Customer Reviews Red Wing Heritage 6" Iron Ranger

I purchased this boot for my husband, who was looking a well-made, black basic boot. The purchase of the boots was our first time dealing with Zappos.com and we couldn\'t have been more pleased. The service we received from Zappos.com was easy to order, quick to process and ship, and friendly letter from customer service. My husband loves these boots and says they are extremely comfortable. So, we are very happy with Zappos.com and the service we received. We will shop on Zappos.com again.

These run half to a full size larger than marked, compared to other Red Wings I have owned. They are top notch in quality – heavy and heavy duty. They look and feel like old-fashioned boots. I anticipate further break-in will allow me to walk more than a couple miles without blistering my feet, but it only took a couple days before they went from really uncomfortable to pretty comfortable.

Classic black boot - I've been eyeing the Iron Ranger line for over a year, when I saw that they introduced a version in black I had to jump on them. Great boot, but like most RW boots, order a half size down, they run big. One note: Zappos seems to be the only retailer that has this all black version of this boot. Most others, have a cork colored upper part of the sole (where the stitching is), the pictures are accurate, just be aware that this is different than other sellers.

I'm still working on working these in. It's been just over a month and I wouldn't say they're totally worked in yet. They're still pretty stiff. But they look great and feel really solid. I usually wear an 11 so I originally ordered a 10.5 based on some reviews. The 10.5's felt pretty good but I had a sneaking suspicion that the 10s might fit as well, and not being that tall I'm always trying to get the smallest shoes possible so it doesn't look like I have clown feet. I ordered the 10s and they actually fit pretty well so I returned the 10.5s. However, I decided I needed insoles because these basically provide nothing in terms of support, and with the insoles even though the 10s fit both in length and width, once I got the insoles in there there was just not enough room. So they are currently really tight on my feet. I'm hoping they'll stretch, but if I could go back and do it over again I'd get the 10.5. So, long story long, if you want insoles go .5 size down. No insoles go 1 size down.`

I love them! I've worn 'em every day since they showed up. They took a few days of wear to get them working in the right spots on the feet, but never a blister or hot spot. They lace up fast and come off easy. They're fantastic boots.

Ultimately I returned these for a few reasons. First, the sizing is wildly inconsistent among shoes of the exact same labeled size. The 10.5's I tried on at the store fit perfectly (but I didn't want to pay CA sales tax on a $280 pair of boots), but the 10.5's from Zappos felt way too big on my feet. Second, I feel that there are some quality control issues as well. The pair I received from Zappos had a permanent dark line (a scar on the cow probably) running down the middle of the toe cap, not something I wanted to see every time I look down to admire my $280.00 boots. I'm going back to the store to choose the perfect pair for my feet. If you can afford to, I would recommend ordering a few pairs from Zappos (1/2 to a full size smaller than your usual size) and keeping the pair that fits you best. Good luck.

I spent far too much time (according to my wife, anyway) deciding which pair of Made in USA leather work-style boots I wanted to buy. I had three basic criteria: 1. Made in USA 2. Classic styling (either moc or cap toe) 3. Black leather I chose the IRs based on their huge cult following, and I was certainly impressed with the quality of these up their arrival. The leather is thick and will last a long long time. The insoles just ooze of old world quality. The hardware is nearly indestructible. If this is the sort of boot you’re looking for, you would be very well served with these boots. The style perspective of these is truly unmatched. They are the epitome of “cool” without being overly trendy or too “hipster-y”. In the end I opted to return these for really one reason - the sizing. I have had other boots, even other Redwing Heritage line boots, and the IRs definitely run a good bit narrower. I am a solid 8M and have never needed a EE width, but with these I definitely do. I was ready to go all in and just swap the 8Ms I ordered for 8EEs, but the Harness Blacks in 8EE were out of stock. So, I did some more review reading and decided to check out a very similar, and equally fan loved, cap toe boot (the Chippewa Homestead in Odessa Black). I kept the Chippewas, but I am getting ready to order the IRs again, but in the Muleskinner leather/color – the IRs are that nice. If you are considering them – DO IT. Just keep in mind the width issue and enjoy!

Much has been made of the awesome craftsmanship and undeniable style of the Iron Ranger. There is little to add on that front. I will say, however, that I ordered a EE boot for the first time in my life with these, as well as sizing down a half size from my normal boot size. I wear a 9.5 in every other boot I own, even the Red Wing 1907. For these, a 9 is perfect in length. The regular medium was much too narrow, especially considering an insert is required to avoid plantar fasciitis. The foot bed is a solid slab and is skinnier in width than any footbed I've ever come across. A size 9EE is perfect with a Dr. Scholl's insert. So that it is clear. I am a 9.5D in every boot except the Iron Ranger, where I am 9EE. If you have flat feet, you can probably stick with the D. If you need any arch support, go for the wide and slip an insole in there. You'll be on cloud nine and the compliments won't stop.

While I'm a guy that loves and buys a lot of shoes, I never would have dreamed of spending this kind of money on a pair of boots. But long story short, I got tired of other options being uncomfortable and/or falling apart, so I thought I'd give these a try. I actually started out with the Beckmans, but they were too dressy for me. Too refined of lines, too shiny (not to mention the bulbous toe box). I switched to the Iron Rangers and after a few sizing issues, I ended up with the best article of clothing I've ever spent money on. The Fit. I have relatively small but wider-than-average feet. Going up a half size (to get the width right) made the boot too long, allowing way too much slop and movement. I ended up with a 7.5, a full size if not size and a half smaller than normal, in an EE width (never had that size before!). This seemed like an odd size for me, but trust me and do yourself a favor: spend the time to find the right size. It makes all the difference in the world. The boots were tight, at first, but over time have wrapped themselves to my feet perfectly. I've never had this good or comfortable of a fit from any shoe. Ever. The Looks. It's obviously subjective, but I love the look of these boots. They're easy to dress up with some chinos and a dress shirt, but can just as easily be dressed down with some jeans and a T-shirt. Very versatile! I get compliments on them all the time, from men and women alike. The Zappos photos make the boots look very muted in color with a matte finish. And while they're not far off, do know that the color is slightly richer with a bit more luster. I suppose that also depends on how you care for them, though. And on that note...Protecting your Purchase. I do 3 simple but relatively time consuming steps (an hour total?), about once per month: 1. Clean - Don't mess around folks. Just use Red Wing's cleaning product. It doesn't cost more than other stuff and I think they'd know the best formula for their own product. It's a liquid cleaner, goes on easy. 2. Nourish - Use Red Wing's boot oil. It looks like it darkens it, at first, but it doesn't. Once it totally dries, it's back to normal. Boot oil should be used for this leather. While it contains some amount of mink oil, it's not sure mink oil so it doesn't permanently darken the leather. This step moisturizes the leather, brings the color back out and leaves a beautiful finish to the surface. 3. Protect - I use a clear leather protector (also Red Wing's). Kind of like spray paint, try to get a light, even coating. If it gets on too heavy, you'll have visible (though "clear") runs. I often mist it on as evenly as possible and dab at it to remove excess. Doing this regularly keeps the leather in tip-top shape and these boots should last a few decades, with a resole every 6-8 years. Overall. As you can tell, I love these boots. But it was also a to of money for me. So hear that they are worth every penny! Looks, comfort, durability and value. Wear them on a lazy day, wear them out on a hot date. You won't regret it! Side Notes. For whatever reason, the sole will stain your socks for like 5 months. The rust-colored stains don't wash out, so wear cheap socks for a while? These aren't great on ice. The cork soles are comfortable and actually great on wet / oily surfaces, but the bottoms are very smooth and therefore don't get great traction on smooth surfaces. The surface does scuff up relatively easily, since it's such a supple leather. But don't worry! Do the cleaning process I described above and every mark comes out (marks and scuffs, not scratches).

I just bought these shoes yesterday, but I wanted to say that they are made incredibly well. The quality of leather is not something you see a lot in shoes now days. I am usually a size 12 or 13 and I bought an 11 (which has room to spare, but not too much). I have fairly wide feet, and got the EE width. This does make the shoe look slightly bigger than the D, as can be expected, but it is still a fairly slender and stylish looking shoe for a "work boot." I'm excited to break these in. Supposedly they mold around your feet and become incredibly comfortable. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars simply because they are quite stiff at first. The store that sold them to me gave me "Red Wing Mink Oil" and "Red Wing All Natural Leather Conditioner." I put one coat of Mink Oil and two Coats of Conditioner, and supposedly that keeps the leather in good condition and protects you from water and eventual dryness and cracking. These oils darkened the leather by quite a bit (I bought the "Amber" color), but I like how it looks even better.

These boots are great provided that you know how to wear them. First of all, these are unlined work boots that should be worn on a medium-to-thick sock. If you want great lined boots, check out Alden and pay the price difference in price. Secondly, they run about one size larger in length. Go down a size and then go up in width if you feel pressure in the foot. Note, only a few Red Wing Heritage boots come in wider sizes. Do not try to squeeze into a longer, narrower boot. At this price, why bother? Finally, do not ruin the shoes by putting excessive amounts of water on them as suggested in these reviews. You should not be doing things like that to boots that fit properly from the very beginning.

Definitely order a 1/2 to full size down. I am an 11 with a narrow foot, ordered 10, and they are spot on. They are a fairly supple leather, I can't envision a terribly long break-in period. Great style vs. many of the other boots out there, and they look stylish with jeans or chinos.

I cannot speak to the all day comfort of these shoes as I have only received the pair this evening. That being said, they seem to run at least a full size larger than their work boots. I generally wear a 11½H or 12EE in Redwings, and a consistent 11½EEE in Allen Edmonds. These were ordered in 12EE. They were way too big. I will return them for a smaller size. Overall they look like nice boots.

Best boots I bought in a long time. Very well made and extreme comfortable from the first minute.

These boots are very good quality, no flaws in workmanship. I ordered 1/2 size smaller than I normally buy and they fit perfectly.

I wear a 12D in just about every Red Wing boot I have worn (4 at this point, since they last me years) and it has felt true to size and support as one would expect from a Red Wing. I wear a 13 in sneakers, and have flat and wide feet. This boot took about a week of wearing all day (8 hours) of walking/squatting/whatever to break in. It has since molded to my foot and adjusted to what I need from it. The leather, the outsole...everything is quality. The laces will need replaced after a while, but that is expected out of a good boot. They look great and feel great once they figure your foot out. I wear these boots to work, they've got good grip once you scuff them up, and support the ankles. The hooks make for easy on/off. The leather gets stronger the more you scuff them up/use them, and it only adds to the great look. The capped toe adds more durability and looks great. I have received many compliments in both khakis and denims when I have worn them for work or at a bar, which is what most of us want out of a boot: versatility. It really shines with the denim though. The price is definitely worth the price of admission. This is a great boot once it conforms to your foot. The break-in period is worth it, and not that bad anyway.

I have had these boots for 9 years now and they continue to impress me. They are well made and form to your foot over time. I have bought the same style in they grey and they are excellent as well. They will take some time to break in but are well worth the time and money.

Fits long and narrow. Well made.

A great classic American boot, but break-in takes time. I read the reviews and bought a half-size down from my regular 10D. The 9.5 was a bit slippy, so I went with 9. One fit perfectly. The other a bit tight. I decided to commit and began the break-in. I oiled with boot oil and began wearing. I would wear till uncomfortable and change shoes. I tried some thin insets, but they made the boot too tight. If you need insets buy a larger size. Wear good socks and beware of the sock knot on the little toe. I kept working them out and now at month three they feel quite right.I wasn't sure at first, but I am digging them now.

This is an amazing boot that looks as amazing as it wears. They definitely require a break in but the rewards are great. I feel I could do just about anything in these well built boots. Home run! Definitely believe the hype.

Great look, have to break in!!!

Old school style. My fav boots.

LOVE LOVE LOVE these boots, they will last forever !! and I get so many compliments Red Wing's are the best !!

You cannot beat this boot. Take care of them and they will take care of you. Don't expect to walk on snow or wet surfaces without a bit of an issue as there is not a lot of traction.