I have a pair of Iron Rangers I use as hiking boots. I wear them when I go for a short or medium sized hike in the hills or forested lowlands (I wouldn’t use them as mountaineering boots) and they work just fine. I’ve made a few adjustments to them like adding a kiltie, because the teslan laces were digging into my ankle on the incline after some time, I have also waxed them thoroughly to avoid what happened to you in the swamp, they are not completely waterproof, but they’re water resistant enough to walk through shallow creeks/wet grass without problem, the water just beads up on the surface and shakes off without soaking the leather. I also plan on adding a leather midsole when the factory outsole wears out to improve comfort. I wouldn’t recommend using them as they come from the factory, but with a few modifications they make for a pretty fine hiking boots.
So glad you like Jared! I myself enjoy them more - for me it’s way more fun than sitting at a table and hopefully you guys enjoy the scenery! Would love to get more ambitious and go to some more exciting hiking areas in the future too
Durability isn't the issue. If you're going to hike, you want full size lugs. The Brooks Brothers version are probably a good choice, but not the standard ones.
@@EssenceofPureFlavor Yes. These can handle it durability wise. But doing any serious hiking, especially in bad weather, requires a boot made for that specific task.
After years of watching iron ranger reviews I finally bought a pair. I’m an over the road truck driver and am currently wearing the iron rangers in rotation with thorogood wedge soles and on wet days Keen Mt Vernon. The iron rangers are a lot tougher then I thought they would be. They are not a hipster boot imo. Hipsters could wear them but so could guys doing light duty labor like truck driving or working on a dock. It’s crazy that guys used to wear these in the mines but they are tough enough to do that kind of work
Awesome series! Love to see more of these. I’m convinced there are a few heritage boots which are light and flexible enough to take on trail, but damn are they hard to find. Most makers don’t seem to publish the weight or have much info on how flexible or shock absorbing their boots are. And many of the traditional hiking shoes are kind of heavy and clunky. Tactical boots are another option but they’re pretty dang ugly. And the drop/offset is another thing to consider for natural walking stride, especially important for long miles. It’s a bit of a minefield given the lack of info out there on this, but I still like the idea of a go anywhere do anything boot that doesn’t just look the part, but it performs too.
Thanks so much Ritch! I’m gonna do more of these once this dang quarantine ends! Yeah I totally agree - it’s hard to find a boot that can truly do it all but I think this is a fun way to test out the best ones available. I’m also big into the heel drop and want something that has a natural feel and also allows for some natural toe splay. I’ve actually seen some by a brand called Alico that look fantastic on Sierra.com and a lot of people are really into danner too so hopefully I’ll get a chance to try those out. Stay locked in!
in my experience, as I've owned 8 year old, you can hike with Red Wings Iron Rangers. United states Army and Marine Corps Infantry also received similar one during WWI and WWII. it was just historical fact of hundred years ago, also they must upgrading to their flat sole before deploy to europe and pacific too. because, Department of War had decided to downgrade their service shoes for save the cost after WWI and Great Depression. (it means, at the before and during WWI Solders and Marines received one the different between after 1920s~1940) sometimes I imagine the compare to Soldier and Marines at WWII and now. their backpack weight is lighter than now, but each clothes and equipment are much heavier. edit : Department of Defense was named at since 1949.
Really interesting thought to compare these to real combat boots - you’re right I’m sure they weren’t that far off and for good reason! I wonder who made the boots for the army during WWI and WWII ?
@@TheMensch I don't know exactly. High-ankle boots and Canvas leggings was issued since the US Civil war, as I know. and I just found Article at the Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_boot I can tell you Red Wing is one of manufacturer for deliver Three different type "Service Shoes" to Department of War during WWII. in addition, solders were dubbin boots prevent to wet. it was slightly effective. (it was story for europe theater, not pacific. I think soldiers and marines had deployed pacific theater does not care to prevent to wet.) you can also find some dubbing tip for that. 90thidpg.us/Equipment/Projects/Dubbing/
@@TheMensch None, Zero pain. I was actually quite surprised about that and the that with smooth sole (original style) sole they did really well. Mine are the Hawthorne Muleskinner leather and since then I’ve purchased the Copper Rough, and Amber Harness. Love’em.
I live in Montana homestead and ranching lifestyle . Spring to fall the rangers never leave my feet but one the snow flys it’s back to the winter boots . Also any sorts of ice is a no Go with these boots. Maybe with a re- sole they will hold up better . Great boots though I have owned three pair and they never let me down
A year late looking for new ruck boots brought me here. I put 1600 miles down in 6 months and slayed a pair of gorucks. Doing 50k every weekend, I hope these work for me!
Thanks for the review. I'm looking into buying the blacksmiths but I'm a little concerned with the water seeping issue. Do you know of any way to waterproof your boot without destroying the color/texture?
If you're nuts, you'd hike in them! I wore my very worn-in Iron Rangers flat cork bottom's to the Grand Canyon and I will tell ya, they were very slick, and I felt every rock I stepped on. IMO, keep them on pavement or indoors!
I wear my 8111’s hiking steep, rocky ground and mud for up to 15 miles; I have never had a blister or twisted ankle and feet still feel great compared to when I wear my hanwag gt hiking boots, which I only wear in the winter months due to the cold. Just keep them conditioned, wear good quality seamless boot socks and you will be fine.
Waiting Chen is it cold and wet where you live in October? I only wear mine in the warmer months as they are not lined. I wear my Hanwag GT boots when it gets cold and too wet.
@@dasp125 I live in Taiwan, it's warm and dry in October. So iron rangers are not recommended for wet environment, right? I would like to ask if Iron Rangers are okay for hiking on mountains around 4000M?
I like this series, showing how different boots perform in different conditions. Since you touched on breakin a couple of times, how would you say that the breakin on your Iron Rangers compares to other boots that you have?
Glad you enjoy! Man they were very tough but mainly because this amber harness leather is crazy stiff when you first get them! Other leather from red wing are soft right out of the box like the briar oil slick leather. The insole also takes breaking in and is a never ending process the leather itself is the bigger challenge for me!
After 8-10 km I get blisers on the side. Ive worn mine for 3 years already they are comfi...but after a while the sole and the side of the leather is where my feet start blistering.
Haha I totally thought it would be! But these are so broken in that they didn’t give me any problems thank goodness - poor Davy got some real bad blisters though! Still I wouldn’t ever wear the iron rangers for a long hike if I didn’t have to - definitely worthwhile to pick up some hiking boots! Even my $50 merrells are a lot more supportive and shock absorbing!
I own the Red Wing Iron Rangers, the Blacksmiths, and the Merchants. I can say that the Merchants are a lesser boot/shoe. Their upper leather is high quality but the sole is less substantial and there may not be a shank. Plan on taking the Merchant to church of out to dinner and use the Iron Ranger for more serious footsteps.
Iron Rangers are durable, and fashionable. But I'd never wear them on a hike over say an Adidas Terrex or Merrells or any other shoe designed specifically for hiking.
Yeah I think that’s totally fair to say - I definitely don’t recommend wearing them on hikes and I actually love my merrells for hiking! And they’re very affordable!
Haha good! They’re supposed to! Just be patient and let the insole and leather mold to your feet. Take your time and don’t force yourself to wear them every day
Mine didn’t hurt at all. And they’re the standard width.. I broke mine in just a couple of wears. I’ve been using them every day for several months now and they’ve gotten even more comfortable. I don’t know if I can wear them in the summer but I hear that people in California wear Iron Rangers.
Once they break in they feel amazing. Pull out the laces and them a good rubbing with some coconut oil all over the outside as well every couple months
Thank you for this series, I really like and appreciate it. I just have one request, can you speak a little bit slower. I actually changed the setting to 0.75x speed because of how quickly you are speaking
Can you do a 5 mile run in iron rangers? Then a Basketball game in iron rangers? Maybe even a full golfing game in iron rangers? Haha, JK. Iron rangers are made for what they are made for, people who work light duty and some heavy duty as long as a steel toe isn't needed. I live in Queens, didn't ok owning island had swampy areas, that's pretty Kool to know. Both of those sets of boot look great, especially yours for its age. They are aging nicely. Thanks for sharing..
I disagree. If you remove the heel with a screw driver (completely removes the pinky pain and makes them more of a zero drop minimalist shoe) and you wax them and keep extra wax for maintenance on you, they make a superb hiking boot in my opinion. I also inserted a thin inner sole for extra padding and wear thick woolen socks.
Really appreciate the comments - you’re definitely onto something by making them zero drop! I have some zero drop trail sneakers from lems and they do make for a more natural feel! I still think as they are now they aren’t great hiking boots especially because they have no treads (although the newer models do)
5k is a walk in the park. Sneakers are bad in terrain as you risk spraining ankles. The Iron Ranger would hold up after 100k miles+ better then the sneaker.
After you wear them for a few months, they aren’t but the first few months they definitely are hard to wear! But it’s worth it becuase then they become really comfortable and durable 👍
@@TheMensch well the mini lug allows you to do things like go on hikes. The Vibram Lug sole is hard enough that you can go for a hike or just wear them in the out doors because you can walk over rocks and gravel without feeling every single rock under your feet. With a good wool boot sock you can totally make it work. When i was in the Marines back in the 90s a lot of us would wear all leather Danners. Pretty much the same concept as the IR except the Danners were 8". The soles were Vibram and the upper was all leather. When they got really wet we would just change our socks out. Todays stuff is much better like the Danner USMC Rat but you can get away with the IR with the mini lug sole. Just make sure you keep that leather conditioned or the outside elements will destroy them.
@@TheMensch i also didnt mean to say the cork sole is crap. I meant to say its crap in the out doors. For going out or to the office and casual wear its very nice.
Haha thanks for the lengthy response! I think you brought up a lot of really valid points! For going outdoors I 100% agree that the lug is much more functional than the flat cork sole. I find myself avoiding the iron ranger when conditions are wet or muddy. However I think for people who work in environments with flat surfaces like warehouses or carpenters, they may have more positives because the lug sole ends up wearing down on the outside of the sole and throwing off the balance whereas the flat sole stays more uniform through years of wear.
Disappointing they couldn’t hold out a little bit of water like that. I have these cheap Chinese made dress boots that hold out water like champs. I’m looking for an all around usa made dress/work boot and I was told heritage was the way to go. But this video is concerning. 😬
Is this a video for people who have never seen a boot or a shoe before? Like someone who's lived in the woods since birth, raised by wolves and has never encountered footwear in their life? That kinda seems like the target audience. Don't get me wrong, I have a pair of IRs and love 'em, but, I dunno, is anyone consulting youtube before they hike? "Oh good heavens, boot or shoe??"
I think you make a good point - usually from my experience when they’re comfortable out of the box they tend to loosen up and then get too big. I think boots should feel tight in the beginning because they will stretch and adjust to your foot. For me the iron rangers were perfectly snug but not soooo tight and now they’re perfect
Haha the pine barrens on Long Island are really flat - that’s why I thought it would be a good place to test these out without actually hurting myself. I wouldn’t take these to mount katahdin any time soon! That was a doozy 🏔
I have a pair of Iron Rangers I use as hiking boots. I wear them when I go for a short or medium sized hike in the hills or forested lowlands (I wouldn’t use them as mountaineering boots) and they work just fine. I’ve made a few adjustments to them like adding a kiltie, because the teslan laces were digging into my ankle on the incline after some time, I have also waxed them thoroughly to avoid what happened to you in the swamp, they are not completely waterproof, but they’re water resistant enough to walk through shallow creeks/wet grass without problem, the water just beads up on the surface and shakes off without soaking the leather. I also plan on adding a leather midsole when the factory outsole wears out to improve comfort. I wouldn’t recommend using them as they come from the factory, but with a few modifications they make for a pretty fine hiking boots.
Love this hiking series. Seeing real world use is a nice change from other reviews. Thanks
So glad you like Jared! I myself enjoy them more - for me it’s way more fun than sitting at a table and hopefully you guys enjoy the scenery! Would love to get more ambitious and go to some more exciting hiking areas in the future too
They were designed to be in the mines in the early 20th century. They can handle hiking.
Agreed!
That's true. I think working In those mines with all that rubble and rocks has to be slot harder than hiking 🥾
While I agree they will hold up.. I wonder how they feel on a 15 mile hike? honestly.. I want to know
Durability isn't the issue. If you're going to hike, you want full size lugs. The Brooks Brothers version are probably a good choice, but not the standard ones.
@@EssenceofPureFlavor Yes. These can handle it durability wise. But doing any serious hiking, especially in bad weather, requires a boot made for that specific task.
After years of watching iron ranger reviews I finally bought a pair. I’m an over the road truck driver and am currently wearing the iron rangers in rotation with thorogood wedge soles and on wet days Keen Mt Vernon. The iron rangers are a lot tougher then I thought they would be. They are not a hipster boot imo. Hipsters could wear them but so could guys doing light duty labor like truck driving or working on a dock. It’s crazy that guys used to wear these in the mines but they are tough enough to do that kind of work
Awesome series! Love to see more of these. I’m convinced there are a few heritage boots which are light and flexible enough to take on trail, but damn are they hard to find. Most makers don’t seem to publish the weight or have much info on how flexible or shock absorbing their boots are. And many of the traditional hiking shoes are kind of heavy and clunky. Tactical boots are another option but they’re pretty dang ugly. And the drop/offset is another thing to consider for natural walking stride, especially important for long miles. It’s a bit of a minefield given the lack of info out there on this, but I still like the idea of a go anywhere do anything boot that doesn’t just look the part, but it performs too.
Thanks so much Ritch! I’m gonna do more of these once this dang quarantine ends! Yeah I totally agree - it’s hard to find a boot that can truly do it all but I think this is a fun way to test out the best ones available. I’m also big into the heel drop and want something that has a natural feel and also allows for some natural toe splay. I’ve actually seen some by a brand called Alico that look fantastic on Sierra.com and a lot of people are really into danner too so hopefully I’ll get a chance to try those out. Stay locked in!
This guy is tough, stepped in an inch of water and survived.
Along with a very tough rugged environment. My hikes in the mountainous Californian terrain could never.
in my experience, as I've owned 8 year old, you can hike with Red Wings Iron Rangers. United states Army and Marine Corps Infantry also received similar one during WWI and WWII. it was just historical fact of hundred years ago, also they must upgrading to their flat sole before deploy to europe and pacific too. because, Department of War had decided to downgrade their service shoes for save the cost after WWI and Great Depression. (it means, at the before and during WWI Solders and Marines received one the different between after 1920s~1940)
sometimes I imagine the compare to Soldier and Marines at WWII and now. their backpack weight is lighter than now, but each clothes and equipment are much heavier.
edit : Department of Defense was named at since 1949.
Really interesting thought to compare these to real combat boots - you’re right I’m sure they weren’t that far off and for good reason! I wonder who made the boots for the army during WWI and WWII ?
@@TheMensch I don't know exactly. High-ankle boots and Canvas leggings was issued since the US Civil war, as I know. and I just found Article at the Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trench_boot
I can tell you Red Wing is one of manufacturer for deliver Three different type "Service Shoes" to Department of War during WWII. in addition, solders were dubbin boots prevent to wet. it was slightly effective. (it was story for europe theater, not pacific. I think soldiers and marines had deployed pacific theater does not care to prevent to wet.)
you can also find some dubbing tip for that.
90thidpg.us/Equipment/Projects/Dubbing/
I love my Iron Rangers but would definitely choose a different boot for hiking.
Hike 8 miles up and back to Estes Cone in Colorado, this how I broke them in. They worked great even with the cork sole.
Haha wow and no break in pain?
@@TheMensch None, Zero pain. I was actually quite surprised about that and the that with smooth sole (original style) sole they did really well. Mine are the Hawthorne Muleskinner leather and since then I’ve purchased the Copper Rough, and Amber Harness. Love’em.
I live in Montana homestead and ranching lifestyle . Spring to fall the rangers never leave my feet but one the snow flys it’s back to the winter boots . Also any sorts of ice is a no Go with these boots. Maybe with a re- sole they will hold up better . Great boots though I have owned three pair and they never let me down
Totally agree- they aren’t insulated at all which makes them tough to wear in any freezing weather.
A year late looking for new ruck boots brought me here. I put 1600 miles down in 6 months and slayed a pair of gorucks. Doing 50k every weekend, I hope these work for me!
I felt Darn Tough wool socks were a must with my Iron Rangers
Thanks for the review. I'm looking into buying the blacksmiths but I'm a little concerned with the water seeping issue. Do you know of any way to waterproof your boot without destroying the color/texture?
Finally someone who dosen't cuff their pants while wearing these boots
If you're nuts, you'd hike in them! I wore my very worn-in Iron Rangers flat cork bottom's to the Grand Canyon and I will tell ya, they were very slick, and I felt every rock I stepped on. IMO, keep them on pavement or indoors!
I saw the vibram mark what I’m doing right now to turn these boots to hikers first resole and love these boots!
I wear my 8111’s hiking steep, rocky ground and mud for up to 15 miles; I have never had a blister or twisted ankle and feet still feel great compared to when I wear my hanwag gt hiking boots, which I only wear in the winter months due to the cold. Just keep them conditioned, wear good quality seamless boot socks and you will be fine.
Yes! Happy to hear you trust the rangers even in super tough conditions! A lot of people don’t seems to appreciate the toughness of them
Thanks for sharing these experience, just planning to buy a pair of iron ranger for hiking in October!
Waiting Chen is it cold and wet where you live in October? I only wear mine in the warmer months as they are not lined. I wear my Hanwag GT boots when it gets cold and too wet.
@@dasp125 I live in Taiwan, it's warm and dry in October. So iron rangers are not recommended for wet environment, right? I would like to ask if Iron Rangers are okay for hiking on mountains around 4000M?
I like this series, showing how different boots perform in different conditions. Since you touched on breakin a couple of times, how would you say that the breakin on your Iron Rangers compares to other boots that you have?
Glad you enjoy! Man they were very tough but mainly because this amber harness leather is crazy stiff when you first get them! Other leather from red wing are soft right out of the box like the briar oil slick leather. The insole also takes breaking in and is a never ending process the leather itself is the bigger challenge for me!
You can hike in traditional leather boots you just need to make sure... A) They fit properly. B) They are broken in. C) That you have proper socks.
I only made it 2 miles in my new RW Iron Rangers before I got blisters on both heels. Wifey had to pick me up. 😂
Yeah that's the problem with these stiff leather boots. They're comfortable as hell, BUT only when they're broken in.
After 8-10 km I get blisers on the side. Ive worn mine for 3 years already they are comfi...but after a while the sole and the side of the leather is where my feet start blistering.
They can but they are heavy. I use GS Diesel boots for hiking.
Looks like blister city for me
Haha I totally thought it would be! But these are so broken in that they didn’t give me any problems thank goodness - poor Davy got some real bad blisters though! Still I wouldn’t ever wear the iron rangers for a long hike if I didn’t have to - definitely worthwhile to pick up some hiking boots! Even my $50 merrells are a lot more supportive and shock absorbing!
I just had it 2 weeks ago.. haven't fully break in yet. But for hiking I will choose Timberland wp to go to.
Maybe we can see a merchant red wing for the next one? Lol great vid!
Would love to get my hands on the merchant! They’re a really great modern boot that can be dressed up more easily than some of the other styles!
I own the Red Wing Iron Rangers, the Blacksmiths, and the Merchants. I can say that the Merchants are a lesser boot/shoe. Their upper leather is high quality but the sole is less substantial and there may not be a shank. Plan on taking the Merchant to church of out to dinner and use the Iron Ranger for more serious footsteps.
Great stuff man! Just picked up a pair of the 8085’s recently.
Awesome! That’s copper leather is so waxy and I’m obsessed with the smell!
Iron Rangers are durable, and fashionable. But I'd never wear them on a hike over say an Adidas Terrex or Merrells or any other shoe designed specifically for hiking.
Yeah I think that’s totally fair to say - I definitely don’t recommend wearing them on hikes and I actually love my merrells for hiking! And they’re very affordable!
Just got my first pair of iron rangers and man they hurt
Haha good! They’re supposed to! Just be patient and let the insole and leather mold to your feet. Take your time and don’t force yourself to wear them every day
Lol yes lord they hurt 😞
Mine didn’t hurt at all. And they’re the standard width.. I broke mine in just a couple of wears. I’ve been using them every day for several months now and they’ve gotten even more comfortable. I don’t know if I can wear them in the summer but I hear that people in California wear Iron Rangers.
Once they break in they feel amazing. Pull out the laces and them a good rubbing with some coconut oil all over the outside as well every couple months
@@thomza the amount of seething in this comment lmao
Thank you for this series, I really like and appreciate it. I just have one request, can you speak a little bit slower. I actually changed the setting to 0.75x speed because of how quickly you are speaking
Yeah I know it’s the thing I struggle with most right now - I just get all hyped up when I start filming! Will continue to work on it
I subscribed the second I heard Long Island 💪🏽
Hey, another Islander. I've always wanted these, I think carl place has a redwing store?
Ya that is correct!
Can you do a 5 mile run in iron rangers? Then a Basketball game in iron rangers? Maybe even a full golfing game in iron rangers?
Haha, JK. Iron rangers are made for what they are made for, people who work light duty and some heavy duty as long as a steel toe isn't needed.
I live in Queens, didn't ok owning island had swampy areas, that's pretty Kool to know.
Both of those sets of boot look great, especially yours for its age. They are aging nicely. Thanks for sharing..
Haha what about a softball game? I play in queens in the spring! Appreciate the good vibes and glad you appreciate the aging of the boots!
I disagree. If you remove the heel with a screw driver (completely removes the pinky pain and makes them more of a zero drop minimalist shoe) and you wax them and keep extra wax for maintenance on you, they make a superb hiking boot in my opinion. I also inserted a thin inner sole for extra padding and wear thick woolen socks.
Really appreciate the comments - you’re definitely onto something by making them zero drop! I have some zero drop trail sneakers from lems and they do make for a more natural feel! I still think as they are now they aren’t great hiking boots especially because they have no treads (although the newer models do)
5k is a walk in the park. Sneakers are bad in terrain as you risk spraining ankles. The Iron Ranger would hold up after 100k miles+ better then the sneaker.
Nice video, is that 8111 or 8085?
These are 8111
No arch support and rough on feet for 6'3" 240lbs. Insoles just ruin boots so looking into Nicks Boots.
Nicks may be the way to go especially for someone who needs a more custom fit - they’re fantastic and surely worth the price!
Good job and great content. 👍👍👍
Thanks a lot! Really appreciate the kind words! 🙏
Iron rangers are the most painful boots. I’ve got a nice broken in pair that suck as much as ever I’m putting up on eBay.
It is hard to wear it?
After you wear them for a few months, they aren’t but the first few months they definitely are hard to wear! But it’s worth it becuase then they become really comfortable and durable 👍
The Vibram mini lug brings them to another level. The cork sole is crap.
Interesting - most guys don’t agree. Why do you say so?
@@TheMensch well the mini lug allows you to do things like go on hikes. The Vibram Lug sole is hard enough that you can go for a hike or just wear them in the out doors because you can walk over rocks and gravel without feeling every single rock under your feet. With a good wool boot sock you can totally make it work. When i was in the Marines back in the 90s a lot of us would wear all leather Danners. Pretty much the same concept as the IR except the Danners were 8". The soles were Vibram and the upper was all leather. When they got really wet we would just change our socks out. Todays stuff is much better like the Danner USMC Rat but you can get away with the IR with the mini lug sole. Just make sure you keep that leather conditioned or the outside elements will destroy them.
@@TheMensch i also didnt mean to say the cork sole is crap. I meant to say its crap in the out doors. For going out or to the office and casual wear its very nice.
Haha thanks for the lengthy response! I think you brought up a lot of really valid points! For going outdoors I 100% agree that the lug is much more functional than the flat cork sole. I find myself avoiding the iron ranger when conditions are wet or muddy. However I think for people who work in environments with flat surfaces like warehouses or carpenters, they may have more positives because the lug sole ends up wearing down on the outside of the sole and throwing off the balance whereas the flat sole stays more uniform through years of wear.
@@TheMensch you have a very good channel. Good luck to you.
3:40.. Make sure they smell ok.. I do it too!
Hahaha 😝
Disappointing they couldn’t hold out a little bit of water like that. I have these cheap Chinese made dress boots that hold out water like champs.
I’m looking for an all around usa made dress/work boot and I was told heritage was the way to go. But this video is concerning. 😬
I was thinking the same thing after watching this video. Did you ever end up buying a pair?
Did you buy a pair
Split the difference. Iron ranger with a commando sole.
Jajaja I've working on Iron ranger and logger max for like 10 years and this city gypsy made laugh very hard
✌️ The Mensch
What’s up dude! Thanks for watching 🙏
Lol, so enough for hiking cause you don’t know what’s coming next, if it rains in the middle of the way, your boots are gonna die...😂
Haha that’s right! Gotta make sure you are prepared! I’ll have to get a pair of real hiking boots ASAP
Is this a video for people who have never seen a boot or a shoe before? Like someone who's lived in the woods since birth, raised by wolves and has never encountered footwear in their life? That kinda seems like the target audience. Don't get me wrong, I have a pair of IRs and love 'em, but, I dunno, is anyone consulting youtube before they hike? "Oh good heavens, boot or shoe??"
Is it just me or are iron rangers comfortable out of the box? Well it’s probably me but they’ve never hurt.
if they comfortable out of the box, usually they getting loose later on
I think you make a good point - usually from my experience when they’re comfortable out of the box they tend to loosen up and then get too big. I think boots should feel tight in the beginning because they will stretch and adjust to your foot. For me the iron rangers were perfectly snug but not soooo tight and now they’re perfect
Things are murder on the foot
Worth the break in if you can bear it!
Because you didn't condition your boots properly
Hipsters, indeed. But who cares? If you like and can afford it, why not?
Thats not a hike, thats a walk.. fragile millennials...
Haha the pine barrens on Long Island are really flat - that’s why I thought it would be a good place to test these out without actually hurting myself. I wouldn’t take these to mount katahdin any time soon! That was a doozy 🏔
A hike is literally a walk.
...What do you think a hike is?