Red Wing Shoes
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Question…...
With the Heritage Chukkas, TTS???
I wear the 595 chukka (not a heritage chukka) which is built on the same #210 last that the heritage chukkas are. The only difference is the 595 has a soft leather lining and an insole…and it retails for $120 or so less than the heritage chukkas.
I actually sized up to buy mine. I measure an 11.5 on the brannock machine and I went with a 12 in the 595. I had worn a pair of 11.5 chukkas for a year but were just a bit too constricting. I wear an 11.5 in 877 and I wear an 11.5 in my Iron Rangers as well.
The red wings definitely feel a lot better, and I agree the construction and other details are way better than a pair of Dr Martens. But I expect better soles from them.
Probably going to get them resoled with the vibram soles once I find time to do it.
I just read through the past several posts. The wear on your soles at six months is very close to what mine usually look like. The stock sole is comfortable and soft, which I think is why it wears so quickly. Red Wing can replace it with a similar vibram sole; this sole is a white crepe sole that lasts slightly longer - but not really a game changer. I usually need it done sooner; when that heel gets worn down it really starts bothering my knees.
Vibram makes another wedge sole - not exactly the same composition - that can be seen on the Thorogood line of wedge soled boots. This sole is much longer wearing but isn't as comfortable. I wouldn't put it on my boots if I had a choice.
Now, I also wear the Red Wing 595 chukka, which has a DIFFERENT crepe-like vibram sole. It is tan in color and wears much better than the white crepe soles and is just about as comfortable. When my new 877s are due a resole, I will ask Red Wing to use the sole from the 595.
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I bought a pair of 8111 Iron Rangers a while back and they finally arrived. I measure an 11.5 on the brannock device and I bought my Iron Rangers in that size. While they may be a touch too large, I am afraid that the next size down would be too small for thick socks.
So I am reasonably confident that I bought these boots in the correct size.
So there are parts of the upper that are double thick - the cap on the toe and the part where the boot laces up. In between these two spaces is the leather where the boot should break.
When this leather bends, it puts a lot of stress onto my toes and the top of my foot. It is pretty painful. These boots aren't broken in much at all but I can barely wear them as this is pretty painful.
My question is this: has anyone else had a similar experience with this? And is there any way to fix this?
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I would wear them until you can't bear the pain any longer then leave them off until your foot has heeled (a week or more)then try them again they should be much better the next time you put them on. If that hasn't done the trick you could try applying something to the inside of the boot where the toes crease (I've found vaseline to be very effective). When mine were new they made my feet bleed but now are very comfortable.
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There's a stretching spray you can buy also. I have an unused can of it, if you're in the UK, pm me and I will send it to you.
Thanks for your help. I know about stretching spray and boot stretchers and all of those things. I am not sure that is what I need.
I think that I just need to try to walk in these things a bit more to see if that leather softens up. Perhaps just a bit of boot oil will help soften up the leather.
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Just realised you were talking about Iron Ranger. I had the EXACT same experience as you. Eat the pain, they will get better. Mine are perfect now.
One more question. I am still somewhat concerned that these things are too big. I have some sort of psychosis about this or something and if I buy the shoes that feel good when I try them on, I will buy shoes that are WAY TOO SMALL.
I do know that shoes tend to get wider and shorter as they break in. Was that your experience with Iron Rangers?
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They felt super narrow when I got them, hence similar anxiety to your own. They have loosened up very agreably.
I know what you mean about the length, they have a slight "clowny" vibe initially, but you will get used to them. I assume that there isnt a clear 1 inch air cap at the end of your toe?
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They felt super narrow when I got them, hence similar anxiety to your own. They have loosened up very agreably.
I know what you mean about the length, they have a slight "clowny" vibe initially, but you will get used to them. I assume that there isnt a clear 1 inch air cap at the end of your toe?
I have probably a thumbs-width at the end - maybe slightly more than that when wearing regular socks. I buy these things to wear with two pair or thick socks, so I am used to a little bit extra room.
I think this is just standard "new boot anxiety." I will just try wearing these boots for a little walk every day until I don't mind wearing them anymore.
Tell me this: I have worn 877s and the crepe soled boots for years. After a rough break in period, these boots always have become so comfortable that they feel like slippers. I know a lot of this has to do with the soles. Do these Iron Rangers with that tough cork sole ever get that comfortable?
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25% off these apparently with code MARCH25
http://www.tobi.com/product/21997-red-wing-shoes-classic-moc-toe-boots?color_id=26438
not sure if it works for the others.
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Tell me this: I have worn 877s and the crepe soled boots for years. After a rough break in period, these boots always have become so comfortable that they feel like slippers. I know a lot of this has to do with the soles. Do these Iron Rangers with that tough cork sole ever get that comfortable?
oh yeah, comfy as anything. the toe box took me maybe a month to break in on these, and maybe two months on my GTs (which pinched a buttload more). now they're both absolutely killer; all-day sorta shoes
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Thanks for answering my questions on these. I am still slightly nervous that they might be too large. I think I may swing by the dealer and find a pair of 11d's just to prove to myself that I am wearing the correct sized boot.
For those that had previously asked a question about the crepe soles, please check the Buying and Selling section here. I just listed a pair of my 595s that have an excellent longer wearing, Vibram-branded wedge sole. Here is a picture of the sole:
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These just came in, I could've went down a half size if needed to, but true would be best.
If you don't mind me asking - what do those chukkas like yours cost?
