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Yikes, it was all going well until we looked inside. This seems like a step backwards for Redwing.

Red Wing, if you're reading this, please DO NOT implement this new construction method in your heritage boots. The reality is Red Wing has just raised their prices across all heritage models and very significantly cheapened the construction. Anyone who possesses any knowledge on boots will tell you that this new construction method is inferior in EVERY way to the old method - natural materials always win out over synthetics. If synthetics were truly better, then why would the best boot makers in the world swear by an all leather construction (i.e., Viberg, Nicks, Whites, Grant Stone, etc...)? I understand that if you're a beginner in your journey of higher end footwear then this "sneaker like comfort" out of the box may sound appealing, but it's not worth it in the long run. Red Wing is trying to market this new design as innovative and superior, when it's nothing more than a cost cutting maneuver. Very disappointing. They want $299 now for a boot that is mostly synthetic on the inside, quality wise they've dropped to the level of Thursday or lower. For your money, Thursday is a better bet because they actually charge you for what you get. If you're in the market for a chelsea, go with Grant Stone's Chelsea in Earth, which costs $292 and is built better in every way compared to these. It features a leather insole, leather midsole, cork filler, leather heel counter, full leather lining, and the upper is a waterproof waxed suede from C.F. Stead. Rarely do I go through the trouble of sharing my thoughts this extensively, but I figured I needed to speak up on this.

I would rather see Red Wing punch up, ie go after the Nick's, White's, Wesco customer base with ultra premium materials and construction. Rather than punch down and try to compete with Thursday. If anything they should have released these under Irish Setter or a different line perhaps.

I hope not all redwing heritage boots start being made this way. I'm not a fan of the foam and polyester lining.

I don’t want poron in my “heritage” boots. I don’t like this new direction by Red Wing. If they wanted to make it more comfortable over the long haul, then they should’ve just inserted a thicker slab of veg tanned leather in the footbed. This boot, as you noted in the video, is suffering from a major identity crisis. Not a fan.

Definitely a new direction for Red Wing. The more I've gotten into high-end boots the more I've become a fan of a pure veg tanned insole and nothing but leather as a liner too. Different strokes for different folks though, so if you dig the foam then rock on I say.

Dear Redwing - please keep the construction premium/natural. Veg tan leather insole, midsole etc. No lining. Bring back the merchant and some classier style for heritage.

Thanks stridewise. I can’t believe they are turning the heritage line into foam filled disposable boots. Redwing has been cutting it’s USA made work boot line and now is turning it’s better USA made heritage line into foam filled crap. I really like my iron rangers but maybe I will save some more money next time and step up to the next tier of usa made boots…. Whites, Nicks, Franks, Wesco…

Thanks for this Video. You really cleared up some internal construction questions. Hopefully redwing updated their website description on these, as it was misleading . And even calling them to ask about the foam, I was told there wasn't foam by the lady on the phone. Honestly that in of itself kinda loses some points with me. They should just stick with the true heritage construction we all want in their boots. Keep these synthetic materials out of your heritage line redwing!!! if I wanted foam and garbage that degrades, I'd intentionally buy that in the lower end line, or from another company. This should honestly be changed in the future runs of this boot, or it's probably going to crash and burn.

I was lucky enough to find that exact model at my local store in a size 13 yesterday. I have them on my feet today and love them. They are getting lots of looks.

I have the amber harness and Hawthorne and they quickly became my favorite Chelseas Worn for work and been through over 20 different Chelsea brands in the past few years Ariat Recon are really good too for the low price

I have them in Ebony Harness and love them. Same great Vibram sole as the classic Moc Toe. Extremely comfortable and you can pull them off with anything, even a suit in most cases. Super easy break in, too. There is one minor problem: the squishy insole bunches up a little in the middle and formed a few ridges in the front third of the insole. It feels like your sock is bunched up. I went into the Red Wing store and they were kind enough to give me a free set of leather insoles ($40 for free!). While it covers the issue, I feel like Red Wing could fix this in later versions by keeping the Poron and making the layer of leather thicker over it. I don’t understand the complaints below: the materials are the same quality and the Poron feels great. They just need a thicker leather over the Poron and it would be perfect.

This channel deserves way more subscribers. Come on KZfaq, recommend them more often.

I have no issue with Red Wing exploring new manufacturing techniques, and anything that draws people into buying quality footwear is good with me. That said, I have a hard time accepting that these should be marketed under the 'Heritage' sub-brand. According to the Oxford English dictionary, heritage "denotes a traditional brand or product regarded as emblematic of fine craftsmanship," or, "valued objects and qualities such as historic buildings and cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations." If a product is full of synthetic materials that Red Wing acknowledge are being used in this product line for the first time, how 'heritage' can that be? Wouldn't it be less confusing/ less disingenuous to call this the 'comfort' range, or something similar? Also, this particular approach seems more like cost cutting being justified by claims of making the boots more comfortable out of the box. If initial comfort is the goal, why not keep the heritage manufacturing techniques the same, and simply include a removable poron insole with each pair. Red Wing already have a full line of aftermarket insoles to pick from.

I have the Black Harness and Amber Harness. These boots are the most comfortable boots I own. My other redwing boots have been put on the shelf and are not even a month old. I went on a Redwing shopping spree. I wish I tried these first. I would have saved a lot of money. I am considering buying the rough outs but they look so hard to clean. But I’m tempted.

A “new direction” translated means “we are going to start using cheaper materials on the boots to increase our profit margin” . Not a fan

Just $50 less than Iron Rangers at $299, thats absurd. For that much synthetic materials it should be priced closer to a Thursday. Maaayyybbee $199. Wait till Rose and Anvil rips it apart too.

shoutout for being one of the few reviewers who actually wears the heck out of the boots for a long period of time, its always impressive to see that also that polyester lining, I would have thought it would stink up eventually unlike a natural material, if that's the case would it not be a downside?

Poron makes sense and can be replaced the same way that cork needs replacing. And people who think they're getting natural materials with cork should realise that cork filler is mixed with a chemical adhesive that is not exactly natural. It is also mostly imported from Mediterranean countries whereas Poron is made in the USA.

the insoles are good for about 18 months of daily use but then you need to replace them which was easy to do. just buy them you won't be disappointed!

Mark Albert has been doing the poron under a leather sole for awhile now. Not to mention Thursday has used poron in all their boots since they launched. I’m not sure how Red Wing can declare this boot “revolutionary.”

I’m trying to decide on Black harness or Amber harness. Both look great!

Reminds me of my dads old redback boots he wore for work

Just bought the black on black and added the multipurpose Insole like I generally do. So, foam - schmoam, these fit comfortable and seem well made.

I got these same ones back in April and I really liked them. Very comfortable out of the box. The whole foot bed thing didn’t bother me. I just hope they don’t keep going that way. What I don’t like is the nylon liner. I bought these a half size too big and I recently sent them back for a smaller size. Red wing was kind enough to accept them way past the 30 day guarantee. Can’t wait to get them back in my actual size! 🤣

I’m 15 pairs in on my RW collection and just got the 3191s (ebony). Most comfy and by far better than Blundstones etc. These are absolutely on par with the rest of the heritage collection even w the poron. However! The mesh lining is making them way less breathable so if you have warm feet don’t get these. And Nick, I was also skeptical to the brown black but the ebony is already starting to show brighter hues and makes the overall look super nice.

I bought these right after they released and returned them immediately because i knew they wouldn't last long enough to justify the $300+ pricetag

Interesting. Red Wing construction is great. The materials will probably do well as tough urban slippers. Thanks for the look. I recently ran across a previous version (marked down), but it wasn't quite right. Good to see that shoe design is evolving.

These are my new work boot. Residential home renovations General Contractor. Starting to break in nicely. Mine are in the briar. Not sure about the mesh lining though. Seems like a bad experiment. Dead on with half size down from my other quality leather shoes and boots

The pricing is off for what your getting. Should definitely be cheaper than their moc toes considering the insides of the boot. Maybe at 230 or so it be more competitive. Definitely looks better than their weekender Chelsea’s for sure tho.

Can't go wrong with that leather on anything but I have to say I'm a bit disappointed in the inside of the boot, most of all the poly lining. That feels like a cost cutting measure more than anything to me but who knows. I hope they're truly limiting it to certain models yet the new oro ranger with wedge has the same build.

For those concerned about this new direction that RW is taking with some (not all!!) of their Heritage boots… just don’t buy them and stick with the traditional construction RW boots. Another idea is to get them re-built if you must have that specific look or specific upper leather. I bought the 8089 and had the outsole, insole & midsole completely rebuilt to traditional heritage standards bc RW rarely makes the Oro Legacy in anything other than 875 or 877 and to have that leather in an Iron Ranger is unique.

Nice video Nick. Love the patina on these boots. Definitely something to look into.

Hi Nick congrats on another great review. quick question: how do they perform in the rain? are they water repellant? do they get slippery?

Just wore mine today. Very minimal break-in. Love 'em!

The Hawthorne leather is the best color, once it’s aged. It’s the worst looking as a brand new boot, but looks amazing as you wear it.

I'm looking at getting a pair of these for work. I wear chelsea-style boots currently. I love the design moc toe boots have, but I don't like their light tan soles because they'll look dirty day 1. What I like about the dark "mocha" color on these is that they come with a black sole, so us who work around grease and oil don't have to worry about getting those pretty, tan soles filthy. The poron in the interior isn't a huge turn off for me because leather on leather on leather with a side of leather while working on concrete all day...isn't very enjoyable.

I am super excited about these boots and can't wait to go try on a pair. Chelseas are just great for throwing on quickly and doing whatever needs done. I wear my blundstones all the time, but they leave a lot to be desired. I used to have a really comfortable pair of Timberland chelseas that I loved, but ultimately weren't really worth trying to resole. I guarantee I'll be getting a pair of these.

Really wanted to get these until I saw how the inside is basically synthetic now. I strayed away from Thursday because their poron insoles eventually went flat and became very uncomfortable and now redwing is doing it. I’ll stick to the older models

I have these in the Amber Harness and Ebony and love them. Easiest Red Wings to break in and look great with khakis and jeans. I didn't realize they changed up the construction a bit on these - I'm not sure I care since they're only a couple months old, but I suppose time will tell. Looking forward to more of your Red Wing field trip.

For that price I’d prefer Chelseas made by Grant Stone, no questions asked. I wish Grant stone had offerings in roughout. For a lesser price, I highly recommend Astorflex Chelsea boots. Similar style, superb quality!

Was wondering why you hadn’t made a video of this boot a few weeks ago. Right on cue

Man so many haters of these boots. I get it Redwing has a strong and familiar tradition in the style and construction. These seem to break away from that. For me, that's what I like. I want a sexy leather boot that feels as substantial as a combat boot but without laces and a sneaker like sole. Also I will just wear them casually. I think that's the market Redwing is going after. The casual workboot style boot. Rogue Territory has come out with something very similar in very limited quantities and I've always missed them. I finally have these and in a brand I trust and respect even more. And I got them for only $200 on sale. To each their own but I'm ecstatic they made these!

I've been eying these for a while now so thanks for the review. Also,, what's with the elevator music?

I would have liked if you could have added some insight after all those months wearing them regarding how the interior is holding up. Is this mesh lining showing any wear? Are these sweat inducing in hot weather? Is the outsole wearing away? They almost, almost seem to have an Uggs silhouette

Hi Nick. I do hope Red Wing keeps these boots in their line this time as these would fill a niche for someone who's job requires them to be on their feet all day but doesn't need a boot as heavy as a moc toe. BTW at 3:23 you look like a little kid turned loose in a candy/toy store. I could also tell during the sizing part of the review that a pistol squat was coming and you didn't disappoint . :-D

I just bagged a pair in hawthorne. Love the fit and look however the left boot has a smooth finish and the right boot is much rougher in texture. So they have a slightly different look and they are even creasing differently due to the difference in leather. Is this normal or should I exchange and hope I get a matching pair? Seems odd for a boot that costs £300.

I think Nick was holding on to the scaffold during that pistol squat..😁

Many boots company change their direction to survive in long run by adapting new trend to get young new customer... Timberland already do this to their lines.....and they have their chelsea boots also.... Comparison will be cool

Just got a pair in the harness leather. Fit a lot like the iron ranger only with a cushier insole. Guess I'm not a purist but so far..I like them.

Love all my Redwing's but I'm gonna stick with Redbacks for my work Chelsea's.

I really like em. I think with a pair of real Japan blue with a tapered fit or pair of Iron Heart 555. Would look cool. Cause it’s more Americana.

Awesome vid! Any thoughts or vids on the new Iron Ranger with the Moc Toe sole like the 8088?

People are complaining A LOT about how the synthetic innards are a detriment to this boot, etc. etc. Now I'm on team natural construction all the way. No synthetics can beat a veg-tanned leather insole and a cork midsole. But the price is $299 and I will be completely honest, if we just compare this price to other competing brands around the same pricepoint, it's fair. Other boot companies like Taft and Helm often sell their boots at $300 and they also have synthetic innards. Grant Stone having natural innards for under $300 is an EXCEPTION, and not the norm. The only complaint I have about this boot is that the lining isn't all leather, which imo there's no excuse for that. If you want the heritage construction, save up 50 more dollars and just go with Grant Stone/Parkhurst/other RedWing boots. It's what I did.

Always love the content. Have been considering these boots for a while. You have about the same build as me, and its tough to find the perfect cut jean. What are the jeans you're wearing around the 8:30 mark? cheers!

I just got eyes on a prototype Nicks Chelsea boot in Spokane today

I like😂😂😂 how they added the full length leather "insole cover" to make it look like the same as original. Heritage means nothing anymore.

come on now Redwing, keep the old construction, this is absolutely not acceptable. I owned 5 pair of your heritage boots, and now you make me don’t want to buy any more. Don’t forget the meaning of “heritage”. Don’t try to cut corners pls. But anyway, thank you Nick for this review!

My fav winter Chelsea is the Panama Jack Burton Igloo

I live in Chicago. Our winters are cold, snowy, and hard on footwear. What is the best boot for our winters? How do I protect my shoes and boots?

They are charging $300 dollars for an ugly Chelsea boot with a foam insole dafuq. Just buy a Thursday boot then lol.

Definitely be buying a set in darker leather

How have the insoles been treating you so far? These would be right up my alley but that part does worry me a little bit lol

I get a ton of heal slip in mine. I don't know why they got rid of the counter cover.

Moc toes are a 12 d and i had to get a 11.5 d. 13 a on the brannick

With your criticisms of Blundstone, it'd be interesting if you compared them in a video to an equivalent Thursday boot (or similar).

Was so excited about this boot then i found out about the…foam…I really hope red wing doesn’t go down the path of comfort out of the box. Also that ebony leather is just a really dark brown.

I have a pair of Chippewa 1967 Romeo “boots” which are also on a white Christy style sole. Very roomy toebox like the RW. Solid construction with a leather Goodyear 360 welt. Romeos are a rather odd style..more than a shoe, less than a boot. Have you ever reviewed similar styles?

it would have been better if the uppers were unlined and not lined with this spacer mesh..also if any one wants to add to the out of the box comfort then they should do removable insole as in throgood..atlest we can remove it and change it with all leather insole..

So everyone is mostly saying size a half size down to a full size down for these from a regular shoe size. Is that correct in your case as well? Is there really that much room in these boots?

just got off the phone with them. They are going to update the website information, and they have been made aware that people do not want the heritage line to be made with these materials. I advised if they want, the best option would be to run a 3rd line of products Marketed as a out of the box comfort heritage. with an honest discription of the materials being used available at a lower cost than the true fully natural materials heritage line.... Now let's pray they have common sense and listen to me, as it is the best marketing decision. To make everyone happy. And the incorrect discription on the website was an oversight from the web development team using a template on all the heritage products sense 2016. My frustrations have been addressed. I'm no longer angry.

Keep it old school leather and cork it works . I'm not supporting synthetic materials in 300$ redwing boots. If I want that I'll pay half price and buy just that from one of the many competitors even if it's more comfortable initially it's about the long term comfort and durability once I break in a pair of traditional redwing boots

PS. I agree with you about the Ebony Harness. I would have loved them even more with a white sole

Shout out from the Twin Cities, MN

300 bucks for a Chelsea where the elastics will eventually stretch out? Just go with Blundstones.

Are they going to restock the muleskinner anytime soon ? Its not available on the Redwing site.

Don"t appologize, the break in and patina looks amazing.

I feel so stupid for buying these thinking that they had the same materials as the other heritage boots :(

This is entirely on my list. This, the 8083 IR, and the Charcoal IR. Need all 3. A *need*

I'm glad these actually exist. I saw them in a catalog when I visited a Redwing store just before Covid hit and mentioned them in the comments of your Weekender Chelsea video. You actually responded with some interest, but I couldn't find any other indication they existed and couldn't go back to the store (because Covid). So, I wondered if I had somehow imagined the whole thing. That said, those Ebony Harness leather ones are awfully pretty.

I originally wanted the Ebony Harness version but just bought the 3191 in Amber Harness instead. I think it will age well and look amazing, especially paired with my American selvedge denim. Grant Stone Boots may be good quality boots. But I’ll always prefer to send my hard-earned dollars to MN instead of China unless there is absolutely no other fiscally viable option. This will be my 11th pair of Red Wings. 🇺🇸❤️

Can you please review the Red Wing work chukka. Thank you.

So If I am a 9D in Red Wing moc toe what Sz should I order this model in? And the new inside why I do not understand why?

U have an amazing job keep up the great wrk

I guess they've already discontinued these and the seconds are sitting at Sierra Trading Post. Why didn't they just do them right instead of using cheap garbage inside?

Just watched Boot Spy . He does not like them . I'm with him . I just can't see myself wearing these . I'd buy a pair of the thrusday boots over these .

I think for every 1 of you complaining about the poron I'm sure Red Wing gets 5 people returning their boots because they're too uncomfortable. Let's hope Red Wing can satisfy all it's potential customers and doesn't go out of business due to a vocal minority.

looks like UGS

I like chelseas, but I would not consider them work boots. I am sure that these are fine and more than durable enough, but I am one of those people who considers chelseas a "smart casual" or even formal boot. And for a pair of boots that I would wear potentially with a suit or on a night out, I do not want them to look like work boots. I have a pair of RM Williams Comfort Craftsman boots for my chelseas and in the work boot category, I have a pair of Red Wings Moc Toes, which I actually do wear everyday to my warehouse job, and a pair of Iron Rangers, which I use as my utility boots that I wear basically everywhere non-formal and they get the job done. I have other boots in my cycle, but those three are actually the ones that I wear the most.

OMG what's in the safe?

This talked me right out of these boots….

For Nick and anyone else with these... are they a little more roomy than the same size IR's and Blacksmiths? How is the instep? Don't want them too sloppy. I can wear both 8 and 8.5 IR.

Its a shame they dont do the Merchant anymore. That was such a great boot.

Put me off with the poron, and nylon toe liner. Red wing please stop with the cheap modern material rubbish. I have an Iron ranger, and 875 moc, if they go down this line...Well then, they will be the last i get.

Nice boot! Great video! Thanks! 😺

I can't say that I like the look of them, but they seem very comfortable...

What is the fundamental difference between a Chelsea boot and a dealer boot?

I really struggle to see chelseas with wedge soles. The shape of the boot is just too... indistinct? I feel like chelseas really need a heel to give them some shape.

Red Wing design team boss: We’re discontinuing some popular models and need to come up with some new models…., anybody got an idea…? Yea I: what if we change the soles from some models? Red Wing design boss: Thats great…, who wants a beer? Let’s start the weekend early!