I've wanted to treat myself to a really good pair of boots for a while. I have come to realize that many shoe stores just don't sell high quality stuff anymore. Instead they stock whatever is trendy...and the vast majority of that trendy stuff is imported from China. Even a lot of companies who used to only make stuff in the US have moved much of their labor overseas. For example, Timberland used to make great stuff until they realized they could pay a fraction of the cost to have someone in China make a boot that looks the same as what used to be made here and still charge the same price. Then they end up falling apart after just a few months. I have been there. I was on a mission to find a great American-made boot that would last me for years. I narrowed my search down to two boots...the Chippewa Apache lacer boot and the Red Wing Heritage 8146 boot. I tried both and was happy with the fit of both of them although I did notice the quality of the Red Wing 8146 seemed to be far better. The materials on both were top-notch...but the craftsmanship of the Red Wings just blew me away. I did purchase the Chippewas from Amazon and learned of the possibility that they could have been factory seconds but I cannot verify that. Anyway I ended up getting the Red Wings. I have to admit the moc toe also appealed to me a bit more. Despite the higher price tag I am very pleased with them and can't wait to see how they age as they are worn more and more. I attached a picture of the boots for everyone's viewing pleasure.
Got me some new boots.
- Thread starter rfn379
- Start date
Beautiful boots! Congrats, wear them in good health.
Nice boots. And thanks, for waving the flag...If we don't buy American...Who will?
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- #4
Thanks. And yeah...it's true that far too many people think nothing of buying imported stuff just because it is cheaper, ignoring the fact that the lower price comes at the cost of quality. I would rather pay more for a better made product that will last me infinitely longer.
I too have a pair of Red Wing 8146s, and I love 'em! Great minds do think alike, rfn379!
One question -- did you get your normal shoe size or a half size down? It wasn't until after I'd gotten mine that I started hearing they run big, so of course by then I had already bought a pair in my usual size. But I haven't encountered any fit problems, which is probably because I wear my 8146s with thick hiking/work socks.
One question -- did you get your normal shoe size or a half size down? It wasn't until after I'd gotten mine that I started hearing they run big, so of course by then I had already bought a pair in my usual size. But I haven't encountered any fit problems, which is probably because I wear my 8146s with thick hiking/work socks.
Don't know much about boots, but they look really nice, bet there really comfy.
I'm a boot guy, but my work atmosphere is business casual. I push those boundaries quite often, due to some of the work I do and my appearance-laziness, but I need to start picking my game up because I'm not a 23 year old kid anymore... I would love to be able to still incorporate boots into a more sophisticated style* but the tread on these looks pretty aggressive. Have you work these with khakis/chinos/slacks and, if so, how did they look?
*Actually, the look I'm going for is probably more 'rugged-casual'. I like Traditional style and some of the classier stuff but, if I'm honest with myself, I can't really pull it off. Lipstick on a pig, and all that...
*Actually, the look I'm going for is probably more 'rugged-casual'. I like Traditional style and some of the classier stuff but, if I'm honest with myself, I can't really pull it off. Lipstick on a pig, and all that...
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- #8
I did go a half size down from my normal shoe size and they seem to be just right. It takes a little patience to work my feet into them but I am sure that will get easier as they break in. If I got my normal shoe size it wouldn't have been terrible but I like them to be a bit more snug and let the leather form to my foot.
- Thread starter
- #9
I got these primarily to wear with jeans and they look great but these would totally work with a nice pair of khakis.
As someone who wears Red Wing boots religiously, you will enjoy them. I wear my boots about 16 hours/day almost every single day. SWMBO has on occasion complained about the cost of my boots until I broke down the cost of my last pair of 3507 boots that lasted almost 6 years. Roughly $0.13 per day. That is a cost I am most definitely willing to pay for better health. I view my boots the same as I view my tires, they're the only thing between me and the road, so they better be good.
I have found that the best way to break in a pair of Red Wings is to wash them with warm water and a gentle soap. Dry them with a towel and allow them to air dry for a few hours but while the leather is still slightly damp, coat them in whatever leather oil/conditioner Red Wing recommends. I generally use mink oil. Let the conditioner soak in overnight, buff off any excess and wear them for a full day. The boots will be form fitted to your feet.
Also, change your insoles before you think they're worn out, your back will thank you. Although the sole and upper of the boot may last for years, the insole will continue to break down. Because I wear my boots constantly I change my insoles about every 6 months. However, I've seen some friends who insist on buying imported boots who are buying a new pair of boots with the same frequency...
Most everywhere I have worked has been business casual of varying definitions and I have always worn boots. Look at something along the lines of the 606 or 607 boots (2406 or 3507 if you need steeltoe). Still 100% made in the USA, a less aggressive sole, and if you wear your dress pants a little long they look like dress shoes. Just have to keep 'em polished...
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- #11
After a bit of wearing these around the house to break them in a bit I decided to exchange these boots for a different size. I originally got a 9D but the standard width felt a bit too narrow. I could tell my toes felt a little squeezed and I am not confident it will improve much even after the leather softens. They may not feel as tight but my foot is going to be too wide for the sole of the shoe. These boots are definitely cut more narrow than almost any shoe I have ever worn. I decided to go with a 9EE and they seem to be much better. It seems that most guys here recommend a bit of breathing room in the toe box anyway so I am hoping this was a good choice. Hopefully they won't be too loose once the leather breaks in.
