Help me pick a Red Wing

[Riffmatter]

Hello Gents,
I have recently decided that I should probably upgrade my shoes from my normal Chuck Talyors to something a little higher end. That being said, I have been eyeing the Red Wing Heritage collection for quite some time, particularly the boots. Initially I was lusting after the 8114 Iron Rangers, but Some people seem to think that the 9014 Beckmans are better, they say the leather is better, and some people say it just feels "sturdier". I Walk everywhere, so sturdy boots that can really take a beating are what I need. Does anyone here have experience with these two shoes that can give me some insight?

 

[o4hc]

I can't comment from experience but I've always liked the look of the Beckman.

 

[camjr]

I went with the 8111 Iron Rangers about 1.5 yrs ago and haven't looked back. Great boots that, if I do my part, could outlive me. I keep them clean, and take them to the Red Wing store every 6 months for complimentary oiling and new laces. Great service.

 

[Toothpick]

I've never owned a pair of Red Wing boots. But I do have these slip ons http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/8700-red-wing-shoes/8700-red-wing-mens-slip-on-black

Most comfortable pair of shoes I've worn. I work in retail and walk around on hard concrete all day. Perfect for the hustle bustle of indoors.

You can take your Red Wings in once a month and they will apply leather protector and depending on the salesperson they will polish them for you too.

I enjoyed the whole experience when visting the store.

 

[Allegrabene]

I just have the 875 boots and they're stylish and fuctional. Can't ask for more really

 

[CRG]

I have the Beckman boots and love them. Took a while to break in for me, but now they're great. I also have a pair of chukkas that I wear to work, and they are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. I highly recommend Red Wing.

 

[Riffmatter]

With the Beckmans, how is the leather? Because I guess the leather they use for the Beckmans comes from their own tanneries. Do they scuff easy?

 

[bjh618]

I order a pair of black beckman chukkas about six months ago (I'm in australia, so no opportunity to try them on), unfortunately they ran waaaay to narrow for me. Besides that they appear to be very solidly built. The leather, while stiff, is thick and looks as if it can take a beating. I only wore them around the house so I can't comment on their ability to take a beating, but I wouldn't doubt their usefulness as an everyday boot. My only quibble is the rubber sole (possibly vibram?), which looks a little out of place on a chukka. Im actually in the process of ordering a pair of Iron Rangers through the Australian distributer also, so it will be interesting to see the difference in leather quality (if any).

Of course, as an Aussie, I would be remiss to not recommend a pair of RM williams boots. Most people go for the standard chelsea boot, but I've also got a pair of chukkas and am looking at ordering a rigger boot, which I'm hoping will become the boots I wear every day.

 

[CRG]

With the Beckmans, how is the leather? Because I guess the leather they use for the Beckmans comes from their own tanneries. Do they scuff easy?

Mine are still relatively new, but yes, they will scuff easily. However, I would suspect that most leather boots are this way. Having the proper boot care supplies is essential in hiding the inevitable scuffs and to keep the leather conditioned.

 

[jlanger]

I have a pair of iron rangers that I've had for 1 1/2 years now. I love the beckmans as well adn hope to get a pair some day, just have found the right price/time to get them yet. (I got my rangers on a fluke $99 at Nordstrom's Rack, I'm guessing that they were returns) Anway's I really think that the rangers have a thicker more heavy duty leather, remember they were originally designed as a work boot. The Beckmans, is a much finer prettier leather, think like an Allen Edmonds shoe. Very nice shine, and very nice looking, and probably a very good quality leather, just not as thick and "heavy duty" as the rangers. The rangers are a very ncie boot and go quite well with a "business casual" look, IMO I wouldn't feel comfortable going to a heavy duty business meeting with them. I would think a pair of Beckmans would go toe to toe with Allen Edmonds or the $700 Wolverine Cordovans (Ok maybe not those .
So depending on what you're doing frankly you'd be safe with either. If you're tough on shoes and are working in a job/position that could risk damaging a boot, I'd go with the Rangers, which I think could deal with a possible cut or a very nasty scrape somewhat easily. I'm not sure that shiny surface would handle a scrape/cut as well. Though they will be a lot easier to keep shiny vs, the Rangers.
I currently polish and mink oil mine about every 2 weeks to a month depending on what I'm doing (more in the winter).

 

[Boro62]

I've been checking out the redwings and it looks like they don't have EE or EEE wide shoes? kind of makes me sad because they look like something I'd pick up if they did.

 

[rushchairman]

i like the new 875s too

 

[linty]

I've been checking out the redwings and it looks like they don't have EE or EEE wide shoes? kind of makes me sad because they look like something I'd pick up if they did.

They do in some styles. 8111, 8113, 3140, 3141, 875. They only run EE, but it seems to be a wide EE. I have the 8111 in a 9EE, and I wear a 9.5EEE Aldy Indy (Trubalance)

 

[SAFETYpin]

I've been wearing my Iron Rangers every day for 2 years, so far they've held up fantastic. I would like to get another boot of some sort so I could cycle them and only wear them every other day. The soles can be touch slick in winter weather, and mine took a long time to really brake in (3-4 months). I most likely should have purchased a wider boot.

 

[Riffmatter]

Well thanks for the input everyone. I think I am going to end up getting the Beckmans. Since I live in SLC we tend to get quite a bit of snow, and seeing how the Iron Rangers have a nitrile cork sole I am afraid I would end up on the ground more often then I would like. Whereas the Beckmans have a stacked leather sole with a bit of rubber grip.

 

[Boro62]

They do in some styles. 8111, 8113, 3140, 3141, 875. They only run EE, but it seems to be a wide EE. I have the 8111 in a 9EE, and I wear a 9.5EEE Aldy Indy (Trubalance)

thanks, must have missed these somehow, I'll have to go back and browse these a bit

 

[Boro62]

Well thanks for the input everyone. I think I am going to end up getting the Beckmans. Since I live in SLC we tend to get quite a bit of snow, and seeing how the Iron Rangers have a nitrile cork sole I am afraid I would end up on the ground more often then I would like. Whereas the Beckmans have a stacked leather sole with a bit of rubber grip.

Glad we could help! Don't forget we love pics

 

[Prince]

What color? I have the black cherry and they are fantastic.

 

[Riffmatter]

What color? I have the black cherry and they are fantastic.

Black. Most of the clothes I wear go well with Black. So it makes sense to Match them up. that being said I really like the black cherry, and I LOVE the Cigar Featherstone. But really, I don't think you could go wrong with any color.

 

[Rodeoflyer]

I actually wear my Iron Rangers to work.