Red Wing Iron Ranger

[dstepner]

I have a pair of Sorels but am looking for a smaller and more sleek boot that will be okay through a canadian winter. Has anyone had experience with these? Or can anyone suggest other boots that may be an option.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/red-wing...in=shoppingbag

[Sigtweed Corduroy]

I have not owned them but from what I understand they are excellent and quality is unimpeachable.

[greg_s]

They are hands down my favorite shoe. I cannot say enough about how much they are worth the price tag. The main Dappered page may have something to say about them next week...

[dstepner]

Will they be okay in the snow?

[greg_s]

The sole isn't fantastic on ice. Beware of that. And you need thick socks but I wear mine all winter in MN. Just not before they salt the sidewalks. Like any leather shoe, salt is your enemy. However, mink oil does wonders for protecting the shoe.

[BrownCow]

I've heard of problems with their leather sole... If you want a sturdy beater boot that can take snow, is there any way around this?

[LakeCharles]

@greg_s where in MN do you live? I never knew you were from here. Or at least it didn't register.

[greg_s]

@browncow, the iron rangers don't have a leather sole, I believe they are cork with a rubber bottom.


I think there is an important distinction between nice looking fall/winter boots and good inclement weather winter boots. Canadian/upper north American winters call for ugly ass winter boots some days. There's no getting around it.


@lakecharles, Minneapolis man. I love the Twin Cities. Been here for 7 years now and genuinely don't want to live anywhere else.

[dstepner]

I have the sorels for those really bad days, just looking for something that will hold up well when the snow isn't a foot deep

[Bulldoggery]

I found a pair in Amber Harness in my size for right at $200 last week, and I spent about a half-hour last night oiling them with mink oil and a half-hour tonight thoroughly coating them with Obenauf's Heavy-Duty Leather Protector.


I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to break these masterpieces in. I feel like I just bought my first new car or something.


The price on those Hawthorne Muleskinner Iron Rangers on sale through the Nordstrom site ($180) is obscenely good, and a quick look around online tells me that you can treat that leather in a variety of ways to get the color and water-resistance exactly the way you want them. I very nearly bought those instead of the Amber Harness.

[dstepner]

Thanks bulldoggery, I'll pull the trigger. Would you recommend sizing down a half or a whole size?

[greg_s]

I sized down a half since I usually wear decently thick socks with them.

[Bulldoggery]

I went down 1/2 size from my typical dress shoe size. I wear an 8.5 in Iron Rangers, a 9 in dress shoes (and most boots), and a 9.5 in Nikes.


I sold athletic shoes (at Oshman's, then at Finish Line) for eight years, and I got unreasonably into learning about them. Thus, if you have favorite brands/styles of those, I might be able to give you a more "personalized" suggestion on Iron Ranger sizing.

[glen_delossantos]

@Bulldoggery, I immediately thought about you when I saw that deal on the Iron Rangers. Glad you held out and were finally able to get your American made boots for less than retail.

[SlyTim]

I have the Red Wing Beckman (Gentlemen Traveler), nearly the same boot and I love it. Wore it through a great lakes winter last year and kicked shit the whole time. See: "Shit Kicker"


They take forever to break in, are tough as nails, and look great. I love mine.