Red Wing Heritage Men's Postman Oxford, Black Chaparral, 11.5 D US Review
The Red Wing Heritage Men's Postman Oxford is a classic shoe designed specifically for postal service requirements. This model, known as the 101, combines sturdiness with a sleek and simplistic design that has supported America’s mailmen for nearly a century.
Originating from a small store in Red Wing, Minnesota, Red Wing Shoes has grown into a global leader in producing high-quality footwear. Over the decades, they have crafted thousands of handmade shoes daily, each reflecting their legendary quality standards. Their history includes providing footwear for the U.S. Military during both World Wars, showcasing their commitment to durability and reliability.
The Red Wing brand continues to evolve, offering more than 150 styles that cater to both work and play, ensuring that you are never left without a suitable option.
Features
- Style No: 101
- Construction: Goodyear welt
- Sole Material: Crepe wedge outsole
- Outer Material: 100% Leather
- Care Instructions: Machine wash
Pros
- Durable construction suitable for demanding environments
- Classic design that pairs well with various outfits
- Comfortable cushioned sole for all-day wear
- Handcrafted quality backed by a reputable brand
Cons
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
- Limited color options compared to other brands
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Red Wing Heritage Men's Postman Oxford | Clarks Men's Desert Boot | Timberland Men's Earthkeepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Goodyear welt | Cemented | Goodyear welt |
| Sole Type | Crepe wedge | Rubber | Recycled rubber |
| Material | Leather | Suede/Leather | Leather |
| Intended Use | Work/Uniform | Casual | Casual/Outdoor |
Detailed Review
The Red Wing Heritage Men's Postman Oxford stands out as an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a reliable and stylish work shoe. The Goodyear welt construction not only enhances the durability of the shoe but also allows for easy resoling, extending its life significantly.
In terms of comfort, the crepe wedge outsole provides excellent cushioning, making it suitable for those long days on your feet. Although some users report needing a brief break-in period, the payoff is a comfortable fit that molds to your foot over time.
Aesthetically, the black chaparral leather gives it a timeless appeal, allowing you to effortlessly transition from professional settings to casual outings without missing a beat.
Red Wing is renowned for its craftsmanship, and the 101 series is no exception. Each pair undergoes stringent hand inspections, ensuring that only the highest-quality products reach customers. This attention to detail guarantees a dependable shoe that you can count on day after day.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | 5/5 | Exceptional durability that withstands daily wear and tear |
| Comfort | 4/5 | Comfortable once broken in, offers good cushioning |
| Style | 4/5 | Timeless design suitable for various occasions |
| Value for Money | 5/5 | High-quality craftsmanship justifies the price point |
User Reviews
Very nice! First pair of Red Wings, but just tired of wearing through a pair of shoes every year or less. Hoping to see these last longer. They were stiff for the first few days but at the end of week one the stiffness is gone. At the end of week two, they really have started to mold to my foot. So far I would say they are worth the money, but I will have to wait to see how they are in two years.Update 6/27/21Still going strong. Love these shoes. They look great and now that they are completely broken in they fit in a way that no other shoe. I’ve had. The mold around your foot but are still hard on the bottom. They are stiff and supportive without being uncomfortable even worn for 12 or 15 hours. They bend and give where your foot needs them to.I am going to keep updating this because I was really hesitant to spend this much on a shoe, but I’m really glad I did. For me they would really need to make it 2 ir 3 years to be worth the money.3/21/22- This is close to the one year mark, and I love these shoes. They look great, and are very comfortable. They are not anywhere close to falling apart or needing repairs. I could see getting theses resolved in two or three years and just continuing easily. I’m totally bought in to the idea that buying good shoes is worth it after owning these- doesn’t have to be Red Wing. Just buy good shoes that will last. You will notice the difference.7/24/23- Still going strong. Did have to resole about two months ago. The uppers are still in great shape. I polish every 2-4 weeks. The new soles look great, and I think they will last longer than the originals. Still love the shoes and fully anticipate that I could wear them for 5+ more years if I resole again in 2-3 years.
A wonderful shoe, after wearing doc martins for the past year, these shoes feel like pillows. Surprisingly the shoes were easy to break in, only took me a few days. I did have some problems with the right shoe to tight on the upper part of my feet, but that was resolved quickly with the break in (and with shoe trees). The leather is so nice, smooth and soft, worth every penny. I love them so much I look forward to waking up and putting them on for the day. They were a little more pointy in the front then expected, but trust me they look great!! They arrived brand new and in great condition, the leather even seems to be treated, they looked shiny and smelled great. I use shoe trees after every wear, they help out a lot, highly recommended using shoe trees for all your shoes especially for expensive shoes like these. Great buy, most likely the best shoes I’ve ever owned and put on, thank you.
I think I looked at these shoes about 40 times before I finally bought them. It's kind of hard to justify spending over $200 on a pair of pretty standard looking (or so I thought) oxfords. Let me just say theses are mean't to stand the test of time. I was really drawn to the story behind these shoes and the idea of style and function melting together. Let me just say that is exactly what these shoes are.Like most shoes, these hurt the first time I wore them. Unlike Doc's and other leather shoes though, the break in period was really quick. I got a quarter sized blister the first time I wore them but ever since, they've fit great. It should be noted however, that I applied Leather Honey (buy it here on Amazon) and left it on overnight after the first wear.These mold well after the first wear and are incredibly comfortable. The wedge sole helps guide your foot through a really comfortable motion. These don't feel like dress shoes, they feel like your favorite tennies. On top of that, Red Wing uses chapparal leather for the Postman which gives it a certain ruggedness. Chapparal is typically used for furniture and automotive seats for its strength and gloss. These shoes tend to look shiny and clean and also have an incredible strength to them.Needless to say, I am glad I got these. There truly is no substitute for Made in America.UPDATE:I've worn these for about 30-40 miles at this point. I'm still breaking them in. The chapparal leather, while sturdy, is quite unforgiving. It's not painful, its just not incredibly comfortable either. I dropped the review down to 4 stars. I recently picked up of made in America Chippewas which were much more supple. While they lacked some of the attention to detail that Red Wings typically have, their price and comfort makes them a better buy.
You can see and feel the quality when you first pull these out of the box. The leather is sturdy. The stitching is immaculate and the thread looks like it's actually there to hold these together.These come with a nice shine to them. A quick polish with some parade gloss made them just gleam.As far as comfort goes, they needed some break in. I was actually glad for that because like others have already said, these fit like a glove after a couple weeks of wear. Yes, the soles are firm, but you can tell some real thought went into the support these provide. All the right support in all the right places. My body is having to adjust to being aligned correctly again.I agonized over buying these because I don't like spending money. But these are proving to be a wise investment. My only complaint is the shoelaces. For that amount of money you would think you'd get quality waxed dress shoelaces and not a cheap athletic type of lace.