I have worn Red Wing boots (875) for many years, and recently bought the Chukka for lighter everyday use, but not particularly as a work boot. Overall, I think they are good-looking, rugged and versatile boots. Red Wing heritage boots are always going to be solid overall and will last a very long time indeed. I am sure I will use them quite heavily.
Nevertheless, I was disappointed in the stitching quality and the rather uneven leather (suede) texture, although in fairness I expect a lot when I buy Red Wing boots. The quality is certainly a lot higher than the average boot junk sold by most manufacturers.
So while I can recommend the work chukka as a good, sturdy all-round boot with reasonably stylish looks at a decent prize, I recommend that you inspect the boots carefully before buying, especially the leather and stitching. Unfortunately, this will be difficult to do if you buy over the web where the best deals are to be found.
Oh, I almost forgot, expect really sore feet until they are worn in, since the leather is really thick and stiff, and the instep is very tight. It took me a very long time to break them in fully, approximately 6-8 weeks. Use protective tape and rest days, or your feet are going to get grinded into hamburger meat.
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I own 4 pairs of Red Wing shoes now, various styles for various purposes. None of these shoes are showing signs of wearing out yet, and the oldest pair I bought in 2006. Note, all of the Redwing shoes I own I made sure that they were made in the USA and I truly believe it makes a big difference in quality. After I received my new chukka's from Amazon, I made an attempt to get them on. I gave up and had to go buy a shoehorn. After getting them on, they really hurt and I was thinking about immediately sending them back. I had bought a 1/2 size larger than I normally wear, but they were really tight especially over my arch where they had an inner support liner stitched inside. After getting them on, I took a walk, but couldn't go very far. I wore them every day all day long for several days, and each day they got progressively better. After a few weeks they were very comfortable. Break in has always been a tough time for me, but I'm glad I kept at it. I get a lot of comments about my chukkas, and noticeable jealousy from some. These are high end shoes that not everybody will shell out the money for. I have one suggestion/comment. I wish Redwing would have included a leather tab on the back of the shoe for pulling it on. They are still difficult for me to put on without a shoe horn. I suspect I will enjoy these shoes for many years to come, and proud to wear shoes made not only in the USA, but my home state.
Best Deals for Red Wing Heritage Men's Classic Work Chukka Boot - Leather
Great fit, I'm usually a ten and went 9.5. Finish is gorgeous, sturdy but light. Made in America. Can't wait to get them broken in a bit more. Going to last a LONG time. Got a compliment from a stranger first day i wore them.
Honest reviews on Red Wing Heritage Men's Classic Work Chukka Boot - Leather
I received these a few days ago and they did not disappoint. I have owned several pairs of Red Wings over the years and they are simply indestructible. I have the 1178,201,595,101. This cocktail seems to serve my needs very well. They are very well made and they stand behind there product. My fiance says they look like old man shoes but the older I get (38) the more I seem to gravitate towards quality. You pay a bit more but they last forever. You see a lot of younger kids getting on the Red Wing band wagon and that is good. I take very god care of my shoes and take a great deal of pride in my foot wear. I guess I am a little crazy but I really like quality leather shoes and boots. Highly recommend these chukkas!!!
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Sizing & Details...
I ordered the Oro-Original in a size 11.5D i contemplated on going with an 11 based on other recommendations/reviews online I saw about going down .5 size. After I received the chukkas I'm glad I didn't. The indeed fit true to size even I still struggled to put them on until I produced a shoehorn. The Leather is stiff and hard. Its the highest quality boot i have ever purchased. The stitching is clean, the color tone of the leather is unique and will match any item of clothing you throw at it. The color is much lighter than the product shots its similar to red clay but a tint darker. IT LOOKS GOOD.
Breaking In..
The easiest way I broke these in to have them comfortable enough to wear with out attracting blisters and aching feet was simple and i didn't even need to leave my living room.
Break them in by putting them on, lacing them up, pace back and forth as long as you like, then take them off. repeat this til the chukkas get more easier to put on. This method does what you would accomplish if you were to put the shoes on everyday for a week but its cut down to a few hours. you're essentially putting and taking off the boot which loosens the interior stitching and leather insole and makes putting them on easier; opposed to putting them on in the morning and coming home with sore feet over several days because the stitching and leather haven't been stretched enough to give your feet space to glide in smoother.
Overall I am happy with this purchase and they look good with my chinos and washed denim. You won't be disappointed.
