First of all, I’m sorry for the hiatus. I wanted to take some time to figure out what direction I wanted Simple Threads to head in, and I feel like I know what I’m doing now. Thanks for still reading and all of the e-mails asking me if I was still alive. It’s super awesome to have kept in contact and spoke with so many people from all over the globe and I’m eternally grateful for that. So, anyways… I am alive, and it feels really good to be starting Simple Threads back up again.
So all of that being said, I finally got around to picking up a pair of 8114 Iron Rangers’. I think I waited so long because I heard such bad stories about people not being able to properly size them due to the last being different than models like the moc-toes, etc. I went with my normal Redwing size (10.5) and I have to say they fit wonderful right out of the box. The boot itself has a different silhouette than I’m used to wearing, but I think that is why I like them so much. Construction of course is top notch: Goodyear welt, Nitrile cork sole, and a double-layer toe cap.
I had such a bad experience with the 1000 miles that I just gave up and bought these. So glad I did. Can’t stop wearing that I feel bad for the negligence of my moc toes.
So glad you’re still around. Love the blog and look forward to more high quality wear.
Thanks so much!
I have also been neglecting my Red Wing moc toes, but in favour of my 1000 miles. I couldn’t be happier with the Wolverines but the Iron Ranger boot looks great too.
I like both
I try and give them all their fair share of wear time.
Nice choice. I’ve had a pair of the Amber Harness for maybe three years now with a couple of years of heavy daily use for a motorcycle commute and lots of yard work/clearing brush/etc. They are incredibly tough and have held up really well. They look great in black
Good to see you back.
Eric,
Would love to see photos man! I really think the black will look nice with some time.
Thanks for the welcome back.
Try this link. I just uploaded these so not sure if the link will work. It has 3 different boots including the IRs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25560297@N07/sets/72157632314223360/
I got the 8111 and they are wonderfull. They took over 3 months to break in. My right foot hurt a bit from time to time. But now they are very comfy. Love them.
Niz,
I’ve had no pain whatsoever. I know to go light on how long I’ll have them on for the first few months – but it’s been pretty painless thus far.
Very nice. I’ve wanted a pair of these for some time, but the new Brogue Rangers are an interesting twist too. Might have to pull the trigger on these soon.
I love the Brogue Rangers but they are a bit too dressy for me!
A long, thoughtful review on Amazon criticizes the heel design, saying it is too flat and causes a lot of heel slipping. Any of you had that experience?
Eric,
I haven’t experienced any heel slippage. I do wear mine with an arch support insole though… the Redwing brand ones. Those make all their boots fit worlds better for me.
Glad to see you’re back!
I am pleased to see that you are back posting and that you have bought Iron Rangers. Back in May I bought a pair of the Red Wing x J. Crew (4514) Work Oxfords on your recommendation and fine photography, but I bought them first 1/2 size down which was too small, and then returned these for my normal size which was too big. I was chagrined and put them away for the summer. Over Labor Day bought a pair of Iron Ranger in Amber Harness (8111) in my normal size after an extended fitting session at a bricks and mortar retailer, who also suggested that I wear a slightly thicker sock with the Work Oxford. The result is I now have one pair of great Red Wing shoes and one pair of great Red Wing boots, that have been worn every weekend since Labor Day and are breaking in nicely. I trust you will enjoy yours as much as I am enjoying mine. Thanks again. PS, I have been using Obenauf’s LP on the 4514 but haven’t yet decided about the 8111.
Bought an amber harness pair last year, but the black does look spiffy. I am still in the process of breaking them in (I only wear them about once a week), but so far I love them — great fit, sharp looking, no slippage.
Glad to have you back.