Iron Rangers from Red Wing

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

I've been trying to take my vintage style in a more B.A., masculine route to match my changing life roles.  I want things that pair vintage style with toughness and resilience.  I've often found this combination in vintage motorcycle ladies, WW2 female war workers, female military personnel, and other boundary-pushing ladies of the past.  However, most of them seemed to have worn their gear to death, because it's hard to find, and very few people are reproducing such styles.  Enter Iron Ranger boots from Red Wing!

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

These boots from their Heritage line are based on the back-in-the-day footwear of iron miners in Minnesota.  Red Wing also built them on one of their oldest shoe lasts and tweaked the fit to be a bit sleeker and work better for women.  They're made of leather and hardy materials, and they feel QUALITY.  I had to save up to buy these because of a higher price tag, but let me tell you ladies.... SO WORTH IT. 

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

I've been spoiled by vintage leather boots that have conformed to my feet and lasted for 80 years; I can't go back to cheap, modern pleather boots after that!  I decided to consider these a long-term style investment, and I have no regrets.  The price is really worth it, and I know I'll be wearing these boots for years to come.  Come on, classic black boots never go out of style!

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

Being leather, of course, they do require breaking in.  However, leather conforms to your foot and makes a perfect fit over time, so I'm not worried!  The leather they're made of is thick, and the insoles are really comfortable.  There is triple stitching on places that get a lot of stress, and I love that the top is laced with hooks instead of eyelets; it makes them WAY faster to put on.  They also come with two fabric boot bags for safe storage, which is an added bonus of buying nice shoes!

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

How can you not feel rugged and awesome in an outfit like this with boots called IRON RANGERS?!  I love looking like women of the past that did new things with strength and courage while many doubted their abilities.  I am glad to carry on the tradition of working people and their tough clothes, and I'll be working these boots hard!

WW2 lumberjills of the Women's Timber Corps in the UK (source)
Flashback Summer: Iron Rangers from Red Wing review

Outfit details
sweater: Old Navy
overalls: handmade by me
shoes: Iron Ranger boots by Red Wing
headscarf: thrifted

What other things are you wondering about these boots?  Have you tried out any other Red Wing shoes?  Which boots would you buy from the Heritage line if money were no object?

This post is in no way affiliated with or compensated by Red Wing.  I just love these boots and wanted to share them with you all!

18 comments

  1. I love this while look! I think a lot of us vintage living girls don't realize that styles from the time weren't always heels and peep toes, ladies needed durable, utilitarian shoes for work and home. These are perfect!!

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  2. Those boots are fantastic looking and you styled them so wonderfully. Investing in a good pair of leather shoes and purses are always good investments. The short boots like you own, are really nice and if I ever end up buying myself Jeans again, the will be on my want list.

    Great post!

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  3. Love them! Reminds me of my relatives of bygone eras and their stories of CCC and munition plants. My grandfather and dad wore this type of shoe/boot.They didn't wear out either.

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  4. Those are rocking! Hows their sizing? You look so awesome and like youre about to go solve problems with no nonsense.

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    1. Their sizing seems pretty spot on to me. The lacing and leather is helpful, as they both allow for a bit of tightening or stretching where necessary.
      And what a great compliment! Thank you!

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  5. Great Rosie the Riveter outfit! Love the colours! :)

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  6. Oh they are gorgeous!! Are they good for wide feet I'm a bit nervous about it? Did you get any blister on the back of the feet? That's also my problem area! I'm really interested though you make them look so good and they're gorgeous with vintage outfits!

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    Replies
    1. I have narrow feet, but I lace these boots pretty tight. The lacing and the leather are fantastic for making a "custom" fit, cuz the leather forms to your foot over time and the laces can be pulled tight where necessary.
      I haven't had any heel issues (usually mine slide around in shoes). The laces make the ankle tighter, so my heel doesn't slide!

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  7. It is so good to find sturdy practical boots these days - I find shoes seem to fall apart so much more quickly? I will have to look into this brand more. I've never even heard of them!

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    1. They're more famous as a work boot company, but their "Heritage" line is the more stylish-but-hardy vintage stuff.

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  8. I can't tell you how much I understand and agree with you when it comes to quality leather shoes! I can't go back either! Every once in awhile I'll buy a cheap-o pair that is a color you don't see often, but leather is just so delightful!

    Also, I ADORE this look!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    Replies
    1. Thank you!! And you have FABULOUS leather style, so that is such a compliment! 😀

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  9. First off, I love this whole outfit!!!! And those are awesome boots too. I checked out the website and got a little sticker shock, but honestly, the pricing is not bad for good quality and REAL leather boots. Dying over the pair of tall lace up boots in the Heritage section. They are spot on for 1920s/early 1930s tall boots. And the cost is about the same for some vintage ones I've seen in excellent condition. I snagged a pair off ebay a few years back for under $100 (super lucky find!!!) and with a bit of elbow grease and leather conditioner they cleaned up nice. Of course now I need to get one of them resoled! I would totally buy a new pair from Red Wing if I had that kind of money to spare!
    -Emily

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    1. Yes, it was the same for me with their prices! At first I had a giant gasp, but then as I thought about it.... $300 or so over the course of a few decades is quite a good buy!
      I also love the tall boots!!! TOTAL swoon. The pricing is comparable to vintage ones, so true, and especially since they're new it's a great purchase in my mind. I couldn't quite swing them now, but I still think the price is fair.

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  10. Gorgeous boots! I've seen these before- and I love how you've styled them here so perfectly with the overalls and headwrap. Boots are definitely an investment- but SO worth it. I have an old second hand pair of riding boots that I found already quite beat up, but they have lasted me for 4 years now- and hopefully more to come :)
    The Artyologist

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  11. Not related to your boots, but look at this pattern - its your new coat!

    https://www.etsy.com/listing/294818881/1930s-coat-pattern-unused-factory-folded
    Tegan

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  12. I love this outfit! And the boots are awesome! My aunt and uncle actually live in Red Wing, but I had never considered buying Red Wing boots until now. I can see how they would be a good investment!

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