These have been used everyday for some Light fabrication work,camping,work travel, and just daily around town and house errands.
The break in was easy, no real hot spots the leather is soft and actually really durable. For care once a week I brushed with horsehair and a few months in I conditioned with Bick 4 and then just brushed once a week. The color change is hard to describe and getting lighting for the photos that shows how good it looks is hard so I did my best.
These are actually a very comfortable boot. It’s my first pair of Iron Rangers and for me coming from so more stout PNW boots there was basically no break in but they continued to get more comfortable. The last works well for my foot and I will not hesitate to pick up another pair in the same size in a different leather in the future.
It’s an Iron Ranger. Coming from PNW boots the construction of the boots is good but they are not nearly as heavy or stout as what I usually wear. But they are holding up well and the last few years I needed a new Heel when the contest ended and these soles don’t need it. Hardware is all fine clicking is good stitching all held up and they are unlined. I’m actually impressed with the durability but shouldn’t have been they are a pretty well known model.
The soles and heel on these boots are great. The last few years I’ve competed in the thunder dome all my previous pairs need a new heel at the end. These iron rangers don’t. I still have a lot of life left on these. I think the 430 rubber is a little stiffer/hard than say the Vbar so you lose a little comfort to gain some durability. I prefer a little softer feeling under foot so when I resoled I’ll probably switch it up and add a thicker midsole.
These are a tried and true boot. I think as I got into the hobby or collecting of higher quality footwear I started with PNW boots. I had some Red wing work boots before but never the heritage line. This is my First but won’t be my last pair of Iron rangers I can sometimes get sucked into wanting the new thing that everyone’s talking about and this year I went with something most people have as an Intro into better quality boots I skipped. I can see why it’s an Icon. After this 6 months I’d say the value for comfort,durability and just cool look of them is good. On sale they are an excellent value. Overall I would recommend these boots to anyone thinking of trying a pair out.