r/RedWingShoes

I’ve been trying to break in my 9111 after getting blisters on my heels. Thick Darn Tough socks have been purchased still with some minor heel slip. Laces have been tidied to prevent slippage as well.

Inspired by another post I put some leather balm on the inside heel and gave it a good rub and then left the lint free cloth on it with some extra balm and applied the clamps.

Lets see what happens 😂

I recently purchased the Red Wing IR, 8085 Copper Rough & Tough cap toe boots. I am very pleased with the fit and finish of this boot!! I’ll be getting them recrafted to add a leather midsole very soon. Just waiting on red Dainite studded full rubber sole and heel. Anyway I ♥️ them!

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?

Show some of your Red Wing resole!

Going on ten years, maybe wear 15 times a year or so

So happy these got a resole, they’re by far my most broken in and comfy pair I own. I got them 11 years ago when I was working in a store part time (in a Timberland store no less) and it was a huge chunk of my wage back then. Here’s to 11 more years.

Bought these 2nd hand for a third of retail price.
When I pulled the trigger they were supposed to be like in the 3rd picture.
Unfortunately, they came to my door over conditioned, really wet to the touch and very dark.
I just asked the seller what product he used to apply.
He answered RW Leather Cream which was a relief because I feared they had been covered of mink oil.
So I did several gentle cleaning sessions with Saphir leather cleaning lotion.
A very quick saddle soap application was required on the right toe plate because it remained dark brown.
Once the pores of the leather showed, I stopped cleaning and let fully dry overnight.
Then the leather didn’t feel tacky anymore and I was left with that automnal color which I find extremely desirable.
A smear of Saphir lotion for oiled leather to rehydrate, a lot of brushing and finally some (supposedly) protective RW leather protector.
Of course, a lot of effort was put in interior desinfection, eyelets verdigris removal and welt/sole/laces rejuvenating.
I couldn’t be happier with the result thanks to that glorious gradient patina.
Happy Moctober to all !