If you are searching for a functional workboot that you can you every day, then this is for you. Read our review below.
It is hard getting a pair of boots that is functional without having to compromise on certain aspects that make a good quality boot. There are several flexible products in the market, but they mostly tend to be less flexible than they claim. However, the Red Wing Blacksmith have been used since time immemorial for both work and play, without leaving out the features that make a great functional shoe.
This boot has been around since the early 1900s when it became very popular (and it still is, as the reviews made by verified buyers at the end of this page show) . They have been well known to be versatile and reliable to the wearer. Over time, the product's design has been enhanced. It used to be worn in farm fields and in blacksmith workshops and still be worn for a night out of town or for a day spent hiking. This has always been an all purpose boot. The Red Wing Blacksmith is the best example of a timeless shoe. Even as it has evolved with a few modern changes here and there, the quality is still the same. It has been made to fit the everyday man.
Shaft measures approximately six inches from the arch
It’s a leather ankle boot
Round toe with triple stitched quality
Goodyear Welt construction
Vibram 430 mini lug outsole
Premium Red Wing leather
All purpose shoe
Durable
Classic style (especially the Copper color version)
Is this the best pair for you? Review of the characteristics
The Red Wing Blacksmith have several characteristics that make them a great pair of boots. Not just because Red Wing Heritage is the manufacturer, but because they have held up throughout the years. The factors below should help you determine if these footgears are the what you are looking for.
The Red Wing Blacksmith are for you if:
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You are looking for that classic style that is missing in most work boots
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You want genuine American leather
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You need a footgear that you can go to work in and still wear them elsewhere
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You want a pair of Red Wing
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You are looking for a boot that can be worn in a variety of working environments
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You want a product that is originally made in the United States
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You want a water resistant pair
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You are on the lookout for a footwear with synthetic soles
The Red Wing Blacksmith are not for you if:
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You are looking for footwear that can be worn to the office in a formal setting
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You want leather soles
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You want a modern style looking pair
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You are looking for a shaft higher than six inches
What are the key features and specifications of the Blacksmith by Red Wing Heritage?
If they have been designed to be worn in a large number of work environments, then it is only appropriate that they carry the qualities required to fit in.
Materials and Durability
As seen above, they are made of 100% leather. The hide is from the United States which is a plus for the type of leather that has been used.
Any type of leather is not just enough when you think of good quality shoes. A boot can be made of leather, but the quality can be low.
Good quality leather ensures that the product has more life to it and is durable enough to withstand the harsh working conditions and weather.
Functionality
The Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith has to be one of the most reliable functional work footwear in the market. This does not just stem from the modern traits included in the shoe, but from the flexibility it had back in the 1900s.
They can be used by blacksmiths who are exposed to heat , high temperatures and liquids. It is on the other hand used by farmers in the wet and dry soils and the rough terrain.
That alone shows how flexible in nature they are. Our review confirms that it is an all purpose footwear.
Shaft and Shank
The shaft of the Blacksmith measures approximately six inches from the arch. This feature offers extra protection to the feet especially the area around the ankles. The six inch which is a standard for most work footwear has taken into account the wide variety of work environments.
The platform is also good enough for a work pair.
Construction and build
The Red Wing Blacksmith is made of the premium Red Wing Heritage leather that has famously been in use over the years. They also have the Goodyear welt construction that every work shoe needs to have, together with a round toe with triple stitched quality. This stitching is excellent because it makes the work shoe last a long time, without experiencing any damage. They also have a synthetic sole.
Standard Applications
The Blacksmith has a Vibram 430 mini lug outsole. The Vibram sole has for the longest time been known to provide excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. They have exceptional abrasion resistance while walking. They have been built to be worn throughout the year. Because of the great quality leather and soles, they can be worn in all types of weather without experiencing damage or discomfort. They are also water and slip resistant.
The review highlights that the Red Wing Blacksmith have quite a number of advantages;
They are made out of good quality leather which means that you are going to make the best use out of them for years
They are all rounded and can be worn in all types of weather throughout the year
They are flexible and functional. Can be worn for very many occasions not just for work alone
They are waterproof and slip resistant too, something that is not common with most boots
The shoe has high quality soles made of Vibram 430 mini lug
They have a reasonable sized shaft that measures six inches
They have triple stitching which makes them highly durable, compared to most boots that only have one stitching or double at best
The product has very good abrasion resistance
They have cold insulation
They have Goodyear welt construction
The product is made in the US with quality hides
They have metal eyelets which help in making them long lasting
Cons and disadvantages
Just as the Red Wing Blacksmith has its advantages, this shoe also has some disadvantages.
They only come in three colors ; copper rough and tough, charcoal rough and tough and briar oil slick. It would have been better if it had other colors available
It would have been better if the shoe had leather insoles in place of synthetic insoles
The shoe would be more comfortable if it had a higher platform for more stability
The product is not eligible for international shipping
They do not have the best shoe lace
However, we have to say that Just because they have these drawbacks, they are not less wearable.
Red Wing Blacksmith Product information
Package dimensions: 14×9×5 (inches)
Item weight: 1.81 pounds
Shipping weight: 5 pounds
Department: Men’s
Manufacturer: Red Wing Heritage ASIN: BO1DSZ2154 Manufacturing ref: 03343-0D
Customer reviews: 4.4 out of 5 (stars)
Best seller rank: 47076
Colors: Briar Oil Slick, Copper Rough and Tough and Black Spitfire
It is important to note that 78% of Red Wing Blacksmith users gave them a rating of 5 out of 5 stars in their reviews. Our team selected 3 reviews from buyer that purchased the product online, read them in the section below:
The user is a verified purchaser who got their pair in size 10.5 Medium US in the color copper rough and tough. REVIEW: “I had been on a very long search for good quality leather boots and that is when I stumbled upon the blacksmiths. I was first of all drawn to how stunning they looked. The history of the product and how far it has come from made my choice super easy. When I saw that the name “ Red Wing Heritage” was associated to the shoe, that just solidified my decision. When I first got it from its box I was very attracted to the smell of fresh leather. By the feel alone , I could tell that it is made of genuine and quality leather. The fact that it is a USA-produced item makes it even better. I am generally in love with the boot but my only complain would be the insoles. It does not have a built in insole which makes walking rather uncomfortable. I heard that most of the good quality leather boots do not have in built soles. This was however made easier when I purchased leather insoles for them. Another thing I can say is that they were a tad heavy and stiff when I first started wearing them. With time the stiffness reduces and my feet got used to the blacksmiths.”
The user bought his pair of Blacksmith in size 12 Medium US Women / 9.5 Medium US Men in the color Charcoal rough and tough. REVIEW: “I ordered my boots in a 12 even though I am a size 13. I followed the suggestion to have it one size down. Although its initial fit was slightly a snug, it wasn't uncomfortable. The boots also had lots of room in the toe box for me to wiggle my toes . They have no built in soles and I tried a couple of insoles but I have not found one that does not take up space. Therefore, I have been wearing thicker socks which should do just fine and makes walking a bit more comfortable. The breaking in period for me was just a few days which is something I really appreciated. They have a few inconveniences with a difference in size of the leather. But this is understandable considering they are handmade. This creates room for human variances."
The user is a verified purchaser and he got his pair in size 10.5 Medium US in the color Briar Oil Slick. REVIEW: “I was searching for boots with a classy feel that I could wear every day and the blacksmiths fit my preference. I got mine in the briar oil slick color which comes with some slight reddish colorations to it plus some texture in its ankle area. I bought mine so that I could wear them over the weekends and in the office sometimes. I wear them with chino pants and jeans to fit the business casual look that I like a lot. What I was not happy about is that they do not have true insoles. So what I did is that I bought cheap dollar foam inserts to boost its fit and add cushion to make walking more comfortable. My break in period was two days and I liked that. These are now my go to boots. I would highly recommend these, especially if you are buying workboots for the very first time.”
Review Final verdict
Our review highlights that the Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith boot is the true definition of a ideal work boot. Its versatility is amazing and the fact that it has been in use over the years, and with great feedbacks, as you could read in the reviews section, is encouraging for a first time buyer.
Remember that the care also helps in its longevity. Use warm water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt that is stuck. A dry cloth would work in cleaning excess dirt. You can use Red Wing Heritage shoes leather cleaner to clean heavily soiled boots.
It is also important to note that just because they are waterproof, it does not mean that they cannot be damaged. Constant exposure to water will weaken the leather overtime. Give the shoes a break, once in a while.
The Red Wing Blacksmith are the true definition of flexible and stylish workboots. The construction and build of the product, combined with the versatility and reliability of the manufacturer, make those footwear one of the best in the market.
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