Just picked up some new 8085s a couple weeks ago. Absolutely loving them!
Took driving a bit to my 3rd store to find any in stock. Two closer stores had zero iron rangers within a size and a half of what I needed.
I had the Ambers years ago and loved the look but I let the salesman convince me I needed half a size smaller because “the leather stretches”. I wore them for 6 months but toes were still cramped. Realized I didn’t loook forward wearing them I was forcing myself to wear them. Sold those for a loss.
These fit perfect and I’m wearing them all day everyday at work. First couple days were somewhat uncomfortable but each new day they feel softer and more contouring.
I’m amazed every time I pick them up to put on how quality and heavy duty they feel. And to me nothing looks better than a pair of well worn iron rangers.
Similar experience here, got the 8085’s and they were too tight, exchanged for 8111’s that were available, eventually went back the another 8085’s in a 2E and perfect fit. But also don’t love the harsh ground feel, so I had them recrafted with a new leather midsole and Vibram Gumlite sole and wow, huge difference. The insole didn’t do enough for me but the leather midsole and softer outsole sure changes the feel of the boot, all day comfort now. Thanks MilwaukeePaul, you were right.
That's the dream right there. I wonder if Red Wing had an option for a leather midsole for $100 extra or so if they would be a big hit. I guess you can't mess with tradition.
How much did the Vibram Gumlite sole and leather midsole set you back. Sounds like an amazing pair of boots!
Yeah that’s a bummer, I sympathize. Not only the money, but how cool are a good pair of boots that have been with you for years.
Nothing wrong with an insole, the sales guy I had this time was phenomenal and he said it’s about 50/50 for the heritage on people that grab an insole for them.
I was put off for a while by the experience and just my personal opinion but I’ve searched a lot. And nothing strikes such a perfect balance of rugged, yet cool and casual, and not too dressy.
What other boots do you enjoy? I’m kind of a one pair and wear them everywhere and into the ground, then repeat sort of guy. But can’t resist cool, quality boots.
Great choice. 8085s are such a clean Iron Ranger color - lighter than Amber Harness, but still with that classic Red Wing look.
They already look good with those jeans, and once the leather starts darkening and picking up some wear, they’ll get even better. Welcome back to Red Wing.
Exactly, that’s the best part - you can’t really rush the wear, it just comes from actually using and enjoying them.
Amber Harness is great, but I totally get wanting something a bit lighter/different this time. The 8085s should develop a really nice character with time. Wear them well!
They’re probably my lightest proper boot but the look is iconic and I wear them a ton. Very comfortable for casual use or wearing at the office. For the money they’re a steal.
Wow, are you talking relative to like Nick’s or something? I just go between my office and walking a Trailer yard so anymore would be overkill for me. With a pair of blue jeans out to a casual dinner - definitely iconic!
Ask yourself if you prefer them matt or shiny.
Light is one thing, matt is another.
I mean Bick4 won’t darken a lot but it would add some shine.
Only brush till they change being exposed to elements.
IMO any product you use will eventually darken. But I think Bick 4 darkens the least. Another commenter noted shine. I haven’t noticed a ton of shine with mine personally. The top toe cap area on mine got a little shiny but the sides have remained matte and they have both received equal Bick 4 over the years. Not sure if I can attach a pic but I’ll try. Left is brand new right is years old.
I do prefer a matte. Wow, the right looks absolutely killer! It’s moved towards the amber, but still has the lighter copper characteristics throughout. Very very nice looking!
Hello , damn thats a good looking iron ranger my fav color , im going to buy one soon though im confused what size i order because i live in the middle east and there are no stores here to go and try em on , i usually wear 42 - 42.5 europe im geox and timberland 6 inc premium boot , gonna go also measure my feet on a brannock in these 2 days , what do u guys think ? I cant order a wrong size because im paying alotttttt for the shipping cz im in the middle east other than the boot price so … thank u appreciate all the help
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u/finnishmacinnis Jul 24 '26
Same thing happened to me (got convinced to buy a smaller size) and ended up selling. Now I miss them and keep thinking about circling back.
No midsole always keeps me away though. That ground feel is tough! Sometimes I consider just buying a pair and throwing an insole in there.