Red Wing has built a solid reputation for manufacturing top-quality products showcasing exceptional American craftsmanship.
The company’s product line includes the Iron Ranger Boot and the Blacksmith Boot – two of the most popular boots from Red Wing.
They may have significant similarities, but they’re far from identical regarding their overall features.
Both products are part of the brand’s Heritage collection, showcasing footwear choices made in the US using time-tested shoe construction methods.
This article will allow us to discover each boot’s unique characteristics that make it a standout choice and other attributes that may be considered weaknesses.
Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot
The Iron Ranger Boot is one of the most popular products in Red Wing’s Heritage collection.
It was first made in the 1930s as a work boot for iron miners.
The boot gradually became a favorite choice among workers from different trades and individuals who value the footwear’s durability and remarkable style.
It has a bump toe that gives the toes much-needed space to wiggle freely and comfortably as needed. In addition, the Iron Ranger comes in several color options that allow the premium leather uppers to stand out even more, together with different attire choices.
Key Advantages of the Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot
Vintage vibe
The Iron Ranger boot exudes an old-school vibe, one of the main reasons it’s such a popular boot.
The leather has a rich look that looks even better the longer the boot is used, reinforcing the vintage vibe that boosts the footwear’s style points. In addition, the traditional work boot silhouette adds to the boot’s charm without compromising the footwear’s performance.
Versatile design
The Iron Ranger boot’s design pairs well with workwear and uniforms, with the streamlined silhouette easily blending into professional office settings and more grueling environments.
Its bold yet sleek leather profile works remarkably well with casual attire and can blend into more relaxed settings.
Personalized fit
The boot is constructed with a leather insole that closely molds to the foot’s shape over time.
The result is a personalized fit that feels exceptionally comfortable, especially with the help of the cork midsole that also follows the foot’s contours.
Roomy toe box
The boot’s toe box has ample room for the toes to wiggle comfortably.
This prevents painful toe pinching and stops foot cramps from developing, especially after hours of staying upright or walking around the work area.
Reinforced cap toe
The Iron Ranger features a leather cap toe that adds an interesting element to the overall aesthetic.
This cap toe isn’t only for style, though, because it’s also used to reinforce the toe box.
The extra layer of leather strengthens the toe area to make it more damage-resistant.
Premium materials
Red Wing uses only premium materials in its boots – including the Iron Ranger boot.
The leather is sourced from two tanneries in the US, one of which is owned by the manufacturer.
This boot also uses nickel lace hooks, eyelets, and brass speed hooks for enhanced aesthetics and durability.
Durable
The Iron Ranger Boot uses Goodyear Welt construction to strongly bind the sole to the upper, ensuring lasting strength that can withstand years of use in varied environments.
It’s reinforced with Puritan triple stitching and metallic hardware to ensure structural longevity and withstand heavy use for much longer periods.
Can be re-soled
The boot’s Goodyear Welt construction allows it to be re-soled – a service that can be done in the company’s repair shop in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Having the Iron Ranger re-soled extends its life, especially if the upper doesn’t have signs of significant deterioration yet.
Available in wide-width options
The Iron Ranger is available in standard and wide-width options.
This means the boot can be used by people with wide feet while still enjoying superior comfort and performance in variable work areas.
Distinctively curved collar
The Iron Ranger stands out with a curved collar, which is different from the flat, straight structure that can be seen in other boots (including the Blacksmith Boot).
Aside from giving the boot a unique look, the collar that curves downward to the front also makes the opening more spacious and more welcoming to the foot’s entry.
Key Disadvantages of the Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot
Weak traction
The Vibram Mini-lug outsole offers superior durability compared to leather soles.
However, it doesn’t have a strong grip on most surfaces, so walking can feel unstable and much harder without slipping on tricky surfaces.
Not waterproof
The Iron Ranger boot isn’t waterproof, so it’s not ideal for wet work environments.
The premium leather may protect against small splashes or drops of liquids but won’t stand a chance against heavy rain and extremely wet surroundings.
Jobs/Professions the Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot Is Ideal For
The Iron Ranger Boot has a sleek yet high-performance construction that works well for a wide variety of jobs, including:
- Warehouse managers
- Real estate agents
- Hotel front desk officers
- Restaurant service staff
Red Wing Blacksmith Boot
The Blacksmith Boot is another bestselling product from Red Wing, featuring superb styling and reliable functionality in equal measure.
It has a premium yet hard-wearing look that speaks of its origins as dependable footwear used in tough conditions, such as blacksmith workshops and farm fields. The Blacksmith initially looks a lot like the Iron Ranger, but the differences between the two boots can be more fully appreciated upon closer inspection. The most obvious distinction is the leather toe cap that’s missing in the Blacksmith but is a key feature in the Iron Ranger.
Key Advantages of the Red Wing Blacksmith Boot
Timeless appeal
Like the Iron Ranger, the Blacksmith Boot has an old-school vibe that continues to be in style decades after its introduction.
This aesthetic makes the boot a favorite among those who appreciate the retro vibe while also enjoying the boot’s reliable performance in and out of the work area.
Versatile design
The Blacksmith looks tough enough to keep up with long days in different work environments, but it’s also a stylish footwear option.
The sleek profile blends in with more casual attire as easily as it does with workwear, so it’s quite easy to maximize this boot for work and leisure.
Durable construction
Using premium materials and time-tested construction techniques, the Blacksmith Boot is designed to last through long days of continuous work without easily falling apart.
It also features a Goodyear welt to reinforce the sole’s connection to the upper and promote long-lasting performance.
Fine-quality leather
Red Wing uses only the finest quality leather from one of two sources, with both tanneries inside the US.
This strict sourcing control ensures the leather’s quality and function, which can be experienced in outstanding products such as the Blacksmith Boot.
Leather insole delivers a customized fit
The Blacksmith Boot uses a leather insole to cradle the foot with a smooth and supportive platform, which also molds to the foot’s contours over time.
This results in a customized level of comfort which can only get better the more the boot is used.
Spacious toe box
Like the Iron Ranger, the Blacksmith has a bump toe structure that leaves more room in the toe box.
This allows the toes to easily wiggle as needed, prolonging foot comfort even after all-day walking or standing at work.
Suitable for re-soling
Red Wing offers a recrafting service for certain Goodyear-welted boots, including the Blacksmith.
The sole can be replaced with a brand-new one so that the high-quality, undamaged leather upper can be maximized for much longer.
Key Disadvantages of the Red Wing Blacksmith Boot
Not offered in wide options
Unlike the Iron Ranger Boot, the Blacksmith isn’t offered in wide-width options.
This can limit the boot to those with regular foot widths because those with wide feet may find the Blacksmith too tight.
Not waterproof
The Blacksmith Boot doesn’t have waterproof features so it won’t protect the feet against uncomfortable moisture in wet conditions.
The fine-quality leather can offer minimal protection but only against limited amounts of liquids.
Low to medium traction level
Like the Iron Ranger, the Blacksmith Boot has a Vibram 430 Mini-Lug outsole that only offers low to medium traction.
This is fine for non-challenging surfaces but may need help to prevent slipping on tricky ground.
Jobs/Professions the Red Wing Blacksmith Boot is Ideal For
The Red Wing Blacksmith Boot is a versatile boot that can be maximized in varying work environments, such as the ones for these jobs:
- Delivery personnel
- Retail sales staff
- Drivers
- Personal security professionals
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|---|---|---|
| Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot |
|
|
| Red Wing Blacksmith Boot |
|
|
|
Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot |
Red Wing Blacksmith Boot |
|
|---|---|---|
| Material |
Full-grain, and oiled leather |
Full-grain, oiled, and waxed leather |
| Colors Available |
Black, hawthorne, amber, copper, and slate |
Black and copper |
| Waterproof |
No |
No |
| Safety Toe |
No |
No |
| Outsole |
Vibram 430 Mini-Lug |
Vibram 430 Mini-Lug |
| Resoleable |
Yes |
Yes |
| Made in the USA |
Yes |
Yes |
| Leather Toe Cap |
Yes |
No |
| Laces |
Rounded, cord-like nylon laces |
Flat waxed cotton laces |
| Hooks and eyelets |
Shiny nickel |
Matte gilt |
| Collar |
Curves downward to the front |
Flat and straight |
| Available in wide sizes |
Yes |
No |
Personal Testing Experience
Here are our observations while using Red Wing’s Iron Ranger and Blacksmith Boots. The Iron Ranger’s timeless appeal stands out while providing dependable durability in various work areas. The premium materials and construction stand out in such a well-made boot, which features a leather toe cap for aesthetic and structural reinforcement. The comfortable fit improves, thanks to the leather insole conforming to the foot’s shape. The Blacksmith is available in wide sizes; however, it doesn’t offer full waterproofing, and the outsole isn’t grippy enough to withstand slippery surfaces.
On the other hand, the Blacksmith Boot also has a vintage vibe mixed with a rugged appeal. The durable construction and materials are suitable for various work settings and keep the boot looking and performing well for a long time. It has a leather insole promoting a customized fit and a roomy toe box for comfortable toes. The boot isn’t offered in wide sizes and isn’t very grippy or waterproof.
Conclusion
The Iron Ranger Boot and Blacksmith Boot are two of Red Wing’s most popular boots. They look similar at first glance, but it’s worth knowing the qualities that set these two apart to maximize their use in certain settings. Both have timeless good looks that can be enjoyed at work and in more laidback surroundings. The interiors take on a customized level of comfort over time, courtesy of leather insoles fitted within the boots. These boots feature Goodyear Welt construction for superior durability and can be re-soled to prolong their lives. However, both are not waterproof and have outsoles with limited traction. The main differences between the two boots are mostly aesthetic, including a leather toe cap on the Iron Ranger that’s missing in the Blacksmith; rounded laces versus flat laces; the Iron Ranger’s curved collar versus the Blacksmith’s straight one; and shiny versus dull hardware.
FAQs
- Are the Iron Ranger and Blacksmith Boots water-resistant?
- Their leather uppers are not, but the Goodyear Welt makes the area where the sole is attached to the upper water-resistant.
- Is the Iron Ranger’s leather toe cap suitable for hazardous worksites?
- No, the toe cap isn’t enough to protect the toes against dangerous compression and impact.
- Why do some people prefer the dull gilt hardware on Blacksmith Boots over the shiny nickel on Iron Ranger Boots?
- Some people like dull gilt hardware better because it seamlessly blends in with the leather upper discreetly, unlike the shiny nickel hardware that stands out against the rich leather.
- Are Iron Ranger Boots as comfortable as Blacksmith Boots?
- They’re almost identical in comfort because they both use the same last and have the same leather insoles that conform to the feet’s shape. However, the Blacksmith may be a bit more comfortable because of the lack of a leather toe cap, which makes the tip of the boot softer and more flexible.
Luke Davis
Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!
