Red Wing Iron Rangers Patina
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Great looking boot fellas!! I’ve learned that just using a brush only and no cream really gives the boots a cool luster and keeps the indigo transfer and scuffing intact. The brush helps move the oils in the leather from the hydrated spots to the dry spots. Sorta pulls the oils from deep in the leather.
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@RoxRocks86 those IR are looking really buttery. I got my girl some Trumans for Christmas. She loves them!! I think I’ve shown her the light a bit in terms of this denim/ leather appreciation we all share. Kinda wondering, were there any memorable staple pieces you found early on in your collecting that might inspire her even more?
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@Mizmazzle lucky girl! Hopefully showing her the light won’t turn this seemingly innocent interest into a full blown addiction like it has to all of us. It’s really like opening a can of worms with all that’s available.
Has she ventured into denim yet? Not sure if you’re looking for suggestions with jackets, shirts, bottoms or all of the above, but I will preface by admitting to not having explored much outside of IH and most of my experience with denim is bottoms. My first pair of denim were IH-777-14oz. They were the gateway drug into the heavier stuff. The good stuff. Which lead to the discovery of 21oz denim. I think 21oz denim makes a great addition to any wardrobe. It’s a staple in mines that’s for sure. It’s weight and weave makes it versatile for warm and cold climates, there’s a bit of give so movement isn’t constricted (the stretch version probably even more so), and it even starts off somewhat soft and comfortable which only means it’ll get more comfortable and more soft with each wash and wear.
As for leather goods, besides boots does she like belts? There’s leather craftsmen such as Pigeon Tree Crafting or Bweiss Leather who do made to order belts as well as other hand made goods such as wallets and bags amongst other things.
Not sure if I touched on anything you were inquiring about, but if there’s anything specific lmk or maybe the gals and guys around here have additional words of wisdom to expound on.
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Looking at all these IR pictures with those beautiful Patina, I starting to miss my 8085 that I lost to the floods last summer. I have my Truman in waxed flesh that I'm enjoying. But it is lovely to see your IR's doing some good service to all you!
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@RoxRocks86 thanks for the input! She also has some Raleigh Denim jeans and an Imogene and Willie denim jacket. I think she’s looking to add some shirts to her rotation. I absolutely love the IH 21oz denim (obviously
) but not sure she’s ready for something that heavy. Or at least she “thinks” she may not be ready haha. -
Mine don't have so many miles, but just back from the cobbler after a tune up.
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Whoot!!! @TelemarkTumalo those mid soles are looking quite sexy! Real nice work on the resole work up. Where’d ya get that done? I’d love to resole a couple old pair I have.
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Thanks @Mizmazzle. The recraft was done by Wyatt & Dad in North Carolina. https://wyattanddad.com/
They are incredibly nice folks to work with. Quality work and excellent communication. They basically used the OEM footbed, but replace the cork and a new veg tan leather midsole. They also replace the paperboard heel seat with leather and then build a leather heel stack. The recraft does add some weight to the boot with all of that leather, but the boots just feel more solid. The new sole provides a bit more cushioning as well.
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Love that resole job @TelemarkTumalo
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@weftyarn
Had my Rangers pimped by Ingo Keller in Köln / Cologne , the Red Wing cobbler Master .
He did a awesome job, al my others will be pimped too
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They look phenomenal @Daniel San
I can only second Ingo being an absolute master at what he does. Once had my Zeha Sneakers resoled by him. Impeccable job!
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As we're on the topic of the skills of Ingo - I live only 10 minutes from his workshop. It's always great to go there on a saturday, bring a pair of shoes in, have a look at all of his work and especially the machinery. A little bit like the teaser videos from Alex and Haraki on instagram, it is really interesting to see these vintage machines still being used for highly skilled work.
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And he is a super nice guy, talked a few times to him on the phone.
did he normal repairs for you, or some "upgrades" too? -
I haven't reached "upgrade" status yet
It's mostly been regular resole jobs on my shoes and the wife's as well.The only major repair operation on a pair of RW Chelseas was a replacement of the complete inner and outer sole - both were broken into pieces. But the upper leather is so well worn in, and in such a good shape that I couldn't bring myself to getting a new pair instead.
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They look awesome
Always a conflict between to keep working on already good fades or begin on potentially fantastic fades -
Love my Red Wings. I've got some 8085 Iron Rangers, 875 Classic Moc Toe, Postman Oxfords in charcoal, and the Williston Chelsea boot in Black.
I've also got a Red Wing store less than 5 minutes from my house, so I'm close for cleanings and repairs.
@chrisjohnnick Just a quick question - how did you size the Willistons, in comparison to the other models? Looking to pick up a pair over the internet, so I can't try it on.
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@tody one pair of my iron rangers is a 9, and all my others (iron ranger, Williston, moc toe) are all 8.5. I bought most of mine second hand, and if I did it again I'd likely buy them all in a 9 as I like that size in my iron rangers better, and the Williston is slightly tight. they were almost new, though, so may just still be breaking in.
I'd say go with your iron ranger size.
