Red Wing Shoes
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As promised @Stuart.T
Here is my take on them - In terms of build quality, the Pecos (from my understanding) had always been a Japanese Model (Christophe from MF has worn a pair of years, and he always looked so good in them, that's why I snagged a pair). Turns oout a small heritage store in my Home Town, called W Durable Goods, requested to sell the 8188 here in the States, and since they were able to sell them, they opened up sale in EU and USA to other stockists and RW stores.
The build quality is actually above what I expect from RW normally. The welt is pretty clean, and stitching is well done, and the Muleskinner Rough Out leather is one of the thickest they offer. They are great boots, and for what my local RW store sold them to me, I feel they are a good value. I would not pay EU prices or even USA retail for them.
They run very narrow, so you want to go up either a half size and stay with your normal width, or go up a width size. I normally wear a very comfortable 9.5D in RWs, ad these are 9.5E, and I could have stood to go 10D, however, I would have had to put an insole in them.
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@Appfaff I really appreciate you taking these detailed pics. I do like how these look and I think I'll try them in the red wing London store and hold them in my hands to get a better idea of quality. I'm not expecting Wesco quality, but I've been very happy with all my other RW boots so far.
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Good call - I’ve had more than 10 pairs of RW boots and these are probably the “best made” IMHO.
My engineers (Which costs me 30% more) are way more sketchy in terms of stitching and alignment.
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Does anyone own the Sheldons or the Beckmans? I'm not familiar with the boot world and don't own any for casual wear but I'm looking for something that looks smart that I can dress up or down. Any thoughts on these or other recommendations?
Sheldons
Beckmans
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I don’t own either, but that Sheldon seems much more apt for dressing up or down, IMO.
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I was thinking the same. Thanks for the input.
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I don’t own either, but that Sheldon seems much more apt for dressing up or down, IMO.
Agreed.
Personally I prefer the Beckmans on a purely aesthetic basis, but they have more obvious workboot stylings and seem more casual as a result. Dressing up for me entails putting a shirt on though, so I may not be the best barometer [emoji1]
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I think I like the looks of the Beckmans better too, but the Sheldon does appear smarter. It's a tough one.
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I like how the black Wolverine 1,000 miles look too.
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Beckmans have a cool back story - I would go with those purely for their history.
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note to self, look up Red Wing Beckmans back story.
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@madmonday - I'll go ahead and share my two "RW" history stories, that I picked up years ago on some other forums.
First off, the "Beckman," or "Gentleman's Traveler" boot was developed to be a work boot that also polished up and worked with a suit. During the time the boots were developed, the Railroad Boom was happening in America, and men would go (literally) work on the railroad for months and months, and to cut down on having to have work boots, and dress shoes for church (or interviews for a job at the end that would bring them back home), they needed a boot that took some polish. Th GT boots were specifically that - sturdy and durable enough to be worked in all day, and would clean up great and look "fancy" to be paired with these "Gentleman Travelers" sunday clothes.
Second - I know Christy soles get a lot of hate, and a lot of love, but they were developed for a very specific reason - back in the day, when a farmer would return to the house after a long day, it would be pretty dark, and without electricity, they would end up bringing all sorts of muck into the house. The White soles allowed a farmers wife to immediately see if there was mud or Sh*t on his boots, so she could tell him to clean them or remove them.
I have zero clue if these are true or just internet folklore, but I think it's cool backstory for sure.
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The Christy story has to be internet bs. It's a blown rubber sole and I can't imagine it was developed before electricity. Second, given how little tread there is on it, I doubt farmers, or anyone working out in fields, would use it. It seems designed for factory or construction type work, where people are standing on concrete or other unforgiving surfaces all day.
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Very good point @Chris.
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@Appfaff thanks for the input.
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I've got Beckmans in a 12D tried on unworn kind of a plum color can have for $200 shipped US only.
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These are black Beckmans. No my feet don't hurt. I always look like this.
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I've got Beckmans in a 12D tried on unworn kind of a plum color can have for $200 shipped US only.
I actually am looking for a black pair but thanks for the offer. I also have no clue what my size is in RW.
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Hi,
I have always had an interest in trying out the Red Wing Supersole as I do seem to go hard on my soles and want to see if these do offer an extended life.Specifically I was always attracted to the "08804" Moc Toe Supersole Oro Russet Boot. Having contacted the UK RW store I have learned that they have been removed from the UK (and probably the european) markets… this has made me obsess about them for some reason!
Do any of my IH colleagues know of any in stock in Europe (Size UK8/US9), or any US retailers that would send them across to me? My initial searches havent been fruitful.
Best regards,
Chris
