My Irish Setters (Red Wing) boots were almost 3 years old and looking a little rough and starting to show signs of cracking and separation but I really didn’t want to buy another pair because the soles on all the uninsulated ones that I liked are awful. I bought the Irish Setter 83601 and loved the boot but with the slightest bit of ice or snow they became waxed skis and I actually fell and hurt myself pretty bad the first year I owned them. After just one year the sole was cracked all the way through so I replaced them with a much better sole and they were good for the next two years. However, I paid around $180 for them and they weren’t steel toed mainly because I didn’t want to spend even more to get the 83600 version. Plus the resoling cost me $80 and the replacement soles lasted better than the original.
Of course time will tell but judging by the looks and feel of these boots I think they will last much better and provide not only good grip in the winter but also better wear and all for less than $150! One thing I want to mention is the size. I was a 10D in the Irish Setters so the first pair I ordered was 10D but those were way too tight so I returned them (free of charge thanks to Shoebuy!) and now have the 10.5D and they fit great. I have Timberland oxfords and several other brands of leather shoes all 10D but it seems Carolina fits a little snug, or at least the steel toe did. Before I retired from the military I wore steel toed Belleville and other brands of boots that were all 10D so for me the Carolina’s run a little small.
**Update***
1 year after purchase, boots still fit and look great! The soles are holding up much better than the Irish Setters and are showing little to no wear so far; in fact nothing seems to be wearing on them yet and I wear these boots 4-5 days a week. I have no doubt this will be my new go-to boot going forward. Excellent value and quality all around!
Update year 3
The soles are now worn down pretty bad but the uppers are still great and they are so comfortable I just can't stop wearing them. I did buy a second pair that I wear on icy days and for special events but the original pair is still my everyday boot!
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