I seem to have a lot of collections. Tools. Chairs. Cameras. Boots. I seem to covet these things as art objects, but art that I can definitely use. I’ve owned objects that were too nice to use, one being a vintage Eames LCM that was just so perfect and all I could do was worry about marring the flawless beauty with a jean rivet, so I had to sell it. It was gorgeous, but I just couldn’t keep it if I wasn’t going to use it.
So here we come to my pair of Iron Rangers. Damn, if they aren’t good looking, but also up to some serious use. The harness leather is soft yet hard wearing – great material from their own tannery, S.B. Foot Tanning Company in Minnesota. I’ve had them for a couple months now and they’ve been comfortable from day one, and only expect them to get better. The cork sole is a nice change from a loud leather sole and will be perfect for the wet Portland seasons that are near. I’m curious how it will wear, as I seem to have a pronounced heel-strike, but regardless – the Goodyear welted construction will make resoling possible for the life of the boot. Amazing construction details like the triple stitching and the cap toe make this one of the best looking boots made. Fall is coming up and if you’re in need of a solid boot, I recommend you take a look at Red Wing’s offerings.
Thanks to Lisa Warninger for the photos and a tremendous thanks to Dan at Red Wing Heritage for the best gift possible for a boot collector like myself.
Super stylish as usual, Matt.
Sick ass boots.
Great pictures of the boots and what a coincidence! I’ve just started watching your blog and I’ve been trying to decide between a pair of these or the Wolverine 1000 Mile. I need some footwear to bridge the gap between my Converse and my winter boots. It’s starting to get a little too cold for Converse in Canada.
Living in Minnesota, I grew up with Red Wings, my step-father even worked for the company for a stint of time. These are great boots and have never failed me. I’m digging these but especially love my steel toe wings. Honda love.
man, you are so cool.
is that a 75 honda scrambler?
Thanks Derek, that’s a 74 CL360. A street bike, but the scrambler pipes give a cool look for sure.
Nice boots, I would like to know what brand of denim your wearing, I really like the color of them. I really enjoy your blog thanks for putting in the time.
Thanks John, appreciate you reading. Those jeans are Levi’s Hesher.
Another quality post, Matt. I Am interested in picking up a pair of these boots for myself, however I am wondering how close to “true to size” to these boots run? Are your boots a bit larger or smaller than your typical shoe size?
Hi Doug. I find they run just slightly large. I am typically 8.5 or 9, and the Iron Rangers are 9s and fit great with a thin insole. I have a pair of 8131s in an 8.5, and they are perfect as is.
They definitely run large. I am a 10 in Vans, a 10.5 in some other brands, and I have the Iron Rangers in a 9, and probably could have even gone to a 8.5. Crazy! Not true with all Red Wings though–the Beckmans fit much smaller. Definitely don’t try and buy them online; find somewhere local where you can try them on. Portland has a lot of great retailers. I know Lizard Lounge carries most of their styles.
Hi MMP, I am also usually an 8.5-9 in most shoes. I’ve tried on both the 8.5 and 9 in the Iron Ranger and feel that I am leaning towards the 9, since it seems more comfortable and feels better on my toes. However, they are a little loose and do pinch a little at the top fold during a step. I feel this may soften up as the boots break in. Do you prefer the feel of your 8.5′s as the wore in, or do you prefer the 9? Thanks!
They’ll definitely soften, but it it were me, I’d go 8.5.
Hey Doug what kind of jeans are those you are wearing with the red wings?
I can’t speak for Doug, but my jeans above are Levi’s Hesher.
Was walking through the streets of Florence when I came across a little store with Red Wings. Needless to say after seeing this post I just HAD to have the Iron Rangers. Wearing them now in the middle of a European winter…so many people asking where I got them! Cheers Matt.
Hey Charl – great story and glad you found a pair!