Blacksmiths for life! I prefer the subdued hardware on the Blacksmith vs the bling on the IR. Also, the opening never feels snug on the IR. I still really like my IRs, but I only bought them because I wanted Hawthorne Muleskinner.
I am glad to see you like the Sawmill. Those and the Blacksmith in Briar Oil Slick Leather are my two favorites, followed by Iron Rangers in Hawthorne, and then the Amber Harness . The wool insole kept slipping around on me whenever I took the boot on and off. So, I replaced the wool insert with a very thin leather one, the Pedag “Royal” insole. I now use this insole in all my Red Wings. I measure 14D, but order Red Wing Heritage as 13D. I order those insoles my actual size 14D. I guess you are saving it for your review. The Briar Oil Slick leather is far and away m favorite. It has the easiest break-in, and they looks GREAT in the sunshine.
Hello! I am from Hong Kong. Yes, RW 8111 is indeed a very iconic boot. I often wear it with my jeans. It is really stylish and classic .I also have engineer boots 9268, It is so heavy!! Great video!
I love my alden 405’s. After my plantar fasciitis flared up again after 13 years, I broke out my Aldens, which I keep for special occasions, & it started healing immediately. So, I wanted to find a comparable boot that I could use for daily wear, at a much lower price point, so I don’t ruin my Aldens. After much research, including your previous videos, I chose the redwing blacksmith in copper rough & tough. They should arrive in a couple days. I look forward to wearing them. Hopefully they help my heel finish healing. Thank you for the videos!
I can't argue with you on the Iron Ranger in Amber Harness - they were my first Red Wings. I also have them in black and Ebony Harness. I do have to disagree with you on the Moc Toe, however - they're such a great, iconic boot and my first pair of those were the Navy Portage. I'm still trying to figure out all the hate on the Chelseas a lot of people have, though. I'm very happy with them, so I must be the odd man out. Great video, even if we don't agree on everything, sir. :-)
I'll say this...I think I wear the Chelseas the most just because they're the most convenient to put on. So even if they're at the bottom of my list, they still get a lot of love! Thanks for watching!
The Chelsea's get a lot of hate for two reasons: The new insole (not a full piece of vegetable tanned leather) and because they are trying to go after the Blundstone Chelsea boot vibes, and the people that buy Chelsea boots in the Red Wing price category (and up) are more used too sleeker-looking chelseas. I personally like the look of them, but I already have way too many casual boots, so that's why I haven't bought them.
I love my Sawmills so much, I bought them right before the pandemic and I notice they don't make them anymore. He's right, they're a winter boot. They even come with wool inserts.
The blacksmith is a great all round boot imo if you just want a casual boot that can scrub up well for nights out and the office. A bit more versatile and not as outdoorsy as the IR.
I have a pair of Iron Rangers, and will be getting a pair of Roughnecks next. I'll be dropping them off at a cobbler to replace they eyes for speed hooks before I even wear them
I’ve had the Iron Ranger 8111, Blacksmith 3340, Roughneck 8146, and the 606 from the work line. Personally I would rank them as such: 4th Roughneck as the last shape didn’t fit my foot properly, 3rd 606 as the double layer sole was too squishy and made my knees hurt after walking around in them, 2nd Iron Ranger because the exposed stitches in the counter was murder on my heel when I was breaking them in, and 1st the Blacksmith as they were the most comfortable, well fitted, and easiest to break in.
Just recently bought Sawmill, and earlier this year bought a pair of Iron Ranger. My only two pairs of Red Wings, and I love them! I can't wait to break in the Sawmill this winter. Great analysis!
@@Blodia1990 The Northeast U.S. where I am gets cold and snowy. They do a great job until you have deep snow and temps below 25 or so. Then it's time for another type boot! Did they disco the boot or are they just behind on production?
I agree that the iron ranger is one of the best shoes red wing produce, but don't forget the beckman boot....the 9060 in black klondike is awesome and you can wear them also as a dress boot.
If you like the Sawmill you should also try the Roughneck. While it doesn’t have the lining it does has the Speed-hooks and the large lug Vibrum soul. Originally made, as you might guess, for Oil Rig Workers.
I have the 8863 moc in Slate Muleskinner, IR 8084 black harness, and a pair of Wingshooters. The Iron Ranger is my fave and the black harness leather breaks in very quickly. Next the 8863 - but I agree they could use a few speed hooks. I may have a cobbler install some. The Wingshooter is super for winter. They are all terrific, each with their own niche.
@Philoctetes Is Coming they’re definitely worth it, i didn’t say they weren’t. I said for that price you can get better at this current time. Better leathers, construction methods, finishing, customer service.
@@StolenAlias I feel like they service a different niche. With a Red Wing you could work in it if you'd like. I'd be hard pressed to work in CXL and the leathers offered by the mentioned brands. The durability on Red Wings seem much more substantial even if the finishing is far behind.
Hello there, First comment here :o I came to watch this video because of the classic Chelsea. I have to say that my 8085s are my favorite out of all my boots. Excellent video 👌🏻
Have Iron Ranger in this color. The huge disadvantage is that it has no amortization at all. I hurt my knee badly, never had issues with my knee. So, put good insoles to hopefully prevent it from happening.
I have a question about the soles. I am about to buy my 1st pair of Red Wings. I like the Iron Ranger and the 1907 Moc Toe. Will the sole on the Iron Ranger be hard on your back and feet standing and walking around? It looks like the crepe sole would be more comfortable for walking on hard surfaces.
I don't have a pair of Iron Rangers but I know that the 1907 Moc Toe is wonderful for working in. I work in light production (lifting like 50lbs sugar/flour is the most strenuous thing I do)so I didn't need anything crazy durable but I like good foot wear because my knees don't hurt and I wanted something I could wear to college and work(hence why I didn't get a modern Red Wing). I tried both on and I could tell that if you're working in them you aren't going to be comfortable in IRs. Those soles are just hard and not something I'd like to wear for a lot of walking without an insole. I had your same situation and went with the Moc Toes and although they're less versatile I think they're the superior choice if you only care mainly comfort like I do.
If you get longer laces and then tie the ends at the knot you can have your boot open when you put your foot in and you just have to pull center top and then do your time that's it's faster than speed lace shoes in my opinion I wish my iron Rangers had eyelid holes instead of speed lace
I can see why some people may feel that way. But, the Sawmill is far and away a much better, and more comfortable boot than the Classic Moc. I like the look of the Briar Oil Slick leather, overall. I cannot argue against having it on a Moc Toe style, without speed hooks. I can only argue that the Sawmill is the better built boot.
I have a pair of Irish settlers by Red Wing steel toe that I really enjoy very tough boots good wearing very comfortable all day Comfort have on my feet for more than 15 hours per day
New to Red Wing. What would you’ll recommend? PS: I just bought this week an Iron Ranger in Green Alpine Portage. I also own a Timberland and 5 pairs of RM Williams Chelsea boots which I wear to work. I live in Denmark.
Hello, Could you please review Urban Shepherd boots? They look amazing and you get a lot for 155 euro's (200 usd for the us store i believe) Leather insole, leather midsole, vibram half soles when choosing the toecap variant (They also have a boot with recycled truck tyres for soles btw), leather heel counter etc. The value is truely insane! also, they tend to patina incredibly well thanks to their unique leather. Made in portugal by locals made with local leathers and products by the way. Stridewise also did a vid on them btw, would love to hear your thoughts!
I’m looking to get the copper rough and rough, but I’m not sure about the briar. Could someone let me know what they prefer? I like them both but I’m not sure what the differences are between the two
Iron rangers are very durable and look good… biggest con though is that they’re terribly uncomfortable. Break in period can take months, despite daily wear. Even after it’s broken I’m still not comfortable.
@@BootSpy Merchants are tough to find anymore, but Beckmans can be had at Grailed or eBay regularly. I just got virtually new Beckmans on Grailed for $120!
I purchased the RW Iron Ranger in the rough leather almost a suede. Cant remember right now what its called. Very nice boot although I am a little worried about the care to keep them looking nice.
@@thesharpercoder I really like the copper rough and tough in the blacksmith it is comfortable right out of the box and looks great as it ages and I'd have to go with the round toe in briar oil slick for the number 2 spot for me that's a sweet boot
I’m surprised. I’m not into redwings but that sawmill in Briar has my attention. Looks like a great winter option. I like the sole on the iRanger but I can’t do the clown toe. What if someone saw me wearing those?!🤣 The Merchant was a great alternative to the ranger but they stopped making it!
They don't make wide in blacksmith either. I didnt like the feel of the beckman and life is too short to have a long breakin anyway. I might not be here in a yr
Sorry but my first Redwings, my Iron Rangers suck. Don't see myself buying another pair. My 1000 mile boots on the other hand while not perfect are worlds better that the Iron Ranger.
red wing ok if u have a generic foot size they talk u into the size that the machine says if their not comfy they say they will guarantee the fit but they dont so beware i quit buyin them
Greetings from Germany, I agree that the Iron Ranger has a clown's shoe look, if your shoe size is bigger than a 11. So besides my Red Wings Style 202 I am very happy with a pair of black Chippewa cap toe boots, great leather quality and a bit more elegant but still rugged
Chelsea is a great boot -- you ranking it the worst yet only boot you work daily. They are not meant to be a dressy chelsea so you criticizing it for something it isn't is silly.
Blacksmiths for life! I prefer the subdued hardware on the Blacksmith vs the bling on the IR. Also, the opening never feels snug on the IR. I still really like my IRs, but I only bought them because I wanted Hawthorne Muleskinner.
Very true on the IR opening but you rarely hear anyone mention it.
I am glad to see you like the Sawmill. Those and the Blacksmith in Briar Oil Slick Leather are my two favorites, followed by Iron Rangers in Hawthorne, and then the Amber Harness .
The wool insole kept slipping around on me whenever I took the boot on and off. So, I replaced the wool insert with a very thin leather one, the Pedag “Royal” insole. I now use this insole in all my Red Wings. I measure 14D, but order Red Wing Heritage as 13D. I order those insoles my actual size 14D.
I guess you are saving it for your review. The Briar Oil Slick leather is far and away m favorite. It has the easiest break-in, and they looks GREAT in the sunshine.
Hello! I am from Hong Kong.
Yes, RW 8111 is indeed a very iconic boot. I often wear it with my jeans. It is really stylish and classic .I also have engineer boots 9268, It is so heavy!! Great video!
A great alternative to the Sawmill non insulated is the 202 in the work line with the Supersole. And the best part it’s $235 minus a union discount.
I love my alden 405’s. After my plantar fasciitis flared up again after 13 years, I broke out my Aldens, which I keep for special occasions, & it started healing immediately.
So, I wanted to find a comparable boot that I could use for daily wear, at a much lower price point, so I don’t ruin my Aldens.
After much research, including your previous videos, I chose the redwing blacksmith in copper rough & tough.
They should arrive in a couple days. I look forward to wearing them. Hopefully they help my heel finish healing.
Thank you for the videos!
I really wanted the sawmill because I work at a sawmill. However I can't wear insulated boots even in winter. I guess I'll get the roughneck
I can't argue with you on the Iron Ranger in Amber Harness - they were my first Red Wings. I also have them in black and Ebony Harness. I do have to disagree with you on the Moc Toe, however - they're such a great, iconic boot and my first pair of those were the Navy Portage. I'm still trying to figure out all the hate on the Chelseas a lot of people have, though. I'm very happy with them, so I must be the odd man out. Great video, even if we don't agree on everything, sir. :-)
I'll say this...I think I wear the Chelseas the most just because they're the most convenient to put on. So even if they're at the bottom of my list, they still get a lot of love! Thanks for watching!
The Chelsea's get a lot of hate for two reasons: The new insole (not a full piece of vegetable tanned leather) and because they are trying to go after the Blundstone Chelsea boot vibes, and the people that buy Chelsea boots in the Red Wing price category (and up) are more used too sleeker-looking chelseas. I personally like the look of them, but I already have way too many casual boots, so that's why I haven't bought them.
I love my Sawmills so much, I bought them right before the pandemic and I notice they don't make them anymore. He's right, they're a winter boot. They even come with wool inserts.
The blacksmith is a great all round boot imo if you just want a casual boot that can scrub up well for nights out and the office. A bit more versatile and not as outdoorsy as the IR.
I have a pair of Iron Rangers, and will be getting a pair of Roughnecks next. I'll be dropping them off at a cobbler to replace they eyes for speed hooks before I even wear them
I’ve had the Iron Ranger 8111, Blacksmith 3340, Roughneck 8146, and the 606 from the work line. Personally I would rank them as such: 4th Roughneck as the last shape didn’t fit my foot properly, 3rd 606 as the double layer sole was too squishy and made my knees hurt after walking around in them, 2nd Iron Ranger because the exposed stitches in the counter was murder on my heel when I was breaking them in, and 1st the Blacksmith as they were the most comfortable, well fitted, and easiest to break in.
Just recently bought Sawmill, and earlier this year bought a pair of Iron Ranger. My only two pairs of Red Wings, and I love them! I can't wait to break in the Sawmill this winter. Great analysis!
They discontinued the Sawmill :😮💨😮💨😮💨 How are they in the winter? Where are you located(to understand winters' severity)
@@Blodia1990 The Northeast U.S. where I am gets cold and snowy. They do a great job until you have deep snow and temps below 25 or so. Then it's time for another type boot! Did they disco the boot or are they just behind on production?
I agree that the iron ranger is one of the best shoes red wing produce, but don't forget the beckman boot....the 9060 in black klondike is awesome and you can wear them also as a dress boot.
If you like the Sawmill you should also try the Roughneck. While it doesn’t have the lining it does has the Speed-hooks and the large lug Vibrum soul. Originally made, as you might guess, for Oil Rig Workers.
The Roughnecks don't have speed hooks
Name of the jacket? Looks awesome
I have the Williston, the Merchant and the Iron Ranger - love them in that order.
Yeah the first 2 are fantastic. The ir, not so much. Silly toe.
I have the 8863 moc in Slate Muleskinner, IR 8084 black harness, and a pair of Wingshooters. The Iron Ranger is my fave and the black harness leather breaks in very quickly. Next the 8863 - but I agree they could use a few speed hooks. I may have a cobbler install some. The Wingshooter is super for winter. They are all terrific, each with their own niche.
Red Wing, heritage specifically, makes solid boots. However with their prices, there are probably some better options on the market.
@Philoctetes Is Coming they’re definitely worth it, i didn’t say they weren’t. I said for that price you can get better at this current time. Better leathers, construction methods, finishing, customer service.
@@StolenAlias like what?
@@dstrbd223 parkhurst, grant stone, mark albert, any Indonesian brand.
@@StolenAlias I feel like they service a different niche. With a Red Wing you could work in it if you'd like. I'd be hard pressed to work in CXL and the leathers offered by the mentioned brands. The durability on Red Wings seem much more substantial even if the finishing is far behind.
@@pianofry1138 good point.
Hello there,
First comment here :o I came to watch this video because of the classic Chelsea. I have to say that my 8085s are my favorite out of all my boots. Excellent video 👌🏻
Thank you so much for watching, I really appreciate it!!
Have Iron Ranger in this color. The huge disadvantage is that it has no amortization at all. I hurt my knee badly, never had issues with my knee. So, put good insoles to hopefully prevent it from happening.
I agree moc toes and the Chelsea's styling dont do it for me either. Can't wait to pick up a pair of IRs! Thanks for the comparison!
I have a question about the soles. I am about to buy my 1st pair of Red Wings. I like the Iron Ranger and the 1907 Moc Toe. Will the sole on the Iron Ranger be hard on your back and feet standing and walking around? It looks like the crepe sole would be more comfortable for walking on hard surfaces.
I don't have a pair of Iron Rangers but I know that the 1907 Moc Toe is wonderful for working in. I work in light production (lifting like 50lbs sugar/flour is the most strenuous thing I do)so I didn't need anything crazy durable but I like good foot wear because my knees don't hurt and I wanted something I could wear to college and work(hence why I didn't get a modern Red Wing). I tried both on and I could tell that if you're working in them you aren't going to be comfortable in IRs. Those soles are just hard and not something I'd like to wear for a lot of walking without an insole. I had your same situation and went with the Moc Toes and although they're less versatile I think they're the superior choice if you only care mainly comfort like I do.
If you get longer laces and then tie the ends at the knot you can have your boot open when you put your foot in and you just have to pull center top and then do your time that's it's faster than speed lace shoes in my opinion I wish my iron Rangers had eyelid holes instead of speed lace
If you like the Sawmill, you should try the Roughneck. I like it more then the Saill
I can see why some people may feel that way. But, the Sawmill is far and away a much better, and more comfortable boot than the Classic Moc.
I like the look of the Briar Oil Slick leather, overall. I cannot argue against having it on a Moc Toe style, without speed hooks.
I can only argue that the Sawmill is the better built boot.
I have a pair of Irish settlers by Red Wing steel toe that I really enjoy very tough boots good wearing very comfortable all day Comfort have on my feet for more than 15 hours per day
New to Red Wing. What would you’ll recommend?
PS: I just bought this week an Iron Ranger in Green Alpine Portage.
I also own a Timberland and 5 pairs of RM Williams Chelsea boots which I wear to work.
I live in Denmark.
Hello, Could you please review Urban Shepherd boots? They look amazing and you get a lot for 155 euro's (200 usd for the us store i believe)
Leather insole, leather midsole, vibram half soles when choosing the toecap variant (They also have a boot with recycled truck tyres for soles btw), leather heel counter etc. The value is truely insane! also, they tend to patina incredibly well thanks to their unique leather.
Made in portugal by locals made with local leathers and products by the way.
Stridewise also did a vid on them btw, would love to hear your thoughts!
I’m looking to get the copper rough and rough, but I’m not sure about the briar. Could someone let me know what they prefer? I like them both but I’m not sure what the differences are between the two
Iron rangers are very durable and look good… biggest con though is that they’re terribly uncomfortable. Break in period can take months, despite daily wear. Even after it’s broken I’m still not comfortable.
What jacket are you wearing?
Your video quality is top notch!
What size do you wear in Iron Ranger vs Sawmill? I'm considering buying a pair of Sawmills.
I'm a size 10 in both (the fit is pretty much the same). I wear a 10.5 in sneakers and dress shoes. I really like the Sawmill.
Can't wait for my iron rangers to come back to me! Great video. Excited to see the review on the sawmill.
What is the perfume on your stand?
Iron Ranger, the boots that started it all for me 👍 Nice shirt, have a link for it?
What watch is that?
I have a pair of copper iron rangers . Never have I seen anyone wearing a pair in canada
I'd love the Sawmills for winters in Canada.
The sawmill is amazing. I wish they actually sold it though...
@@BootSpy I bought some 8084s on discount. Regardless of that, I'm going to return them. Screw the savings.
@@BootSpy so it's discontinued?
Foot went to an e and Redwing quit making the moc toe in an E so now I’m back to thorogood as they fit better. Bad choice on redwings part.
You don't have either of my two favorites, and the only Red Wings I own anymore: Merchant and Beckman.
I'm still scoping out where to get those!
@@BootSpy Merchants are tough to find anymore, but Beckmans can be had at Grailed or eBay regularly. I just got virtually new Beckmans on Grailed for $120!
I purchased the RW Iron Ranger in the rough leather almost a suede. Cant remember right now what its called. Very nice boot although I am a little worried about the care to keep them looking nice.
Nubuck?
@@SuperMicklovin yes that’s right
I don’t baby mine I clean and condition whenever I feel the need snd appreciate the war wounds (patina) gives them character.
Hawthorne Muleskinner’s?
holy hell my new iron rangers leather is so tough it feels like a cheese grater pulling on my skin every time kneel down
I only have the moc toe I'm gonna have my local hop order in iron Ranger in size 14 I wear a 15 in the moc toe
Blacksmith is for sure number one it doesn't look as bulbous as the iron ranger and is more comfortable
Blacksmith in Briar Oil Slick Leather is my number one, followed by the Sawill in the Briar Oil Slick Leather.
@@thesharpercoder I really like the copper rough and tough in the blacksmith it is comfortable right out of the box and looks great as it ages and I'd have to go with the round toe in briar oil slick for the number 2 spot for me that's a sweet boot
Can you make a content on the RW 9090
Nice Ranking
The Chelsea is built on no. 8???
Looked it up. It sure is. I feel that I don't need to size down as much in the classic Chelsea like I do in the iron ranger. ODD.
I am so interested in your plants😂
Wish j could ownna moc toe but since the gusset toung is up so high my foot wont even go in it
check out the Thursday Diplomat --- it's a little lower profile and might do the trick
@@BootSpy yeahive seen those but what holds me back from theusday boot is the heel counter that disintegrates in 2 years of ware
I want to have the 3322
Interesting.
Wedwing
I’m surprised. I’m not into redwings but that sawmill in Briar has my attention. Looks like a great winter option.
I like the sole on the iRanger but I can’t do the clown toe. What if someone saw me wearing those?!🤣
The Merchant was a great alternative to the ranger but they stopped making it!
I wish they still made the Merchant-- great looking boot!
they don't make narrow widths!
They don't make wide in blacksmith either. I didnt like the feel of the beckman and life is too short to have a long breakin anyway. I might not be here in a yr
Sorry but my first Redwings, my Iron Rangers suck. Don't see myself buying another pair. My 1000 mile boots on the other hand while not perfect are worlds better that the Iron Ranger.
Interesting! I prefer my Iron Rangers to my Wolverines, but I still love my 1000 miles. Thanks for watching!
What's your biggest gripe with the Rangers?
So you basically prefer dressy boots over clunky work type boots. Not sure a great way to grade boots.
red wing ok if u have a generic foot size they talk u into the size that the machine says if their not comfy they say they will guarantee the fit but they dont so beware i quit buyin them
Greetings from Germany, I agree that the Iron Ranger has a clown's shoe look, if your shoe size is bigger than a 11. So besides my Red Wings Style 202 I am very happy with a pair of black Chippewa cap toe boots, great leather quality and a bit more elegant but still rugged
I cannot imagine hiking in iron rangers. So impossibly uncomfortable.
Wed wing boots
Chelsea is a great boot -- you ranking it the worst yet only boot you work daily. They are not meant to be a dressy chelsea so you criticizing it for something it isn't is silly.
you goofy
i dont want to live in a World where an Iron Ranger is better than a Blacksmith. Definatly not in a World where Moc toes are considered reasonable.