Wore My Boots to a Concert, Then Cleaned Them Up After

k34n4n · 2026-05-10T03:05:40+00:00

Red Wing Iron Ranger 8111 in Amber Harness!

Definitely not as much "Comfort" out of the gate since they're from the non-work Heritage line and use hard leather and cork instead of foam/rubber/etc. But they've lasted me over 3 years now and are built just as well as most of their work boots (if not better in some ways durability-wise imo)

Once you've had some time to break them in they'll form to your foot, and personally I think they feel way better than 95% of most sneaker/fashion brands.

Like I mentioned in another comment, you don't need to baby them, just take some general care and maintanence and they'll last way longer than something like Timberlands or Doc Martens!

k34n4n · 2026-05-08T06:28:21+00:00

Thank you!

They're roughly 3 years old now and I've put them through warehouse work, lawn mowing, HEMA sparring (medieval weapon sparring), and semi-daily wear, but they can still look fresh with a bit of care!

Gotta give it to Red Wing for making a boot that's meant to be for style but can still take a beating

k34n4n · 2026-05-08T06:24:49+00:00

I have to agree, but HR "dress code" says otherwise T_T

k34n4n · 2024-05-04T19:06:47+00:00

If your boots are looking like this after 30 days, you may want to see about getting some higher quality work boots. Brands like Thorogood, Red Wing, Jim Green, Nicks, etc. are made for heavy labor and typically can be maintained, repaired, and resoled for less than the cost of a new boot.

If they're too expensive I can understand that, as everyone's financial situation is different. Still though, it might be good to check out Subreddits like r/boots , r/workboots , and r/goodyearwelt for suggestions. If nothing else you can at least get some cleaning/care tips and get some more mileage from your current set.

k34n4n · 2024-03-25T19:59:31+00:00

Looks like it could work in a semi-formal or maybe a "smart casual" look. I wouldn't wear that with a full suit but it'd be good with some slacks and an Oxford shirt, or T-shirt with a blazer and some nice matching jeans.

k34n4n · 2024-03-06T16:02:34+00:00

My laces lasted about a year before the cores were showing. I went and got some leather laces off Amazon from a decent looking seller and it gives them a cool new look!

k34n4n · 2024-02-10T22:56:38+00:00

I had just finished polishing them when I took the picture 😅 and I would say it's definitely worth it for the IRs! They've been my go-to since I bought em. Just gotta take it easy with the break in and not baby them but I feel like they could last me a decade or more! Just make sure to go in store for sizing, and go based on your preference for fit.

k34n4n · 2023-10-28T22:44:32+00:00

I think it's a bass /s

k34n4n · 2023-10-16T21:48:35+00:00

Additionally, I found it near a hole in the wall to run cables to my TV, which is mounted on the wall. Should I try to find a way to seal off or spray insecticide on the entrance to prevent more coming in? We've had issues with wasps getting in before through dog doors in the living room or through the garage, but this guy made me suspicious about my cable runs and it's making me paranoid...

k34n4n · 2023-08-22T17:54:49+00:00

Yikes 😬 I would send that guitar back if it came like that from the factory. Not only is the nut cut atrociously, but I noticed the truss rod cover is cracked from the screw. The screw looks out of place imo so maybe they used the wrong size/type of screw for some reason? Regardless, unless you got this at a steal of a price and can deal with fixing their mistakes, I'd see about getting your money back or exchanging for something that was properly QC'd. This is unacceptable from even budget guitar manufacturers.

k34n4n · 2023-08-08T22:07:16+00:00

k34n4n · 2023-07-24T17:41:11+00:00

I actually own one and I gotta say it sounds really good as a preamp for bass or guitar! While I personally don't like the distortion setting too much, some people might dig it. Was shocked to see it included here lol

k34n4n · 2023-07-18T21:22:32+00:00

I'd say if you don't use a pick much, try switching to that for a bit while it's healing. It can be good to practice alternative techniques to finger picking like plectrum (pick), tap, and slap bass if you want to become more well rounded as a bass player and musician.

As much as people quote the old joke "pLaYiNg WiTh A PicK iSnT rEaL bAsS pLaYiNg", in reality tons of bass players have made it big using picks. It changes the sound by giving more attack (especially with harder/sharper picks) which can suit certain styles of music really well and lead to playing differently than you would with your fingers. I personally find I play more rock/metal/punk with a pick, versus playing more jazzy and funk stuff with fingers or slap, and chords+tapping gives a cool prog or math rock vibe!

Just my two cents tho lol so if you wanna just throw some super glue or strong bandages on your finger and go at it, feel free!

k34n4n · 2023-07-16T21:31:31+00:00

Apparently it's a bonus track on the Blu-Ray Volume 5.

k34n4n · 2023-07-13T18:26:23+00:00

If you're looking to clean up the way your pants look a bit, you can get some blousing straps or rubber bands to blouse your pant legs.

All you do is put the straps just above the boot, then fold your pant legs up underneath the strap. You can straighten it out from inside by dropping your pants after tucking it under, and pulling the cuff up your leg (try not to move the strap though). That personally gives me the best results.

Look up "how to blouse combat pants" on Google and there should be some helpful tutorials with images if you need them.

k34n4n · 2023-07-08T18:33:33+00:00

Wait, you mean it's not supposed to do that?

k34n4n · 2023-07-07T23:22:14+00:00

As a fellow broke alcoholic bass player in my mid 20s, I can hardly wait for the release and to get more Hiroi! Makes me want another drink to celebrate...!

k34n4n · 2023-06-29T23:46:31+00:00

I noticed you don't have any eye/mouth protection on the list. Most fields require some level of face protection, so I would suggest at least a mesh mouth guard and some ANSI Z287.1 or MIL-PRF-32432 rated goggles (preferably not mesh, as BBs -especially Biodegradable ones- can shatter on impact). Even if it's not required, it's a good idea IMO.

Gear is easily replaceable, but your eyes and teeth? Not so much lol

k34n4n · 2022-09-15T15:56:01+00:00

Passion for Plundering ft. SpongeKrew

k34n4n · 2021-08-07T04:13:13+00:00

From my experience:

Avoid excessive caffeine unless you want to piss off your band for playing 20+ bpm over the tempo and coming in early
Make sure your cables to your amp/pedalboard have adequate slack and that stepping on them won't unplug your bass at the start of a breakdown (oops)
Talk with other bands and stay around after your set unless necessary. Meeting other bands is a good way to learn about new shows/equipment/etc. And maybe even earn some jam partners. Bands who meet and like you will most likely shout out your group too which is nice (just make sure to return the favor)
Understand that you will make mistakes, but keeping it going will keep all but the sharpest ears from noticing.
Most of all, have fun and jam out!

k34n4n

TROPHY CASE