Red Wing boots are generally roomy, and that prompts a lot of confusion regarding the right size when shopping. It’s easy to head into a store and pick exactly what you want, but shopping online is a completely different story.
In this article, we’ll discuss the Red Wing Iron Ranger sizing so that you can get the right size boot. Red Wing offers a generic sizing chart for their boots, but what they do recommend is that you visit one of their stores so your feet can be measured properly.
The company has certified specialists at their disposal who will tailor boots to your feet. Their measuring system will help identify your correct foot size, width as well as how much arch support you need. The fit specialist will highlight potential pressure points to ensure a perfect fit.
How Do You Size Red Wing Iron Ranger?
In most cases, Red Wing Iron Ranger boots fit a half-size larger compared to regular sneaker size. That means if you’re usually a size 11 in sneakers, choose a size 10.5 in Red Wing Iron Ranger. For those who have a more narrow foot, a full size smaller would be best, as Red Wings are notoriously roomy in the toes.
Meanwhile, if you have wide feet, still order a half-size smaller, but opt for the Red Wing EE/EEE width. Red Wing boots are a substantial investment and the last thing you want is to drop a serious coin on footwear only to be left with an oversize/undersize clown shoe you need to return later.
Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot Fit Guide
Most Red Wing boots are offered in a D fitting for men and a B fitting for women, while various styles such as the men’s six-inch safety work boot are offered in an EE width, with other widths ranging from A to 3E. The different sizes offered range from a size 5 to a size 11 for women alongside half sizes in several other styles.
For men, Red Wings boots size usually range from a size 7 through to a size 16, subject to the style. However, other styles are offered in half sizes between 6.5 and 11.5.
The Red Wing Iron Ranger in particular is designed on the popular No.8 bump toe last. As such, there’s plenty of room for your toes to spread out, and will often feel like a looser fit as opposed to what you’d normally get.
Based on reviews, you might want to order the Iron Ranger a half size smaller than your regular sneaker size. So if you wear a size 11 US in sneakers, you should order a size 10.5. On that note, due to the bump toe style, if you have a more narrow foot, you can order a size 10 for a secure and snug fit. The extra room in the toe is handy for the narrow-footed fellows.
One unique thing about the Iron Ranger is that it should fit quite snug around the sides of your foot. You’ll realize you’ve got the right size if your heel is secure, and there’s room to wiggle your toes, but with a slight squeeze along the sides of your arch.
The portion of the lather stretches rather quickly, so you’ll break this in a few days. On the flip side, if the boot is not snug in the sides, your foot will slide around causing endless soreness and blisters.
Be sure not to mistake the dreaded break-in period with over-tightness. Iron Rangers can take a few weeks to break in properly, and blisters can develop during that time. We always recommend trying any pair of boots in the store if you can. But since not everyone lives close to a Red Wing store, below we’ve shared the Red Wing Size Chart:
| US | Europe | UK | Japan | CM |
| 6 | 28 | 5 | 24 | 24 |
| 6.5 | 38.8 | 5.5 | 24.5 | 24.5 |
| 7 | 39 | 6 | 25 | 25 |
| 7.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 25.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 41 | 7 | 26 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 41.5 | 7.5 | 26.5 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 42 | 8 | 27 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 42.5 | 8.5 | 27.5 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 43 | 9 | 28 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 44 | 9.5 | 28.8 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 44.5 | 10 | 29 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 45 | 10.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 46 | 11 | 30 | 30 |
| 13 | 47 | 11.5 | 31 | 31 |
| 14 | 48 | 12 | – | 32 |
| 15 | 49 | 12.5 | – | 33 |
Red Wing Iron Ranger boots are also offered in an EE width, which is suitable for someone with wider feet. Note that the same trick applies here: if you have a quite wide foot, an EE width, step-down a half-size.
Still, if you have super wide feet (like you barely fit into Red Wins EEE boots), consider ordering the same as your standard sneaker size. You’ll most likely have a lot of extra room in the toe area, but the overall fit will be agreeable considering how wide your feet are.
Tips for Fitting Red Wing Boots
Red Wing boots are usually offered in two styles: the lace-up and the pull-on. Each style has its fitting challenges and what to look out for.
With the lace-up boots like the Iron Ranger, wear them with the type of socks that you plan to use daily. Trying them with socks that are too thick might end up making the boots fit big. Socks that are too thin might result in a boot that fits too tight when you intend to wear thicker socks, probably for warmth.
There are different ways to lace up Red Wing Iron Ranger boots to enhance the fit. For instance, you can choose to skip eyelets to relieve pressure on the ankles, insteps, or toes.
The Bottom Line
Red Wing Iron Rangers are developed with excellent construction and will last decades with the proper amount of care. If you survive the break-in period, the Iron Ranger will reward you with manly footwear that will stand the test of time. For the budget crowd, you can be sure to have more important things to buy, but if you’re ready to invest $300 in high-quality footwear, then Red Wing Iron Ranger is an excellent play. While we highly recommend trying boots while in the stores, you can simply have your feet measured and use our guide to get the right size.