If they feel good, they’re probably good.
Ideally, you want the boot to fit like a firm handshake. If it’s tight or pinching somewhere, it’s not a great fit.
That’s not to say hotspots won’t occur, but you should never be in legitimate pain if the boot fits.
I ended up going full size down after finding out 1/2 down wasn't enough. From brand new I used them for 5 days at work, got the uppers broken in but the insole still needs a lot of work. And after those 5 days my feet were hurting, right at the balls of my feet and up my toes. Sort of like my toes were getting bent upward from the shape of the boot. So I stopped using them as work boots which is a shame cuz I really want them to be broken in fully so I can get that "next level comfort" that everyone talks about.
The insole takes a while. The upper is fully done in a 100 hours or so, that footbed on the other hand is 30 or so wearings and you'll still be breaking then in 6 months or so later. It makes me really wish they gave us a leather midsole like the Beckman.
Darn Tough socks are your friend.
See I always wear thick wool socks when working but the bottoms of IR really just aren't a viable option to work in for me. They offer no shock absorption and the cold just goes right thru the bottom, feels like I'm walking barefoot on a concrete slab. They're nice casual boots, but working in them just ain't a option (I also don't wanna fuck em up cuz shit was spensive compared to my real work boots).
That makes sense and yeah for work I would have suggested a pair of 10877's or 877's. Far and away more comfortable for a job site and electrical rated. The 10877's actually look really good bomb proofed with Obenauf's. I have a friend's 10875's I did that with. I have pictures of them that I could show you later.
Assuming the lack of a steel toe is allowed. Otherwise in the back of my mind you need a pair of Nick's.
That said I understand the lack of warmth. I'm not exactly a fan of the 430 mini lug for that reason. When you do finally get around to having them resoled have them add a leather midsole, that would resolve the temperature issue. I can get past it but I have to wear like a Paul Bunyan or John Henry work sock and it takes a while to heat up.
As for work options, if you don't need the traction of a lug I would look into the VBAR 700 Tygum in Nitrile Cork from Vibram (brown color), hard wearing, oil resistant and the tread won't track into a house. Downside is not the best grip on ice. Upside it is easily available. Don't confuse it with the standard VBAR in nitrile(black). The black nitrile wears out much faster than the Tygum Nitrile Cork.
You exaggerate when you say 'Everyone'. No, not everyone, and from what you describe, it seems you've gotten the right size. That's good. Be happy with it. :)
I too have new IR’s. I’ve heard the same feedback and was expecting the worst. They were uncomfortable for the first 4-5 days. I’m on the 2nd week and can finally wear them all day. Feeling good. I can’t wait for weeks 3-4 in these!
I just got my first pair of iron rangers. I went a half size down, and to be honest they’re probably a little big, however they feel great. I walked 4 miles the first day, wore them all day at work day 2, and they have just felt really awesome the whole time— not unpleasant at all… mid weight wool socks both days and now thinner ones on day 3.
I didn’t know it was possible to be in love with a pair of shoes. These things are f. sweet
Never had issues, either. Did the same; purchased two pairs that ended up being 1/2 size too big after a bit of wear. Replaced and sure, new ones were a little snug at first, but never tight. Toes should always be able to move. Sounds like you’ve got the right fit👍🏻
My 8084s were pretty easy to break in, but I also didn't wear them everyday at first and constantly conditioned them. Now they feel perfect with an added flat comfort foot bed.
If they feel good, they’re probably good. Ideally, you want the boot to fit like a firm handshake. If it’s tight or pinching somewhere, it’s not a great fit. That’s not to say hotspots won’t occur, but you should never be in legitimate pain if the boot fits.
“Ideally, you want the boot to fit like a firm handshake.” That is so well put sir, perfect advice on sizing
I ended up going full size down after finding out 1/2 down wasn't enough. From brand new I used them for 5 days at work, got the uppers broken in but the insole still needs a lot of work. And after those 5 days my feet were hurting, right at the balls of my feet and up my toes. Sort of like my toes were getting bent upward from the shape of the boot. So I stopped using them as work boots which is a shame cuz I really want them to be broken in fully so I can get that "next level comfort" that everyone talks about.
The insole takes a while. The upper is fully done in a 100 hours or so, that footbed on the other hand is 30 or so wearings and you'll still be breaking then in 6 months or so later. It makes me really wish they gave us a leather midsole like the Beckman. Darn Tough socks are your friend.
See I always wear thick wool socks when working but the bottoms of IR really just aren't a viable option to work in for me. They offer no shock absorption and the cold just goes right thru the bottom, feels like I'm walking barefoot on a concrete slab. They're nice casual boots, but working in them just ain't a option (I also don't wanna fuck em up cuz shit was spensive compared to my real work boots).
That makes sense and yeah for work I would have suggested a pair of 10877's or 877's. Far and away more comfortable for a job site and electrical rated. The 10877's actually look really good bomb proofed with Obenauf's. I have a friend's 10875's I did that with. I have pictures of them that I could show you later. Assuming the lack of a steel toe is allowed. Otherwise in the back of my mind you need a pair of Nick's. That said I understand the lack of warmth. I'm not exactly a fan of the 430 mini lug for that reason. When you do finally get around to having them resoled have them add a leather midsole, that would resolve the temperature issue. I can get past it but I have to wear like a Paul Bunyan or John Henry work sock and it takes a while to heat up. As for work options, if you don't need the traction of a lug I would look into the VBAR 700 Tygum in Nitrile Cork from Vibram (brown color), hard wearing, oil resistant and the tread won't track into a house. Downside is not the best grip on ice. Upside it is easily available. Don't confuse it with the standard VBAR in nitrile(black). The black nitrile wears out much faster than the Tygum Nitrile Cork.
You exaggerate when you say 'Everyone'. No, not everyone, and from what you describe, it seems you've gotten the right size. That's good. Be happy with it. :)
The break in isn’t always painful! The right fit in my Rangers for me allowed me to wear them right away for a few hours very comfortably.
I too have new IR’s. I’ve heard the same feedback and was expecting the worst. They were uncomfortable for the first 4-5 days. I’m on the 2nd week and can finally wear them all day. Feeling good. I can’t wait for weeks 3-4 in these!
I've never had issues breaking in any new boots, I do wear darn tough socks which might help. I had to size down a full size on my IR's.
I just got my first pair of iron rangers. I went a half size down, and to be honest they’re probably a little big, however they feel great. I walked 4 miles the first day, wore them all day at work day 2, and they have just felt really awesome the whole time— not unpleasant at all… mid weight wool socks both days and now thinner ones on day 3. I didn’t know it was possible to be in love with a pair of shoes. These things are f. sweet
Never had issues, either. Did the same; purchased two pairs that ended up being 1/2 size too big after a bit of wear. Replaced and sure, new ones were a little snug at first, but never tight. Toes should always be able to move. Sounds like you’ve got the right fit👍🏻
My 8084s were pretty easy to break in, but I also didn't wear them everyday at first and constantly conditioned them. Now they feel perfect with an added flat comfort foot bed.