Why this boot matters
The 875 is the boot that launched the heritage movement in Japan. Introduced in 1952 for hunters, it became a cultural icon when Japanese fashion adopted American workwear in the 1990s. The wedge sole makes it surprisingly comfortable out of the box.
Patina notes
Oro Legacy leather starts light and golden, darkening dramatically with age and oil absorption. Expect the color to shift from butterscotch to deep amber over years of wear.
Break-in reality
Much easier than the Iron Ranger. The wedge sole absorbs shock, and the 23 last is roomier. Most people can wear these comfortably within a week.
Buy if
You want a casual boot that goes with everything from jeans to shorts. You want heritage construction with sneaker-like comfort.
Skip if
You need something dressier. You don't like the chunky wedge sole aesthetic.
Sources
- Red Wing Heritage · Accessed 2026-02-01
Specifications
| Leather | Oro Legacy |
| Sole | Traction Tred wedge |
| Construction | Goodyear welt |
| Made in | USA |
| Last | 23 |
| Height | 6 inches |
| Toe | Moc toe |
About Red Wing
The most accessible entry point to heritage boots. Red Wing built its reputation on work boots for Minnesota's iron miners and has evolved into the ga...
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Red Wing Iron Ranger 8111
The Iron Ranger is the gateway drug to heritage boots. Named for the miners of Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range, the cap toe was designed to protect feet from falling ore. Today it's the boot you see on every style blog, and for good reason—at this price point, nothing else offers resoleability and leather this good.
Red Wing Blacksmith 3345
The Blacksmith is the Iron Ranger's more versatile sibling. Same construction, same quality, but the plain toe works in more contexts. It's slightly dressier without sacrificing any of the heritage appeal.