I'll be extra pedantic here and remind everyone that you shouldn't try to polish your Iron Rangers as the oil tanned leather will be exceptionally difficult if not impossible to put a shine on.
Hmm, they don't look like oiled leather to me. I do have bad eyesight. LOL Am I off on this? For instance are the 8114's oiled? They look like they can be spit shined and they also state they're "harness leather" which should take a shine.
I think it is oil tanned leather according to their website. Still look awesome though.
http://www.redwingheritage.com/USD/...6HDnhvrL-n6XCCNpBtxaTxSqMR9tj#productDetails2
^^^^I believe The 8114 are the "Copper" rough and tough leather, listed as an oil-tanned leather on their site
Personally, the IRs are built on a work boot last and look better with the plain-old oiled finish rather than a high-gloss shine. I think, unless you're on a military parade field, the high gloss is best kept to dress shoes.
I think you're confusing the 8116's with the 8114's? The 8116's are the "rough and tough leather" and the 8114's are "harness leather" which looks like it takes a shine with a normal black shoe polish.
Sorry, got the numbered model mixed up with the Brooks Brothers one. Sometimes I hate Red Wing's model numbering system, ha. Either way, the 8114 is oil-tanned.
I'll be extra pedantic here and remind everyone that you shouldn't try to polish your Iron Rangers as the oil tanned leather will be exceptionally difficult if not impossible to put a shine on. Just boot oil/mink oil and a good brushing.
But yeah, I do kinda like the lug sole that BB has on their Red Wings. Sort of takes away the ability to "dress up" the Iron Rangers though, as the stock boot can be worn as kind of a "semi-dress" shoe, to steal the term from White's.
I have these and LOVE them. I picked up a pair of Alden Indies at the beginning of the year and ended up selling them b/c I reached for these more often. I think it's a pull up leather and it has a noticeable "marbling" (think steak) that would keep me from ever trying to polish them.