An impromptu poll… Which are better ? ATF Service boots or Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots ?

[Chandler]

Burt I have the roughout Blacksmith, they are so comfortable they can be worn without socks. Can be re-soled with variety of soles cork or vibrant etc…the bulbous toe gets less prominent with wear. Very happy.View attachment 60893

Those look really sharp.

I've never read up on their roughout leather, how do they recommend treating them? If at all?

 

[ausreenactor]

Another thing worth adding, the Red Wing stores are nice because you can go in to be fitted and see what you like.

Just remember, a good fit is going to feel snug, but once the leather breaks in they'll fit like gloves.

Had Red Wing work boots at Optus. They were 'awesome sauce-!

 

[Brettafett]

Ive been wanting a pair of these for ages.
Currently looking very hard at this...

Blacksmith Boots 3343 - Copper Rough & Tough

The 3343 formally the 2959 Blacksmith Boot in our supple Copper Rough & Tough Leather features a Vibrum Mini Lug outsole with triple stitch detail & Goodyear Welt constructi

www.redwinglondon.com

 

[Micawber]

I've never been a herd animal so British made William Lennon boots for me. Last ones from them were two pairs of hobnail boots, made to order one with nails and one without. Both have been resoled by Lennon, bloody marvellous things...

William Lennon Archives - Rufflander Safety Boots from William Lennon & Co Ltd

Seen here worn with a pair of buskins [or gaiters for all you civilised folk]

 

[Chandler]

I've never been a herd animal...

The Red Wing boots seem to be more popular to talk about online -- I've never actually seen them in the wild, except on my own feet.

My attraction to the Iron Rangers was because they had an old-fashioned, near-to military look to them, but weren't straight-up surplus.

I was surprised Red Wing started marketing them because they *were* so old-fashioned -- didn't think they'd be sellers... and I have to wonder if they really are. Maybe it's a regional thing?

Oh, and my wife is happy for our floors that they don't have hobnails.

 

[Grant]

Hello,

Just saw the ATF service boots and really like the (vintage) finish/look and color. But that finish will eventually worn off, like Chandler said, it's kind of painted.
My vote goes to Red Wings. My rangers have been resole and are still going strong developing a patina. I am not sure ATF will develop a patina, but I like them.
I wear my boots as riding boots, hence the worn look.


Hey Dany,
What do you use to get that great shine to your Iron Rangers? They look awesome!

 

[Grant]

I have both RW Iron Rangers and ATF service shoes. If I'm on my feet most of the day or walking a ton on city streets, they're both equally comfortable and wear well. The service shoes have been scuffed up quite a bit losing that plastic look to the finish. If I had to choose one over the other though, I'd go with the Red Wings.

 

[Micawber]

The Red Wing boots seem to be more popular to talk about online -- I've never actually seen them in the wild, except on my own feet.

My attraction to the Iron Rangers was because they had an old-fashioned, near-to military look to them, but weren't straight-up surplus.

I was surprised Red Wing started marketing them because they *were* so old-fashioned -- didn't think they'd be sellers... and I have to wonder if they really are. Maybe it's a regional thing?

Oh, and my wife is happy for our floors that they don't have hobnails.

Popularity has never been my driver

Why on earth would I wear hobnail boots indoors?

 

[Chandler]

Popularity has never been my driver

Nor mine, my point being I was attracted to the Red Wings on my own -- not thru hype.

I also research the hell out of a purchase item such as boots, so I knew they were a good buy before I pulled the trigger -- hype be damned.

Why on earth would I wear hobnail boots indoors?

Guess you're not as absent minded as me.

 

[Dany McDonald]

Grant,

I use kiwi shoe polish wax / neutral or clear. The patina is more contrasted in reality than on the image...

 

[Grant]

Grant,

Damn, they look fine! Running out now to get me some. Thanks Dany!

 

[Dany McDonald]

Damn, they look fine! Running out now to get me some. Thanks Dany!

Grant you probably know this but dont forget a good horsehair brush!

 

[Thomas Koehle]

Serious?

RW goes before ATF ...

My RedWings are like tanks - i got 6 different sets and all are sturdy, durable and i like their style

 

[Chandler]

NOW we know who's keeping them in business!

 

[Grant]

Hey Dany, thanks again for recommending Kiwi natural polish. Gave the old dogs a good shine this morning and they look much better. Good for another ten years I reckon.

 

[Dany McDonald]

That is nice man!

Since the wax is soluble, rain & +++ you will redo the process and see a nice patina over the years. Once every two years I remove the old wax and restart, it's fun actually.

I also use natural polish instead of black polish on my black Iron rangers and the result is also stunning, well to my eye.

Dany

 

[kirova]

don't have the Iron Ranger, but I have a pair of Red Wing Beckman and I love them

not sure about ATF, but at least according to Red Wing's marketing material, they do offer repaid/re-sole service to your boots should you ever need them.

 

[kirova]

Had Red Wing work boots at Optus. They were 'awesome sauce-!

you work for Optus? I thought you are an ADF guy?

 

[ausreenactor]

D

you work for Optus? I thought you are an ADF guy?

Did the Pay TV between first and second full time stints. On the third full time stint presently. I get in and out depending on the operational tempo and whether more tax payer funded adventure is on the cards.

Only 21 years up so far... eight to go....Still have seven years of defence housing benefit after I separate as well..... $350 a month....they kick in as long as I serve full time or 20 reserve days a year. Can do reserve up to 65...

 

[kirova]

D
Did the Pay TV between first and second full time stints. On the third full time stint presently. I get in and out depending on the operational tempo and whether more tax payer funded adventure is on the cards.

Only 21 years up so far... eight to go....Still have seven years of defence housing benefit after I separate as well..... $350 a month....they kick in as long as I serve full time or 20 reserve days a year. Can do reserve up to 65...

lol ok, didn't realise you are allowed to moonlight in the ADF, anyway, well I guess I work for the competition (only in the private sector, of course), a certain telco which has three letters for it's name.............