait a min . In one of your videos you said the toe cap on the thrusday boot was real ! ( I have a pair )
@@davidcoleman2796 I 've never heard any youtuber say that thursdays toe cap was real, only that its false for purely aesthetic purposes. Not saying you are wrong though.
I have both of these boots and I love them both, though I'm more partial to the Iron Ranger. I have the Iron Ranger in Amber Harness (8111) and the Blacksmith in Copper Rough and Tough (3343).
this is a very useful comparison!!! like you said, at surface level it just appears the difference is in the toe cap, but when you look closer, there's so much more to appreciate. especially loved your insights into the collar differences. well done son, you managed to pack a TON of information into a video just under 7 minutes!!!!
Thanks a ton, Dale! I thought this video would be boring too until I started writing it, haha!
This is hands down one of the best channels around style content. Thank you for making these videos!
That means a lot, Jay!
Enjoyed the comparison and now I’m wishing I had the Blacksmiths!
If you had the Blaclsmith you would want the Iron Rangers, human nature 😂
Just pulled the trigger on a pair of charcoal blacksmiths, changed my mind on the iron rangers , needed something a little more subtle
Bought my 1st pair of RW's!!! It is the IR's in Black. Worn them for a total of 3 days and break-in doesn't seem as bad as some have described. On my feet for 6 to 8 hrs a day and very tolerable. Very good quality and happy with my purchase. Actually thinking of getting another pair in Rough and Tough. Went a 1/2 size down and EE, Fits Perfect!!! Contemplated Blacksmiths at the time but Love the IR's.
Did u bought the copper one ?
Hey Nick, there is also a Blacksmith in Black Spitfire, which is basically a rough out black leather. Very happy with my pair. Thanks for the vid.
I hope they bring back the Blacksmith Spitfire! Those are so awesome!
For my first pair of RW, I went to look at Iron Rangers but went home with a pair of Blacksmiths. Aesthetically more pleasing, but they took months of daily wear to break in, and creases a little too much. I keep them oiled so they are a shade or two darker than its original copper color.
I have two pairs of Blacksmiths, one Black Prairie and one in Copper. I swapped out the laces for two tone leather laces and it makes a HUGE difference in their appearance.
So was it better after the change or not? On which pair did you change it - black or copper?
@@thofol I changed both the black and the copper to leather laces and it was better on both. I think you could dress up any pair of redwings with two tone leather laces.
@@seantnichols Great! Thank you for the explanation. I will surely try this, too.
I grew up on a cattle ranch but didn't like cowboy boots. So I wore Doc Martens until I was a teen got my first job. I saved up and bought my first Iron Rangers at 17. Those boots lasted 5 years of working as a surveyor, carpenter, hunting, and building the occasional log cabin or house.
When I moved into manufacturing I bought a pair of redwing steel toes. Those lasted 6 years of walking concrete plants, structural steel shops, welding shops, and site visits. I maintained my boots the best I could and sealed any cuts when they occured. The thought of "Do they dress nice" never crossed my mind.
For me, I needed comfort (I am an 11 wide) and durability. For the cost and what i put my boots through, I prefer the Redwings.
Hell yeah! It's not often a boot is practical and good looking, but Red Wing nails it.
That’s a real experience that is helpful to know 👍🏻
Definitely go with the black smith if you want something you can wear to work or out to a casual/gathering event of some kind. It passes as a work boot and a dress boot
Thanks for the video Nick.
Hoping you had a merry Christmas with lots of new boots under the tree.
Thanks! I got boots for friends and jeans for me, no new boots for me though! Actually that's not true, Wilcox send me some :)
Regarding your over-darkening them.... If you washed with Saddle Soap - or even acetone - and re-conditioned with say RW Leather Cream - wouldn’t they go back to approximately their original shade?
Obenauf's is hard to get off. I can speak from experience that saddle soap does nothing to it. Acetone might or Saphir Renomat I have heard actual success with. Mind you it takes a bottle or two to strip it out. Kind of crazy but Obenauf's is just like that!
Thanks for the great content! I picked up my blacksmiths in black this week. Sooooo good!
hell yeah dude glad i helped you make a decision
what did you condition the iron rangers with to darken them so much? I actually like how they look that way
Obenauf's!
I thought onenaug’s was great. Other than it darkens?
@@frankrizzo7185 correct
Hey nick, saw your part of the vid on carl murawskis channel and just wanted to say I'm glad you're doing better man and also fresh cut 👍 lol
Hey thanks man! Yeah I didn't even mention the panic attacks in that video but they are what really defined this year for me, haha. Not totally out of the woods but doing better. Appreciate you!
@@Stridewisesorry to hear that you are going through that; I had no idea! I have really severe anxiety; and I know how hard it can be. There was one point in my life where I was on the verge of a panic attack 24/7 for a few weeks. But it gets better! I promise! I wish you the best Nick.
Only just starting out in the boot world. Love watching your videos really helpful with which way I want to go with my next pair. Cheers fella
Glad you find it useful bro!
Nice. This is the comparison I was waiting for.
Correct me if I'm wrong I understand that the leather hides are already tanned when they arrive at Redwings tannery.
I think the hides get some extra tanning or finishing.
It seems to me, it is like at the supermarket where the bread comes in pre baked, and then at the supermarket it goes into the oven for 20 minutes, and the supermarket advertise it as 'freshly baked'.
Yeah, I've read somewhere that SB receives the chrome-tanned leather and then proceeds to infuse the oils and waxes and stuff
Yes, the hides arrive in the "wet blue" state, an intermediary part of the tanning process. I do wonder who does the initial part
@@Stridewise what is the wet blue state?
I think your comment minimises the amount of work the hides still go through at the Red Wing's tannery. The wet blue state they receive the hides in is quite rudimentary. Look at the array of oil tanned leathers they make available.
Carl Murawski did a video on how to fix your over conditioned leather boots. I couldn't help but think of your Iron Rangers
Haha Rose Anvil is doing a video where he fixes them!
I'm still deciding which one to get. Strange question for you, which one do you think would look better with a kilt?
..... something about the shinier eyelets on the iron ranger would work better for a kilt, i think. i don't know why i think that but it seems that would tip the iron rangers for me
@@Stridewise Thanks, that's the one I was leaning toward.
Who are you kidding? Wear stilettos and be proud of who you are!🍆😮🌈
Nice comp. Feeling the Smiths. We'll see after visiting the store.
Just ordered my iron rangers today, excited!
Awesome my man! Enjoy!
Would have liked to see the ranger with the original color. Great video. I would like to know what is the size of the heel for both. Thank you.
Great info! I wear a EE & you made it a simple choice for me. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful Romulo!
As a guy with around 25 pairs of Red Wings...Iron Ranger, Blacksmith, and Beckman (mostly), there is one other thing you need to know about Blacksmith that I have experienced, which is not an issue with the Iron Ranger. I have a high arch, and for me, I can pull on a pair of Iron Rangers, with no difficulty. But, with my Blacksmiths, I must use a shoe horn to get into the boot. No issues once my foot gets into the boot, but without the shoe horn, I am not able to wear my Blacksmiths. So, if you have a high arch, and want to rock the Blacksmiths, the 10ish bucks for a Red Wing shoe horn is money well spent.
I worry what it says about me that I am mesmerized by a profoundly nerdy examination of the differences between two boots I do not own. I found it a deep and satisfying essay.
James you are so welcome on this channel
AND now I bought the Black Prairie Blacksmiths. Your fault! But this last and look is working well...
Hi is there still a hint of brown showing in the briar oil-slick as it appears in your video and do you prefer this color to the popular copper rough and tough on the Blacksmith? I have the amber harness which I love on the Iron Ranger and am on the fence for the best color to choose for the Blacksmith. Thank you and Happy & Healthy New Year!
Briar is really versatile.
Merry Christmas to you mate...here's hoping next year is better....oh outstanding effort on the pistol squat!
Hey. I love the color of your Iron Ranger boots. I think you said you darkened them. What color where they to start? Copper? Amber? Or Charcoal? Then what color polish did you use to get that dark color?
Thanks!!
Hey! It's Amber Harness with a bunch of Obenauf's leather conditioner on it. Good luck! You can buy them if you're a size 11 hehe
Odd question: was there any difference in break-in? Seems like the IR might have been a little tougher (stiffer in both front and back).
Yes there is, It took me about 1 week to break in the blacksmiths,
I’ve had the iron ranger for more than a month now, and it still feels brand new. The break in for me isn’t bad at all. Only one hot spot on the tongue, but I can fix that by not tying my laces too tight.
Every boot video says to size down. I went to the Red Wing store and they did the foot scan machine on me along with the Braddock device. Both put me at a solid 10.5 C and they recommended a size 11. A 10 or 10.5 would have been very tight IMO. My first pay of Thursdays I sized down to a 10.5 but they returned them for an 11. Also, no one mentions sock thickness in all the boot reviews, huge different from a thin dress sock compared to a Merino wood hunting sock. I can't be the only one who does not "size down" unless a brand is know to run very large.
I bought the French brand RedSkin boots and it is awesome. Almost eight years still perfect condition.
I own both these boots, and the iron ranger is definitely more robust.
I wear my iron rangers more often. And they look less stretchy/ less dirty and less patina.
My blacksmith laces break too easily, and the leather seems to be more floppy, or maybe I over conditioned them.
Love watching you vids, especially the Red Wing videos. I keep looking at air on Rangers but seeing them side by side with Blacksmiths makes me want to get a Blacksmiths more, but that may change. I was wondering have you did a review of the Moc Toe Briar leather or Hawthorne mules line in either IR or Blacksmith boots? Thanks
Thanks Stuart! I didn't do a review of that specific leather on that specific boot, but I can tell you I adore Hawthorne muleskinner and think it deserves a spot in any wardrobe!
Awesome video! Thinking I might pick up a pair of blacksmiths in copper rough and tough. Also good to know I’m not the only one who significantly darkened their amber harness rangers 😅
I'm considering getting a pair and love the dark color. What would someone use to darken it?
@@johnsmithbro275 mink oil
Excellent comparison video, thank you!!
Hi, I'm a 10.5 on the red wing moc toes. What size should I wear on the iron rangers? Thanks and keep up the good videos!
10 i think. Im a 10.5 on the 8 last (rangers) and an 11 on the 23 last (mocs)
@@charlesbronson240 thanks man!
Doesn’t the toe cap make the IR a little wider? That’s what I’m noticing.
May I direct you to Carl's video on how to lighten up over-conditioned boots for your iron rangers? lmao
I did this with a pair of Clark's. I just cleaned them in the sink with dish soap . I let them dry over night. I then re condition them . They are fine now . No harm done . I don't know why he does not do this ?
Rose Anvil did everything he could to lighten them and nothing worked haha
@Stridewise, what conditioner did you use to darken the Amber Harness Iron Rangers? Love the deep color.
I think that he destroyed them with Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP Leather Conditioner.
Now they look wet and dead.
But remember, he is australian, so we need to forgive him. :-)
I'm here because of Rose Anvil. So far so good. Mark in Milwaukee 🧀
Awesome, Mark!! So glad to have you here, do stick around :)
@@Stridewise thank you, I subscribed. Where are you based? Have you reviewed any Allan Edmonds? There just north of Milwaukee on Lake Michigan.
Love the content! Keep it up!
Thanks! Will do!
If I was in the market for a service type boot, then the blacksmith would be my choice. With that said, I dont actually like lace service boots all that much. I do have moc toe 1907s, and they are worn fairly regularly. Most of the time however I prefer chelsea boots. Red Wing weekenders for super casual, work chelsea for work, and a nice roughout or suede for evenings out with my wife. I occasionally wear a chukka, but they always seem a bit loose to me. I have the correct size, but they arent a supportive feeling boot.
Iron ranger:
External heel counter
Double layer toe cap
Slanted collar
Nickel hardware
Blacksmith:
Internal heel counter with backstay
Plain toe
Brass hardware
Rolled collar
Didnt count the laces because you could always change them. Same with the eyelets but its a bit harder to change those.
Always Great content. Can you advise which companies have wide width boots and shoes
I have been looking at the Blacksmith as I have a pair of Iron Rangers, another note is that heal cap is on the inside for the blacksmith instead of the outside, but it is still two layers with a Heal Counter between.
A Redwing sales rep told me on the phone after hearing I wear a B width that these run narrow. Do they?
I wouldn't say so, they're quite roomy. You could just size down, maybe?
I want the Blacksmith but I need EE width. Same last should equal available widths so it doesn’t really make sense that they make a wide in one model but not the other
A lot doesn't make sense at Red Wing!
which boot is better for pistol squats? :D
Thanks so much for making this Nick!
My pleasure!
Great delineation!Thank you!
Welcome!
Good video keep it up question iron ranger is more wide than blacksmith? Thanks you.
No, but you can get it in a wider width. But the D is the same for both
👍👍👍
I really wanted a pair of the Blacksmiths but I will have to settle for the Iron Rangers in Amber harness as I have a EE boot size...
More reasons to get both
My man
Excellent. Merry Christmas 😊
Same to you Pati!
I've got some HH 4620 work boots that once had Vibram soles like the Blacksmiths except mine are worn totally smooth. LOL. I still wear them and they don't make them anymore. BTW gotta love the pistol squats. Wish I was limber enough to do them.
Not planning a resole?
Thanks man! I love hearing about guys who have worn their boot soles smooth :)
@@georgecarlin2879 No. The uppers despite my best efforts to keep them up have cracked and split at the creases in the leather. Also I have worn the top lifts of the heels down to where I am down to outer edges of the heels themselves. Been keeping my eye out for a pair on eBay or a thrift store.
The Blacksmiths are essentially the Chippewa 6” Service boots but with speed hooks and a different outsole.
I have both and the Blacksmiths are much nicer. Better quality and way more comfortable. Similar but not.
I have the Chippewa service boots and they came with the flat waxed laces. I want a pair of Iron Rangers now, I might would get some flat waxed laces for them, I think that would be an improvement.
And better quality
I’m pretty sure you already know this but if you use saddle soap it will definitely restore the original color. You may have to do it a couple times but it will work.
Nah, I actually gave these to Rose Anvil and he tried and failed to do that method. And if Rose Anvil can't fix your boots...
@@Stridewise sorry to hear that but I think they look good and they are definitely unique to you.
Great comparison review Mate...
Thank you ever so much. I did learn a lot . Thank you Cheers
Awesome, I needed some new boot content‼️😷👍
Hope you enjoyed it Trevor!
@@Stridewise 😎👍 Always, for me you’ve got the best overall boot reviews on RUclips‼️ Never feel like a company is paying you for a review, after every video feel I just got your honest review of the product and leave it up to me/us to decide if we can or can’t live without the product. I find this very refreshing whether it’s boots, jeans or bags and always enjoy when you’ve put a new video up. Guess I’ve got way too much time on my hands because I’ve started to go back and watch older videos for a 2nd or 3rd time and it’s amazing that I might not have picked up on certain things during the release of the video! So just keep up all the good/hard work, I’m sure there are many like me that really appreciate all the time you put into these wonderful videos‼️🥾🧦👖👝💼
Great video! Found you from Rise Anvil
Just found you from Trenton and Heath. Great stuff.
Awesome, thank you so much for coming, my friend!
Wow learned a lot. Thanks
What is your opinion about putting an insole inside the boot? I’ve got some actual work boots from Carolina, that I wear daily. I’ve found that some insoles for plantar fasciitis work great. They don’t extend to the toes, which is not needed and doesn’t effect the roominess. They also aren’t very thick, but definitely provide comfort.
May i know what colour is your iron ranger and that black smith? Your iron ranger age so well with lots of story.
Thanks! My Iron Ranger is Amber Harness but I applied Obenauf's to it, so it's dark
exactly what is the color of the Blacksmiths? copper? thank you
No Briar Oil slick
Thanks for the bonus yoga poses 🤣
Both boots are nice. Good value for the price. But, you never ever get the Iron Rangers in a wide size. Unfortunately, I’ll keep waiting. It’s been 2 years and counting...
Great video! Thanks 🙌
Glad you liked it!
please do a comparsion between Black Smith and Beckmans
I agree with you on this cause I have the same boots , just like to say your content is good fun 🥾
Here I thought boots were pretty dry content, thanks Cliff!
Did you try dish soap to remove that conditioner on your Iron Rangers? That helped to me when accidentally someone throw motor oil on my boots.
Nice pistol squat @04:40
I was looking for my first pair of RW today and I was leaning towards the IR but seeing the BS in store I leaned towards it and ended up buying them instead
I’m seeing so many comments saying the BS look aesthetically better and a more “casual” boot. In my opinion, based on this video, I prefer the IR for more of a casual everyday boot. Maybe that will change when I see them in person but as of now I’m eyeing the IR > BS
I prefer and own the Blacksmith. Not to down the Iron Ranger, but the Blacksmith is more versatile in style if you ask me.
I have the blacksmiths too and bought them for the same reasons you stated.
I'd agree with that. I was surprised there are so few leathers available for the Blacksmith!
@@Stridewise Maybe Red Wing should have another 6" boot in Oro Legacy aside from the 875; I say Blacksmith!
Nice comparison. I didn't read through all of the comments, so if I repeat someone else, my apologies. There's an 11th difference, and it's the reason I don't have a pair of the Blacksmiths, Iron Rangers go up to a size 14. The Blacksmiths do not.
The original blacksmith boots did not have speed hooks - which I was glad when they added them a year or so later.
I freakin love speed hooks
Both look so much alike minus the cap, from a distance. However, I still prefer the IR. I have small feet and need all the help I can get to make my feet appear larger
@@minghsiuchua8115 I have the 4183 j.crew boots. I think pretty close to the 1907
Did you see Carl Murawski's video on how to reset your boots in terms of excessive conditioning? Maybe it'll work on your Iron Rangers.
Rose Anvil is actually doing that video for me right now!
@@Stridewise great, can’t wait to watch, good luck 👍🏼
well to be honest i like the dark brown colour of the rangers
What series iron ranger is that? I can't find the dark brown
@@mysticnal690 um he used a bad conditioner and the leather darkened a lot
@@m0nsnor547 ah ffs 😂
Fun rewatch.
yeah and it's nice and quick! glad you came back
Which iron ranger is that?
It's Amber Harness that I darkened by using too much Obenauf's leather conditioner :)
@@Stridewise dang I actually like it darkened
I was a bit disappointed on the Iron Rangers; the toe cap does not go all the way to the stitching, (hence it looks like a clown shoe). If they would of re-enforced the toe cap to the “actual”stitching, then it would be all cool! I’ll probably get my Iron Rangers added a composite toe cap (and make sure it goes to the true stitching).
Love ur channel
Unfortunately, redwings website is still down.
I know, it's brutal
I got both, I love both.
Attaboy!
Capture and share redwing heel sizes. They are numbered on the inside ...
That Oilslick color is really nice. After I save up for some Iron Rangers I'll snag some of those Blacksmiths next
Yeah it's really great
i wonder if you wiped the over conditioned iron ranger with witch hazel; that it may remove some of the oils. Then you can retreat them. Witch hazel is an astringent, which you probably know. i am just wondering if it could remove oils without damaging the leather. we use it on out face, so it should not damage the leather.
Terimakaseh for the review
Hey what color is that iron ranger?……..🤣🤣sorry, I had to take the shot now that I been watching your channel!
Say "collar" and then "colour". Do you say it exactly the same?
They sound similar because it's such a short vowel sound for me - americans draw out the O in Collar but it's fast for me - colla and culla. Most of the time it's distinguishable but not all the time!
@@Stridewise I have a close Australian friend. I'll ask him as well. Please don't take my comment as "hating". I watch and love all your videos.
@@walterblack666 Haha you don't need to ask him, you can tell just by watching me say "collar" in this video. Glad you like the channel Walt!
Could you conclude that the Blacksmith is more pliant if both are using harness leather?
The Blacksmith really seems like a shorter version of the Harvester
"Let's check out the shaft", I missed the next 45 seconds of the video laughing hysterically. jk, great review, as always Nick, love your channel!
That's what she said ! Lol
Who doesn't like a good penis reference?
Neither boot has a "pull tab" in the back for ease of putting on...makes them both a pain to put on.