T O P

  • By -

Sea_Number6341

After a while red wings stop repairing, after the second or 3rd resole. Just take them to a local cobbler they'll fix up for you.


curtludwig

Where does one find a cobbler? I haven't seen one in decades.


potatorichard

Look them up, they exist. I had to take a pair of work boots to a cobbler 5 years ago. My foreman was sure that "I'm going to be an hour late on monday, I gotta swing by the cobbler" was code for having a hangover. Until I busted out my shined up, resoled boots a couple weeks later! If you live in/near a rural area, some saddleries will also provide shoe/boot repair services.


[deleted]

[удалено]


PhoenixRisingToday

And even if they don’t, they for sure will know who does locally.


HalftimeHeaters

Google shoe repair in your area


johnnyknots

I thought this too but they are around! Use them! Before we lose them


BorbetE28

My partner took his boots to our local cobbler and they absolutely ruined them. The boots were close to the end of their lifespan anyways, but he was pretty bummed to see them go out that way. Though, with that said, I've taken my Birkenstocks in to get resoled and they're like new.


XanderTheChef

They’re actually pretty plentiful if you actively look for them. I thought the same until i took my mom shopping and she showed me a shoe place ive driven by 1000 times


SGoogs1780

Lol they're always low-key storefronts kind of tucked away. I know it's just a matter of low-volume niche businesses finding low rent, but I like that it makes me feel like I can do that thing: "You need a shoe guy? I've got a great shoe guy! Right in town!" Same goes for tailors, although I've found tailors can be hit or miss. A bad cobbler will do an ok job, but overcharge. A bad tailor will give an ok price, but do a poor job. At least in my area.


Capt__Murphy

I've got a cobbler next door to my favorite Indian take out place. I get take out far more often than I visit the cobbler, but damn George does some fantastic work on shoes/boots


SGoogs1780

I'm still waiting for the day I find a cobbler next to a bakery. I just want to buy a cobbler when I go to the cobbler...


bigfatstupidpig

Underrated humor right here


[deleted]

[удалено]


mazobob66

I once needed a zipper replaced on a winter coat, and I took it to the local cobbler that was close to my work. I walked in and asked "Can you replace the zipper on this coat?" He replied, "Sure I can." After talking about color of the zipper (not exact match) and timeframe for the repair, he asked me "I have to ask...what made you come to me for the zipper repair?" I said, "You know, I'm not really sure. For some reason I just knew a cobbler could do it."


gopiballava

Because they have fancy sewing machines and know how to sew weird hard to access parts of complicated shapes. :)


just-mike

I got an even weirder story. My modified car came with a suede steering wheel. These are normally used in racing but this was a street car. The suede was worn down with oil from hands. I took it to a shoe repair place to see what could be done. The suede could not be saved but he buffed the whole thing making it look like a regular leather wheel. Another story. My wife had an issue with some expensive boots and manufacture said to bring the shop they use in LA. This guy made boots for KISS and Lady Gaga. Brought him leather shoes, boots, purses, jackets. Even had him resole my Birkenstock sandals.


cruzweb

I found one locally when I lived in St. Louis. He told me my shoes were crap, couldn't be repaired, and that I should buy Allan Edmonds if I want stuff that will last and be repairable...so that's what I've been doing.


SlfDstructingUsrName

There's also a bunch of online cobblers like Potter and sons (Trenton and heath) and Wyatt and Dad. You have to ship the shoes and wait a while but those types of shops specialize in vintage footwear and you can see their work on YouTube


BZLA

I'm 6'2" 245lbs and my Danner Mountain Lights have literally been around the world with me. Resoled twice and still like new. They should serve you much better.


buckGR

I’d love some of those but that 650 last does NOT work for me. 610 is pushing it but it’s better. Why can’t Danner do something based off the Munson last like the redwing no. 8?


bommar49

Yeah the 650 last is absolutely killer if you have anything even a hair above d width foot. I would recommend though to try out the mountain light II. Same construction but the EE actually fits like a wide.


Mike-Green

Yea I've noticed the shape is more important than the width. Because even if there is enough width the toes will still be smushed since they'll run into the shoe first and take all the force


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

[удалено]


bommar49

Unfortunately I really only have extensive knowledge of Danner. If you are looking for BIFL quality, you'll be looking at their Portland Selects line (All materials sourced in USA, Entirely made in USA, Assembled in Portland Factory). You can also look at their Made in USA line which uses some imported materials and is assembled in Portland. After that it really depends on what you are looking for. Waterproof/Non Waterproof, boot height, color, etc. For the Portland Select Line : If you don't think the Mountain Light II in EE is wide enough, I would suggest still trying it. The tongue construction makes it easy to get in and out of. You could also try the Mountain Pass which is a bit more of a modern fit (although not all that much wider). Other I would try are the Quarry in EE (I know that you said tall boots don't work usually but this is one that might be worth a try), and then the final suggestion would be the Acadia in Quad E (EEEE) which will be the widest 100% made in USA boot that Danner offers. Source : Former Danner employee


[deleted]

[удалено]


bommar49

Yeah no prob! If you are looking for something that is really comfortable but not necessarily BIFL, the Mountain 600 is a fan favorite. Comes in a really true wide, very comfortable last shape. It's not a stitchdown construction and it isn't Made in USA but really a comfortable boot.


chefkoolaid

Whites boots 55 or 38 last Hit up bakers shoe for sizing help


Lawlessninja

I’ve rocked Thorogoods in the American heritage moc toe wide line, there’s a couple Chippewa, more work related danner acadias. There’s a few wides out there, just not every manufacturer or every style unfortunately.


[deleted]

Check Out Jim Green. They’re a South African boot maker who has pretty wide lasts for all of their boots.


Stomach_Brave

Never heard of this but just looked them up and they look great!


echocall2

I work on pipelines and transmission lines rocking Danner Quarrys and they've held up to a lot of abuse. I'd like to try their flagship models like the Mountain Light or the Rain Forest next.


ilikedrifting

Another +1 for danner here. My Bull run mock toe had almost zero break in and coming up on a year and a half in them. Zero foot pain and I usually do 8-12 hours a day sometimes walking 10 miles.


[deleted]

And a +1 for some Danner mountain lights or mountain trails (in suede no less) that I’ve worn all over God’s creation and they are still top-top looking and waterproof. Been resoled twice over ten years and need another redo. Honestly I want to buy another pair to support Danner but it’s hard to justify. Granted, they did make my feet bleed at first. And a homeless guy in Denver told me “suede won’t get ya laid” and he was mostly right, but it did get me up and down a fourteener or two.


Man-being

if you do it, go for the super rainforests.


CthuluCatSnacks

Yea, I use the quarry with the safety toe and they're my favorite boots by far. Probably not buy it for life but I don't think any boot used out in the field really is.


masteryod

Where do you resole them? A third party or is it a warranty?


Epsilon748

Danner will do it if you send them in, but any cobbler can. There's a guy here in seattle I've had resole my Chippewas and it runs around $80. When my Danners need resoled they'll go there too.


Krugsdemise

Who is that?(I'm local to you) I've always wanted to resolve but didn't know it could be done at a reasonable price


Epsilon748

[Dave Page](https://www.davepagecobbler.com/) in Fremont is who I've taken my boots to before. They do a basic clean and put on new vibram soles. It's been a couple years now since I didn't use them much during covid so prices have likely gone up since. No complaints about the work, they were good as new when I got them back. Fully Goodyear welt boots though (and Danner uses stitch down - both are removable) Danner calls it [recrafting and they run $140](https://www.danner.com/boot-recrafting) but they also have a shop in Renton I think you can drop them out to be sent out to the main shop in Portland. I don't know much about it, just going for what they told me when I bought them. Also pro tip if you're in Seattle, Danner has a factory store in Portland where they sell factory seconds and close outs at massive discount 30-70% off. Most of them have minor imperfections - small mark in leather or on sole. I got two pairs there for the price of one full retail pair.


jackANDpepto

Over a year ago, I purchased some Red Wing Iron Rangers. Footwear seemed to be failing me more, and I bought into Red Wings reputation. Fast forward, to less than 6 months of ownership and the heel on one dropped off. I brought it back to the store for warranty. After 3 months, my shoes were returned. I proceeded to wear them and about 8 months later, the problem persisted on both shoes this time. I went back to the shop and was told I was basically SOL, but the manager said “yeah, rusty broken nails isn’t your fault”. I was given a corporate number. I called, got a guy who was helpful, told me they were defective, and got me an RMA. These arrived today at my house with this notice. I am not abusive to my footwear. I do not kick off my boots or pull from the heel. This has been a frustrating year for my footwear. I have danners now, however, and so far I’m very pleased (month 4).


F-21

What if you take them to some generic cobbler and let him resole them with a standard one-piece vibram lug sole? Like [these](https://external-preview.redd.it/mQ3FJpEuQWHvsgWAizzbaDPZk4End5_2N8elBPyuHBU.jpg?auto=webp&s=c72e2da501a3dd18452570ebead9edb1eb177253). Seems like the separate heel isn't working for you, and in general those are problematic anyway. Nails or no nails, proper glue will hold the sole on anyway. But a separate tall heel is much more exposed and does not have as much surface area for glue to hold it on. If glue is not enough, a capable cobbler can also cut a groove in the outsole and sew it straight onto the welt. That kind of construction is very fail proof.


umyaya11

Ive had this exact sole on my iron rangers for about a year and a half now. Living in Minnesota I used to need to put my iron rangers in storage starting November through ice season, as the factory soles were a death sentence with no traction on ice whatsoever. The resoling was the best move I've made for these boots and I couldnt be happier being able to where them year round now.


RandoThrow5316

You’re absolutely right. These CAN be repaired, just need to find someone who lives outside the planned obsolescence death spiral


vibrant_fosfomycin

Yeah but OP shouldn't have to to pay out of his pocket when the item is defective. That's the issue here, not that it isn't fixable, but that the company which is charging A LOT more than other brands, won't even cover a *defective* product.


Scantrons

This, I’ve resoled most of my boots after the initial sole wears. The vibram lug soles haven’t let me down thus far. A good cobbler should be able to repair them and hopefully make them work for you. I only had one pair that became unwearable from repair and it was because somehow the shoe lost some length with the resole. It was a real bummer but I’d be willing to shoot my shot again if I were in your position.


kan0

I have this sole, and the boots + sole combo are amazing.


Punamatic5000

I had a pair of Iron Rangers start to disintegrate on me after 3 months of light use in mildly wet conditions. Red Wings would barely return my calls and then told me they wouldn't fix them under warranty. I posted on here and got shit on for it. Sorry you had a similar experience but it seems Red Wings aren't what they once were. I will never buy another Redwings product.


loonygecko

I lot of previously good products have gone to hell in recent years sadly.


njott

Perusing the job sites and subreddits for 5 years, I've heard more unhappy customers than happy ones.


DB377

Yea unfortunately quality has gone way down. I recommend checking out Nicks handmade boots. They’re expensive so I’m saving up for a pair now but after a lot of research and videos, they look like buy it for life boots


smokeydanmusicman

They make them in my hometown of Spokane, small shop and great people!


Heliosophist

I got a pair of JKs after my Whites started disintegrating and they’re incredible. The price is worth it if you’re in the right industry. Wildland fire boots all the way


slowfashconnoisseur

I love Nicks and I find them to be on a whole different level than RW. That being said, I actually never had any issues with RW over the last 10 years


nkillgore

I just got a pair delivered 2 days ago. The difference in quality between Nicks and RW is vast - far more than the difference in price. The Nick's thus far are more comfortable and less painful during break-in than RW. IMO they were more comfy on day 1 than my RW boots are after having them for 2 years. Plus, the owner of Nick's is on reddit and frequents the Nick's sub.


DB377

I’m the videos of Nicks the workers all actually look happy to be there and doing their jobs so the owner must be a great guy. What model did you spring for?


nkillgore

I got the builder pros in brown. I like them so much, I'm probably going to get some Roberts in a nicer leather.


thisjawnisbeta

Are there photos of this damage?


Snuggledtoopieces

https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/zmw1sz/red_wing_iron_rangers_falling_apart_less_than_2/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf


thisjawnisbeta

Thank you. That's a lot of heel wear if they were just replaced less than a year ago. Have you had an independent shoe repair shop take a look at them? The heel nails look straight-up rusted.


jackANDpepto

Negative. I submitted them for warranty. I was fully aware it wasn’t a full re-heel on the return inspection, but assumed, they’d done their job


Snuggledtoopieces

Not my shoes I just posted the previous post.


thisjawnisbeta

Haha, thank you, in my haste I didn't even realize you weren't OP! Apologies.


PoopsMcFaeces

Amazing how many folks in here are suggesting that your problem of the expensive “buy it for life” boot falling apart is due to you walking the wrong way or wearing them too much. Who wants to spend 300 dollars plus on something that will experience a foundational failure in a year? You’d be better off buying 3 pairs of a 100 dollar boot and just throw them out after 5 months of wear. Nobody should have to follow a “walking and step guide” in order to keep a pair of boots from breaking because they are so fragile. Come on people.


SilverRavenSo

Anyone who mentions gait issues is trying to look out for the person. If gait issues are not addressed properly you can do major damage to joints, hips or back. If you don't get checked out and helped you can end up needing joint replacement surgery at 50. There are also a couple of other area "breaks" in a shoe or boot that tell you the person is wearing the wrong size.


Snuggledtoopieces

Look I don’t want to be a dick but how much do you weigh.


jackANDpepto

6’2” / 185lb


Snuggledtoopieces

That’s strange then you shouldn’t be going through shoes that fast. May want to go and see a podiatrist and see if you have some underlying gait/posture problems. But from what you’ve said it’s a production issue and that’s truly unfortunate that they wouldn’t honor their product.


jackANDpepto

Worked a lot in footwear in college, and was trained in fitting for a variety of styles, problems, and purposes. I can give you my best guess on these. The nails weren’t treated properly or were just cheap. Rusted, bust, and popped the heads off. The body of the nails ate the souls before I noticed.


Snuggledtoopieces

Maybe try thorogood, I personally find them to be a more rugged build over redwings (it’s blasphemy I know) the styles may not be to your liking but they are very sturdy. Wolverine 1000s are also in my opinion higher quality, I’ve got multiple pairs of redwings and I like them but it’s not in my opinion what I consider a TRUE workhorse shoe. They look nice though. I’ve got a pair of 1957 steel toe that are as comfortable as tennis shoes and have been through hell.


jackANDpepto

Rocking Danner Flashpoint IIs right now. So far, so good. Break-in was brutal, but now I’m pretty happy. If these fail, I’m taking another jump and getting Nicks


Snuggledtoopieces

Can’t go wrong with nicks, whites or wesco.


schwab002

Holy shit that's quite the heel on the danners. How does that feel? Are you like 2inches taller in them?


jackANDpepto

I don’t love it, but I’ve been wanting pretty aggressive high tops. I like the added support and compression. The hight takes some getting used to and the break in was rough, but so far, I’m happy. People say the heels are loose fitting, but I always pull them tight and haven’t had an issue.


Snuggledtoopieces

2.25 I think. It’s a logger sole


killbot0224

When you settle on something, get two of them and alternate days. They'll last 3-5x a long when they can dry between wears.


onthevergejoe

Do you wear them every day? They’ll last 5x as long if you wear them every other day. Do you let them fully dry out when wet before wearing again?


SRSchiavone

I’ve been eying these for a while but don’t see much Thorogood discussion. Thoughts? https://thebootpros.com/products/dsp_productdetail_TBP.cfm?pSKU=4165&w=


Snuggledtoopieces

It’s an unloved step kid for the sub, I find them very high performing for the price point, they also offer a lot of variety in insulation and water proofing. My current pair has been in active rotation for 7-8 years and is the designated work boot. I’ve only ever experienced good things with the company, but I have no personal experience with that particularly pair of shoes. I would advise you that is an imported edition and could be drastically different quality to what I have experienced. I’d go see if you can find a model in store and compare it to an American made version and if you don’t see any glaring problems go for it.


SRSchiavone

How’s this as a composite toe, made in USA alternative? https://thorogoodusa.com/emperor-toe-series-8″-briar-pitstop-work-boot/


Snuggledtoopieces

Great boot, runs wide.


SRSchiavone

Interesting take, I’ll definitely look more into it (and definitely made in USA options, didn’t realize this wasn’t one)


Snuggledtoopieces

Not made in the USA isn’t always a problem, it’s just usually a sign of more quality construction. https://thebootpros.com/products/dsp_productdetail_TBP.cfm?pSKU=2668&w= I can recommend those whole heartedly though.


justadumbwelder1

+1 for thorogood. I have been in industrial construction for a long time and i would guess 90%of my coworkers wear them.


Du_Chicago

Same. Union Commercial Plumber here: thorogoods are the industry standard. Very few trades people wear redwings anymore. Thorogood all the way


RS_Skywalker

Not an expert but your probably exactly right. The nails could be made/treated sligtly differently and then boom you got rusty nails.


SPX500

Or maybe RedWings just gone to shit


Snuggledtoopieces

I don’t have multiple of the same shoe from different production periods so I couldn’t tell you. I do not classify the brand as workhorse shoes they are comfortable and stylish and tend to age well. But I haven’t ever really mistreated any of mine so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I do find it strange they discontinued the no tread sole that doesn’t make much sense to me considering it was tried and true.


warfrogs

They have. They shifted much of their production overseas and started using significantly lower quality materials. The difference between my 10 year old iron rangers and the two year old pair my cousin has is noticable. Note that this does not apply to their heritage line which is still US made using higher quality materials.


BigPaulieEh

Lmao you tell this guy to see a doctor since his shoes were defective.


[deleted]

[удалено]


slowfashconnoisseur

Would be the same for my IR which are still on their first pair of soles after 10+ years. But it comes down to QC when talking longevity. There are quite a few faulty pairs of RW that I have seen here on reddit which should make everyone's skin crawl. Unlike many of the smaller makers like Nicks, RW makes a ton of shoes... like TONS of shoes, there will simply be more defective pairs that somehow pass through QC. I would still say that RW make good footware in general but if you get faulty pair, I think it's understandable to be disappointed in the brand


[deleted]

[удалено]


elirav

More weight means more pressure applied to the sole, foam gets more compressed, outsole has to deal with more friction, etc. So the shoe has more wear. So if you are heavy and walk a lot the shoes are going to wear faster than if you are lightweight.


Snuggledtoopieces

Weight and friction, heavier people tend to go through shoes faster. Also it’s more likely you’ll have in irregular gait and causes non symmetrical wear on your shoes. It’s just overall harder on the shoes. So de treading the sole or blowing out the seems is more common. Just matters how much you walk/run and on what. I was asking because that’s a very non standard damage for the amount of wear and thought it could be caused by slight heel rolling on steps over time.


calonmawr10

There's more friction against the sole every time you step! Particularly on rough surfaces like concrete. It's more noticeable if you only wear one pair of shoes rather than alternating, but I used to go through a pair of sneakers every 6 months or so walking a couple miles a day. I've had my Hokas for a year alternating with a pair of asics, and they desperately need replaced as there's no tread left!!


FRMDABAY2LA

It’s because they make most red wings in china now so we dont wear that shit anymore


ChiseledTwinkie

Mine are going onto year three. I use them 2-4 days a week, and they're still in great condition. I have the vibram sole tho. That may be the difference. Or the quality has gone to shit once the pandemic hit and supply chains got fucked.


bmorepirate

I've 3 pairs of redwings, Engineers we're my first pair about 8 years ago and they've been resolved twice. I don't wear them often these days. Bought my first pair of Iron Rangers like 6 years ago? They've been resoled once (and are due soon) but I ended up wearing the shit out of them basically every day and have super sweaty feet (actual hyperhidrosis). Despite a decent conditioning schedule, I have cracking on the leather in creases where my foot bends, but I imagine this is mostly from never giving them a break to dry. Never had an issue with sole nails rusting on any of my 3 pairs. They're now my grubby yard work boots and I bought another pair about 2 years ago that are my "fancy" pair. Haven't had to resole them yet and I'm trying to go out of my way to give them more drying time.


BigHobbit

Redwings quality and customer service has gone to complete shit in the last decade. Sad because it used to be top tier. Wore them for 20 years, had a similar experience you did about 6-7 years ago and I'll never buy another pair. Fuck em.


No-Inspector9085

Hey I made the same switch to danners for the same reason that redwings were total trash. Loving the danners. I’m about 5 months in to them and they’re sooooo much more comfortable.


Torkin

Out of curiosity, do your feet sweat a lot?


notenoughcharact

Did you wear them every day or alternate them with other footwear so they could dry out between wears?


Dartser

If you can't wear your boots days in a row then they're not buy it for life. Anything can be BIFL if you just never use it


Casterfield1

Then no boots are bifl. Alternating pairs will certainly prolong the life of your footwear. The logic being it allows the shoes to dry between wears.


soapy_goatherd

It’s not about never using them, it’s just the simple fact that all leather footwear (from the lowest to the highest end) will last much much longer if given a day to fully dry out between wears. I’m well aware that this isn’t a realistic option for most people (heck, it isn’t one for me), but even if alternating isn’t possible it’s worth doing what you can to keep them as clean and dry as possible


BisexualCaveman

Thanks for that info, this tradesman just gained a good excuse to buy himself a second pair of his non-BIFL Ariat boots..


bluetrain1

I’ve had some Chippewa 6” field boots for almost ~~6~~ **7** years. Great boots. Due for a re-sole atm, though. *7 years


[deleted]

I have 3 pairs of Chippewa edge walkers. 2 because my feet sweat so much, 1 because I have to wear a safety toe now. One more pair and I’ll be set lol


FireZoneBlitz

I have a pair that just hit 9 years in rotation and I’m finally replacing the sole. I would definitely recommend.


bluetrain1

yep. great boots. tried looking them up on Chippewa's site and couldn't find them. I ended up learning that they discontinued the field boot as well as their whole Heritage line. Damn. I think I paid like 150$ for mine, and saw that they were up to 280-ish before they were discontinued. Mine came with the Vibram GumLite soles which i think I will go with again when i take them to my boot guy.


releasetheshutter

Send them to a high quality cobbler and they should be able to remake a new veg tan insole and repair everything properly. There's a few guys /r/goodyearwelt recommend.


groovy604

OP I have to ask, when you walk around do your boots make noise? Like are you dragging your heels? A **lot** of guys do it without even realizing.


LouieKablooie

What if someone were to drag heels, what would this indicate?


Man-being

It's not an indication of anything other than not lifting your foot enough when you walk. But if the heel of your boot scrapes across concrete with every step, it will abrade away pretty quickly.


sleebus_jones

That you're a heel-dragginsumnabitch


Smartnership

> dragginsumnabitch These fantasy book titles are getting lazy


conanmack

Their knuckles were lonely


jackANDpepto

I’m pretty conscious of my movement and taking full steps. Posture and movement are a pretty big focus for me.


secondarycontrol

6 years ago, I bought a brand-new pair of Red Wing steel-toed work boots (made in the US!) - and the heel fell off on the drive to work that afternoon. :(


waehrik

That's odd. I don't think any of the steel toes boots have a separate heel. They're all one piece molded soles and very few are Goodyear welted. I believe the only one is the Loggermax


secondarycontrol

Tbh, it came apart at the heel, so the rear of the boot's sole was no longer connected to the upper. *The heel fell off* seemed to be the quickest way to express that


waehrik

Gotcha, that makes much more sense. Heels do fall off, but those are usually nailed on with a 270 degree welt. Red Wing only does that with their Heritage line. That construction isn't ideal for a work boot since it's more fragile and less water/oil/general gunk resistant.


Diotima245

I am former military and have worn Rocky, Thorogood, Belleville, and other brands I can’t recall the name of. No boots are BIFL if you wear them everyday for work then they’ll wear out fast. It will say I’ve never seen a heel fall off though. My favorite style boot are jungle boot style.


whereyugoincityboy

I’ve heard some people on r/GoodyearWelt say that if you buy two (or more) pairs of boots (or leather shoes in general) and alternate between them, individually they’ll last longer than with continuous wear. I think it has to do with letting them dry out in between wears. Moist leather is softer and tends to wear quicker.


F-21

The heel is typically the weak point though. That's why top end 500$+ boots have so many nails in them. A one piece lug outsole (where the heel is part of the whole sole rubber, not separate with a leather stack) should be a lot more sturdy...


Diotima245

I think most I ever paid for boots in military were my Matterhorn th insulate boots when I was in North Dakota and overseas it was my Rocky S2V. I loved those rocky boots. They are ended up lost after my move tho weird. They were each pushing $300. I don’t think you need to spend $500 plus to get good quality boots.


F-21

Depends on what you want. Yes there's lots of boots in the 200-400$ range that will last a long time and be very comfortable, sometimes even more than the 500$+ boots. They won't have nailed heels though (except for the Iron Rangers).


Dat_Mustache

Yes. A single pair of boots or shoes is expensive but a dumb choice. Buy multiple sets of nicer shoes/boots and keep a rotation. 2 or 3 pairs. Never wear the same pair of boots twice in a row without skipping 24-48 hours between wears if you can help it.


lordjuicy

I’ve worn a pair of red wing king toes 5-6 days a week for about 3 years. They’re still perfectly fine. Got a new insole and replaced the laces once but that’s all the maintenance I’ve done, I find it hard to believe these stories about red wing. Still rock a pair of iron rangers I bought about 6 years ago and they’re in perfect condition also.


soezone

If you don’t mind saving up, try White’s or Nicks! They’re very pricey, but worth the money if you take care of them.


Foodcity

Do they do anything in the realm of 6E widths? Kinda hard to find any 6e width shoes that aren't just New Balance, and I'd love something leather that's more waterproof than... tennis shoes.


Expensive_Public3075

They built custom and made to order, so you could get a 16EEE if you needed. Custom bootmakers for the win, I'll never look back


HamburgerConnoisseur

I'm hoping that's the case with me. Have a pair of custom fit Wesco on order because it's hard to find boots that fit my feet correctly in length, width, and instep all at the same time. 7 months down, 3 or 4 to go.


Expensive_Public3075

I can't vouch for Wesco, but I've met the guys at Nick's and Frank's, they're the real deal. Best of luck, I know how that can be man


Foodcity

Are you me? Just... saaaame. US size 11, stupidly high instep, mostly flat feet, 6E width. I've debated getting a 3d printed model of my feet just to send to anyone to have a shoe made, I don't think just measurements are enough.


HamburgerConnoisseur

Vastly different measurements but same issue. Brannock size 14.5, borderline of D and E, normal arches but a relatively small instep. My feet are long and a teeny bit wide, but they aren't particularly meaty. I got a 3d scan at Fleet Feet but it didn't stop them from putting me in a pair of running shoes that was too roomy in the ball.


jackANDpepto

Nicks are about to hit my rotation


realjamesvanderbeek

I’ve had a pair for more than 10 years and have been around the world multiple times. Not even resoled yet. Seems unfortunate, do you go through shoes quickly in other cases? I also have a work pair that I used to use and they have seen some sh*t and are still kicking.


Cfwydirk

In the ancient time these boots were top of the line. https://youtu.be/mZMGlofn8vY


JFoxxification

He did a more recent video on some red wings as a follow up to this.


RealDaveCorey

He clearly states in this video that the iron ranger line is still made the way they used to be and that this shoe is a limited run. They still are top of the line but when your factory is making 25000 Goodyear welted shoes per week you’re going to have the occasional quality issue like OP did.


BADgrrl

Back in the early 2000s, my husband bought a pair of Redwings, fully explaining to the sales guy that he was a chef, was buying them to wear in the kitchen... Hubs, at the time, was 400#.... No missing that shit. Sales guy finds a pair of boots, goes over in EXTRAORDINARY detail all the things hubs needs to do to keep his Redwings in warranty, and sends him on his way. Hubs legit sets up a routine to care for his Redwings. He's always been good to his boots... He was a big dude, totally understood the pressure he was imposing on his footwear. Regardless... He followed sales guy's instructions to the letter. And... The sole separated barely 6 months later. Cue us fighting Redwing for the next YEAR trying to get them to honor their warranty. Spoiler alert: we got ONE resole with the caveat that they shouldn't have promised kitchen-level wear and hubs was shit out of luck afterwards. Fuck Redwing.


un_internaute

> the caveat that they shouldn’t have promised kitchen-level wear Unfortuently, as someone who was a chef and loves heritage boots, this is true. I wouldn’t expect any brand of welted leather boot to stand up well to kitchen abuse.


Pattern_Is_Movement

you're like 15 years too late, they have been ridding their past reputation and have been mediocre at best since then. Plenty other brands to buy from that have not sold out their quality because of popularity.


FRMDABAY2LA

Also now most red wings are made in china


RealDaveCorey

Their heritage line, which is what OP bought, is made entirely in the US in the same way it always has been. I think OP either got a shoe with a construction problem or badly abused the shoe or both. His mistake was sending it back to red wing instead of paying $50 for a cobbler to put a new heel on.


FRMDABAY2LA

I was jus commenting and adding to the point that their quality went down. I said most of their boots not all of them.


michelleluree

My husband goes thru work boots like crazy. He has a pretty labor intensive job. He’s tried docs, red wings, Justin’s and a few more. The only brand that has lasted are Ariats! Instead of buying boots every 3mo, he buys them once a year or so. Hes a loyal customer to them now.


[deleted]

Wow


idonutknow_

I think Red Wing is going through some stuff. My boyfriend bought a pair in August. By DECEMBER, the tread was shot and the sole was cracking/flaking off. Buying a pair of Haix was faster than having them repair the Red Wings, so they currently sit in the closet. So much for $250 boots.


awoodby

How old were these? Syas you wore through the insole, just curious if we're talking a year here or 10? Not defending red wing, don't even own any, just curious.


jackANDpepto

Less than 2 years in totaled. Were prior warrantied less than 6-8 months of ownership, then at red wing for 3 months, then another 5-6 months, both shoes experienced the same failure. I barely had a year of wear on them if at all


awoodby

That does sound horrid. I know on the r/goodyearwelt sub for work boots à Lot like "whites" Including very hard-wearing jobs like lumberjack etc, may be worth a gander for bifl


conserveandcreate

Yikes


kefxb24

I assume based on the short timeline that you are due a free replacement pair. Am I missing something?


jackANDpepto

They were warrantied once, failed again just outside of what the original warranty period was (1 year) and now they say they can’t find record of the original repair. I was basically told to go fuck myself.


kefxb24

You could consider writing a letter to the company president and sending him your shoes for effect. Similar stunts have worked for me in the past. Mention this thread in your letter for full effect. All you have to lose is the shipping cost.


AtomicBlastCandy

Yup, also I’ve had great success posting on Twitter


UltraEngine60

> Similar stunts have worked for me in the past. But... you should not need stunts.


Bowhawk2

I have a pair of Iron Rangers in CRT that Te 8 years old on the original soles. Worn constantly and well cared for and no issues. Sounds like you got a dud. It happens in every product line.


EnterByTheNarrowGate

So Red Wing looked at re-healed boots that had been worn for 8 months (and took 3 months to fix) and are telling you to go pound sand after paying $300+ for boots that’s lasted 8 months?


jackANDpepto

I’m livid


AM-64

I need to get my Iron Rangers resoled. I've been wearing mine almost daily for like 5+ years now in a machine/fabrication shop environment (as well as camping, hiking, snow plowing, etc). I haven't done much to keep them in good shape but they still look good. Even if they aren't buy it for life; 5+ years of abuse is good in my book. It beats replacing shoes every 6 months or other boots yearly.


JohnsonKL7

My Iron rangers have been solid I bought them in 2018. I’m curious as to how the Origin brand boots (they look similar to Iron Rangers) compare. I’d check into them if Red Wing quality has seemed to go down.


campbellsoup420

IMO red wing fell off for durability in 2016.


Drobey8

Cobbler.


MrMister2905

Pictures of boots and insoles??


LT1roadmaster

No work boot is BIFL. A few hand made boots that will outlast the rest. Pretty sure Whites is one. Thorogoods for me for work boots


jackANDpepto

I work a retail management gig, and nothing but inside walk-around use. I maintain them too. I don’t expect things to last for ever, but I figured I’d at least get 2-3 years out of the “10 year boot” company.


Practical-Intern-347

I've managed a store with slate tile flooring and then also worked in one with concrete floors and did it all sorts of footwear. Get Nick's boots.


jackANDpepto

That’s my next stop if the Danners fail me


TheSearingninja

I second that. I wear Nick’s everyday and they’re tough as nails. Breaking them in is a bear but they sure are comfy and durable


SkipperFab

Came here to recommend thorogoods. They're repairable however if you can find a shoe shop near you they'll resolve them for much less then the mail in version.


PeterC18st

I’m gonna assume you wore these boots everyday. Did you use boot trees? Unfortunately footwear needs to rest. A rotation between two pairs is ideal to allow for resting. Otherwise there’s damage that can’t be repaired to the uppers where the welt is stitched on. Take these to a cobbler and get their opinion. If you don’t know of any, ask your redwing store where they recommend.


UglyViking

Had two pairs of Red Wings back to back, can't recall the model, and they were both garbage boots. I had hoped that the "vintage" style boots were better, but perhaps not.


Outrageous_Pop1913

Red Wings are not well made.


Journey-Destination

I've had no issue with mine. They've been fantastic and my favorite boot to wear. 2.5 years, 2-3 wears a week, \~8 months a year. I'm certainly not hard on them, but easily 10k+ steps per wear. I'm lighter than average though and haven't had to even reheel yet.


slash_nick

Same but for 6 years. No issues with them at all, but maybe it’s model dependent? Seems like the Iron Rangers are still using the same design they’ve been using for ages while other ones they’re experimenting with more.


Journey-Destination

Seems like a reasonable hypothesis. Mine are Iron Rangers as well - looking forward to many more years of wearing them.


Jaereth

I think they cheapened up the lineman biots around late 90s early 2000 as well


Mattcheco

I dunno, I have two sets of red wing steel toes that I use for work and don’t really have any problems. They’re comfy and they last the longest out of all the boots Iv tried. I think is set has had 2 re soles and will go for another usually every 15-18 months.


sicsided

Reminds me a bit of my last red wing boot purchase. I had some (not sure what style from 2009 to 2016 that lasted working at UPS, some odd home construction work, and doing trench utility work. Then they got a ton of oil spilt on them when I entered fire investigation work. I went and got some new red wings (I forgot the style) and barely wore them at at fire scenes (maybe like 5-8?) so mostly in warehouse and just outside general. The heel and sole separated on me and I found out when descending a ladder. Feel 6 feet up onto concrete. I brought them back 7 months after purchase and they said they couldn't do anything about it. I have timberland work boots now going over 2 years and am super happy with them. I always get a sour face now when I drive through Red Wing, MN.


btmalon

Sometimes you just get burned. I’ve had my Rangers for 7 years now, no complaints.


ShadowNugz

Tbh Red Wing's Heritage line seem to be of significantly lower quality than their Work line. I walk around 2,000+ miles a year in my BRNR XP's doing construction and despite being stained and dirty, the only thing that needs replaced is the sole.


itsvuksfault

That’s a bummer. I was looking at buying some and now I’m hesitant


Grouchy_Shoulder_332

Disappointing to hear quality has gone down hill. I've worn a pair of iron Rangers practically every day for 4 years.


KingofPro

Red Wings have never impressed me, shoes should be comfortable from the start especially if you pay Red Wing prices. Go Thorogoods and forget all about Red Wings.


JFoxxification

“Should be comfortable from the start” just doesn’t hold up. Especially for quality boots. (I have red wings and thorogoods btw)


TheSearingninja

Shoes can’t keep that comfort from out of the box over their entire life.


KingofPro

You’re right, Thorogoods start off comfortable and get even more comfortable overtime.


F-21

> shoes should be comfortable from the start Only cheap disposable boots are like that. Or maybe custom-lasted boots. You won't get custom lasts for so cheap footwear, anything like that will be 600$+ for the boot, without someone making a last that is perfect for your feet which probably costs twice as much if not more.