Customer Reviews Red Wing Heritage Beckman 6" Round Toe

I really really wanted to love these shoes, but I just couldn't. They are clearly beautiful to behold, but really, they aren't comfortable. I have wide feet and tried to kid myself that these would eventually stretch out, but they really didn't. Luckily I bought them directly from a Red Wing store, which has a 30 day unconditional money-back guarantee. Not sure if this applies to purchases on Zappos or not. They have zero arch support (if that matters to you) and really are made for a very narrow foot. Too bad, since they are gorgeous. Oh, also the sole started splitting on mine after barely a week's use. I ended up getting Chippewa GQs in a wide size, and the difference in comfort is like night and day.

I love how fast Zappos was with the delivery of the shoes. When I opened the box and saw the boots, I was very excited with the craftsmanship of the shoes. Overall it looked great. But this is where the positives stopped. When I tried the boots on I knew it was stiff and the leather needed to be broken in. I contemplated for a while if I should keep it or not as the fit was not quite right/comfortable. The next day I tried wearing them again and noticed that I needed foot sole inserts, got them and still they are not comfortable!? I noticed the tongue of the boots where it 'folds' over is rubbing on the top my feet. Tried to make some 'modifications' by cutting the tongue where it attaches, longer and that helped a little. But still not solving the fit issue.... Overall the shoe was tight at some areas on the front of the foot while the heel has no support when walking. The pain is unacceptable for a pair of boots that cost so much.

I had been searching for a very long time for a boot that was rugged and durable, but didn't look like a standard work boot when I stumbled on these. Instantly I fell in love and knew I had found what I was looking for. I went to a Red Wing store to try them on because I had read so many contradictory reviews on the sizing. Let me tell you my experience so you can take it with a grain of salt. On a brannock device (the metal thing you measure your foot with) I am just a bit over an 11. I usually wear an either an 11.5 or an 11 depending on the shoe (Clark's DB I wear an 11, boatshoes, bucks, other dress shoes usually an 11.5) I figured I would try out my normal size and keep going down until the boot felt good. I tried an 11 and that was too big, so I went down to a 10.5. These were tight, but I knew the leather would stretch after wearing them. (Just as an FYI, leather shoes usually stretch width wise, not lengthwise, so if the length is ok and it feels a little tight width wise, that may stretch.) These boots also features a "bellows" tongue meaning the sides of the tongue are also attached to the upper. I noticed the first few times putting the boots on that it was pretty difficult to actually get my foot it. The opening of the boot is pretty tight because of the "bellows" tongue, but it will stretch. One thing that many people complain about is how uncomfortable these boots are. I'm telling you now, that breaking in these boots is a labor of love, and if you make faces while drinking whiskey or don't enjoy reading Hemingway, then you probably should not buy these boots. The first week they will feel very tight and rub a lot. This will result in blisters, sore feet, and other related foot maladies. You just need to keep going through the pain knowing that the end result will be worth it. I have had these boots for 3 months and probably wear them 4 times a week for a 12 hour day, give or take. They have really started to form to my feet, most notably the sole of the shoe has begun contouring to the bottom of my foot. I can actually feel the leather creating it's own arch support for my foot. The construction of these boots is flawless. The first thing you will notice when you pick them up is just how heavy they are. The sole is tough as nails, as is the leather upper. One thing I will say though is I would not wear these boots when it is icey out or below 32 degrees. The traction on them is not the greatest, and I feel that when it is below freezing the leather stiffens up and and they don't feel as good. They come with waxed laces, which the first 20 or 30 times lacing the boots up will hurt your hands, but once the wax settles into the cotton you will appreciate the durability and toughness of the laces. Overall, these are the best boots I have ever owned, and that will probably not change for the rest of my life. Sometimes when I wear them, I look down and think how great they look and fall in love all over. I assume this is what having a girlfriend feels like. They are definitely an investment, and if you are like me and love having a personal connection to your clothing and tools, and love when they can tell your story, then I would pull the trigger and get them. You are not going to find a more sexier, more beautifully crafted and tough boot around.

He loves them. Took a week or two to break them in, but says they are the best fit, most comfortable shoe he's ever had.

Excellent craftsmanship and design. The best boots I have ever owned. Once you break them in (2 weeks) they become a part of you. No arch support but that is not a complaint, just a fact to be aware of. Order 1 size smaller than your usual unless you intend to wear them with very thick socks.

I've been wearing these for a month now. I really love these boots but the break-in period was a little rough. Now that they are broken in they are comfortable and they are probably the toughest boots I have. They're sturdy and look nice. I also have the 6 round toe in copper and a pair of 877s, and the other two pairs of boots are a tad more comfortable (the crepe sole has a lot to do with it), but these Beckman's are definitely the best-constructed of the lot.I love the color as well. I wear orthotics for bad feet and have slightly narrow feet so some folks with wide feet might think these are a tad narrow. Overall, I dig these and since I got them in the mail I've worn them everyday.

I will echo most of the negative comments contained in earlier reviews. These boots are sized very large, the wax laces are a pain, the tongue is sewn in to a height that makes them difficult to get your foot in, no pull tab on the back, arch support is poor. They are very stiff and uncomfortable when new, but break in nicely. Due to the sizing issues, this is not a product to buy on the internet, unless willing to do probable multiple exchanges to find a proper fit. I have owned several pair of Red Wings in the past, so ordered my standard size. These are 1/2 to a full size too large. Even after adding a recommended $40 insole, they still do not fit properly. I find myself avoiding them when it comes time to select shoes for the day. I made a decision to keep them and try to make them work...a bad expensive decision on my part.

Don't listen to posters who say they are comfortable. I've owned Aldens, Wolverines, & many others, but these Beckmans are made to fit poorly - & not just on me. They are a bit narrow and a size long, leading to heel lift and lots of pain. Thick socks or insoles do not work & only increase the pain along the vamp. I'm no wimp & 6 months + 50 urban miles have broken them in but without making them much more wearable or comfortable. They are ill-fitting but look great. Quality leather but like torture.

Great color and craftsmanship. I wear for most all occasions in the winter and get away with it. Not an all day walk around boot. Pretty stiff.

Best boots i’ve owned.

Ground pounding superstars and a nice compliment to Sheldon teaks. 1/2 size down fits perfect, break-in not as tough for me as for others, made in USA is the kicker, and thanks to folks at Redwing.

Great boot. Typically get an 11 so have to get a 10.5. Just a little long and had some heel slippage. Should have listened to the video on sizing. Otherwise looks awesome. Just a little bigger than you think. Great space in the Toe. Good arch support and the lacing is very comfortable on the top of your foot. Great boot just bought a half size too big so definitely recommend a half size down.

Nice boot. 1/2 size too large.

I bought these boots for my husband as a gift and it was the perfect fit. He loved them! Also, liked how fast they were delivered to me. I would definitely purchase a different style of red wing boots and order them from this website. very good service and fast delivery

Nice boot. Look great. Lots of compliments.

Great boots that a more stylish than the iron rangers. The beckmans have all the benefits of the iron ranger, plus a half vibram sole which provides traction in rain and snow. The boots are comfortable but take time for the mold to the shape of your foot.

The Beckmans are truly impressive boots. I purchased the Black Cherry Featherstone colorway and they are beautiful. I strongly recommend sizing them a half size down. I found the Beckmans to be more immediately comfortable than my pair of Iron Rangers.

This is definitely a quality product. The materials and construction are premier. The boots felt sturdy yet comfortable right out of the box. Having said that, there is still a break-in period; probably about a week of constant wear. But this is to expected and it is not a negative, rather typical of high-quality strong boots. I am a type 1 diabetic, which means my feet can be sensitive and require extra vigilant protection. The Beckman boot works perfectly for me. I also own a pair of Alden Indy boots and I think that the Beckman's are in some ways better. They are lighter, sturdier, and require a shorter break-in period! Everyone's feet are different, so not every pair of footwear will work for all. But for most people, I believe these boots will be received with much appreciation. Thank you Red Wing for making a quality product in the good ole' USA! And what can be said about Zappos other than superb on all accounts.

The leather is absolutely top quality, the look is perfect, look great with everything from khakis to jeans. Still in the break in period but I can tell they will last and the comfort of these boots increases every day. Sizing for me was half size smaller. I wear 11.5 in Nike, Clarks. and 11 fits great in the Beckman. You are going to get what you pay for with these, QUALITY. be prepared to break them in thoroughly before you fully enjoy them.

If you plan to wear socks of normal thickness go down half a size. The leather is stiff but not nearly so rough a break in as I was expecting. There is no need for insoles - the leather footed is similar to offerings from Allen Edmonds or Alden. The footbed will mold to your foot with time. The black cherry featherstone color is slightly more red and not as dark as it appears online. They are comfortable (especially following break in), they look fantastic with jeans, these will be my go to casual footwear for fall.

Like others have said, this boot is a classic, well put together piece of footwear. I think most of the confusion around sizing comes from differences in the width of people's feet. I have wider than average feet, and wear a size 11 in vans authentics, 10.5 in chucks, and 10.5 in new balances. I've tried this in a size 10 and they felt good in width but a little long. You don't want this shoe to feel roomy or even comfortable in width when you first get it because the leather is going to stretch. For that reason, I ended up getting a 9.5 and they fit very well now. Tl;dr if you have wide feet, size down 1 full size and wait for the stretch. If you have average or narrow feet, you'll probably be good with sizing half a size down. BTW the cigar featherstone is much lighter in person. Check out the red wing heritage website for more accurate photos.

These boots are amazing. The styling, the classic look, the (mostly) quality construction, the list goes on and on. However, my experience was not as favorable as most. Had my first pair for about 1 month and started to notice the RUBBER lugged sole, began to peel away from the wooden sole. I shouldn't say peeling, but rather small cracks formed between the rubber and wooden layers of the boot. Water started to seep in at one point, even though I was told these were water proof. So I took my pair back to the red wing store and got another pair. Sadly however, the same thing happened to my second pair, I decided to take them back. Fortunately, the red wing dealer was nice enough to cut me a check for the boots. I turned around and bought some work boots from them. I'm going to give the Blacksmith boots a go and see how they hold up. Hopefully the nitrile sole will work better and won't have the chance of "slight cracking" like the Beckmans had. Don't get me wrong, the Beckmans are a fantastic boot, and probably the nicest boot I've owned thus far. I think i just had a bad batch of boots, and got unlucky 3 times in a row.

These are hands down the best boots I've ever owned. Highly recommend. I did order a 1/2 size smaller than my normal based on the other reviews and the fit perfect.

These are well made shoes, no doubt. I have no reservations except about the laces. For some inexplicable reason Redwing includes too short laces (about 46"). There is not enough to tie a knot at the top. Odd, right? I had to go to buy some 54" laces (by Chippewah) which are perfect. Plus, the new laces are round and a matching brown, not the flat black sneaker-style the shoes came with. Still - five stars for the shoes.

These are absolutely great boots! The only problem is that they come with shoelaces that just aren't long enough!