u/Random_Name_Gen12

Basically the title - should I wax/dubbin these boots?

I love the suede/roughout look and feel, but the water/stain resistance of a waxed boot is appealing. The waxed flesh look is also pretty cool.

That said, the roughout look is awesome too - the knap and texture are incredible, and I am loving how they look/feel at the moment. I’m just constantly worried about dropping something on them (greasy food, a drink, etc) or getting them wet and so waxing them might alleviate this somewhat..

I am pretty confident that I can get great results- I have previously waxed a pair of roughout chukkas using Venetian leather balm (super easy - didn’t even need a hair drier or source of heat, just applied by hand and wiped excess off) and had great results. Even was able to burnish/polish the toes a bit.

I guess I’m just worried that I might regret ruining the knap/texture and could wind up missing it.

What say the redwing hivemind?

Figured I'd do a review of these, since I haven't found a whole lot of information about this brand/model of jeans.

First off, these are made in the US, and supposedly they source their denim from Mt Vernon Mills, NC (although that info is from a 2-year old blog post). So, made and sourced in the US, which is amazing for a $40 pair of jeans.

I think the most direct comparison for these is to Wrangler 13MWZ (MWZs), which I think the Long Ryder (LRs) are trying to emulate to some degree.

Things I like that LRs have kept in comparison the MWZs:

• -MWZs are a 14.75oz broken twill denim, while these LRs are 14oz RHT, according to manufacturer websites. They feel comparable to me, enough that I think they would be similarly durable while sill wearable in hot weather.

LRs are noticeably thicker than contemporary 501s, for instance.

• -Both pants have 7 belt loops
• -Both pants are high-rise, although the MWZs are still a little higher.
• -Both are about $40 without any sales/discounts (although looking now, I think MWZs may actually be more expensive).
• -Both use US sourced denim
• -Both are cowboy cut – they fit very similar.
• -Comparable QC between two jeans. Stitching is far from perfect, and lots of loose threads. Nothing structurally unsound though.

Things about LRs that I like more than MWZs:

• -Made in the US (MWZ is made in Mexico, I think)
• -Button fly, with 5 buttons total (MWZ is zip)
• -Pockets are cut deeper, so easier to stick your hand into than MWZs
• -Coin pocket is usable, and opening doesn't basically sit under your belt like the MWZs
• -Felled seam is on the inside of leg, rather than the outside.
• -LRs have contrast stitching throughout the pant (MWZs do not have this on the fly)
• -LRs are actually navy blue (very similar to 501s), as opposed to the sky/blueberry blue of MWZs

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• -No rivets, which I don't think do much to reinforce seams and really just run the risk of scratching cars etc. if you lean up against them.

The only things I wish LRs would change would be higher placed/smaller back pockets like the MWZ, and a rise that is more similar to MWZs (slightly higher). Overall, I think these LRs are essentially button fly, navy blue, MWZs – which is awesome, because those are the two things I would change about Wrangler’s rigid jeans. I really dislike the baby blue color of MWZs after the first wash.

A note on customer service: I ordered two pairs of these jeans, and one of the pairs they sent was mis-labelled a model 2, when in fact it was a model 1 (a very different fitting jean). I went through several rounds of filling out the online “contact us” form and calling the brick/mortar store in Chicago twice before I was able to send the incorrect jeans back and re-order the correct pair (yet to receive the replacement pair). So, customer service is definitely not their strong suit.

Overall though, these will probably become my default pair of jeans when I need a replacement. An American made MWZ that fits me well and runs about $40 will be hard to top for me.