Customer Reviews Red Wing Heritage Beckman 6" Round Toe

After reading lots of contradictory reviews regarding sizing (some said they were a 1/2 size too large, while others sad the exact opposite), I went into a Red Wing Shoe Store to try them on. For those who haven't been to one of these stores, they are very nice and comparable to a high-end boutique as far as service is concerned. Size: I tried on a 9.5D, 10D, and a 10.5D as I am a 10D in Johnston and Murphy Shoes. The 9.5 was perfect if I never wanted insoles or to wear a sock heavier than a light-weight cushion. The 10.5D were too large even with an insole and heavy sock. If you do not want an insole, then I would say the running advice of a 1/2 size smaller seems true. If you want an insole and/or heavier socks, than I would say these are true to size. A Sole-Less Boot: These boots are incredibly well made as far as the outsole, midsole, and uppers are concerned. The upper is constructed from premium leather, which means long durability. It also means little breathability, so be prepared for these to be a warm boot ideal for three season wear. The outsole is a combination of leather and rubber, which I find both attractive and practical. There is no insole. The salesman told me he wore his without an insole and that over time the leather footbed molded to his feet. That all sounds fine, but I like a lot of support. So, I purchased a set of Superfeet Orange insoles. These fit perfectly into the size 10D and have made the boots super comfortable as far as footbed is concerned right off the bat. They also nullified a bit of heel slippage in the right boot. To insole or not to insole will be a matter of personal preference, but when you try them on or order them, I would recommend thinking about whether or not you wanted that feature. Breaking In: These boots even with an insole do have a break in period of time comparable to other well made boots. Everything reviewers say about the Red Wing Ankle Effect is true. Just be prepared and get through it. Cons: My only complaint with the boot is with the laces. I hate the waxed cotton that comes with the boots. First, they make it difficult to take the boots on and put them off because they refuse to move easily. Second, I always find waxed laces cut into my fingers when tightening. Finally, I find that waxed laces hate humidity and never survive a DC summer without snapping. Red Wing salesman through in a complimentary replacement pair of laces that were not waxed cotton and these greatly improves the boot. They don't look as nice, but they are far more practical. Overall, a great, solid, high-end boot that can function in both rugged and dress scenarios.

This boot requires break-in. I received these boots June 13, and it is now July 11th. As of about a week ago, these boots have been absolutely comfortable (comparable to my Birkenstocks). Before that, I received a couple bruises on the ankles and calves, and a couple blisters on my big toes. That seems like a deal breaker, but these boots are miles superior, particularly in durability, to boots of even slightly less cost. Also, the blisters were mostly the result of wearing them to a museum the first day I had them. Regardless, I have no doubt I will still be wearing these in twenty years. If you're looking for a pair of rugged, wear-anywhere-with-anything-forever boots, not many will stand up to the Beckmans.

The construction of these boots is exceptional. The stitching is second to none and the leathers are buttery, but strong. I have been through many different boots in my 38 years, and these are the finest I've owned. Worth every penny. Give them about 2-3 weeks to break in to "your" feet and you won't look back. It's hard to consider another brand after wearing Red Wing.

I am a journalist who works in varied situations around the world and was looking for a tough boot with a classic look. I fell in love with these online and ordered. I've had them 6 months and am largely happy. A few notes: They run long and narrow. I bought a 9.5, which is a bit too long, but even that size was so narrow I had a hard time getting my not-very-wide foot in at first. It is now fine, but only after a month-long, blister-studded break-in and only if I wear really heavy socks to keep my foot from sliding forward and back. Also, the insoles are hard and provide no cushion. They do mold to your feet over time, sort of like Birkenstocks (though not that comfortable), which makes walking and standing for long periods fine. I wouldn't want to run in them, though. For the price, you'd think Red Wing could add a little cushion. Last bit for those wanting a dressier boot: Since the Amber leather got scuffed, I have had an impossible time getting the color back. Oil and polish on the scuffed leather turn it a darker color than the non-scuffed bits. I've tried all sorts of polishes and can't get the scuffed toes to match the rest of the boot; the dark patches make them look trashier, in my opinion. I recently bought a pair of Iron Rangers, which I wear much more. They are lighter, break in quicker and fit my foot better, though they don't seem as sturdy as the Beckmans. Both are great boots in the end, depending on what you're looking for.

I bought these about 4 months ago so I can finally give a review about them since they're broken in. First off, they will make any outfit you have on look 20% more manly. These are beefy boots built to last but they also look great with a pair of jeans. Super classic look. In terms of sizing, it's a little tough to describe. I sized down one full size from my standard. I wear a 12 in Nikes but an 11 in these. When I first put them on they felt slightly loose so I put a thin insole in them and the fit was (and still is) great. The heel did slip a little but I must stress that this is normal. All this means is that the leather sole is stiff and needs to be broken in. As you wear them the heel slip will begin to disappear. The best way I've found to tell if the heel is too big is by using the finger test. Take your socks off and but your bare foot into the unlaced boot. Push your foot forward until your toes hit the end of the boot. Then take a finger and stick it behind your heel. If you can't fit one finger, the boots are too tight. If you could fit two fingers, you should size down. From a comfort standpoint, they're great. I would buy and insole for them to give yourself a bit more support but it's not entirely necessary. Yes, the breaking in process was a painful one but it only lasted about 2 weeks before they were comfortable, and another 4 weeks before they were fully broken in to my feet. Be patient, they're worth it. These boots are amazingly solid too. The leather is nice and thick, the soles are great in any weather and the stitching seems like it's not going anywhere anytime soon. The one thing I would do in terms of care though is use some sort of weather guard if you're going to be wearing them in the rain/snow. I personally recommend Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP but there are many choices. I would also say to say away from mink oil and use a beeswax bases preservative. Bottom line, you could do a whole lot worse than these boots. They're stylish, beefy and durable. Yes the price is high but these boots are an investment, they're going to last you a very long time before you need to replace them. You are absolutely paying for the highest quality here.

These may be the best boots I've ever owned. Growing up I was a staunch supporter of Dr. Marten 10 eyelets made in England. Since Martens are no longer in England (that I can find), these eye-catching US made Red Wings, with a much higher quality make it an easy transition.

Runs large. Most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. Gets more comfortable with age. Superb construction.

These shoes were stiff and quite uncomfortable at first. As I've worn them, they are gradually becoming very comfortable and conforming. The quality of the materials and the construction are fantastic. The Dark Cherry leather is beautiful. Have used Red Wing burgundy leather cream to great effect; it gives the boot a nice finish. I wish there was better arch support. I tried to use my orthotics but it made the D-width boot way too tight. Red Wing inserts also were unusable in the boot; also too tight. This is my first pair of Red Wings, and I'm eager for more. Look great with jeans and khakis.

These are great boots. Like everyone says, they are very stiff. Mine are black , which I was told is stiffer because of the tanning process. The upper is softening up with use, it is the leather sole that needs breaking in, I think that may take a long time. I did get a blister on my heel, check for that fit, thick socks work. The size seems true, not big like people say. Insoles would necessitate bigger.

Order a size smaller than you usually wear, hands down the most comfortable shoe ever!

Best boot ever. I receive so many compliments on these boots, I'm pretty sure my girlfriend is starting to get jealous. I've been wearing them non stop in Buffalo, NY weather since about mid-November. They still look beautiful with only a few minor scuffs. They get more comfortable every day as well. At first they are very stiff but with continued wear they are like "Butta". Highly recommended if you can get past the price (but it's definitely worth it).

These boots are great and even better when broken in. I can't tell you the amount of compliments I get on them. They're perfect for casual or semi-dress. I've seen some get brighter with age, but mine seem to be getting darker, which is fine by me. Support your country's economy and buy these quality, Made in the U.S.A. boots from Red Wing.

The best boots I've ever owned. They size large so if anything you should get a slightly smaller size than you would normally.

Just got beck from the Red Wing shoe store where I tried these on. They will be great when broken in. I want them. But take my word on the issue of size: they are at least 1/2 size too large. In my case, since I'm using a foot bed, I went a full size smaller than what I wear in most shoes. I tried on a 9 1/2 and it was fine. Just like in my Frye boots.

Thses boots are awesome. I wanted the chestnut color (which no longer made), so I bought these in cigar and the Fryes Arkansas boot in their chestnut equivalent. I think the shape of these boots is more attractive, and the sole is much nicer looking. I was really hoping to keep the more expensive boots, but the Red Wings were sweet. I wear a 14 (exactly according to a shoe scale) and a 13 in these fit me perfect without an insert. They are heavy and fairly stiff at first, but I can tell these will be supremely comfortable. If I had the money, I would have also kept the Fryes, as they were also awesome boots (the 13 fit me too).

I am an fan of Red Wing. Got my first pair of boots about 30 years ago, when I had a job working in the mountains of Colorado. I worked in those boots and they lasted for 20 years. Incredibly well made. I now live and work in Manhattan. I don't need a work boot but I like the outdoors and I walk a lot in the city. This boot seems like a nice choice. Has that great RW durability. The leather is thick and tough, but already breaking in nicely. I tried a half size down and the fit was okay, but these boots are even more comfortable with an insole (with arch support) and that meant I needed a bit more room. So I recommend purchase true to size with an insole -- then ya got yerself a fantastic, comfortable, durable, wonderful boot. Viva Red Wing! Viva Zappos!

Beautiful shoe that was very comfortable on one foot. The tongue rubbed my other foot wrong though. Very sad.

A superbly well made boot. The leather is very heavy and will require a lengthy breaking in period. Rubbing with leather lotion before wear will help quite a bit. Until they do break in they're quite stiff, difficult to put on, and wear can be quite uncomfortable but once they do mold to the foot they're like a second skin and perfect for walking all day. After a couple months of regular wear I was pleased enough to purchase a second pair. Almost three years later I still have my first pair, have had them reheeled, and they still take a shine like a brand new pair.

I got these in chestnut to use as work boots (working around the shop, house and yard, not professionally) and they are great. They run a little narrow to start, but stretch. They are scuffed up, but still very solid. I find my self throwing them on to go everywhere, so next on my list is another pair that I'll be sure to keep nice for wearing around. Best advice: get a pair of smart feet insoles. They don't come with their own.

Excellent boots, very solid and well made. Can be resoled, which is great. Strong, hard leather. They look nice, halfway between tough and elegant. One problem, no loop in back to help pull them on, until they\'re broken in it\'s a bit tough to get my foot in.

Great shoes, though they did take a few wears to break in. It doesn\'t help that my feet are a bit wide\/oddly-shaped. So, even though I got a half size down from what I normally get (I tried them on at a local retailer, first, to be sure.), they felt a bit roomy in the heel and still too tight around the toes. But that\'s pretty usual for me. And as I said, after a few wears these boots are great.

Excellent boot. I have an oddly shaped foot, so I ended up having to go a full size smaller than my normal 9. Once broken in (took me about a week of wear), these boots are extremely comfortable; the leather molds to your feet like an old baseball glove. Great support and good traction. Plus they have a classic, timeless look & great color.

I measured my foot to be almost exactly 11.5 in, so following the recommendations of the other reviews, I got a size 11 boot, which was too small. Returned it and got the 11.5, which fits just right. There will probably be plenty of room to put in some inserts as well, but I’m not really bothered by the lack of arch support at the moment. I hardly had to break them in as they were pretty comfortable out of the box. The leather is soft, but appears strong; it scuffs easy, but these are boots so I don’t mind. I’m happy with this purchase, and with Zappos for making the return process so easy and for shipping so fast.

I've been looking for a good-looking but rugged and versatile boot for a long time. I finally settled on this boot and, I have to say, it was worth the effort. These boots look great with a really classy, timeless style. They look better in person than they do on this site, as the leather has a real rich, deep color to it that pictures don't do justice to it. They go great with jeans, khakis, dress pants and nearly anything else. I also wear these in the winter and, while they aren't really warm, they are durable and rugged enough to handle snow, water and slush. They are surprisingly slip resistant, too. Some of these reviews talk about a long break-in period but I didn't find that. They were comfortable right out of the box, and only got more so as the high quality leather gradually broke in and formed itself to my feet. Again, these are just a great, all-around boot. Tough, comfortable and stylish! I look forward to wearing these for years to come.