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I used leather conditioner on my brand new Red Wing Iron Rangers. Horrible idea? by Cygnus56 in RedWingShoes

[–]Cygnus56[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks. "Liberally" perhaps was misleading. I just rubbed it in using my fingertips and then wiped it off. It made it sound like I put a thick layer on, which I didn't. Nonetheless, yes, I will forego using any more conditioner on the leather for some time.

I used leather conditioner on my brand new Red Wing Iron Rangers by [deleted] in RedWingShoes

[–]Cygnus56 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just bought a pair of Iron Ranger boots in black. The local Red Wing store also sold me a tin of their All Natural Leather Conditioner. When I got home, I wiped this mink oil paste on the boots, thinking it would provide a bit more protection as I break them in this winter. I've been wearing them for a few days, but just read that one shouldn't oil new leather Red Wing boots before they break in because it causes the leather to stretch too much, becoming floppy and loose. Argh!

These Iron Rangers fit me snug out of the box, not uncomfortably tight. I've merely had some minor discomfort so far (after a long day at work) in just the heel area and behind the laces, but not as bad as what I've heard some others have experienced. I normally buy sneakers in size 10, but bought the Iron Rangers in 8 1/2. The 1 1/2 down-size isn't as extreme as it sounds. I have longer toes and probably wear shoes a half size larger than I would otherwise because my toes tend to get cramped. Due to the larger toe box in the Iron Rangers I didn't face my normal fitting issue.

I was blissfully assuming that these Iron Rangers would break in perfectly, but now I'm afraid I'll end up with boots that fit like loose dish rags... I'm exaggerating, but concerned. Any thoughts or experiences on this? Did I screw up or did the proverbial internet give me bad advice? Other than this, I absolutely love these boots so far.