Interesting POV for sure. I wear mine on average for 12-15 hours per day just like any other boot or shoe. The comfort is the number one reason I stick with the IR over a modern boot. The foot bed that molds to your foot has provided me with the best comfort to date. The inserts of modern footwear simply breaks down and fails in a short order of time. I do everything in mine except for wear them with a suit.

My IR’s are like slippers! Super comfortable. They are my go-to boot when I know I’ll be on my feet all day.

As a personal opinion for someone who's had chronic feet problems and is also overweight which was caused by those feet problems, I basically couldn't walk for about 4 Years without severe pain, and im not trying to be dramatic, I had fucked feet from work and a motorcycle accident, these boots strengthened my feet are now as they say like a glove and the best boots I have. And if you're comfortable all day in dress shoes, these have significantly more comfort. This is all subjective, and I did have a tough time breaking them in, but the struggle was worth it.

I am a former construction worker. Like many other blue collar workers, I love my Iron Rangers. I am used to changing into work boots, and then taking them off. I almost never wear the same footwear 12-16 hours per day. I use a very thin,

I just purchased this boot . After 3- days it actually has broken in a lot . They are not that uncomfortable. . Try thicker socks or a new insole . Maybe your foot can be not meant for certain designed boots .

Do not donate to Goodwill, donate them to a VA or other non profit, Goodwill donation is a joke of a company, just my 2 cents

My IR’s are my go to foot ware for all day comfort. Sure they are hard soled and took a few months to break in properly but now I’ve had them 9 months or so I can wear them all day without discomfort. They hug my feet so don’t rub or move around and they’re neither too hot or too cold and are as waterproof as any other leather boot or shoe that doesn’t have an uncomfortable water proof membrane that makes them so hot in warm weather. Each to his own but I love mine.

I've had a pair secondhand for about a week and I couldn't be happier. I've worn flat-insole boots (Canadian military parade boots) regularly since the age of 13 in Cadets and then for many years cooking. So I'm accustomed to the hard smooth flat surface.

Totally agree with the Higgins Mill being a Iron Ranger killer. They are sooooo much more comfortable and looks better in any situation. I got rid of my Iron ranger after a month. Glad to hear not everyone just sucking off the iron ranger.

My IRs are by far the most comfortable all-day boots that I own. I think the issue that many people have is sizeing. Its critical to go at least 1/2 size down, probably a full size down. I dont believe that people are accustomed to a new very uncomfortable, tight fitting boot.

Super interesting POV, and I love that your rationale is rooted in just keeping what you use from a functional standpoint. I also own the RW Iron Ranger (charcoal rough & tough) and the AE Higgins Mill (brown waxed suede) and find them to align with different use cases (firmly causal vs. a little more refined). Interestingly enough, I find my IRs to be more comfortable, but that’s probably because my HMs aren’t completely broken in yet.

I have these in 8111. I had no break-in period, I find them to be comfortable, and went for a hike last year in water-sodden fields with no problem. Interesting to hear another opinion.

A huge recommend for you.I highly suggest darn tough socks for that all day comfort. It should resolve most if not all of your complaints with comfort. Just make sure you get their thin hiker boot cut with the light cushion on the bottom and good to go. I think it is called the "Spur" but I would have to double check first.

Damn, mine were comfortable after about three days of wear. Now they're like a part of my foot.

I wear iron rangers everywhere all year round in south east UK weather and the trick for me is to have an appropriate sock for each temperature. I wouldn't wear them in heavy rain but then again I'm just not outside in heavy rain in the first place...

Definitely an honest review, for that I can appreciate. I personally wouldn’t wear my those in the “ Wilderness”, as the lugs don’t seem deep enough to have adequate traction. I would wear them … if I was a blue collared worker, which I am, and kicking heavy stuff all day. Great review, you got me wanting a pair lol

They are waterproof! The leather is oiled. Have you tried to add a wool insole? The midsole has cork, which is the most comfortable sole. Try to treat the leather with oil or some special treatment. That will make them fit your feet /break in faster. One more comment: it’s a boot! Not an adidas ultra boost, or a flip flop. You should expect a different level of comfort.

I was in the same boat. I had my 8085s for 2 years and still wasn’t happy with the comfort. Especially when everyone says they’re the most comfortable boot they’ve worn. I resoled mine through redwing with the Crepe traction tread. It was an absolute game changer. They are incredibly comfortable now. I’ll wear them from sun up to sun Down and they stay comfortable. I’ve now had them for a total of 6 years and they’re just getting started. Also, I hear time and time again people say, “you can’t dress up this boot.” I couldn’t disagree more. That’s what makes these boots amazing. I can wear them to work as a mechanic/farmer then go for a hike in the woods, then play soccer with the kids (comfortably but not ideally) and then Brush them up and put a little boot cream on and go to Church. They do it all. However, I don’t need an actual “dress boot.” My style is mostly rugged, somewhat refined with a splash of rakish. So these are just perfect. Highly recommend with the Crepe sole. Keep in mind if you buy from redwing with the crepe sole already there are differences(one of which is no steel shank I believe and a 360 welt). They have some videos laying that out. They’re supposed to be even more comfortable with these changes.

I like this thoughtful summary of findings. I have this boot, along with more than a dozen other pairs of boots, and the IR is great for tromping around in the yard & getting muddy, doing chores, etc. I just do not care if they get beat up and I seem to be okay with wearing them all day. I think, though, that the Grant Stone Brass Boot is actually a better all-around choice. It's not quite as ready to get beat-to-hell, but it looks better, shines up great, and is more comfortable even when thicker socks are needed, and I can still get them dirty while doing yardwork or in the shop. (I have 2 pairs so that I can abuse one of them.) I'm keeping my IRs, though, because they took forever to break in, are comfortable, and I don't have to care about what happens to them.

I’m into my 8111’s now for about 6mo. I’m a blue collar worker, that walks 8+ miles per day. I agree, that after 6 hours, I like to swap them out. The crazy thing is … my back seems to like these boots, better than my feet. So my back will start to act up, after I Swap out my boots, for a more comfortable pair … 🤷🏻‍♂️

I Have worn Boots for most of my Adult Life, I have had numerous pairs of Red Wing boots and i currently own 2 Pair of Hoffman all leather Power line boots one is insulated the other is not. I Bought my Iron rangers about a year ago when i got promoted into an office job and my line boots were just not appropriate to wear. I Have No issues with my Iron rangers. In all Honesty coming from the big Heavy Line Boots these were easy to break in and they do offer me a decent amount of comfort and protection when i am in the field performing site visits, They are equally comfortable when i am setting in my office or out to dinner with my wife. I have always been the guy that if i have Jeans on I have Boots on. I just prefer it that way. The Iron rangers are good boots, the Break in isn't nearly as bad as my previous boots, they look good and once the Leather Insole molds to your foot they are quite comfortable, Heck i can't even tell i have them on But i guess after wearing boots that weigh 5 lbs each for the last 20 Plus years these little 6 inch boots are very lightweight but still offer great support for my feet. But Comfort is subjective and while i personally feel that they are a well built comfortable boot, some may disagree.

If you keep them have you thought about getting them resole with a leather mid sole and maybe a softer vibram sole?

I agree with your review 100 percent. I wanted to love the RWIR so bad I tried it twice! On paper they checked all the boxes. Durable, long lasting, timeless design. I purchased a slightly used pair in copper and a new pair in Hawthorn which I swear had a different name back then. Anyway, after trying each pair for roughly 6-8 months on two separate occasions I couldn’t take it. My feet would hurt so bad after a full day at the office! For further context I was and have been wearing Darn Tough socks for many years they are the only socks I wear. However, these shoes hurt so bad it wasn’t worth the pain for the look! I also found them slippery, this was before they changed the soles and not good at all in wet or winter conditions. I know this is gonna be heresy for your audience but, I have found my Doc Martens to be way better across the board. Kudos to those that love this boot but my personal experience was the exact opposite of all that I have read! Cheers for speaking your truth and going against popular opinion! 💯 Suffer for fashion!

hey, whaat would you say to calloused feet? im a runner so they calloused im still 14 nearly 15 also soo, should i get this when i grow up or not? idk what else i have to ask to make a question certain for you but yeah.

Any issues of comfort on Redwings that I have seen and felt is because of wrong sizing and width. Plus not enough hours of breaking in. One year doesn’t tell us much of wear time. How many hours did you wear them. I had red wings that broke in after a month of wearing them at work. I had other that took twice as long. Please don’t compare Rangers with Higgins mills🤦🏽

I know I’m Late to the party but you said the size is a bit big. That’s your problem most likely. When I went to the Red Wing store to get fitted I couldn’t believe how snug they were around the entire foot. I was skeptical that the sales person knew what they were doing but they have turned out to be the most comfortable footwear I own I prefer them to my sneakers. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but that opinion should be based on correct conditions, not something that was admittedly not correct from the get go

Moral of the video: to each your own!

I wore mine for 3 hours on the first day, 6 hours on the second and then the third day I wore them all day. Now, they’re super comfy, have mounded to my foot and absolutely wouldn’t choose another boot. Actually, I’ve gone and bought another black pair 8084 for work. I guess everyone has different feet and break in periods and maybe you’ve been spoilt with more comfier high end shoes, but the iron rangers are far from a bad boot.

Yes!! I've been waiting for this. I'm saving up for a pair myself, about half way there.

Sketchers makes boots too you should try those, I think they come in velcro. These are a man’s boot. Edit: I kinda feel bad you seem like a nice guy. One suggestion is just put a thin insert in Amazon has a great insert it’s the one for like $16 top rated. I swap it once a year. Rip out the redwing insert if you foot feels too full in the boot.

I didn't even have a hard break-in with my IR. Very comfortable for my foot. Socks probably make a difference too. Sizing is most likely your problem. My IR are weird size for me. 7.5 EE. 8.5 to 9.0 in most everything else except my Hoka Gaviota 3s, a 10 in those

Very fair and balanced review. I have two pairs of Iron Rangers and while they are not what I would consider comfortable, they are not uncomfortable for me either. I am an ER nurse and wear Doc Martin boots for work (12 hour shifts); the one time I tried wearing a pair of Iron Rangers for a 12 hour shift was a big mistake. All that aside, I like my Iron Rangers (though it does take a while to break them in) 👍

Points well taken Tom, but I would feel like half a man wearing anything but Iron Rangers 😆I have a rubber boot for snow blowing, a hunting/hiker boot, and about 50 weeks a year it's the Rangers ..... I haven't had any comfort issues and can wear mine 6 A.M. till 11 easy, and have, many times. And I am on my second pair of Amber harness just like yours, so I didn't get a lucky pair. Thanks for a good review, but doubt I'd find a better all arounder (for me). I'm older at 66, and used to breaking boots in, so maybe it's a generational thing.

Not a single pair of boots that work for everyone. Appreciate your insight. I'm a minimalist shoe/boot guy. I'm one of those who think New Balance running shoes are very uncomfortable. The cushy soles grow old on me in about 10 min., as I sink straight through them. I really like that the Iron Rangers have the leather and cork foot bed and mid-sole. I wear mine to work and cycle my 10 min. commute routinely and then wear them for 10 hours at work. They are holding up nicely and my feet don't hurt or feel tired. I agree with you that these are not water proof or warm in cold weather. The attraction of these boots is for casual wear IMHO. Push them outside of that, and you will quickly realize that there are other specialty boots for non-slip oily industrial settings, overland hiking, snow camping,.... you get the idea. Nick's Urban logger might have covered more of what you are looking for in wet and snow. But, another at $550, that is definitely a bigger commitment.

im a 101/2 in uk boots .. what size should i go in Ir

I agree 100% I've had mine for 3 years , I don't wear them often, but I hate the sole and then are hard to break in i was thinking on switching to the Blacksmith

Most comfortable shoes/boots after 1 month of wear I have ever owned. I will never wear anything else.

Hey Tom, thanks for this well done review. Now I am happy with my IR alternatives, I also enjoy AE (Park City), Parkhurst, and 1000 Mile boots. Some of these brands have improved upon RW in some areas while refining the look a bit (IMO). I agree that a boot ought to handle the elements and don't think they should put your feet through excruciating pain. P.S.- I live in Red Wing country🤫

I was about to buy a pair and you have talked me out of it because of the reason you stated and a couple of other. I am curious about your Thursday 1 year update, i do own a pair of those. Also looking at wolverine Blvd’s, not many reviews about them.

I have a pair of iron rangers and fell in love with the look. I got the copper finished leather. After 2 years they are honestly my favorite shoe. I wear them walking hiking and fishing and when I’m not at work. I can wear them from sun up to sun down and it’s one of the only shoes I have that I forget I’m wearing. I have major back problems and if I wear a shoe with to much cushion I get back pain just standing and walking. With my iron rangers I was scared to buy them due to the price and they did take some time to break in. I honestly think they broke the muscle in my feet in a little making my feet better. I love the stiff platform on this boot. I’ve noticed that I can stand longer with no back pain in them. I noticed this wearing them fishing. They provide a solid platform for my foot even when the ground is not solid. The very reason you dislike them is the one thing that would make me buy them again. Love the look, feel and back support this boot gives me. Thanks Redwing! Also sounds like you are not done breaking them in. It took me a bit to break in the boot. That means forming it to your foot. Suck it up and do it and they will become a favorite. I say that from experience. I was worried when I bout them but they are great.

Insoles brother, I use Superfeet Insoles. I also wear thick over the calf wool blend socks. Also as far as water proofing treat with Mink Oil or Neats Foot Oil. Also you wear a 1/2 down from ur actual shoe size. Once it breaks in it fits like a glove. I wear mine all day long with no problem. Cheers !

I'm an Iron worker we build high rises in DTLA. We cannot wear steel toe boots leather boots with no steel toe is very common. More so the 8 inch moc toes. That said boots like these you have to put insoles in them, wearing these raw is tough. I have literally bought 25 pairs of red wings already. For water resistant put couple layers of obenaufs leather preservative. Honestly I would keep those boots just to do yard work maintenence around the house.

Speaking from an actual manual labour worker, these are super comfortable. I guess for a soft footed office guy, they might be uncomfortable.

Good review. You’re right, these boots definitely aren’t for you. If you’re looking for comfort and modern sleek looks, then an overbuilt vintage boot is not right. You would get these boots if longevity is more important than comfort and padding. For hiking there are more technical and comfortable boots and same for casual wear. For this price you could have multiple pairs of footwear to perfectly suit each occasion and replace them when they wear out. You would only really appreciate these boots if your top priority is to stop having to buy new shoes all the time and you like a vintage working class look. TBH it doesn’t seem like it matches the OP’s style either. Plus for some people comfort and cushiness are different things and for others padding is king.

I think you need to go a full size down on these for them to fit like a glove or they will sag and clown. The break in could take a bit longer though, just take it easy and switch and after a month or so should be able to wear them for a whole day with no issues for most people. Some mink oil on the inside and cream outside might help with the break in. I bet if you wear them with a pair of woolrich wool socks you can go a full day on them right now, you will notice a comfort difference from night to day by just using a good pair of socks.

I wonder if the limited arch support was the difference between your experience with these compared to so many of the all day wear comments. What do you think about that?

I had the same issue with my White's Perry boot. I have a huge lump on the back of my left foot, I think my bone is actually misshapen there. The boot just never felt right, the hard impact striking the ground was a deal breaker... So I decided to slather obenaufs boot oil all over the boot, saturated it. The oil absolutely destroyed the color of the leather but within 2 days turned into my most comfortable pair of shoes. It's a bit extreme but you may try it with your iron rangers before you end up donating them. Buy a small bottle of obanofs and saturate the leather inside and out including the insole/footbed. If you do I would love to see a video because I may have to do the same thing with my pair of iron rangers that I want to purchase, in Amber harness so I want to see how the color changes.

Good for you. If you aren't feeling it...it's such a bummer anything has to be broken in... especially when you throw down the $$$. To be honest, they look like crap. And uncomfortable on top of that sucks.

I wore a pair everyday for over 2 years and finally threw in the towel. My feet ached my knees hurt and the soles have no grip and are crap in cold weather. I agree with this review. Much better options out there. I did like the look though.

I bought a pair of 8085 a week ago for dry winter/late autumn/early spring seasons. There is some roughness inside as I expected. Everything seems OK ( no blisters etc. ) with a flat thin insole, two pairs of socks and medical plaster on the heels. At the same time, with these options I have no idea how to wear the boots in weather like +5 °C or warmer. Well, I can accept some discomfort in the name of the perfect aesthetic of Iron Ranger. They look fine, especially with Japanese denim, many shades of brown/yellow and indigo fade.

So much subjectivity though. These could be bad for you but immaculate for someone else. Whoever watches this should take this into account. For example, i wear mine, and basically the same boot (blacksmith, merchant) for about 9 hours each day. No complaints. We have different feet though.

Appreciate the no-bias review... BIG UPs from California! 💚💛❤👊 #BeABoot #RWIronRanger #RedWingHeritage

I use mine for work and have had them for 4 years. The most comfortable boot hands down but it does take some time. I wear mine from 0400-1800 daily except weekends. Another great boot is Nick's Urban Loggers but like the Iron Rangers they are not for soft feet.

Do People size these down? Also get em a bit wet it will be uncomfortable but they break in fast. My danners are heavy these look lighter but stiffer sole

I bought a pair of Rangers 8111 and RW moc toe 1907 at about the same time 18-24 months ago. At first the Rangers seemed more comfortable and better looking. However, as I wore the moc toes more and broke them in I realized they were infinitely more comfortable than the Rangers. Now that the weather is cool I’m wearing the mocs 4-5 days a week and the Rangers maybe once every two weeks.

Same thing happened to me with a pair of Nick's Falcon boots. Great looking boots, extremely well built, but one day I just had to admit it to myself that those boots were not comfortable and it killed me because I really wanted to rock those boots.

Very good review mate! I also have few issue with my IR8111. I own them since last 5 years got awesome patina but never felt comfortable. I bought them from the red wing store here in Melbourne Australia so I’m sure it’s the right size. But still they are too hard on my feet. Other thing is that on my left boot the tongue is sliding towards left side and the heel is pinching into my foot. But If I looks into KZfaq for everyone reviews it seems like it’s the best boot. But it’s not. I think not every last works for everyone and there are issues with quality control like I have. No doubt they look great, you get compliments. That’s y I’m still wearing them and got the patina. But still I’m not sure if I’m happy or not. Hey man I’m happy that you put your honest opinion here on red wings and Thursday boots( before) as well. You doing great job. Take care

I have the same pair of IR’s and I agree about the comfort criticism. It does start to hurt after a few hours and a few km of walking. I have a pair of thorogood Mocs that I can walk in all day, no problem. That one comes with an insole though. So it gave me the idea of putting an insole in my Beckmans which were a half size bigger and those are comfortable to wear all day as well. Too bad these IR’s fit me like a glove, otherwise I would’ve put insoles in these as well. I still love them though and just wear them when I know I won’t be out all day. I definitely wouldn’t travel with them.

What about resoling them with a wedge sole . I bet it would be more comfortable

To each, their own….. Bought my first pair of Iron Rangers yesterday and wore them all day. (14 hours) And didn’t find them to be too uncomfortable. All top quality leather needs to be broken in. Any stiffness or minor discomfort that I encountered just reminded me that I was wearing one hell of a good pair of boots. They are built like a tank and the videos don’t do their quality justice imho. These boots are better than I imagined. I would not let this video dissuade you from picking up a pair of these Iron Rangers if you are contemplating purchasing a pair.

It’s almost like your expectations are absurd. The iron ranger is what it is. Not what you want it to be. It’s top of its class and isn’t meant for half the shit your knocking it for

I could never wear Vans they kill my feet they really hurt me . Converse are like Saunas on my feet. I can wear IR all day long I find them really comfortable . I do agree though there is no such thing as a do it all boot .But each to his own I guess

They are waterproof is conditioned properly. I have worn them during rain and was walking on soaking wet and muddy meadows. No problems and dry feet. The only thing is, that I get sore heels and blisters, if I walk very much

Happy thanksgiving Tom.

Totally agree. These boots gave me plantar fasciitis. Love the style, but I’ll never where ‘em again.

Good take, very helpful.

This was the most positive negative review I've ever watched.

I think these boots probably suit moderate climates like in N Europe where I live that more that the extremes you’d get in the US. I personally wouldn’t wear them from 6-11pm either . I’m glad to get them off when I get home from work.

The HM also has a wider toe box, yes?

There really comfortable, but you have to give them time to break in 6 weeks or so with daily wear and they will Mold and conform to your foot eventually over time and west a medium sock 🧦 I thought the same thing until I kept wearing them …. You’ll see later just take ur time breaking the leather insole inn then the cork will start to form once the leather insole breaks in and soften

What size? Send them to me.

Ridiculous review. This is so far from my 3 years with a pair. I wear these for days at a time on travel. Super comfortable and extremely durable.

Here the quilty control stuff I like to mention, your boots are the same height, because my per of 8085 they're different height and I also noticed that your boots heel is deviate.

Love the patina on those boots if you haven’t sold them yet, I’d be interested in buying them.

"I can't be bothered lacing up a while boot" what a real man

feel like the comments about the water resistance of the boots is a little deceiving. I didn't treat mine and hike regularly in my IRs in wet conditions, as I live in the PNW and often hike through ankle deep water. I've even used them to go snowshoeing and only had minor damp feet after 4 hours tromping through deep snow.

I wear my blacksmiths from 5:30 in the morning until 10:00 at night and they are designed with the same last. But than again I don’t wear dress shoes and chuggas

If you’re on your feet all day get some modern gel inserts are very good.

For my feet they are my most comfortable boots , great fit and good for my toes, and no break in required.

“It feels like walking on a 2x4….also…..you can wear it all day, it’s comfortable.”

An honest review. I still like it… possibly for nostalgia’s sake.

Brilliantly explained video. Would you please recommend some boots brands that can be worn all day 6 am to 8 pm . I really am looking forward to hearing from you. Many thanks

Had mine for almost 2 years. Wear them everyday with lots of use. He is right, these are an uncomfortable boot. I have cheap boots that are much more comfortable with good cushioning. The iron rangers just look better but man, it feels like walking on concrete all day.

Yeah I couldn't get a good fit at the store, all felt too wide or not enough when playing with the sizing/widths. The associate did recommend me getting the leather insole they had but couldn't see myself wearing these boots often enough the more I thought about it.

As a guy who has more than 25 pairs of Red Wings (no, I don't wear them all...but that is a different story) you should really try to pick up a pair of 8111's with the Nitrile Cork sole, to compare the old sole (Nitrile Cork) to the new sole (Vibram). Although I do have some versions with the Vibram soles, most of what I collected has the Nitrile Cork sole. To me, the Vibram sole just isn't think enough and that lack of thickness does make a difference in the wear of the boots.

Such great timing for this video. I’m literally debating between the IR and the HM as we speak.

I recommend trying a pair of Superfeet Green insoles before you donate them. Really helps.

Can I take it from you ?

Get a pair of Red Wing insoles that fit your foot type and you’ve got the perfect boot unless you want to really go up in price with a pair of Nicks or Whites.

Change the soles and put some red wing leather insoles and you’ll see. I do understand your point though.

IR is the most comfortable footwear i ever own. especially if im on my feet a lot. so its basically personal preference. i have converse, boost sneakers. theyre not even come close.

Maybe look into getting a pair of new balance walking shoes. If you don’t like them you’re not out 350 bucks.

Interesting take. I would be curious what socks you are wearing. Depending on the socks I wear, mine are either horrible or fantastic. While it is fair that they are a harder and less comfortable shoe, a quality sock makes up for it. I would work 16 hour days in mine and be just fine. Also sounds like you are expecting too much from a heritage style boot. These don’t compare to purpose specific boots.

You should donate them - no point having a $300 pair of boots you only sort of like. I do think you have the wrong size or something though as my Iron Ranger's, whilst they beat my feet up the first few wears, are now extremely comfortable and feel custom fit.

Great review! You hit all the good points and I completely agree. I like the iron rangers for what they are but I personally believe the thorogoods are way more comfortable for me anyway.

I got rid of my 8111 too, because they were never comfy. 875/877 are way better or Alden Indys

May be a year old but they don't look broken in - the soles look barely worn

Before u get rid of ur boots try to get them resole with the vibram crepe traction sole

maybe you should try getting a pair of aldens or viberg.

me, german, ...dreaming to have one of them. sooo beautiful to beige chinos. we cannot buy them in germany. with amazon, you must wait for months.