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Range Rover Miles to go? Invest in a handsome pair
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/ by Andrew Huang
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n an age of Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and constant online promotions, it seems blasphemous to spend $300 on anything. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. What is that exactly? With these Red Wing Iron Rangers, you get attention to detail, high-quality materials, and an impeccable Made in the USA pedigree. These heritageinspired boots are modeled after the ones worn by iron miners in northern Minnesota, and while they won’t beat out steel-toe boots in construction zones, they’re plenty tough enough for just about anywhere else. (1) FULL-GRAIN LEATHER Full-grain leather has not been treated or distressed. The leather grain remains intact, which helps maintain the inherent durability and strength of the hide. When properly cared for, these thick uppers age beautifully and develop a patina that reflects their owner’s adventures. ( 2 ) GOODYEAR WELT There’s no point in having uppers that last forever if the soles can’t hold up. To cut costs, some shoe manufacturers attach the uppers and soles with glue. Unfortunately, that means those soles can’t be replaced when they wear out. Not so in this case. The nitrile cork soles are Goodyear-welted to the uppers. Replacing worn-out soles is simply a matter of finding a skilled cobbler.
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(3) TRIPLE STITCHING A stitch in time may save nine, but three stitches—that’s a recipe for indestructability. Every stitch is sewn over itself twice more, meaning three lines of thread stitched in the same place. Redundant, but durable.
Make no mistake, these boots are an investment. Make sure you brush dirt and dust off the uppers and apply leather conditioner on a regular basis to prevent the hide from drying out. Treat them well and they’ll return the favor. The potential lifetime of these boots is measured in decades, not just months or years.
50 TOWN / towncarolina.com
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STEEL AWAY Iron Rangers in Amber Harness, $300, by Red Wing Shoes. From Old North Clothing, 82 N Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC. (828) 505-6495, oldnorthclothing.com
Photog r aph by Paul Meha f fey
INVESTMENT GRADE