Posts made by spaceballs

Similar to the Meindl are the Limmer boots that are sold in the NE USA. Does anyone know if the Limmer off-the-shelf boots are just rebranded Meindl?

@Shoreman:

For the record, Seul, that's the model I purchased. It's near impossible to buy a pair out of the box that looks that way. They almost always come with some form of imperfection which, I find, adds to the character.

I have found this to be the case as well. I usually have my RW shop order a few pair of each boots that I want, and then I keep the pair that laces up the best. Frequently, it seems the boots might be pulled over the last a bit crooked or something. This does add to the "handmade" aspect of the boots but I only find it on the RW Heritage line of boots and I don't find it as much on the regular line of boots. This leads me to believe that this "handmade"-ness is designed into the construction process.

I have been wearing the 595's most of late - I have two pair of them. I just feel kind of claustrophobic when I wear the 877s. Weird. Never used to feel that way but lately I prefer the lower cut, lighter weight of the chukka.

Can anyone comment on the quality of the RW Heritage chukkas versus the 595? I don't quite understand why the Heritage chukkas cost $100 more.

@LandoCal126:

Anyone know of NYC Stockists for the RW Oxford 8103? Looking to try them on in person before I decide to grab a pair. Also, looking for non euro/ jp prices…

These are FINALLY available in the US from Red Wing; previously were Euro/JP only. Any Red Wing dealer ought to be able to get a pair for you to try on.

Bought a pair from thed. Very smooth transaction.

Can someone give me a bit of information on wearing this denim in warmer weather?

Dallas had temps in the mid 70s today. I wasn't too warm wearing these jeans but they did feel a little warmer than most jeans.

Do most folks wear their IH all year? Or is there a certain point where it is just too much? (I really hope that I am not committing the cardinal IH n00b sin by asking this.)

I just picked up a pair in size 36 from the Buying and Selling sub. The fit is good but these things feel different than ANY other jeans I have ever worn.

Give me a day or two to let them stretch out, and then I will post some fit pics.

Sorry…my last question about these. Do they have any sort of lining in them? Is there any sort of reinforced toe cap or anything to give the chukka some support?

I have always worn the 595 chukkas (http://www.redwingshoes.com/red-wing-shoe/595-red-wing-shoes/595-red-wing-mens-chukka-brown), which I can usually get for $160 or so. The soles are a bit different than yours but I am interested now after seeing your photo.

@crisone:

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?

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:

@ronaldlsh:

IMO, go for 36 and u will be fine.

Can you give me a better idea about stretching? With a pair of levi's, when they feel snug, I button them up and they are loose within about 15 minutes. Can you give me an idea about how long does it take a pair of Iron Hearts to loosen up?

I hope you folks don't mind being a tad patient with me.

I am a bit confused as to sizing and I want to make sure that I get this right. I typically wear a marked size of 36 in Levi 501 STF and if I measure these jeans, they measure about a 37 (and they fit pretty well). If I measure my waist, it measures about 37 also.

So I am unsure as to whether or not to get a 38 or a 36 in the 634s. Based on the measurements I see on the IH sales website, it looks like the 38s measure about 37.4 and that the 36 is pretty much spot on. From what I understand, these jeans don't shrink much and stretch quite a bit. Based on reading posts on here, it seems like nearly everybody sizes down on these things.

My question is this: can I expect the size 38 pants to measure 37 after a soak or a wash? and Even though my waist is a 37, would these pants still stretch from just moving around?

Thanks…

@hectic:

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?

@hectic:

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?

@hectic:

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.

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?

@crisone:

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.

@ronaldlsh:

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.

@Daveo:

Where are you concerned about bleeding?  I noticed a lot of blue on my hands for the first couple of months but not really much damage on anything else.  My boots were all indigo stained already, though.

I guess I would say that I am sort of concerned about bleeding onto boots. I wear Red Wing 877s in that classic tan color, which I am pretty sure will show indigo pretty well.

More than anything, I am just anxious to start breaking these jeans in and just sort of curious what to expect. Thanks for your input and help!

@Finn666:

^thanks to IH666Sod

Finn - Can you tell me if there are indigo stains on the white thread in the contrast stitching on your Iron Rangers? It looks like the white threads are spared from the indigo bleed but I wanted to know if you could verify. Thanks!

Just ordered a pair of IH-634s and this will be my first pair of real jeans. I have been wearing raw 501s and I am hoping to find something that lasts a bit longer.

I seem to have found some conflicting information on here regarding indigo bleed from these jeans. Some say that these have bled a ton and some say that they don't bleed too badly at all. I am not afraid of a little indigo stain but would sort of like to know what to expect. I plan to wear the jeans cuffed.

Would an initial cold soak (in vinegar?) make any difference?

@D97x7:

@Beatle:

throw them in the washer

Haven't put mine in the washer but have scrubbed them inside and out in the sink with warm soapy water, did no harm at all. To 8111s that is.

I have even hosed my boots off with a pressure washer…not at full pressure, however.