Introduction
Red Wing Roughneck looking good - 14 years old / Credit kaytomas.com
These boots were made in May 2013.
I bought them used in October 2020.
And in 2026, I’m still wearing them like they were fresh out the box, even though my pair is soon 14 years old!
I’m writing this review for anyone considering the Red Wing Roughneck. By sharing my own experience, I hope it gives you a more solid foundation for your buying decision.
My history with the Roughnecks started in 2020, and this article is a continuation of a thread I posted on Reddit (even with images on Imgur) five years ago.
The seed was planted back then, and now… the tree has grown.
This is how they looked 5 years ago
You can see the original Imgur album here.
I’ve always been a fan of good-quality products, and this very pair of Roughnecks was my introduction to high-quality, Goodyear welted, handmade boots.
My boot background
Even while working an office job in IT, I managed to wear out several pairs of regular Chelsea boots and chukkas over the years. The most common issue was the sole separating from the leather.
It made me realize I needed something with… better quality.
Initially, I wasn’t set on the Roughneck; I just knew I wanted a pair of Goodyear welt’ed boots (meaning the sole is sewn, nailed, and glued to the boot). Red Wing was appealing with their made-in-America, handmade branding.
Back in 2020, I also considered a pair of traditional Moc Toes. I actually thought I bought Moc Toes, but since I was new to the Red Wing line, I realized after the fact that I had actually gotten the Roughnecks, not the Moc Toes.
They look similar, but the big difference is the sole. The Roughneck has a much heftier sole, a black Vibram lug sole, known for its deep grooves and solid grip on mud, snow, and uneven terrain. A lucky strike for me, since I live in Norway where we actually have deep snow and ice during the winter months (from October to March).
The Moc Toe, on the other hand, uses the white, soft Traction Tred sole, known for it’s comfort and fast wear time.
Buying used (Secondhand)
Since I’m frugal by nature, and was unsure about the rather high upfront investment Red Wing demands, I started looking at the secondhand market.
Luckily, in Norway we have Finn.no, a national marketplace that’s widely used and trusted by people looking to buy or sell all kinds of things.
In my experience, there are always several Red Wing boots for sale on Finn.no’s, priced reasonably.
Personally, I have no issues buying boots secondhand, but I understand that this might not be for everyone.
This review’s argument stands, however, whether new or used.
If you’re considering buying used, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Sizing: measure twice, buy once. Ideally, try a pair before buying.
- Secondhand risk: the boot may have shaped to someone else’s foot, making it uncomfortable for you.
- Overall condition: make sure the boot is in a condition you can live with.
- History: find out if cedar shoe trees or conditioner were used — those things can affect long-term shape and wear.
I had read several sizing discussions, and the general rule is to size down one full size for Red Wings.
In 2020, I hadn’t ever tried a pair or Red Wings, but I gambled on 41.5 being perfect based on the measured length of my foot with regular socks. (Five years and several Red Wing pairs later, I was pretty spot on.)
Then one lucky day I saw the Roughnecks on the used marketplace, and hesitantly took the plunge. I paid around 1100 NOK (ca. €100 / $95) for them.
They were secondhand, lightly used, in good condition, and in my size.
First time usage and break-in
Even though it was five years ago, I still remember how they felt the first few times I wore them.
They felt bulky.
They felt heavy.
They felt uncomfortable.
Coming from sneakers or Chelseas for work, I felt like my feet were too heavy. Like I had to walk differently somehow. I felt clumsy. I felt like I was wearing boots that were too big.
When driving, I had trouble hitting the pedals correctly. I remember hitting the side of the brake pedal while trying to accelerate in the Leaf we had at the time (sounds safe, doesn’t it?).
But like fine wine, they got better with time.
What model is this?
To be honest, even with above-average interest in boots, the Red Wing naming scheme is confusing. Limited releases, region-specific models — it’s hard to navigate.
My pair is the Red Wing Roughneck 8147, a 6-inch moc toe in Oro-iginal leather. It uses a Vibram lug outsole and Goodyear welt construction.
Five years later: Comfort and winter performance
The Red Wing Roughnecks are my most worn shoes of all time, both in total number of steps and total time on foot.
I really like them during winter / Credit kaytomas.com
Why? Because they are my main winter boot, and have been since I got them. I use them as my de facto winter boots. During the current winter (which, honestly, is going to last until mid-April here in Northern Norway), I genuinely thought about how much I appreciated this pair — more than once.
The Vibram lug sole — the very thing that made me hesitant about the Roughnecks — is now the best thing about them.
Red Wing Roughneck works on winter-y surfaces / Credit kaytomas.com
The sole makes the Roughnecks perfectly capable of handling the harsh Nordic winter. And do note: I live far north. We have snow five months a year.
During extreme cold, the Vibram sole does get stiff, and a rock-hard rubber sole will slip on ice or compacted snow. On a thin layer of fresh snow, though, you’ve got good grip.
During spring, summer, and autumn, I wear them for easy hikes and when I need basic protection from the elements — typically on gravel or muddy paths. Think less-intensive hikes with family.
Today, they’re damn comfortable. They no longer feel bulky, heavy, or uncomfortable. I hit the right car pedals all the time, every time. They feel like an extension of me.
They’re now as comfortable as any winter boot I can imagine.
Red Wing Ice Cutter vs Roughnecks
Compared to the Red Wing Ice Cutter, the Roughneck isn’t insulated — but grip-wise, they’re the same, using the same Vibram lug sole.
You can also wear them to muddy festivals or anytime you know you’ll get a little dirty. Dirrrrty. Or when you just need a boot that will take care of your feet, no matter the condition.
I wouldn’t wear them hunting, walking in marshes, or in very wet environments. I have tried, but these full-leather boots get wet in the Norwegian marches. For hunting or pure nature walks, I’d look at something more specialized.
My pair is holding up well, don’t you think? / Credit kaytomas.com
Attire: What do the Roughnecks work with?
What you wear with them totally depends on your taste and style, naturally. There are no rules — and if there were, you’d break them anyway, right? You rebel, you! I applaud your rebelness, and honestly find that attractive.
All I can do is say how I wear them and what works for me.
They work very well with jeans — both standard and slim fit. I prefer to let the jeans fall naturally over the boot rather than tucking them in.
Baggy jeans, today’s fashion, would probably hide the upper part of the boot. If that’s your thing, go for it.
They also work well with chinos, and my brown pair matches nicely with darker tones like green, blue, and black.
Cargo pants are a great fit too, and it makes you look like a total badass.
They’re too rugged for formalwear, in my opinion. I could wear them with a blazer, shirt, and jeans — but not with proper dress pants.
They look good enough to pass as “professional” at work, but still casual enough to pair with a hoodie, T-shirt, or plaid shirt. Well, that depends on how you take care of them.
Care and maintenance
Just writing the words “care and maintenance” makes me cringe. Is this relevant for anyone? I don’t know.
We’re all different. Different lives, different jobs, different boots.
But here’s the thing: how often you maintain them depends on how you use them and what look you are after. And whether you care enough to bother.
Leather should be conditioned with balm now and then to give it some much-needed moisture. Balm also helps make the leather more water-resistant (yes, “impregnate”).
A natural balm also helps reduce dry scuff marks — that goes for all leather goods.
Whether or not you deep-clean the boots before applying balm is up to you. If you don’t, you might seal in stains and dirt.
Same goes for colored maintenance products, like mink oil that some people use on their boots. You can use that, but be aware it will darken your boots. A good general rule is to test the product on a small, hidden area of the boot before covering the whole thing with an unknown grease that might discolor your well-earned boot.
My pair is not taken care of / Credit kaytomas.com
My Roughnecks have been my go-to “put on and don’t care” boot — and it shows.
I’ve given them very little love, but I still think they look awesome.
During my ownership, I’ve never used cedar shoe trees on this pair, not even out of season. I just stored them in the closet during summer with a light coat of balm before putting them away.
I’ve always had a thing for high-quality gear. From my time in the army, I know that leather boots can last a lifetime when cared for. Black leather can bounce back from a lot of abuse with the right treatment.
As I noted in my Red Wing Iron Ranger review, I also love how boots mold to your feet over time. I genuinely see it as a relationship — you put in the effort, and the boots return the favor.
I believe when you take care of something, with your energy and intention, it transfers into it. That’s true for gear too.
When to Resole?
To be honest, I should have probably resoled my pair by now. The local zapatero (that’s Spanish for a shoe-maker) tells me that the rubber in the Vibram soles only lasts for 4-5 years, while mine are 14. However, his livelihood is selling and maintaining shoes.
The Vibram soles of mine show little to no wear. They are thick, and it would take me millions of steps in them to further wear them down.
The other issue is the cost of a resole; It costs double what these shoes cost me five years ago.
Money is another thing that differs from person to person. I have no issues going another season on these with their current sole.
Who should buy them?
If you’re reading this because you’re researching the Roughneck, you have my word: they’re a solid, tough pair of boots.
I get that we all live different lives, but for harsh winter use they’re fantastic. They are also my defaults for rough conditions during the spring and autumn, but not in pure marsh walking or hunting.
This past winter, they were the only pair I wore, only switching to my RM Williams Craftsman chelseas when the asphalt was bare.
They will struggle on pure ice or very hard-packed snow. You know, the way snow gets when cars have packed it hard together. Depending on the surface, the Vibram sole gets too stiff when we are approaching -15°C. And please note, this is a very small issue, I still wear mine all winter here in Northern Norway where the coldest days reach sub -18 °C temperatures (0°F).
Even though I live here above the Arctic Circle, I’m not out walking on glaciers or hunting polar bears, at least not daily. I just walk back and forth to my car, around town, and in my office.
But I genuinely believe people living in cold conditions anywhere in the world would be happy with these — even using just one wool insole and regular socks.
Whatever you end up doing — I’m glad you read to the end. Good luck with your purchase.
My pair is not taken care of / Credit kaytomas.com
Concusion
After five years of ownership, and fourteen years since these boots were made, the Red Wing Roughneck 8147 remains my go-to winter boot.
What started as a secondhand gamble turned into a deep fascination for high-quality footwear. Hundreds of thousands of steps in these shoes. Five Norwegian winters.
The Vibram lug sole that initially made me feel clumsy is now the feature I appreciate the most
Could I have bought cheaper boots? Absolutely.
Would they have lasted this long? Not a chance.
The Goodyear welt means I can resole these when the time comes, and honestly, I’m not even considering it at this point.
Some gear you use. Some gear you wear out. And some gear becomes your new hobby.
The Roughnecks fall into that last category. They’ve earned their place on my feet, and they’ll be there for winters to come.
Disclaimer
I bought my Roughnecks secondhand in Norway with my own hard earned money. No sponsorships, no affiliate links, and no free boots. Just a looooong time, honest ownership review.
