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2023-11: Warosu is now out of extended maintenance.

/fa/ - Fashion

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13672117 No.13672117 [Reply] [Original]

Ask a Red Wing Shoes employee anything

>> No.13672124

>>13672117
Most Red Wing (heritage) shoes are sent overseas to Europe and Japan, why are most/all Amerimutts too stoopid poopy to buy their own hari-taje brands?

>> No.13672133

>>13672124
In my experience, a lot of our clientele are blue-collar working men who don't care about fashion, but rather just want work boots that are durable and comfortable.

The Heritage shoes are decent sellers at my store, though. There are plenty of guys [and gals] who come in looking for them. Even people from overseas [Brits are more common than I would have anticipated before working for red wing]

>> No.13672134

>>13672117
why do they insists on the clown toe for the iron ranger?

>> No.13672140

>>13672134
The toe isn't really that large when you put them on. I think the double-layered toebox might be giving you that illusion. They are very averagely proportioned when you see them actually being worn.

>> No.13672155

how many switchbois come in to buy memeboots

>> No.13672166

>>13672117
If I wear an 11 in vans what size do I need in 877’s?

>> No.13672179

>>13672155
if by switchbois you mean flaming gays, and by memeboots I assume you mean the iron rangers. Yes, a lot, and yes, they are very popular.

>>13672166
Hard to say without trying them on first, but I'd estimate it a 50/50 between a 10.5 and an 11.

>> No.13672233

OP checking back in, still around if anyone wants to ask anything else

>> No.13672235
File: 470 KB, 1245x763, boots.png [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
13672235

does anyone know of a cheaper alternative to the red wing heritage sheldon?

i really like the look but the 360 price tag is tuff

>> No.13672240

>>13672235
Call the Red Wing MN location, ask if there are any factory seconds of them in stock in your size. most items will be 30% off retail and no sales tax. You can pay over the phone and have the pair shipped to you from the store

>> No.13672246

I live in a dry climate. Everything cracks and dry rots. Is a wax-based conditioner best? If not, what should I be using?

>> No.13672247

>>13672240
is there something special about the MN location? I live in michigan and we have several red wing stores right down the road from me, would they be able to do the same thing?

>> No.13672253

>>13672246
It depends on the type of leather that your shoes are made of. If they are a dry-tanned or oil-tanned leather, you can use mink oil as a conditioner. Take a rag and rub it into the leather, wait a few minutes, then wipe it back off with a clean rag, and brush it out with a soft brush.

Wax-based conditioner is only necessary if your leather already has wax in it. Use the same technique. You can do this whenever necessary, but I wouldn't do it more often than monthly.

>>13672247
the red wing MN location has factory seconds in stock. No other location does.

>> No.13672254

>>13672233
Thursday boots look a lot better imo, care to comment on thier design/craft quality?
Nextly, how many years can you get out of say a ranger?

Lastly i have a pair of england made 1461 ("matteish"), ive been wearing them regularly for about three weeks now, tell me how to take care of them.

>> No.13672255
File: 35 KB, 640x640, RW03512C_MUL_N3_0316.jpg [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
13672255

I bought some red wings from marks, why are they no good? they're #3512s

they're not comfy, very flat insoles. been using em for work as a sparky for 6mo and I'm not feeling the quality, besides the darn tough socks im wearing. also these were the only red wings marks had at the time. are they shit tier boots?

>> No.13672257

>>13672253
>It depends on the type of leather that your shoes are made of.
They're iron rangers. What kind would that be?

>> No.13672269

>>13672254
Don't have any experience with Thursday as a brand. Never encountered their product, myself, so I couldn't comment. The styles look handsome, though, I will say.

The lifespan of an Iron Ranger is directly related to the amount of time you spend wearing them, the kind of weather and climate conditions you put them in, and how often you condition the leather. Many times in my store I have people coming in with rangers that are 5+ years old and still going strong.

TLDR Take care of them and they'll take care of you.

For care, see >>13672253


>>13672257
if they are the "Copper" color, use wax-based conditioner. the Copper color of the rangers uses a wax-based tanned leather. Afaik, any of the other colors you can just use mink oil.

>>13672255
The 3512's have a steel shank under the footbed, which is probably why they're not feeling comfy for you, since they're very hard and inflexible. Recommend a third-party footbed/insole if you're having trouble with the comfort. This model is a really robust piece of protective gear that unfortunately sacrifices some comfort for that purpose.

A more comfortable option for you might be something like the #2403

>> No.13672281

Is buying them tight and having them stretch out a meme? Should I just get them the right size from the start?

>> No.13672285

>>13672281
If they are heritage, then yes, buy them tight and make them stretch out. The leather in the heritage line is intended to do this. It's almost like developing a relationship with the shoes. Wear them around the house when they're brand new for a few days. Don't get them ridiculously small, ofc, but a tight fit out of the box is the best way to go about it. The leather should eventually stretch and mold to the shape of your foot, over time.

If you buy them loose-fitting when they are new, they will stretch out and eventually fit really floppy.

If you're buying from the regular work line, then buy the best fit out of the box.

>> No.13672298

>>13672117
Where do you work?

>> No.13672299

>>13672117
hey can you send me a pair of shoes that will last me the rest of my life?
the gap between the highest heights seems really big and the lowest lows seems really small. And getting smaller.

>> No.13672300
File: 364 KB, 795x590, 2314_image_1.jpg [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
13672300

I have a pair of Iron Rangers with the newer vibram soles, and while nice, don't really have the arch support/cushioning that I need to stay on my feet all day. Can you recommend any orthotic insoles that would work with the permanent leather footbed in there?

They run a bit large, so I don't think fitment should be too difficult

>> No.13672308

>>13672269
I've been telling myself to get insoles for these guys for months. I definitely will now.

Thanks m80

>> No.13672310

>>13672299
I genuinely think that many of the style in the heritage line can become BIFL material as long as you take good care of them and don't abuse them with excessive waterlogging, dryness,etc.

>>13672300
There is a line of comfort orthotics specifically made for the heritage shoes. They do help, but they're rather thin and don't provide all that much support, though.

Otherwise, I like the footbeds provided by Aetrex. They're shaped for different types of feet and aren't crazy thicc like some other kinds, so they wont take up too much room int he rangers.

>> No.13672322
File: 176 KB, 590x885, 52918GrandC2208IG.jpg [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
13672322

>>13672269
>if they are the "Copper" color, use wax-based conditioner
Those sons of bitches sold me the mink oil with them last year.

I'm going back down there to take a look at the Postmaster 101s soon, have you seen more classic derby fits with them Red Wings anon?
I'm afraid they're not dressy enough like pic related.

>> No.13672330

>>13672117
Is it true they're getting rid of the Beckman?
It's my next boot to get but I don't have the money for them yet, but I don't want them to go away

>> No.13672331

>>13672322

the 101's can be made dressy, but they are not the kind of glossy shiny like in your pic. They are more satin-ish. There's a pair of chukkas available in a gloss black, but I cant remember if those are discontinued or not.

>> No.13672336

>>13672330
There's a new shoe coming out soon that looks very much like the beckman, just with an upper collar that's shaped a little more like the iron ranger, with the diagonal-outward slope.

Not sure if the beckman is going away or not, that's not something that has been discussed in our store

>> No.13672338

>>13672310
Thanks for the suggestion anon

>> No.13672347

>>13672336
Is it the WIlliston? Because that boot looks like ass. The Merchant is way better for that style. Not sure why they're making the williston when the merchant and sheldon already exist.

>> No.13672361

>>13672347
That's the one I was thinking of.
Those kinds of decisions are corporate-level cloud cuckoo land territory.

I wouldn't worry too much about the beckman going away, it's one of the more popular styles, at least in my experience.

>> No.13672376

>>13672117
Why are the Japanese so obsessed with Red Wing shoes?

>> No.13672379

>>13672117
Where do you work?

>> No.13672378

>>13672233

What are your opinions on factory seconds? Should i bother or just get full priced boots?

>> No.13672382

>>13672331
They can't be shined up?
That's a deal breaker, I'm a known scuffer.

>> No.13672392

Besides the price differences... What are the major pros and cons between Red Wing vs Visvim vs Alden vs Viberg?
I'm basically trying to figure out which brand to buy.

>> No.13672395

>>13672376
Idk, ask a japanese person

>>13672378
It depends. Sometimes factory seconds are a great deal because the flaw is something minor like a misplaced stitch, or a thin spot in the leather, but other times, it's a blemish like a scar in the leather, or a botched spot that's really light or dark. It's all down to the individual pair, so it would be best to examine it before buying.

>>13672379
not answering this one so you can stop asking

>>13672382
You can polish them, but how well and how long they hold onto a polish is beyond my knowledge. They're definitely not a matte color, though. They do have a bit of reflectiveness to them, but the texture on the surface of the leather isn't a hard, tight shell, it's got some of the skin-like texture left on it.

>> No.13672396

>>13672392
I'm probably biased, so I'll leave it to other anons to answer this one.

>> No.13672429

>>13672395
I thought you could only buy factory seconds online

>> No.13672434

Recommend me a very comfortable and durable Red Wing Heritage boot (6 inch).
Bonus points if its low maintenance and easy to repair.

>> No.13672450

>>13672434
The most comfortable would probably be the 6 inch moc toe styles, like the 875 or any of its multicolored siblings. The soles can be repaired on these, as well. All of the heritage styles will require maintenance equal to each other.

>>13672429
Do online suppliers not show individual pictures of the product? I suppose I assumed they did.
If you're buying factory seconds sight-unseen, then you're taking a chance that there isn't a blemish.
I guess the discount vs retail price is something that you'll just have to consider if it's worth it to you.

>> No.13672464

>>13672392
Viberg is the end all be all of boots. Dayton is second since Viberg actually got their last from Dayton.

>> No.13672500

OP here. Taking one more round of questions before heading off.

>> No.13672504

>>13672285
Thanks, have a (you)

>> No.13672506

how old do you have to be to wear boots?

>> No.13672508

What type of clothing do copper blacksmiths pair well with

>> No.13672510

>>13672506
Getting nice boots for a child whose feet are still growing would be a bit of a waste.

>> No.13672517

>>13672508
Mister Freedom
Sugar Cane

>> No.13672518

>>13672506
you have to be at least a size 7, very few styles are made smaller than that

>>13672510
this

>> No.13672529

>>13672500
Is there a certain style of dress or grooming standard your store requires? Any female coworkers, and do you have to be handsome to work there?

>> No.13672532

>>13672529
No more or less than any other kind of retail job. Yes, there are female coworkers. And I'd say not, considering I'm about as far from handsome as you could imagine.

>> No.13672537

>>13672517
>denim more expensive than boot
What.

>> No.13672547

Thanks for the thread, /fa/. You have been much more civil than the other boards I frequent. I might come back some time to answer questions again.
Love, red wing anon

>> No.13672549

>>13672547
>now im curious what other theme threads he starts
Night, m8

>> No.13672685

>>13672179
do many gays use red wings?

>> No.13672715

>>13672117
What’s your best Chelsea boot?

>> No.13672738

>>13672117
Do you get employee discounts on boots working there?

(Unrelated but I find red wing boots all the time in goodwills here in the twin cities. I’ve even found some heritage boots, who the fuck donates these to goodwill???)

>> No.13672751

>>13672450
I dont really mind defects in the leather since ill be wearing them around like boots are supposed to be. I'm not going to overly baby them

>> No.13673406

>>13672685
More than you might think

>>13672715
Right now there's only one style of men's chelsea available [in 2 colors]. Not very popular. The women's version has a stacked heel and sells much more pairs.

>>13672738
Yes, employees get boots at wholessale cost. As for people donating them to goodwill, hell if I know.


OP here, just stopping by this morning for a post.

>> No.13673531

>>13672166
10.

>> No.13673536

>>13672738
people with jobs that require them to go to factories get hella discounts or refunded on any "work boot" purchase.

my current job, which is at an office but the same company also has manufacturing factories, reimburses me up to 290 dollars for any work shoe. and i can do that every year.

i can see people like that donating them to goodwill because they simply have too many.

>> No.13674475

bump for op to come back

>> No.13674568

Have you ever had a single customer who wasnt balding and bearded

>> No.13674599

>>13673536
I was honestly the taken aback when I first went into a a Red Wings store and saw the amount of blue collar workers coming in and out, then while I was trying things on, I kept hearing the workers ask for their 'vouchers'. That shit is crazy, who loses money in this deal?

>> No.13674835

>>13674568
the women arent, usually

>>13674599
The employers of those workers are paying for their boots, as part of safety measures.

>> No.13674842

Is sizing consistent between styles? Is a 12 in Iron Rangers the same as a 12 in Classic Moc?

>> No.13675126

>>13674842
Within the same category, sizes are fairly consistent.

Heritage sizes tend to be the same for other heritage, Irish Setter for other Irish setter, etc.

>> No.13675142

would you recommend your boots to a 5'8 manlet?

>> No.13675152

>>13675142
If your feet are at least a size 7, then yes

>> No.13675161

>>13672133
>a lot of our clientele are blue-collar working men
my fucking sides
At least Viberg actually makes a separate line of boots for real working class customers. Holy shit, Red Wang is the Pabst Blue Ribbon of boots.The Irony Ranger is a fine product but unfortunately is as played out as Chelseas.
I absolutely guarantee anyone here can find 10 baristas wearing these faster than you can find 10 actual tradesmen in them.

>> No.13675174

>>13675161

Heritage boots are for fashion. Tradesmen don't wear them, that's the point.

red wing DOES have a separate line of boots for working class customers. Actually, three separate lines. [Red wing work, Irish setter work, and WORX]

Are you retarded?

>> No.13675198

>>13675174
Not retarded enough to overpay on shit quality leather mass produced played out urban woodsman clown shoes. The sprays and waxes Red Wing pushes show what crap in-house leather they use. MEDIOCRE at best!

Wolverine, Danner and Chippewa are better options in terms of both quality and value.

>> No.13675214
File: 65 KB, 431x450, 5Kg7Y04.jpg [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
13675214

>>13675198
>Selling leather care items means the leather is of poor quality

>> No.13676296

>>13675161
brainlet doesn't even know that 95% of red wing shoes are made for construction workers and other proles
fucking lmao
he only knows about the hipster line
imagine being this retarded online

>> No.13677494

>>13675198
ok donald

>> No.13677609
File: 62 KB, 564x423, 6bc6dc3eb944463b5de51da8e27697bd.jpg [View same] [iqdb] [saucenao] [google]
13677609

>>13672117
Thoughts on corcorans?

>> No.13677615

Red wings don't have anything to do with fashion, for every 1 pair of clown she's they sell to a Reddit engineering student dressing in work wear they sell a thousand steel toe cheap boots to plumbers electricians and day laborers

>> No.13677625

Also if you really want shit wings, just go to Nordstrom rack it's like $85 a pair there


They're not factory seconds, they're just dead stock since shit wings haven't been cool in a decade

>> No.13678163

daily reminder that if you're on the fence between a hipster line red wing (heritage) and any of the equivalent from wolverine (1k mile) chippewa, thorogood and shit like danner, then the red wing is built better, out of better materials

the insoles on redwing are actually proper leather insoles, wolverine and the others use synthetic junk that's only fit for sneakers and other disposable footwear
redwing own their own tannery, meaning they're totally in charge of their leather and its quality, and it's overall better than the cheaply clicked shit you see on wolverine
thorogood and chippewa are most consistent, but they're cheaper and not made in the US if that matters to you for "heritage workwear american" shit
if you can stomach the designs more than the stuff from the other cheaper "heritage" worker bootmakers, then redwing is best in the <$250-300 range.
I don't like to shill for any company, not like I'm getting paid for this, but seeing wolverine 1k miles built with that shitty synthetic insole and the horrendously cheap grade of cxl vs the tried and true traditional method of construction used by virtually any shoemaker/bootmaker of note, bothers me
especially when fags can't make an informed decision because the info isn't readily available (on purpose).

if you like wolverine designs, if you can only afford chippewa, thorogood, danner or whateever, fine
but you get what you pay for, and i'd highly recommend shelling out that extra cash for red wing's shit if you really must have your hipster booties like as if it were still 2013.

>> No.13678166

>>13678163
>best in the <$250-300 range.
shit, i meant the >300-400 range, basically less than 500 bucks, red wing is best in class for this stuff

>> No.13678457

>>13678163
Everyone knows Red Wing blows Wolverine and Chippewa out of the water. Wolverine has shoddy quality control and Chippewa is simply a lower tier than Red Wing.

>> No.13678465

>>13675161
that's just the heritage hipster line, ya dingus

>> No.13678466

>>13675198
Why do you even come here? Is this the only place anyone will listen to your nonsense?

>> No.13678833

>>13675198
>Thinking chromexcel is any better or worse than what red wing uses

As someone who owns IRs and 1000 miles, you're retarded

>>13675214 also this

>> No.13678993

>>13672117
How much of a besserwisser cunt you need to get a job there? And also, do you have a moustache?