Red Wing Blacksmith Boot Review - The Ultimate Plain Toe Boot?
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- Опубликовано: 19 фев 2019
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The Minnesota-based Red Wing Boot Company is one of the most popular and influential American boot brands out there. From 1905 to today, they make those classic work boots your dad and granddad wore, and much, much more.
Today we’re looking at the Blacksmith, an important edition to the Red Wing pantheon. Does it stack up?
FIRST GLANCE
The Red Wing 3340 Blacksmith features a unique briar oil slick leather, which looks like a traditional brown in some lights, but delightfully red in others.
At first glance, this boot looks an awful lot like the Wolverine 1000 Mile boot, which isn’t really a surprise as these two companies are pretty clearly competitors.
** SEE MY RED WING VS WOLVERINE COMPARISON: • FIGHT! Red Wing Vs. Wo... **
The Blacksmith features a Vibram mini-lug sole, which combines a classic Commando sole and a flat sole. I like that it’s got a good grip but from the side looks nice and slim.
The sole is attached with a 270-degree Goodyear welt. Other features include dull guilt hooks and eyelets, an unlined inside, and triple stitching along the vamp.
Red Wing calls this really round toe a bump toe; it’s a little on the bulbous side but it does give you some wiggle room. Whether you like it or not really depends on your aesthetics.
** WATCH MY RED WING IRON RANGER REVIEW: • Red Wing Iron Rangers ... **
LEATHER
This boot features a Briar Oil Slick leather, which is produced at Red Wing’s tannery, SB Foot Tanning Co.
Like I mentioned, the leather has a red tint - I love wearing these uniquely colored boots when the outfit is right, though they’re not dressy.
The tanning process on this boot is interesting. It’s oil tanned (in white mineral oil, to be specific) but it’s also chrome tanned to finish. While it doesn’t necessarily have the lustre of some combination tanned leathers, it’s very hardy and won’t require a ton of conditioning.
LEATHER CARE
So while mink oil is really popular for making boots extremely waterproof, the downside is that it can definitely alter the color of your leather. I use neatsfoot oil instead, which doesn’t penetrate the leather as deeply and preserves color better. Just brush the boot down with a horsehair brush and apply the oil to condition.
** SEE MY GUIDE TO RED WING BOOT CARE: • Boot Oil vs Mink Oil -... **
SOLE
The Vibram 430 mini-lug sole is a medium traction, oil resistant, non-marking, and long-wearing rubber sole. It’s pretty slim for a commando sole, and pretty flexible, too. One downside is that they don’t have great shock absorption, since there’s no foam or urethane or anything like that in the sole.
The midsole is cork, and the insole is leather. The steel shank provides some decent arch support and stability, which I like.
Finally, there’s the 270-degree Goodyear welt. It’s slightly less waterproof and slimmer-looking than a full 360-degree welt.
FIT & SIZING
The Blacksmith is available in full and half sizes from 7 to 13 on Red Wing’s site and on Amazon. They only come in one width, though.
Surprisingly, these boots took no time to break in (unlike other Red Wings I’ve owned).
Decent arch support, and a snug but not too snug fit along the side of the foot - plus they’re nice and roomy in the toe box. Shock absorption isn’t amazing, but it’s fine.
** SEE MY FIRST PAIR OF BOOTS, MY 3-YEAR-OLD RED WING MOC TOES: • Review: Red Wing Moc T... **
PRICE
Generally between $280 and $300, though if you’re patient you can usually find them on sale.
Pros
* Awesome leather
* Minimal leather care
* Good grip
* Decent arch support
* Resoleable
* Easy break in
Cons
* One width
* A bit pricey for the average joe
* Informal, wide toe
* Leather not super lustrous
* Mediocre shock absorption
* Unlined
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I own these and they make my Thursday captains feel like something I picked up at the clearance rack at Spencers
These boots were once affordable. Then they became fashionable, kind of like pickup trucks. Now I can't afford either.
Don't at all mean to call out any running shoe companies, but there are several brands and models right now that cost what this boot can be found for, and they're not going to last even a year. I expect my Blacksmiths to last longer than my feet.
These were my first redwing heritage boots and first “nice” boots. I love them and they started my boot collecting addiction.
idk why more people aren't raving about the black black smiths or copper rough and tough. But great review. once i bought my first pair, i stopped wearing sneakers completely.
Blacksmith over Iron Ranger.
I only see videos on this boot as a “fashion” boot. Does anyone wear them for work anymore?
Definitely needs to be made available in wide sizes!
nice boot but like the IR needs a high shaft option, there must be literally millions of high shaft fans who wd buy these boots if they had that option, dunno why RW doesnt at least have a limited run
Good looking boot however once you put on a pair of 1000 Mile boots you will understand-they are comfortable out of the box and look very similar. Plus they are Hoeween leather. Just IMO.
I've had my Blacksmith 3343s for three years now and couldn't be happier with them. Tough as nails and very versatile style-wise.
Just ordered these in store a week ago after finding my size. They look more brown than I thought but in bright lighting I can really see the red undertones. Nice review, thanks for reassuring my purchase.
I love that we’re getting away from the narrow dress boot look (still love all of mine but..). The work boot / hiking boot look with formal attire is such a good look and has made formal at work and our long commutes in much more comfortable. I like being able to present in the boardroom, hike 15 flights of stairs to the next meeting and navigate the tough terrains of the inner city in my way to the train tracks for my ride home; all within weather that goes from 70s and sunny to 40s and snow within hours.
Great review I always enjoy your videos thank you for all your hard work that you put into it really appreciate it man
I love my Blacksmith 3345s! The Prairie Leather is awesome! I'm currently comparing them to the Chippewa Service Boot and the Blacksmith is blowing it out of the water... I also found the break in with these much better than the IRs. I used to have a pair of 1000 Mile and they simply do not match the quality of the Blacksmiths in my opinion. Great video as always Nick!
My first Red Wings. Absolutely love them. Started my addiction
Your review helped me pull the trigger and get these boots. They fit your foot like a glove. Thank you for your help dude!
Love these. I would also consider the Red Wing Merchant 8062 in Olive Mohave rough out. It has a little bit more cushion in the sole and a more tapered toe box, as well as another unique color that works with everything.
I have had these for a few months and highly recommend. I used saphir neutral oiled leather cream which is neatsfoot oil based and I think it looks good. I actually still get a pretty decent amount of luster with a good brushing and have only treated them with the saphir once and a small touch up. The leather seems to "heal" the light nicks and scratches from everyday wear after a firm brushing and relaxing overnight. The leather resembles that of a good football (american) in color and feel, and there is a nice pebbling on the upper and hind sections, smoother tighter grain leather on the toe which I feel is a nice subtle detail. For me there was not that bad of a break in, mostly felt rough around the collars. I did not size down, got the same as my sneaker/dress shoe size but I prefer to wear with merino wool socks and don't mind the extra roomy toe box. Even for the summer I try to find some thicker cotton socks if I choose to wear this style of boot, it really helps with the fit and comfort.