The best boots I've ever had by far. Solid, incredibly well-built and sexy as all get out! I don't use them for work, I have some waterproof Keen work boots for that, these are my casual everyday wear boots. And I don't think I'll be wearing anything else for the foreseeable future. Even in the summer!
If you’re in the market for an American-made heritage boot, you’ve probably heard of the Red Wing Iron Ranger or at least seen pictures of it. The product of company with over 100+ years of experience making shoes and boots, the Iron Ranger reflects that heritage with a solid, good looking cap toe boot. Made on their 8* last with Goodyear Welt construction, they can be resoled by Red Wing or your local cobbler for years to come. Properly cared for, they are NOT a disposable boot.
I purchased a pair of Iron Rangers from Nordstrom over the phone as they were not in stock locally. On the Nordstorm website, its color is “Brown Leather,” but on Red Wing's website it is “Hawthorne Muleskinner Leather,” style no. 8083. They were drop-shipped from Red Wing and arrived 3 business days later via UPS.
While the Nordstrom website does not state this, these boots can run large and the Red Wing website recommends that customers size down ½ to 1 full size. As I am a Brannock size 13D, I did not have that option, and ended up with a pair that while wide enough, were obviously too long as the ball of my foot did not line up with the widest part of the shoe. After conducting some research, it turns out that a pair of Iron Ranger boots in 12D will fit my feet snugly while wearing cushioned boot socks, but a 12EE will accommodate orthotics if I choose to use them. I returned the boots at the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom branch and placed a new order with my go-to sales associate there.
In terms of fit and finish, the Iron Ranger 8083 is a good-looking boot, with a Vibram 430 Mini-lug sole that makes Seattle falls/winters/springs far less treacherous. Red Wing recommends that the roughout leather be treated with mink oil when it needs it, which will make this textured boot far more durable during the Emerald City’s rainy season.
*Other Red Wing boots made on the 8 last include the Beckman (named after the company's founder, Charles Beckman), Blacksmith, Merchant, Rover, & Sheldon.
These are the best shoes I have ever owned. I Have only been wearing them for a little over a week now and I can already tell that I am forever a redwing guy from this point forward. The boots are classy, timeless, comfortable, and still pack a punch. I would highly recommend this product.
Great boot! I love the quality. It takes some time to break in so be prepared. I wear a size 11 in Nikes and sized down to a 9.5 for my boots they fit like a glove.
