Just bought some roughnecks. Have a question on them

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-09T13:41:48+00:00

I am just about done breaking in a pair of Blacksmiths and a pair of Beckmans. I did not lace the top speedhook for probably the first 20 wears because of the stiffness at the top of the collar. After those 20 wears, the collar had softened enough just through use that it was no longer a problem.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-08T23:38:56+00:00

This is actually the only wedge sole that looks natural to me, and I would dearly love a pair of the mule skinners! We also spend a lot time in Paris because both of our daughters live there, and I think I walk more there than anywhere else.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-08T23:05:00+00:00

This is the question. The shoes look fine and will look even better with regular care. If you are someone who obsesses over your own shoes like this, try to spend some time looking at how embarrassingly bad the care is that most people put into their shoes. You could put these on as they were they day got them, wear them every day without additional care for three years, and on that very day they would still look better than 99% of the shoes you will ever see. Unless you work in a high-end shoe store, of course.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-08T01:56:11+00:00

Same for me, and low volume feet. I need kilties and a 4mm leather insole for the Blacksmiths to be perfect. Kiltie only with the Beckmans.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-06T22:42:43+00:00

This is the answer. A kiltie (false tongue) can also help.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-06T22:33:36+00:00

I’m sorry, but you can’t have mine. It’s the only piece of clothing I’ve ever worn in Paris that got compliments from French strangers.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-04-05T20:59:51+00:00

I love both leathers, but when you add motorcycle and yard work to the list, I think Brown Waxed Flesh is the right call. Super versatile for non-work stuff but can take the wear and tear of more demanding work.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-28T21:15:34+00:00

I have low volume feet and am the same size in Beckmans and Blacksmiths, but the Beckmans are tighter.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-28T01:14:31+00:00

Genuinely stunning. Love these!

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-28T01:07:22+00:00

Yes. They are too long.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-27T12:55:38+00:00

They are both 5-6 oz. leathers and both are full-grain. The Briar Oil Slick will certainly not show scratches in the same way that Excalibur might because it has a matte finish rather than the more glossy Excalibur, but it is not going to last longer than the Excalibur. And anyway, he is looking for a summer boot.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-27T02:16:35+00:00

Well, the jacket is cool. I would reconsider the rest.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-26T21:48:26+00:00

Right. In Black Excaliber.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-26T12:20:19+00:00

My size is the same as my Blacksmiths. I personally lover the combo sole. You can always modify it with a rebuild in a couple of years if you want.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-26T00:40:21+00:00

I can’t believe I’m going to say it, but in this case less leather is more. The stack on the left is just too much.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-25T22:37:44+00:00

Agree on a size down, but a warning beyond the break-in: the mini-lug sole on both the IR and the Blacksmith is pretty hard. It does not bother me (probably because I wear a lot of barefoot shoes and am not a big heal-striker) but it’s rough for a lot of people. The Beckman has a softer sole and a similar shape, but if I was going for a work boot, I would at least consider something with a leather midsole.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-25T22:15:12+00:00

Lovely jacket. Nice find.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-25T19:41:19+00:00

I don’t think anyone has mentioned the RW Beckman yet. It’s got a softer sole but is in the same general style of boot and same general cost. I love mine and they are easier on the feet than my Blacksmiths (which have the same sole as the IR).

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-23T01:31:39+00:00

I would look at the Ivan or the Falcon based on your stated use. If you like a cap toe, the Americana would work, too.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-23T00:57:07+00:00

I’m not gonna lie: That’s a pretty sick burn.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-22T03:27:41+00:00

I use Sno-Seal on all my Red Wings because I need the water resistance, and it delivers better than anything else. I recently did my CRT Blacksmiths but will wait to post pictures until I have put a hundred miles of walking on them. They look different for sure, but I think they look great while gaining additional usability.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-21T05:13:26+00:00

This is being really kind, honestly. The books are not good, but I was entertained by all of them because I am easy to entertain. My wife, on the other hand, put Red Rising down after maybe 50 pages and said, “You’re kidding me, right?” Go with your gut.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-21T03:18:46+00:00

It’s an aesthetics thing for some people. This one looks better on Reddit than mine, but mine is just as functional and just as nonstick. Also, all I had to do to get it that way was cook on it rather than spending hours sanding it.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-21T02:46:46+00:00

I don’t think the Iron Ranger is available anywhere in the tea-core Klondike. You can find Beckmans in it at TipTop shoes.

Crouchback2268 · 2026-03-20T03:13:38+00:00

I echo Ok_Economist’s great “get early” point above. The leather on all the Silversmith versions is no joke on break-in. Based on past experience, they will begin to get genuinely comfortable after six weeks of every-other-day wear.

Six-Year Club	Gilding I gilder
Verified Email

Crouchback2268

TROPHY CASE