RED WING BLACKSMITH Review: Is it the Best RED WING Boot? | BootSpy
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- My favorite USA made boot socks → manly.link/camel-city-light
This Red Wing Blacksmith review covers everything you need to know before buying. Get your Red Wing Blacksmiths → manly.link/red-wing-blacksmith
After getting a pair of Red Wing Iron Rangers, I decided to dive in and get a pair of Blacksmiths, too.
I'm reviewing the Blacksmith in Black Prairie leather (3345). It's not quite as popular as the Briar Oil-Slick leather (3340), but the black worked better with my wardrobe.
This Red Wing Blacksmith review discusses:
-style
-leather quality
-sole quality
-fit and sizing
-break in period
...and more.
Make sure you stick around until the end, where I cover what I like, what I don't like, and ultimately whether you should buy the Red Wing Blacksmith.
If you're interested in the Blacksmith, but you want to see some comparison videos first, please subscribe. In the upcoming month, I'll be uploading a few key comparison videos, including the Red Wing Blacksmith vs Wolverine 1000 Mile boot, and Blacksmith vs Iron Ranger. You don't want to miss those!
Disclosure: The links above are affiliate links. If you click it and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no additional cost to you. 
Хобби
If you prefer black through & through, consider the Red Wing 2955 Blacksmith in black spitfire leather. Basically a rough side out, black leather. Good stuff.
The first red wings I’ve ever bought had them for 6 months and I already love them.
lol me to
Love it!
Just got mine in the same colour, really happy with their look and feel so far. The leather is very high quality as you say and I'm looking forward to having them grow with my feet over time. Great review.
I got a pair for Christmas and I absolutely love them. I always watch your reviews and find them very helpful in my choices. I wear Redwing boots for Style as well as for Work. I like to buy things once. Because you can end up paying more when you buy cheap.
You are in a roll and become my favorite channel. Keep up the excellent work my brother.
Thank you so much Julio! I really appreciate it!
Great review! Definitely interested in those upcoming comparisons
Thank you Raul!
You truly need more subscribers. I always come to your videos before I purchase boots. Thank you for the content
Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it!
Mine are in the mail. I'm really glad to hear about the firmness of the sole and lack of shock absorption because, at the other end of the spectrum, I had a pair of Sketchers a few years ago that had the gimmick of a memory foam insole and the 'knuckle' of my big toe joint became very painful and the pain would last for a wee while even after I took the darned things off. I ended up just donating them to a charity shop.
Before I discovered proper boots, largely due to your channel and the fact that I wanted something proper, that was welted and future resolable by a cobbler, I've owned 3 pairs of Eccos. The sheepskin Hydromax died because of the hydrolosis decay (or whatever it is) and, although the upper is absolutely beautiful, they only have a cosmetic, fake, welt and polyurethane moulded soles, which disintegrated and isn't replaceable. Throwing them away is gonna hurt a lot.
I still own their plain toed Track II which are surviving and serving me quite well. I've learned that this is because I wear them quite often, so that heats them up regularly enough to stop the PU soles from crumbling (apparently, it's cold storing them, like in a cupboard for long periods, that causes the kind of PU the moulded soles are made of, to absorb atmospheric moisture, which leads to them breaking down; it's supposed to be 'ecco-friendly', for when they end up in land-fill). If someone, such as yourself's, extensive collection was an extensive collection of Eccos, you could wave bye-bye to actually walking on any of them, ever again, if you'd had them in storage or on the shelf for a period of 4 or 5 years. It's wastefulness and planned-obsolescence, dressed up and spun as environmental concern.
Anyway, the extant Track II's have solid, firm footed footbeds and insoles and they are ergonomically great for comfort and walking. That's why I'm glad to hear that the Blacksmiths are very solid, that way, too.
Finding out about, and buying, the likes of Red Wing instead of Ecco, etc, I feel like I'm experiencing a similar sort of 'knowledge of quality' upgrade as I did when I started buying watches like Seiko, Casio Oceanus, G-Shock and Longines, etc. instead of just fashion brands, Nixon and Fossil.
Thank you for costing me money, hehe.
Great review again. I'm really looking forward to a three way comparison with the iron rangers and the 1000 miles.
Thank you so much! Just shot them yesterday and in the editing process--should be out in the coming two weeks! thank you so much for watching and commenting!
Just got the Blacksmiths, same color. Really enjoying this great boot. 1/2 size lower was the right choice for me too.
Just picked these up the other day, same color. Looking forward to the patina - First pair of RW's.
The scuffs are cool if you are into a rough look. My gramps has had the same boots for years. He polishes them with a bit of black shoe polish in the morning. Always looking dressed to the T. I have this pair. I use black polish on the scuffs, they are my favorite.
Loved the review, William! Been debating between all three boots you mentioned in the article. I have 2 pair of the newer Vasque Sundowners made with redwing leather. I’m looking forward to the copper/spice version of the Blacksmiths - hopefully for Christmas. Since I always wear mine with a pair of Superfeet the folks at a nearby (2hrs) Redwing Outlet weren’t much help on the fitting. What should I be feeling (looking for in a fit) since I know they will loosen up with time?
Love my Iron rangers. 9 years now. Great boots. Looking to get a pair of Blacksmiths.
You're an og! Thank you so much for watching---I really appreciate it.
Just bought a pair of these. My only complaint is the laces could be an inch or two longer
Really Great review i was on the fence which one to get and definitely gonna get some i think im gonna go for the briar but the black ones are pretty cool as well
thank you so much for watching!
Love my blacksmiths. I like them more than the iron rangers. I have a friend who has a pair of thousand miles and we have compared them. To us the only difference is that hers are on average shinier than mine because of the chrome tanned vs oil tanned leather. And the red wing has a rubber sole which if they are your main everywhere boot is nice. I recently got a pair of nicks with a lug sole which are significantly nicer but should be for the price. I’m hoping to do some pimping on my blacksmiths when I resole them. I want to make them a leather sole like the wolverines with A higher stack logger shaped heel like my nicks. It’ll be a pretty unique looking pair of boots I think will be perfect for summertime with a really classic sleek style
Great review and compliments from Sri Lanka
Black color Blacksmith are top three most iconic and beautiful boots from Red Wing. Incredibly versatile
Great review! Would be cool to see a “1 Year Wear” review on these
Thank you so much for watching---give me a year, and I'm on it!
The black leather boots that have been struck thru and don’t have the brown leather undertones haven’t sold as well as this setup. Solid review!
Thank you brother---I appreciate it!
Great episode
I do like your boot reviews..
They differ from ron Rangers in several other aspects other than the toe. The upper cut being flat also adds a totally different flavor, making them a bit less casual
I just bought a pair of these about a month ago and they’re the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn.
Love to hear that!
I’ve my blacksmith charcoal’s for over 18 months . I think now they are well and truly molded to me , firm but very comfortable boots ….once they’re well broken broken in. I think it’s takes longer than 1-2 months
I have a pair coming in to my local redwing store in this or charcoal (depending on what they could get in 9 and 9.5 to try on before taking home) but I'm psyched and this video was great for getting a better understanding of the boot (especially as I haven't owned a nice pair of Heritage boots before).
I think you're going to love them, Ryan! Let me know how they go
@@BootSpy Absolutely!
@@BootSpy Well I haven't had them for long, but I love the look and feel. After walking 2.3ish miles to my campus and then back one day, I think the boots are fairly broke in as my feet haven't hurt since then, and I love the feel of the soles slightly hard tapping on smooth floors that you don't get in athletic shoes, plus the feel of that cool raised heel.
Overall I absolutely love them!
@@vibeauxssxuaebiv3489 Nice dude! So glad to hear you're liking them. Also, thank you for coming back to say so...not many people actually do that. Here's to several years of rocking those Blacksmiths!
A great line of boots for work i have several pairs of the black smiths and iron rangers and were them everyday for work as electrican put them on at 500 am and in them till I get home at around nine at nite love them
I actually went to the Red Wing store today and got my first pair of Iron Rangers. I was looking at these as well though. Great video.
Which store
@@TorchWrench I’m in WA state. Seattle area. Awesome service.
Good choice! Thank you so much for watching!
You and stridewise support my boot addiction lol
well if you have dependents, tell them I'm sorry! Thank you so much for watching--I really appreciate it!
Great Video. I just bought a pair in Copper Rough and Tough.
Ooo tasty!
Subscribed, thank you 🙏
Great boots, get even better once broken in. I wore a pair to the Nationals of the North-South Skirmish Association which always has mud, sharp rocks, fires, extreme heat weapons oil and cartridge grease; great place to destroy shoes. Wiped them off with a damp wash clothe and applied Red Wing boot oil and they looked like a broke in new boot. Despite the abuse It looked good enough to wear to World War II days in Redding, PA’s dance. Have had several men stop me and ask where I got my boots. Very comfortable once broke in. Will probably ad a black pair as I got the rust ones.
If I had chance further studies to Colombia University, i will buy 2 pair of Red Wing. Now I'm using Red Wing Moc Toe.
Great review. Very informative. A little off topic, but what is the make/model of your blue shirt? Looks versatile . Thanks !
This one is from Banana Republic. I bought it like 5 years ago, but I've seen it as recently as a year ago, too, so they might still have it in stock.
Those are next on my list.
So good!
I have a pair of thrusday captain that i love . I was thinking of the Wolverine 1000 Mile next . Now you got me with these boots . Wtf . Thanks. Lol
The rough and tough leather is actually a corrected grain waxed leather, if you want them to stay the same color treat them like suede, either way the blacksmith is a great boot, wish they were still producing them, redwing says they are working to resume production but they told me that 6 months ago also so I'm skeptical.
What's a good boot if you do stand around a lot for work on concrete.
Great content, man. Just subscribed. I really like these Blacksmiths, I'm only hesitant because they aren't offered in wide sizes. Where I live, I have to order this sort of thing online. Would you recommend these at all for a guy with wider feet, or should I play it safe with a pair of Iron Rangers since they do offer the EE width?
Thank you so much for watching---I really appreicate it! If you order through Amazon, the risk factor is low---it's super easy to return these days (there's a link in the description, wink wink :) ) It's a tough call---you definitely can't go wrong with the Iron Rangers. But if you like the look of the Blacksmiths better, I'd say give them a shot. The bigger toebox should help a lot.
@jeremy
Thank you !!!!!!
Got both.. Great n superb
That vibram 430 sole is a great design.
I like your review. Just bought the blacksmith 3345 last week. I’ve been wearing them for a week. I don’t mind some blisters but what bothers me is that the it doesn’t have much shock absorption. I work in a factory where I have to stand around 8 to 10 hrs per day. Do you think it will get more comfortable as I wear it? Any suggestions?
It'll definitely get more comfortable over time for walking, but standing will always be a little tough. A good option for your working boot is the Thorogood Moc Toe. Tons of shock absorption, but I don't think it looks as cool as the blacksmith
Thats a great review. I am new to american boots and thinking of buying a pair of Blacksmiths as my first pair of Red Wings. Since there is no store near me, maybe you can help me with sizing. I have a Dr. Martens 1460 in US 8 , is it similar to it or i still need to go a half size down. thanks
Normally in this model you should go half a size below what you wear in the American system(sizing).
Hello and thank you for the very Cool review! I want to ask 2 question: 1-when you talk That the blacksmith lack of shock absorption can you compensate with a hiking/sport insole (i have the IR/Harvester/1907 and i use insole Always in all) . 2- Is the same lack of shock absorption same to the iron Rangers ? If yes It wouldnt be a prob for me . Thank you
they are identical to the Iron Rangers, except for the absence of the toe cap, and the flat line, at the top, instead of the angled one. I bought mine half a size up, and use an insole. They're perfect !
I just got the Rovers which are these but with a wedge sole.
And no shank
you´re comletely right. The sole, especially the back side is too hard for walking long distances on pavement. I put mine to my shoemaker today to get some softer soles in the back part ( sorry, I don´t know what it is the english word for ).
Brother,the Wolfie ,1k ,is a derivative of the "Redwing " iron ranger....RW was first, in this iconic, soldier boot! Thank you sir..
Last time i went to a redwing store to try to get some shoes fitted it went really bad, the guy brought me out a half size up from what i normally wear, and told me its ok you want that extra space which is bullshit. so i really hope the next time i visit a redwing store i can get something fitted the way your supposed to.
Red Wing's marketing scheme is really shabby. Heritage boots can only be bought at Red Wing stores at MSRP. Boots from the work line can be found and ordered at independent dealers, usually at a significant discount. In my experience employees at the official stores don't have a clue what they are talking about.
Just to clarify a couple things, the leather isn’t pull up and it isn’t vegetable retanned. Its oil tanned and then dyed black.
I bought my first pair today from amazon
I don't have a red wing store where I live and I'm usually a size 12 sneaker do you think if I order a size 11 blacksmith they will fit?
I wear size 9 sneakers and I got the 1907 moc toes in 8.5D. Fits me perfect but break in is a biiitch. I'd recommend going down a half-size but up to you.
Nice shoes ... i like it
I tried. I just can’t wear hard soled boots with blocky heels anymore. Spoiled with my Oboz, Salomon, and Thorogood cristy soled boots. It’s really uncomfortable to go back.
hey man I've been trying to save for this boot for a long time now but i just can't because it's alot of money and it's also alot here in indian currency which is why i couldn't afford it at this moment is there any way i can be gifted this?
Thank you for your great video. I’ve thought I would get Iron Ranger (black harness) as a Christmas present for me, but after watching this video.... I don’t know which to get... anyway I subscribed!
Good luck choosing! and thank you so much for subscribing, I really appreciate it!
Do you work in your boots or more just walking around town in them? Would these or the iron rangers be suitable for construction sites etc.?
I don't personally do much work in the Iron Rangers or Blacksmiths, but I know of many people who do. They're not the most cushion-y, but they'll definitely stand up to wear and tear on a job site. That's what they're designed for
@@BootSpy Love the style of them but I think the Redwing Roughneck is what I need.
I’m a size 13 so go to 12?
I will say that even after having SOOOO many pairs of boots in the last three years (went down the rabbit hole bad)? I always go back to my Blacksmiths. They are just so light, comfortable, and such a streamlined boot compared to like my Nick's or White's. I understand the Nick's and White's are a heavier duty boot and would ultimately out last my Blacksmiths given the same wear and environments. I also want to say that I love my Nick's and Whites. They are amazing boots! But, for everyday wear? I really prefer my Blacksmiths over any other boot I've ever owned. The break in is almost non existent, the comfort after the break in is second to none, the quality/durability are all I'd ever need from a boot, and to me the looks of the boot. My god it's such a great silhouette of a boot. I agree with CJ when he says "if you look up boot in the dictionary, the Blacksmith is what you'll find". Just flat out great boots.
Check out Red Wing's Harvester. It's an 8" blacksmith.
oooo--I'll have to take a peek
Love them. My 2nd RW boot ever, purchased at the Red Wing, MN basement “outlet” as factory 2nds that look flawless. More versatile than Iron Ranger in that it’s *slightly* dressier and the contrasting brown welt looks perfect with the black prairie leather’s brown under layer.
I went down a full size and a half. 9 in “sneakers” 8.5 in danner. 8 in Asolo. 7.5 in Red Wing.
Wow, that's interesting. Red wings are notoriously tricky with their sizing
Im looking for a boot like the iron Ranger ( no toe cap) or blacksmith thats pure black leather and a black sole and stiching. Any recommendations??
The Blacksmith is all brown leather with a black dye on top. No such animal that's black through and through except for the Iron Ranger. So, add the 8084 black Iron Ranger instead. Black dye and oil through and through. Yes, it stains white socks, but you'll never have brown leather showing under the black surface finish. Bought my 8084 IR a few months ago. The toe cap really isn't that noticeable on the black IR boot as much as it is on the other colors.
If memory serves me right, there is an older black Iron Ranger made for the Japanese market that you can get here too. It's a chrome tan black leather through and through, not oil. Polishes to a high finish and has the old nitrile sole instead of the new 430 mini-Vibram sole.
@@jbsimmons54 interesting! Do you know where or how to find it?
@@SkylerMills
Yes, that IR for the Japanese market is style 8114. You'll have to stop in a Red Wing store or call them to query their databases to locate one in your size. They do have a nationwide and global database showing what store has what in the world. Cheers.
@@jbsimmons54 awesome thanks :)
what to use to correct the dye scuffing away?
Add the 8084 black Iron Ranger. Black dye and oil through and through. Yes, it stains white socks, but you'll never have brown leather showing under the black surface finish.
How do hose compare to the red wing Sheldon boots?
The sheldons are more formal. They’re lined and have half soles as well as an unstructured toe. The blacksmiths are way more casual.
Would be nice if it was AVAILABLE
No sure if you reply, because i don't see any from you :o/
Do you know if you can have this matt painted back onto the boot? after to much color showing through it's going to to like its been abused. I know some like that look, but some like the clean boot look also :o)
Thanks for sharing.
I don't think you'd be able to restore the original color, but it's worth looking into! Thanks for watching and commenting--I really appreciate it!
Black leather dye.
Black shoe polish will help keep them black.
@@Tharification black shoe polish is shinny. I prefer the Matte look of this boot.
@@ELEVOPR It depends on how much you buff it awards. But in general, it will add a bit of shine even if you lightly buff it in.
How would these be for a work boot indoors, I don't want a regular work boot they are to heavy. I do a lot of walking at work and need something lite
For durability, these are awesome. They're not the lightest or softest to walk in though
i would suggest to bring a good insole to the store, and buy them a bit larger . They'll be perfect.
I want to see a pair of blacksmith boots put through a hell torture test and to see how they hold up
A Redwing sales rep told me on the phone after hearing I wear a B width that these run narrow. Do they?
hmmmm... they fit narrow at first, but they break in to your foot for a standard d-width. My best advice is to go a full size down, rather than a half size. The bump toe gives you plenty of extra room in the toe and you should still feel a bit of snugness on the sides of your feet. Let me know what you decide! And thank you so much for watching!
@@BootSpy thank you, I will try that.
They slightly changed from the ankle area
I just saw this today, but I'd love to see a comparison of the Red Wing Blacksmiths and the Wolverine 1000 mile. I'm looking for a boot with an oxblood color, so I'm leaning towards the Wolverine's, but this Blacksmith has some features (e.g. the obvious toughness of Red Wing construction) that have me struggling a bit. So a review would be awesome! :)
Hey Joe, thank you so much for watching! I actually do have a review of the Blacksmith vs the Oxblood Wolverine 1000 Mile---it's the perfect vid for you--- ruclips.net/video/jWXmDV1V0YY/видео.html
@@BootSpy that's awesome! Thanks! Oh, and great vids! I've watched several and have subscribed. All I wear are dress boots and sneakers, so your vids will be great when I go window shopping. I'd love to see a review on Beckett Simonon or Taft to see what you think.
@@vintagejoehill awesome, thank you so much! And that's great news! I have new Beckett Simonons coming in tomorrow and a Taft Jack Boot review coming up soon. I have the Taft Jack review written up and live on BootSpy.com if you want to check that out, but the video will up be up in the next two weeks if you prefer that
Generic comment for algorithm purposes... great review!
You da man, Rick!
Very similar to the beckman as well
I want work boots but i also want a Wehrmacht style of leather boots and i can wear gaiters with it. Simple, modern, and stylish. But i can atill get labor done.
I keep black shoe polish for patina free boots....
Yeah, I’d want mine to remain black.
In my opinion the Blacksmith is a much better quality boot than the Wolverine 1000 mile boot..there’s no comparison and I find the Wolverine to be way over priced
好喜欢😻
Team iron ranger here!
They never have them in stock.
Would love to give my hometown boot maker some business. I live about 40 miles from Red Wing. But, I can't. They don't make anything in a wide size. That makes no sense. And, when there is a wide size, they are never ever in stock.. So, my money is going to Portland Oregon..(Danner) NYC..(Thursday Boot) and Helm (Austin TX)....
The Blacksmith isn;t really a copy of the wolverine, but rather a re-imagining of the Beckman.
Best way to break in a leather boot...."Work" with it....meaning, "Sweat" with it.
Good review, not my style though. Maybe it's just this colour that doesn't speak to me.
Hopefully in the future, blacksmith have nickel or gunmetal eyelet 😁
Nice vid. I think wolverine copied Red Wing’s style. The Blacksmith style was made by Red Wing first just like the Iron Rangers that everybody and their mother has copied…
Damn keep my eyes off that deep indigo. Where’s your shirt from.
Can’t *
It's from Banana Republic--I got it maybe 4 or 5 years ago so I'm not sure if they still have it, but it looked even crispier when I first got it (before 5 years of wear)... definitely a good purchase!
Fantastic review. Looks like you had a little pee-pee splash on your Blacksmiths. 😜
What, you don't pee on your boots before you wear them? In all seriousness, that was actually on the boots when they showed up in the box...I'm not sure what it was, but I figured it would disappear after a few weeks (it did)
You need better lighting. Too dark. You can't see the details.
Lost me at the painted on color.
You keep saying resole. I'm a machinist. My Redwing Pecos boots are over 20 years old and have never been resoled. They do split time with a pair of Carhartt leather shoes that are over 20 years old also. The Carhartts were resoled about six months ago for the first time. I can't imagine you're that hard on boots. I would estimate that I've worn each pair over 25,000 hours each and the snake isn't even completely worn off my Pecos. I should also note that I'm 6'4" and 275 pounds. I destroy low quality shoes just from my size.
"Scuffing off the paint and showing the natural leather..." sounds pretty awful to me. So far I have no interest in getting these vis a vis another Wolverine 1000 Mi.
bro i just HATE the white stiching on these
New viewer
Like to see a comparison Dr. Martens made in England. Tx
Love it, thank you so much for watching, commenting, and subscribing. It means so much! And I'll note that and see what we can get going!
They’re just iron rangers without the toe cap.
Some minor differences in the heel counter and collar.
@@charlesbronson240 yes though minor. I still like the look though. More smart looking.
@@daveodanger i agree.
Well I'm diving into the differences shortly so make sure you subscribe! Thank you for watching!
Why would you review a boot and say “it took me two weeks” or “four weeks…” to break them in? Without saying something like - I worm them 2-4-6 hours per day for 2 or 4 weeks? Do / did you wear them while sitting at a desk for that time frame or are you on your feet during this timeline? Saying it took you a month to break in tells me (us) NOTHING of what to expect. Do better for you upcoming reviews sir.
7.50 “5 miles of wearing”.
I swear red wing meant to have the iron ranger be the blacksmith they're naming makes like no sense
I got a pair at Nordstrom Rack for $56 loool
made out like a bandit!
@@BootSpy They have SO many red wings there. I also got a 875 for $63. They're usually around $120-160 but every now and then they will have them sub $80
I feel like you wasted 10 minutes of my life just to tell me you never truly break in your Red Wings
What’s going on with the arm movement...don’t drink coffee before you review a boot...