Red Wing Boots

[juggler]

I had been looking for boots for a while. I finally found RedWing (http://www.redwingshoe.com) Zipper 979 Motorcycle boots (http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1070). They have been the most comfortable boots I've ever worn.

[Crash]

Juggler, that's what I bought for my wife and had to go back and got a pair for me. Great boots.
Randy

[RSTD Rider]

Redwings are hard to beat. I use the pecos style.

[Grandpa]

Ditto on the Red Wings Pecos style. I walked and rode all over Sturgis last week with those. Great boots.

[BluesLover]

Thanks for the tip - I need to replace my curernt pair (find the HD boot is great unless it is really hot).

A couple have mentioned the "Pecos" style - can't find that on the Red Wing website. Can you point me in the right direction please.

Cheers,

[Leadwolf56]

Red Wings are very comfortable. I wear the harness style motorcycle boot.

[Grandpa]

Thanks for the tip - I need to replace my curernt pair (find the HD boot is great unless it is really hot).

A couple have mentioned the "Pecos" style - can't find that on the Red Wing website. Can you point me in the right direction please.

Cheers,


Here's one. I got mine from E-Bay. Just do a internet search for Red wing pecos.

http://www.bootconnection.com/brands/redwing/866.html

[BEER30]

I too have the RW zippered boots . I find them extremely comfy , as I have bad hips and back . Being 30" inseam , the soles are the right thickness for me to be flat-footed while on the scoot . Also lightweight enough for me to do some longer walking without pain while the wife and I were in Gatlinburg . And ecspecially for meto take off and put on .

Gene

[Andy]

I've had a pair of over the ankle, lace ups for about 3 years or so and they are without a doubt, the best pair of boots I have ever had. Paid top dollar but bought them locally from the Red Wing dealer. They double fitted me to make sure that the width and length were a proper fit. Can't get that at Payless shoes, that's for sure. When it comes to shoes, I get the best.

Andy:cool10:

[Tom E]

I have been looking for a good pair of boots too. What is the price of the zip up style? I have been usig my 30 + year old Viet Nam combat boots. They zip up too, but in front. Not all that comfortable, so I don't wear them unless I am going some distance.

[juggler]

I have been looking for a good pair of boots too. What is the price of the zip up style? I have been usig my 30 + year old Viet Nam combat boots. They zip up too, but in front. Not all that comfortable, so I don't wear them unless I am going some distance.

I got mine for about $120.

[tone100]

Are the Red Wings on the internet the same as the ones in the stores? I noticed most of the stores like say made overseas. Aren't Red Wings made in the US? Also the guy at the Red Wing store told me Red Wing prohibits their boots being sold on the internet. If I'm going to spend this much I want to make sure that I'm not getting seconds. Here is a site I was looking at.

http://www.redwingmotorcycleboots.com/

[juggler]

Are the Red Wings on the internet the same as the ones in the stores? I noticed most of the stores like say made overseas. Aren't Red Wings made in the US? Also the guy at the Red Wing store told me Red Wing prohibits their boots being sold on the internet. If I'm going to spend this much I want to make sure that I'm not getting seconds. Here is a site I was looking at.

http://www.redwingmotorcycleboots.com/


As far as I knew Red Wing boots were made here in Red Wing, MN. They were even featured on John Ratzenberger's Made In America TV show. However after inspecting the inside of my Red Wing boots I see they are made in China.

http://www.redwingshoes.com/motorcycle/

http://travel.discovery.com/tv/ratzenberger-america/goods/red-wing-shoes.html

And they DO NOT sell via catalogs or on the internet. They only sell through local dealers. Some of those may sell online.

[juggler]

I just contacted Red Wing shoes via email.

I sent them this and I post again if they reply.
I was under the impression that your boot and shoes where an American Made product. I saw Red Wing Shoes featured on Made In America with John Ratzenberger and that even led me to believe that I was buying an American product. Being that I live in MN and visit Red Wing regularly I figured I was supporting local workers make a living.

However, my Red Wing motorcycle boots say that they are made in China on the inside tag. What's up with that?

So much for supporting local workers in my state or even American workers. I guess I will be finding another boot maker for the next riding season.

A disappointed customer,
Wil Genovese

[Redneck]

I wore red wing boots for years until my feet hurt all the time and I switched to justin boots and I have been very happy with them and they are made in America. I still have 2 pair of red wing boots and they were both made in America.

[Condor]

It's unfortunate but Red Wing has probably gone the direction of just about every other US manufacturing company. However, there might be hope. With the US dollar value falling against the worlds exchange rates we might be looking to the US for better quality, cheaper goods again, and we'll start exporting instead of importing everything. I looked at those Red Wing boots when searching for a pair, but they didn't make them in my size. Ended up buying a similar type pair of EMT boots, with the side zipper, off Ebay. Found them very comfortable, and broke them in on the Ft. Collins trip.

[Ken8143]

ARe the RedWings waterproof? I hate getting wet feet in the rain. Treated my current boots with stuff from Cabela's and it didn't make a difference.

[ediddy]

I almost bought a pair of the zippered red wing boots. They are good looking boots, but if I walk all day my feet hurt with heavy boots and the red wings looked heavy. I bought a pair of Stealth II side zip boots and they are the most comfortable I have ever worn. They are the boots that most law enforcement officers wear. They are as comfortable as tennis shoes and only cost $69.69. I don't know where they are made but they have a 60 day warranty. I've never seen shoes or boots that give you any kind of warranty.

[Eck]

I had been looking for boots for a while. I finally found RedWing (http://www.redwingshoe.com) Zipper 979 Motorcycle boots (http://www.redwingshoe.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1070). They have been the most comfortable boots I've ever worn.



Red Wing 979 - Mens - 6-inch

I wear 12.5 inch.........Ohwell, ya know what they say..:whistling::rotf::rasberry::buttkick:

[BradT]

I got mine for about $120.

Those boots up here are 197 bucks.

I won a pair and so far so good.

Brad

[Gray Ghost]

My wife and I both wear Justin basic ropers. It has a walking heel and is very comfortable. I am also cheap, so coming in at 50-60 dollars is good to.

[BradT]

Red Wing 979 - Mens - 6-inch

I wear 12.5 inch.........Ohwell, ya know what they say..:whistling::rotf::rasberry::buttkick:

If you have big feet you will have trouble finding boots.:rotf:

Brad

[BuddyRich]

:rotf::rotf::rotf::rotf::rotf:

[BigShell]

I wear 3rd Watch, size 13, all day almost everyday. No problems.

The 3rd Watch web site (http://www.3rdwatchshoes.com/servlet/ProductView?command=cp&supplierID=352&commodityID=11099&searchIndex=0) for the T401 I wear is here (http://www.3rdwatchshoes.com/servlet/ProductView?command=cp&supplierID=352&commodityID=11099&searchIndex=0). They don't sell them there, but you can get good info. I bought mine from a liquidator on eBay for about $40. Looks like $75 - $80 is the going price on the net. Here is one place you can get them (http://www.policeshoes.com/servlet/ProductList?command=cp&supplierID=402&categoryID=1142&categoryName=All+Men%27s+Footwear).

[spear]

I wear Johnny Reb biker boots, made by the Thomas Cook Clothing Company here in Oz. Awesome boots. Paid $230 for them and worth every red cent. Don't know if they're available in the USA.
But - and responding to an earlier post in this thread - I love the fact that the $US is weakening internationally. My Au$$ie $ is buying 90 US cents. Best it's been for many years. Certainly makes buying my new Works rear shock very exciting.:):)

[Grandpa]

ARe the RedWings waterproof? I hate getting wet feet in the rain. Treated my current boots with stuff from Cabela's and it didn't make a difference.

Mink oil. Put the stuff on once or twice per season and my feet stay dry even during the all day long rainy :rain2: interstate rides.

[juggler]

Hi Wil,
Red Wing Shoe Company operates 3 U.S. manufacturing plants located in Red Wing, Minnesota, Potosi, Missouri and Danville, Kentucky. We employ over 1,000 skilled craftsmen. We also own and operate our own tannery in Red Wing, with a workforce of 170. Annually our plants manufacture over two million pairs of work boots. In the last year our domestic work force increased by 6 %. We think that’s a very positive trend given the overall continued decline of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Red Wing Shoe Company is one of a handful of companies still making shoes in the U.S. The domestic footwear industry has dwindled to this point because consumers have voted with their wallets for lower cost imported shoes. Today 98.5% of all footwear purchased in the United States is manufactured off-shore. Consequently, manufacturing shoes domestically is a lot harder, as the domestic businesses that provide our industry with materials disappear. As an example, this year one of our suppliers of steel toe caps went out of business. They were forced to close because the domestic demand for their product wasn’t sufficient to keep them operating profitably.

Unfortunately our 3 U.S. plants cannot completely satisfy the demand for all styles and prices of work footwear. As an example, today’s younger consumer demands an athletic type shoe at a low price. This style of footwear cannot be competitively manufactured in our domestic plants. So we source these products offshore. We design them. We test their performance to insure they live up to the Red Wing quality standards. We hope that by providing these young workers shoes they desire today, we can someday move them into our premium Made In USA footwear products. Their fathers and grandfathers wore Red Wings. We would like to keep them and future generations wearing our brand.

Again we thank you for contacting us and trust this explanation reinforces your belief that Red Wing is committed to making footwear in the U.S.

Sincerely,
Matt Streiff
Red Wing Brands of America
1-800-733-9464
matt.streiff@redwingshoe.com

[tone100]

That doesn't look like much of an answer.

[KitCarson]

So there you go.......parts made in China, shipped to the USA and tested by you the buyer:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::stirthepot::stir thepot: I never liked Red Wing shoes anyway.........everyone always told me how good they were, the two pair I have had hurt my feet.

[Lone Eagle]

I would have to agree with Tony - that was sure a watered answer - not even sure I truly understood it other than they are making shoes in China, and selling them for the same big bucks as the American Made shoes :confused24:

[tone100]

So who makes a good boot other than Redwing that is a pull on and comes in a size 14?

[KitCarson]

So who makes a good boot other than Redwing that is a pull on and comes in a size 14?
Use large shrink wrap tubing and heat it up with a hair dryer:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::big-grin-emoticon::sign20::bighug:

[tone100]

Sounds like a good idea but it might be hard to get off?

[KitCarson]

Sounds like a good idea but it might be hard to get off?
Try looking at Danner shoes. They are expensive.........boy howdy...not all that more than redwings....but a good shoe and hand made, you can even trace your foot and they will make a pair to fit.

[Tupperj]

So who makes a good boot other than Redwing that is a pull on and comes in a size 14?


I've got a pair of Sidi motorcycle boots that would fit ya! I wear a 12 and these are big on me. Think They're a size 48 European. They do have a side zipper though. They are waterproof. If you're interested, I can make you a good deal on'em!

Paul

P.S. Essentially new, I bought'em and found out quick they're too big for me.

[dynodon]

Nothing like kicking a company that is trying to sell US made goods.

I understood the reply, they employ lots of US workers, make shoes in the US of US made parts IF they are available. They also have some made offshore.

I thought it was a good response. Don't see a reason to put them down for it.

I am wearing US made boots bought at Farm and Fleet. They are pretty good shoes, at a fair price.

Don

[Trophy Mike]

Red Wing has steadily gone downhill the past few years. Starting with their "motorcycle" line which was finally produced to compete with Harley Davidson boots, not exactly a high standard to begin with. Made in USA or Hanoi doesn't really make a difference here. The boots are lightweight mass market junk put into the marketplace for a quick buck. A fact confirmed during lunch with one of their sales reps. Sadly Red Wing was a legitimate brand years ago. Last remnants of that period can be found within their regular work line which contains some models that are more stout and roadworthy.

Another tip: If possible it's best to avoid laceups since they restrict ankle movement. A quality non-lace modern boot, even a traditional style, should stay on your feet and provide flexibility where you need it.

"If you want clean oats
pay a fair price.
If you want oats
that have already been
through the horse,
pay less."

Trophy Mike

[flb_78]

Another tip: If possible it's best to avoid laceups since they restrict ankle movement.

And that's the exact reason why I wear lace-ups.

13EE style 3508

http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1255

http://www.redwingshoes.com/images/boots/large/3508.jpg

[juggler]

And that's the exact reason why I wear lace-ups.

13EE style 3508

http://www.redwingshoes.com/productdetails.aspx?prodid=1255



No kidding - I need ankle support. My ankles are poorly engineered and have a nasty tendency to roll and twist. I had stainless steel reenforcement added to the left ankle about 10 years ago after it twisted too far an broke.

I am always tightening up the laces for added support.

[juggler]

Nothing like kicking a company that is trying to sell US made goods.

I understood the reply, they employ lots of US workers, make shoes in the US of US made parts IF they are available. They also have some made offshore.

I thought it was a good response. Don't see a reason to put them down for it.

I am wearing US made boots bought at Farm and Fleet. They are pretty good shoes, at a fair price.

Don

I'm not sure where I stand on Red Wing shoes now. I'm still tempted to write back and tell them that having China make their biker boots might not be the best idea. I mean there is a certain amount of American loyalty to bikers. Then of course we all ride Yamaha.:think: Still, the letter also says that they blame the demand for cheaper shoes as the reason for having some made in China. Cheaper? I paid $120 for these boots. That's not cheap! And the first pair had to be replaced by them because the side zipper broke.

[flb_78]

I'm not sure where I stand on Red Wing shoes now. I'm still tempted to write back and tell them that having China make their biker boots might not be the best idea. I mean there is a certain amount of American loyalty to bikers. Then of course we all ride Yamaha.:think: Still, the letter also says that they blame the demand for cheaper shoes as the reason for having some made in China. Cheaper? I paid $120 for these boots. That's not cheap! And the first pair had to be replaced by them because the side zipper broke.


If they're real leather, then 120 is a decent price considering my Red Wings cost $220. I also wear these same boots on the bike.

[cmiles3]

I paid $120 for a pair of Chippewa steel toe engineer boots 20 years ago. Today, they'd be $320 if they weren't made in China.

Usually, my boots are US military desert boots, or the old black GI boots; when I'm in the office I have two pairs of high top cowboy style boots, black & brown. Also have a pair of steel toes for construction site work, and a pair of hiking boots for colder weather. I've been know to wear my steel toe rubber boots riding in the rain.

[Rocket]

I paid $120 for a pair of Chippewa steel toe engineer boots 20 years ago. Today, they'd be $320 if they weren't made in China.



I got 2 pair of Canada West, steel toe boots in Oct, model #6244. These are similar to the engineer style, but without the cross strap. These are made in Winnipeg & cost me $119. + gst, per pair.

[KitCarson]

Those boots!!! I have been in construction all my life.....I have heard many opinions about boots......everyone has a favorite. All have much support and loyal following.........thing is give Kit a Danner, a Redwing, or any other expensive so called good boot and I can assure you in the period of 4 to six months it is a goner. The soles will be off, held on with duct tape, several of the lace eyes broken off.......cuts in the toe.......they just plain are not worth it.I am the one who does the work......I am not the one who stands beside the ditch and says.......do this!!!

So all of you want a good boot? One that lasts just a long as these $200 dollar plus wonder boots? It is light, waterproof, twice a comfortable as any of the big name ones.....lasts me the same amount of time.......and I pay $39.95 for them!! I was amazed myself.

Go to Walmarts and they will have a boot produced by Herman Survivor.......it is called the Commander......good boot folks.........and better price. It will last just as long as any Big Name Brand.......Yep it is made somewhere else, not the USA........but hey I ride a Yamaha!! So..........???

[Thom]

HAY KIT , your just as cheap as i am i have had a pair of them for 2 years and can not tear them up , even had them in salt water , tranny fluid and gas , can't hurt them . i do not use them for riding , to short , i use pull ons 12 in Cords , water proof and oil proof , they have big nails in the heels and work on the traffic lite sencsers , i just put my foot down on the cut line in the pavement the lite changes , works great .

[KitCarson]

HAY KIT , your just as cheap as i am i have had a pair of them for 2 years and can not tear them up , even had them in salt water , tranny fluid and gas , can't hurt them . i do not use them for riding , to short , i use pull ons 12 in Cords , water proof and oil proof , they have big nails in the heels and work on the traffic lite sencsers , i just put my foot down on the cut line in the pavement the lite changes , works great .That is the first thing I do with a new pair of riding boots....cut off four sixteen penny nails and drive them into the heel of my left boot!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Trophy Mike]

Ankle flex - our last post mentioned ankle flexibility compromised in lace-up boots especially when cinched properly tight. We're talking here about ability to shift readily up and down. Quality non-lace boots provide that without allowing lateral flexing (side to side) motion which you don't want and can be injurious.

Steel toes - not required or recommended. The function of steel toes are to protect against the vertical dropping of weight and impact force. In a motorcycle mishap there can be much in the way of twisting and torsional forces which can dislodge the steel causing more harm than good. This is even more likely when steel toes are utilized in an otherwise cheaply made boot. Better to go with a harder heavier leather at the toe than this.

Trophy Mike

[KitCarson]

Ankle flex - our last post mentioned ankle flexibility compromised in lace-up boots especially when cinched properly tight. We're talking here about ability to shift readily up and down. Quality non-lace boots provide that without allowing lateral flexing (side to side) motion which you don't want and can be injurious.

Steel toes - not required or recommended. The function of steel toes are to protect against the vertical dropping of weight and impact force. In a motorcycle mishap there can be much in the way of twisting and torsional forces which can dislodge the steel causing more harm than good. This is even more likely when steel toes are utilized in an otherwise cheaply made boot. Better to go with a harder heavier leather at the toe than this.

Trophy MikeGood One!! You are messing with us right??? Bo..you get in a crash bad enough to twist steel toes out of a boot........you will not care if they are slip on or lace up!!:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::stirthepot ::stirthepot::stirthepot::stirthepot::thumbsup:

[BoomerCPO]

There is one great feature about steel-toed boots.....When you have to plant yer boot to the posterior of a doofus who deserves it the boot does prevent bruising of yer delicate toes. Nuff said......:rotf:

[Rocket]

There is one great feature about steel-toed boots.....When you have to plant yer boot to the posterior of a doofus who deserves it the boot does prevent bruising of yer delicate toes. Nuff said......:rotf:

Or as I have found out last year, sliding down the highway to a stop, front side down.

[924gtr]

I've been a member here only a short time and I'm surprised how many thread topics are near and dear. If you take a look at the upper right corner of my post you see why this one interests me.

I have a friend that is an executive with Red Wing Shoes (us locals just call it "the shoe"). Infact, many of my riding friends are employees of the shoe. The motorcycle line was in fact created to compete with the H-D branded boots. Those H-D boots are made in China for Wolverine, Michigan company. Funny thing about it is that both brands of boots roll (or is that walk) off the same assembly floor. Draw your own conclusion whether one is better than the other.

I wear RW 979s when I ride. I have now for over 2 years. They're just as comfortable today as they were when new and that is VERY comfortable. The vibram soles are made from a softer grade of rubber that really cushions foot impact on hard surfaces. The only real signs of wear are on the soles and some minor scuffing on the leather that can be dealt with by using polish or other leather care stuff.

I also wear RW 965 steel-toes on the job. They are a great boot too. They have the same cushy vibram sole as the 979s. I got these because my job gives me an allowance of $100 for safety shoes. I absolutely hate wearing safety shoes, but it's better than broken feet.

If you keep 'em mink oiled, wet and muddy conditions won't destroy them nearly as fast as if you don't take care of them. The soles aren't going to come apart from the upper just because of a little water. They're sewn together.

Another thing that keeps shoes alive is having them fit by a shoe professional at a shoe store. If the shoe fits your foot correctly it will bend in the right place and work as designed.

In case you were wondering, I don't get a sweetheart deal on Red Wings. I pay full price for my non-safety boots.

-- Rick
AKA 924gtr

[treeman]

Guys help be out Got a big Brother tha got a foot 14 EEE its wide. Help me find a Boot that will fit him Web sites or Store, Looking for Motorcycle Boot with zipper would help;

Thanks

[bryan52577]

I wear a size 16 not that wide tho. I know they have Motorcycle boots so you could look. I have always found what I need there. Shipped right to my door. Always buy my work boots there.
http://www.bootbay.com/bootbay/default.asp?s_id=0

[924gtr]

Hi All,
This thread has been dead for quite a while and this post just might bury it.:2143:

Red Wing is pretty much out of the motorcycle boot business. Apparently it just wasn't profitable.

Any RW motorcycle boots you find out there now will likely be closeouts. If there's a RW boot model you're particularly fond of, you might just want to rush out and find a RW store and look for them at a closeout price before they're all gone.

[eusa1]

Hi All,
This thread has been dead for quite a while and this post just might bury it.:2143:

Red Wing is pretty much out of the motorcycle boot business. Apparently it just wasn't profitable.

Any RW motorcycle boots you find out there now will likely be closeouts. If there's a RW boot model you're particularly fond of, you might just want to rush out and find a RW store and look for them at a closeout price before they're all gone.

my local redwing dealer is a true shoe/boot cobler and after i purchased the last 3 pair of the zipper style motorcycle boots to be found in the free world///they came from stores in Oregon, Ohio, and Kentucky... he did tell me that after i wear them out, that he would be glad to install zippers into the sides of any other boots that i might find to fit me.
however i should be set for several years.
wow this is an old thread!!:think:

[sgtjcj]

If you want Made in USA, full comfort, but not cheap, try these. These guys will make anything you want. And measured just for you.
http://www.motorcowboy.com/

[Cruser]

I wear Danners , they are toughest boot I have ever found, The acadia is my choice but I also have their fire rated boot with the logger heels, and like them both.

Redwings let me down on the with their boots bought for the job the last 2 pairs I bought sucked bad the quality of their boots really went down hill.