Regardless of what career path you have gone down, every man should have a solid pair of workboots in his closet. While there are many different options to choose from, two of the most renowned brands are definitely Thorogood and Red Wing Heritage. From the quality of the leather to the durable and long-lasting nature, these brands have managed to master the art of creating the perfect work boot.
However, while both brands are top-notch, it is important to know which is best suited for you and your needs. That being said, keep reading for Next Luxury’s guide on everything you need to know about Thorogood Boots and Red Wing Heritage Boots.
Thorogood Boots
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The first boot from Thorogood to make a mark on the industry was the “Jobber” work boot. Due to their unique and functional design, Thorogood was able to make a name for itself as one of the most well-constructed footwear options for men who work laborious jobs or find themselves on their feet for long stints of time and in rough conditions.
Since the Jobber, Thorogood has come out with several different styles and designs. While some of these are more focused on safety, there are also a few options that can be used more superficially for style. In regards to their appearance, most Thorogood boots have a more traditional style that features a moc toe and lace-up design in the front. They also come in a variety of different colors ranging from light brown to walnut to black.
Red Wing Heritage Boots
Red Wing’s line of Heritage boots all boast premium leather, resoleable welts so that you can maintain these boots for several years, and heavy-duty stitching. While the Classic Moc and Classic Chelsea are both solid options, the most popular Red Wing Heritage boots are definitely the Blacksmith and the Iron Ranger. With distinctive cap-toe and nickel-plated eyelets, the Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots are a stunning option that catches the eye.
This timeless classic manages to nail a perfect mixture of ruggedness and elegance, giving it a range of style for those who wear it. The Iron Ranger is definitely a thicker boot, however, the slim sole and full-grain leather upper allow for the boot to retain its classic appeal. Also, these boots are made from Amber Harness and Roughout leather, which can be a bit of a hassle to break in.
However, after a few months, the leather patinas quite nicely, giving you a perfect surface. While the Blacksmith is nearly identical to the Iron Ranger, there are a few key differences between the two. For example, the Red Wing Blacksmiths do not feature cap-toe, adding some extra wiggle-room to the boot and also giving them a slightly sleeker appearance.
Another way to recognize a Blacksmith is by the brass hardware, which tends to complement a variety of leather colors more than the nickel. The Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith’s come in a handful of different leather types, none of which are as iconic as the Iron Ranger’s options. However, the most popular leathers for the Blacksmith boots are briar slick, black prairie, and roughout.
Which Is Better?
At the end of the day, both boots are wonderful options that will take you far in regards to durability and comfort. However, Red Wing Heritage boots do use a material that is slightly better than Thorogood, meaning their boots have a better chance at lasting longer and maintaining quality. That being said, if you have a job that requires you to have work boots that place an emphasis on safety, Thorogood might be the better brand.