I bought my Iron Ranger Muleskinners in Aalborg, Denmark in 2008 (it's 2022 now). They were the most expensive in the store. As they were breaking in I thought, 'omg, what have I done???'. But after break in they fit like a glove. During the first year, I told my brother-in-law "these are the last shoes I'll ever need to buy" and his response was that I must not expect to live long. I have worn these daily for 14 years. I don't do anything to care for them. The cork sole is still going strong and the stitching everywhere is still intact. They still fit like a glove and, except where the eyelets wore through the tongue, they show no signs of wearing out anytime soon. I'm thinking about buying a 2nd pair in amber leather to have a slightly dressier pair, but it's not ... MoreI bought my Iron Ranger Muleskinners in Aalborg, Denmark in 2008 (it's 2022 now). They were the most expensive in the store. As they were breaking in I thought, 'omg, what have I done???'. But after break in they fit like a glove. During the first year, I told my brother-in-law "these are the last shoes I'll ever need to buy" and his response was that I must not expect to live long. I have worn these daily for 14 years. I don't do anything to care for them. The cork sole is still going strong and the stitching everywhere is still intact. They still fit like a glove and, except where the eyelets wore through the tongue, they show no signs of wearing out anytime soon. I'm thinking about buying a 2nd pair in amber leather to have a slightly dressier pair, but it's not because these are on their last legs. To me, Red Wings are the epitome of sustainable consumerism: spend a little (a lot?) more to buy something that will last over a decade or two instead of filling the landfills with cheap trendy trash. And I like keeping my money in-country, creating jobs for our economy. I'm a bit disappointed that Red Wing discontinued the cork sole, though they could definitely be slippery on ice. 14 years and still kicking. Me too.

I have worn my 8085s almost every day (not exaggerating) for 5 years and I’ve only just now started to notice them looking a little worse for wear. I’m talking ~20 miles per week of commuting as well as steady wear in muddy, dusty, dirty junk yards and industrial demolition sitesIm not encouraging anyone to do the same, but I have been wearing them so long people just think they’re safety toe so I rarely wear my actual safety boots ;)I bought them a half size up and after about 6 months the boots were completely formed to my feet and ankles and they feel like an extension of my body. Another big thing for me is the fact they’re made in the USA and the craftsmanship that comes as a result. For something so masculine, they need to stand up to an old school dude ... MoreI have worn my 8085s almost every day (not exaggerating) for 5 years and I’ve only just now started to notice them looking a little worse for wear. I’m talking ~20 miles per week of commuting as well as steady wear in muddy, dusty, dirty junk yards and industrial demolition sitesIm not encouraging anyone to do the same, but I have been wearing them so long people just think they’re safety toe so I rarely wear my actual safety boots ;)I bought them a half size up and after about 6 months the boots were completely formed to my feet and ankles and they feel like an extension of my body. Another big thing for me is the fact they’re made in the USA and the craftsmanship that comes as a result. For something so masculine, they need to stand up to an old school dude beating them up the way old school dudes tend to do.I’ll send them in for the redo service and have them dyed to give them a second go-round. Maybe I’ll have to buy another pair in the brown to a) have a fresh pair and b) get me through while mine are being repairedThank you red wing!

I have purchased several pairs of Iron Rangers of the last 11 years. In terms of build quality and construction, all of them are very high quality. In fact, the highest quality of any boot I have purchased, and I have purchased just about everything across the high end industry (all the competitor names). Fit does vary a tad bit but I am a true 10.5 medium (no unusual foot issues) and all my Iron Rangers fit true to size with some minor variations (which is to be expected for a hand last boot). Unfortunately, I had to give two pairs of them away because the boots' last (or core) was so incredibly stiff and uncomfortable despite probably 100+ hours of walking and down yard work in several pairs of these boots. Basically, several years after buying and wearing the ... MoreI have purchased several pairs of Iron Rangers of the last 11 years. In terms of build quality and construction, all of them are very high quality. In fact, the highest quality of any boot I have purchased, and I have purchased just about everything across the high end industry (all the competitor names). Fit does vary a tad bit but I am a true 10.5 medium (no unusual foot issues) and all my Iron Rangers fit true to size with some minor variations (which is to be expected for a hand last boot). Unfortunately, I had to give two pairs of them away because the boots' last (or core) was so incredibly stiff and uncomfortable despite probably 100+ hours of walking and down yard work in several pairs of these boots. Basically, several years after buying and wearing the boots I developed a tremendous pain right underneath my right toe (but not with any other type of shoe or boot - only these three pairs of Iron Rangers). My left foot was all fine, but the right toe would be blistered and painful, similar to a pressure point, whenever I wore any of the three pairs longer than 30-45 min or so. I only kept the third pair because they were gorgeous, with such a beautiful patina, and I just couldn't bear throwing them out or giving them away. So...they sat in my closet for several years until I was recently in a brand new Red Wing Retail Store in NC. The store manager (who was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable) did "push accessories" just like another reviewer said he would. Well, I am really happy he did as he pushed me to purchase a set of leather sole inserts and whola! Boom. Problem fixed. He really knew the product's quirks.That old 2014-era pair of well worn brown Iron Rangers (see photo) that had been sitting in my closet for years now fit like a long lost slipper. I spent the past two weeks doing daily yard work (mowing, aerating, seeding, planting, etc.) and the boots felt amazing. Whether you try these awesome boots on in the store or purchase on-line, do not forget to at least consider a set of leather insoles/inserts if you are having the same problem as the core or "last" in this boot is incredibly rigid. The leather inserts have a smooth inner foam pad and they allowed me to actually wear and "re-enjoy" this fine old worn boot. This might be obvious, but my issues developed over time and were not fixed with any other sole inserts. I tried 4 or 5 different brands before I gave up and put the boots in the closet to collect dust. Rather, only the Red Wing leather inserts worked. You're already at a $350 boot so why not spend an extra $45 to get it to fit right if that's needed? Maybe why that's why Red Wing store managers are "pushing" accessories? If so, then it's a damned good reason. Otherwise, I wouldn't have continued to wear these boots and would have given up on the brand (despite its reputation). Bottom line, I don't think any shoe or boot manufacturer is making a boot anywhere that is better than these now iconic Iron Rangers. All of that said, I do have one final suggestion to Red Wing (as I know they will be reviewing this): please consider (i) a slightly more flexible last in the future and (ii) a Vibram or similar sole with more knobbing or traction. Other than the stiff last, the only other downside to this boot is the very slippery sole.It slips in anything from oil and wet grass to light ice and powder snow. I have slipped on all of them at some point in these boots due to the slick sole. If the Iron Ranger boot had (i) a more comfortable or flexible last and (ii) a little traction or knobbing, this boot would be a 10 out of 10 with zero room for improvement. It has the potential to be the true GOAT of American work boots, but these two minor issues give it, in my humble opinion, a slightly lesser grade.