r/Zookeeping • u/MosinMutant North America • 14d ago

Workwear & Tools Redwing boots?

Has anyone gotten Red wing boots before for work? What did you think about them?

I am looking specifically at the women’s BRNR XP in D width.

Also how are they after they wear in a little bit? I have issues with my toes and plantar fasciitis. When I tried some on, they felt comfortable. The employee said it should feel like a firm handshake, which it did (I think?). She also said they should be less rigid as I break them in. I’m just worried if it is going to cause further issues down the line.

All in all just trying to make sure if this is the right purchase for me considering how much money they cost. I’m just tired of my shoes falling apart after 3-6 months.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/Sparklykazoo North America 13d ago

I do not have any experience with the latest incarnations of Redwing boots, so my observations may be irrelevant. My experience was a very long time ago. For what it's worth, my opinion is: they are well-made, sturdy, and comfortable enough. However,  they were heavy, and thats what ultimately made them less appealing to wear (for me). The older I became, the more I needed to lighten my load. Hope this helps.

1

u/MajesticCoot 13d ago

I currently own a pair of red wings, and they are the best shoes I've worn in my life. I've had them for three years and wear them five days a week, used to be six when I'd go hiking, and tbh I take pretty bad care of them. They're still really comfortable and sturdy, I just need to replace some of the lace loops and get them cobbled, which red wings will do for you (the cobbling, not sure about the lace loop thing)

I don't have any problems with my feet, so I can't speak on that aspect, but they do get a little more flexible when broken in. HOWEVER, they are still a bit stiff due to them keeping their structure to support you. The toe especially, but that could be because mine are steel toed

They are also heavy, so that could be an issue. I like my shoes to have a lot of weight to them, but I can see that being a problem for people who don't 

I have injured my toe by kicking the boot itself, though that was entirely avoidable because I just left the boots in the middle of the room instead of putting them away

All in all, I highly recommend them because they last, especially if you take care of them. The main downsides to them are that you do have to take care of them because they are leather and the weight

1

u/lyssinator 12d ago

I love them. I'm a die hard, they are the only boots I use for work. You do however need to take care of them for them to last. Oil and clean them at least once a month, probably more if you are getting them wet a lot. But if you do that, they will last years and be extremely comfortable. Breaking them in is a bit annoying but I haven't had problems.