Red Wing Heritage Men's Roughneck Lace Up Boot

On this particular offering from Amazon, there appears to be multiple different Red Wing boots depending on which color you click on. The ones I got were style #8146, which are the moc toe version with the Briar oil slick leather. I have previously and currently own numerous pair of 6" and 8" lace up boots from Red Wing, Alden, and Allen Edmonds, all of which are made in America (at least for the Red Wing Heritage line). The latter two tend to be more expensive and for this higher expense you get a better quality leather and IMO a little better fit. However, I have always liked Red Wing boots, and while I have had problems with their foreign made products, the Heritage line is as good as Red Wings ever have been.The construction of this boot includes Goodyear welt, Vibram lug sole, cork midsole, nickle riveted eyelets, and a steel shank, all of which are what you want in a good work boot. If you need at good boot for 8 hours + on your feet wear, do not compromise on any of these features. Just a note on the Vibram sole, I had a pair of Red Wings that I wore regularly for 10 years and it took that long for the Vibram lugs to wear down to the rest of the sole. The 8146 does not have speed lacers, which I don't particularly like for 6" boots.As far as sizing and break-in goes, I recommend you have your foot measured or do some research online regarding measuring them yourself rather than going with your size in some other footwear. For an unlined work boot, I will always wear thick wool socks and with such I find these boots are very much true to size. I've owned other Red Wing boots made on the same last and I knew what to expect. For best results, visit a Red Wing store and have yourself properly fitted. I suspect some of the complaints with comfort others have experienced are due to improper fittings. You can also expect the boot to feel different after break-in as your feet settle into the cork midsole. I recommend going with your measured size initially, then sizing up or down as needed to get the right fit rather than relying on what someone else did, who may or may not have been every properly sized and/or may have a very different foot shape. The reason the 23 last has been used by Red Wing for decades is because it fits most people well. I also recommend that when you are getting measured or are trying these on, wear the type of socks you intend on wearing with them. Personally for work boots I go with a thick good quality wool blend that has a high wool content. Anything else and you're inviting blisters and poor comfort. Always wash wool socks inside out in cold water and hang them to dry.The leather on these boots is pretty typical of Red Wing boots. It's mid-range in terms of quality, but the leather is made thicker for higher durability. This means it's going to take longer to break in, but will eventually soften up nicely and flex the way your feet move once the creases form. The oil impregnated leather is going to last for many years even if you do nothing in the way of care, but if you want them to stay looking good keep them clean and brushed regularly and hit them with some leather conditioner and polish a couple of times per year.All-in-all I'd have to say I'm pretty pleased with my purchase. I have no reason to believe I won't get many years of good service from them as I have had from my other most favored pairs of Red Wings. Considering the quality of construction and proper elements of a good boot, these are an excellent value.Edit: So I'm more than a year into these boots. I wear them about once or twice a week as I have several other boots as well. They did break in quite nicely and after a bit of wear they look better than new. My only real complaint is I don't really like the Vibram sole on this boot. I have Vibram on other heavier boots, but I think I'd prefer the nitrile cork sole that's on some of the others in the Heritage line. Vibram might be a good thing if you needed the off-pavement traction. Otherwise it isn't well suited to this boot.

These boots are very well constructed. They are a masterpiece. The leather is beautiful. I know that i will own these boots for many many years.When I first put opened the box... I was amazed by the construction and appearance of the boot. I then put the boot on and thought to myself that there is no way that I will be able to wear these boots. They felt terrible at first. The leather seam on the side by the arch of my foot seemed bothersome, the area by my toes felt very tight. The sole was flat with no arch support. I did a little bit of research and read that these boots will break in , and then feel much better. So I gave them a shot and wore them.It took me probably 3-4 days before the boots became somewhat comfortable... after about a week the sole began to break in as well and I no longer noticed the lack of arch support. After the boots broke in... They felt great. I can walk and stand in them all day ( I'm on my feet most of the day, walking around on the job, climbing up and down ladders and so on)This boot has made me love Red Wings... I will from now on buy red wing boots. The price doesn't bother me if the quality matches the price.. These boots are built to last, and will absolutely outlast several pairs of cheaper boots. Once the soles wear out ... I will have them resoled. I used to wear Doc Martens all the time.. but they have sold out to China and their boots no longer last. These Red Wings are actually of better quality than the original Doc Martens from years ago.Cons: The boots do definitely run large. I cant knock the rating for this because the description does say that they do run large. Red Wing claims that they are .5 size large... and that this is so that you can fit an insole into it... like Dr sholes or something. At first I thought I was going to need insoles however at this time I am still happy without them.I actually think the boot might be closer to a full size larger than normal... I usually wear a 12.5 or 13.. so I ordered the 12. After break in.. The boot does feel slightly large however it is summer time and I am wearing thin socks. Fitting thicker socks in the winter should not an issue.