Review of Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot, Copper Rough and Tough, 8 D US
The Red Wing Heritage Men's Iron Ranger Work Boot in Copper Rough and Tough is a testament to American craftsmanship. Handcrafted in the USA, these boots feature durable stitch-down welt construction that ensures longevity and comfort. The premium quality leather not only looks stylish but also provides the durability required for hard-wearing use.
Designed with a non-marking, oil-resistant sole, these boots are perfect for both work and casual outings. The attention to detail is evident with contrast stitching, a cap toe design, and high polish hooks and eyelets that add to their rugged charm.
Features
- Material: 100% Leather
- Sole Material: Nitrile Cork
- Shaft Height: 6.5 Inches
- Outsole: Vibram 430 Mini-lug outsole
- Construction: Triple stitched quality, welt construction
- Fit Tip: 1/2 size smaller than normal shoe size
Pros
- Exceptional durability thanks to quality leather and construction
- Stylish design suitable for various occasions
- Comfortable fit once broken in
- Non-marking, oil-resistant outsole enhances grip
Cons
- Runs larger than typical shoe sizes, requiring careful size selection
- Initial stiffness may require a break-in period
- Potential small holes in the insole from manufacturing staples
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Boot Model | Material | Sole Type | Shaft Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Wing Iron Ranger | Leather | Nitrile Cork | 6.5 inches |
| Timberland 6" Premium Waterproof Boot | Leather and Synthetic | Rubber | 6 inches |
| Doc Martens 1460 Pascal Velvet Boots | Velvet | AirWair | 8 inches |
Detailed Review
When you slip on the Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Work Boot, you're not just wearing a boot; you're stepping into a piece of history. These boots are made for those who appreciate authentic craftsmanship and want footwear that will last for years to come.
The boot's construction features a sturdy stitch-down welt that makes them resolable, ensuring you can keep them in service even after years of wear. The choice of premium leather—specifically the Copper Rough and Tough finish—adds to the boot's rugged aesthetic while providing excellent resistance to the elements.
In terms of comfort, the Iron Ranger performs well. However, be prepared for a slight break-in period due to its robust build. Once acclimatized, users often report exceptional comfort levels, ideal for long wear. The cap toe design gives extra room at the front, making them comfortable for different foot shapes.
On the performance front, the non-marking, oil-resistant sole provides reliable traction. This aspect makes them a solid choice for work scenarios where safety is paramount. Furthermore, the meticulous detailing—like contrast stitching and polished hardware—ensures that you can transition seamlessly from work to weekend.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 5/5 | Built to last with superior materials and construction techniques. |
| Comfort | 4/5 | Requires break-in but offers excellent comfort thereafter. |
| Style | 5/5 | Classic design that suits both work and casual environments. |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | Investment piece offering longevity, though requires upfront cost. |
User Reviews
This is the 2nd set of Red Wings I've ever purchased. Just a heads up, the reviews are true. These shoes run large. Most people go down 1 size but if you wear a 9.5, it's best to size down to an 8. Yes..........1.5 sizes down. Don't ask me why because I really don't know. I had spent a good hour at a Red Wing store getting fitted and trying on various sizes. Size 8 if you normally wear a 9.5.Thank you Pierelli Global Brands for sending me the boots quickly and at a very good price.Now about the boots........it will suck the first 2-4 weeks of wearing them. When new, the leather is stiff and quite unforgiving. Especially if you are like me where I had to size down 1.5, it starts off pretty tight. However, be patient with them. Put on a layer of boot oil to help break them in, wear some thick socks, and nurture it a bit. The insole will start to conform to your feet and the leather will stretch and soften. How quickly it breaks in will depend on how often you wear them but I notice a change after wearing them everyday for about two weeks. Once that happens, these things will be your best friend. The shoes will feel like they were custom molded to your feet. And the beauty is that they get more comfortable the more you wear it. I had literally hiked 3 miles in my old pair of 9111 Classic Round models without a problem. My best advice is to try them on first! Either at a Redwing store, or somewhere that carries Redwing shoes with a knowledgeable salesman. Just remember the leather will stretch so make sure they fit snug brand new.Specifics about this model, they are very stylish and versatile. You can wear them with some dark jeans for a night out, or it can work with faded jeans for casual, or whatever. You can even wear these out to work all day, come home, polish it up and put them back on for a date. It's very very versatile! I purchased the black leather model and I almost don't want to use them because it might seem a little too formal. It also looks delicate which makes me not want to wear it too much to scuff up. Don't get me wrong, they are by no means delicate. These babies can take a beating and then some. But it just looks so clean when new I just want to baby them. Given another 6 months, I'll probably be living in these things.Another thing to keep in mind about the Iron Rangers is that they have no traction in the snow. A picture of sole will tell you everything. It does not have any lugs/treads at the bottom which keeps it from getting decent traction on the ground. They are made to be "work boots" but I wonder sometimes because of the sole. Either way, just make sure you be careful when the weather acts up.Lastly, make sure you get yourself some type of boot oil or polish to treat it every month. These things are made of thick leather which will last forever if periodically cared for. Most dirt and debris can be solved with a wet cloth and a brush, but if you live in a city where there is constant exposure to road salt, oils, and chemicals, its best to oil them up regularly.Overall, these things are fantastic! I would recommend these to anyone looking for a stylish boot that will last for years. If you are looking for something comfortable immediately out of the box, then they might not be for you. But otherwise, I'll gladly recommend them. They are pretty pricey. That is about all the advice I can give that hasn't been said already on other reviews. Hope this helps.
First, I heavily researched a pair of new boots tirelessly for months. My primary goals for the boots I wanted were to be leather, hard wearing, but also be able to be worn with semi-dress clothes as I work in an office environment. I also wanted to be able to wear them outdoors to do light work or in my garage-shop. They needed to be a very versatile and good looking boot. After trying these on at the store and seeing the price I was a bit skeptical if these Iron Rangers would meet all my needs. I was also skeptical since there was a lot of hype on-line over these boots. I needed to find out if it was in fact hype. After having these boots for a bit IMO it was NOT hype.Sizing - I normally wear a size 11 shoe and when I tried them on in the store a 9.5 or 10 seemed to fit okay. The lady at the shoe store told me to go with the 9.5 which I ended up doing, but then after wearing them around the house for a bit I returned them as they were too tight on my toes. I looked on amazon and found a much better price so I got the size 10, one size down.Second, these are real men's leather boots. I saw a lot of comments on how hard they were to break in. Don't expect them to be fully comfy out of the box or wear like a sneaker. Set your expectations that these are leather boots with a goodyear welt construction. They did require break in but I wouldn't say they were super hard to get broken in. My method for break in - I wore them about 2-3 times a week for 3-4 weeks and they are fully broken in and surprisingly comfortable. I treated mine with Dr. Martens wonder balsam that I had left from an old pair of Docs once a week during the break in period. That really worked wonders and softened up the leather nicely for the break in period.Third, these are American made so what more do you need to know. I've started being more conscious of where my goods are made. If you look at most shoes out there they are made in China or another foreign country. It's a good feeling knowing that you're wearing something quality that is also supporting the American economy and the workers. Also, keep in mind that you can send these in to get re-soled when they are worn out. That's a huge benefit when you consider the price and how comfy they will be by the time they need a new sole.All in all - I have a few pairs of other boots of varying materials and I find myself reaching for these more than any others. Out of all the boots I have they aren't the most comfortable, but they look great for office work or just wearing around town casually. The more I wear them the more comfortable they do become. I am very happy with these boots and really look forward to wearing them. I'm half tempted to get another pair in a different color - maybe after I've worn these for a few years. Highly recommend!