Redwing Boots

[lee]

#3110

The short story…I have a difficult time finding footwear that fits, and my Army issue boots that actually fit have bit the dust. I have tried lots of boots at Cabela’s, either nothing fits, or it just isn’t what I want. My father has wore Redwings for 30 years and says they’re great.

Has anyone wore these as hunting boots? If so what exact style? Reviews?

Thanks

[David Petersen]

#16714

Long ago, I asked a shoe repairman what he thought the best-made boots were, and he said unequivocally “Red Wing.” So I bought a pair, $100 on sale and this was 25+ years ago. They are high-top work boots with “oil proof” soles, which are made for concrete and not the outdoors, having almost no tread pattern. Over the years I’ve hiked, hunted, ridden horseback in them, plus they’ve always been my chain-sawing boots … yet the leather remains uncracked and I’m still on the original soles, which are now worn down smooth. Most amazing of all, they don’t look like work boots (they’re 10″ high), and if I shine them up I can wear them anywhere as dress “shoes.” They are relatively light and flexible. So in a nut, in my experience they are great boots, but very expensive and you’d want a better tread for outdoor use. They are not insulated and not for really cold weather.

[Bruce Smithhammer]

#16741

Certainly, Red Wing quality is renowned. But I find that different manufacturers will fit individuals differently. They may be the most well-built boot in the world, but if they don’t fit your particular foot right, it doesn’t matter.

Visiting their website, I get the impression that Red Wing has moved their hunting line entirely over to their subsidiary (made abroad) brand, Irish Setter, and that RW is focused on work boots and very high end, “classic” footwear. At least that’s what it takes you to if you click “hunting boots” on the RW site. While I don’t own any of their big game hunting boots, I do own a pair of their “Wingshooters,” and they have been my favorite bird hunting boot ever. Very comfortable and durable.

[lee]

#16824

Based on ya’lls comments, I think I’m gonna have to check some out. I looked at their website too and found some “work,” boots that actually do have a decent tread to the sole.

[David Coulter]

#20072

Years ago when I was getting sore feet working on my feet all day I went to the RedWing store and got talked into buying the most expensive boots I ever bought. Loved them. I’m still wearing the same style and get three to four years out of them and they’re my everyday shoe. My feet are happy, I’m happy and they keep on going. That makes them cheap in the long run. Since then my business casual shoes, dress shoes, everyday boots, uninsulated hunting and insulated hunting boots are all Red Wings. It ain’t easy plunking down, but I don’t have any regrets about doing so. BTW, I buy them from Charlie’s Shoes in Stroudsburg, PA. If you go in there, don’t expect to get out of there in a hurry or without shoes that fit. dwc

[William Warren]

#20089

I wore Redwing pull ons when I was pipelining. You could kick them off if a ball of slag fell down your boot. Ouch. But they are long lasting but as Dave said they were not suited to hunting. They probably make a lace up with insulation and a vibram sole though.

I’ve been partial to Chippewa boots. I have a pair of the classic brogues for my Engineering work and a pair of the upland bison leather boots for woods loafing. The uplands are very comfortable but light on the insulation. I just wear some light wool socks and I’m good to go.

[epenfold]

#20091

I currently own multiple pairs of redwing boots, one is my daily wear, one pair of irish setters, and one pair of vasque. The daily wear pair is used for anywhere from riding horses to atvs(I know a bad word on this forum) to the automotive shop I work at, usually not on my feet less than 12 hours a day. The irish setters fit the needs more like david was referring to with a more aggressive sole. and the vasque are a light weight hiker mostly used in the summer. My feet are comfortable in any of the above for all day no matter how long it may be, it is expensive upfront but the years of great service will be worth the money in the long run. It is also my experience that the redwing stores carry a different line of irish setters and vasque than the big box stores. The Irish setter elk tracker that I have is a little bit different than those available at bass pro. The red wing stores also have better after the sale service(like free leather treatment), or at least my local store is that way. All my boots are at least 5 years old and still going strong. Good luck shopping and be patient if they do not have your size in stock, it is worth the wait.

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