Red Wing and Timberland are both iconic and famous brands in the footwear industry. While Red Wing is skilled in making different types of work boots, Timberland focuses on everyday boots more. However, they too manufacture some high-end work boots that can give even Red Wing work boots a tough completion regarding safety features, comfort, longevity, and style.
Thus, one question almost every worker asks, “Red Wing Vs Timberland work boots, which one should I choose?”
Although work boot selection depends largely on your workplace demand, you can look at the working boots’ protection, safety requirements, comfort, durability, and price. So, we will compare Timberland vs. Red Wing boots to help you finalize the decision for a better, safer, and comfier working experience in all conditions.
Where Are Red Wing Work Boots Made?
Red Wing is an American shoemaker, and its plants are located at three different locations in the USA. It includes:
- Red Wing, Minnesota
- Potosi, Missouri
- Danville, Kentucky
The headquarter is in Red Wing, and the company got the name from it. They built their boots entirely in these three plants. So, their work boots are American-made, and even they mostly use American materials.
As Red Wing claims, each of their Red Wing branded shoes is handcrafted and goes through 230 steps for manufacturing each pair. This long yet practical process ensures that the premium material used in the work boots transforms into durable, protective, and high-performing ones.
However, you should know that Red Wing also has several other brands in the market. Their other brands for work boots and everyday shoes include:
- Irish Setter Boots
- Vasque,
- Carhartt
- Worx
Although they have discontinued the Carhartt brand since 2011, the other three brands are still in the market. These boots may come from China and Korea, too, as they have their assembling plants there. However, the Red Wing brand is solely made in American, ensuring the ASMA standards.
Where Are Timberland Work Boots Made?
Unlike Red Wing, Timberland work boots are not entirely made in the USA. While a few models of their work boots and regular shoes are manufactured in the American plants, most of their boots are made outside America.
Like most shoemakers, they outsource their materials from Asia. However, the main work boot plant of Timberland is located in the Dominican Republic. The good thing is, Timberland will clearly tag it in the label which work boot is made in the USA and which one is outsourced from overseas. Also, you can visit their website to know the shoe manufacturing location of their most famous work boot brands. So, there’s no confusion about their boots’ origin.
Difference Between Red Wing Vs Timberland Work Boots
The debate between Timberland vs Red Wing work boots will never end, perhaps. But which shoemaker manufactures the best work boots? Well, it has no definitive answer since their work boot variation includes regular work boots, electrical-hazard safe boots, FR work boots, etc. Thus, it is better to roughly compare their different characteristics such as comfort, durability, weight, pricing, and safety features to find which work boot you should choose.
Country of origin:
As our discussion mentioned above shows, Red Wing work boots are entirely made in America. Even their materials are mostly outsourced within American, mostly from Central America. Thus, you rest assured of American quality here.
However, Timberland makes their work boots both in and outside America. So, you should check their product label or website to find the country of origin for a specific model.
Water-resistance:
Maximum work boot models of Timberland are entirely waterproof. Thus, you can wear Timberland work boots confidently on wet floors, during the rainy season, and even in winter. It is a great bonus if you work in the oil industry, construction sites, or maintenance sectors where getting wet is common. The waterproof work boots will protect your feet and also save you from slippages.
Unfortunately, not all Red Wing work boots are waterproof. Some of their specific work boot models are water-resistant. So, if you want a pair of waterproof work boots, we recommend you to look at the boot specification to find the right choice.
Shoe Sizing:
Whether you need a boot for regular applications or for demanding workplaces, you must not compromise its quality and comfort. And the comfort is directly linked with the shoe sizing of the specific model. Hence, understanding the difference in work boot sizing for Timberland and Red Wing is pretty crucial.
So, here goes the Red Wing vs. Timberland shoe size discussion.
Usually, Timberland work boots aren’t true to size. In fact, they tend to run ½-size larger than the regular boots. Thus, the shoemaker suggests that you should choose ½-size down while buying Timberland work boots. For instance, if your standard footwear size is 10-inches, you should choose 9.5 inches of Timberland Workboots. Nonetheless, the width of the working boots follows the US standard measurement and so, you don’t need to worry about it.
Red Wing work boots sit completely on the other end of the Timberland. It means their work boots run half a size smaller than regular boots. Thus, you need to go a half size up to pick Red Wing’s right work boot size. For instance, if your regular boot size is 9.5, you should pick size 10 for the Red Wings work boots.
So, for a snug and comfy fit, consider the sizing differences between Red Wing and Timberland work boots. If you don’t get a snug fit, all of your investment will result in vein.
Steel toe plate:
Steel toe is a crucial part of any work boot to offer protection from any falling objects. It saves your feet from any sharp objects. Thankfully, Timberland work boots have a strong steel toe cap. So, it safeguards your feet ad toes from many possible injuries in the workplace.
On the contrary, Red Wing uses rugged rubberized material in the toe end instead of the steel toe. You might think that it makes the toe protection of these boots a bit weaker than Timberland. But, it’s not the case. Even the rubberized toe cap of Red Wing work boots offers superior protection from heavier objects. Also, rubber toe caps mean your feet are protected from any possible electrical hazards with better insulation.
Break-in time:
The break-in process of any boot and shoe refers to the softening process of the boot’s interior part. When you first buy any work boot, its interior will feel hard, especially those built with 100% full-grain leather. When the boot interior is hard, you may face blisters and burns around your feet and ankle. It is not wanted at all.
Therefore, the break-in time for the work boot is essential. The faster the work boot breaks in, the better it is for your feet.
In this regard, Timberland is a clear winner. Timberland-made work boots only need a few days to break in completely to offer you premium comfort. On the contrary, multiple work boot reviewers comment that a pair of Red Wing work boots will need up to two months to break in properly. Thus, you must be aware of it.
Since Red Wing boots need a longer time to break-in, we recommend wearing thicker socks with them to avoid blisters and burns. It will ensure a comfy and snug feel.
Material of the boot:
The material used to manufacture any work boot largely controls its comfort, safety, and durability. Both Red Wing and Timberland use premium materials for their shoe manufacturing process. But their boot material is quite different.
While Timberland almost always uses Nubuck leather for the upper part of their work boots, Red Wing combines both leather and rubber materials for their outsole. Next, the difference comes in the midsole design. Red Wing prefers a harder midsole for durability. But, Timberland chooses a bit softer and cushioned midsole. Thus, you will see that Red Wing work boots need an extended break-in time than the Timberland work boots.
Shoe insulation:
Red Wing work boots are void of any insulation inside and around the toe end. Thus, you may not find them suitable in cold conditions. Also, they aren’t ideal for working in places where workers work with electrical equipment.
Timberland work boots, on the contrary, have proper insulation. Therefore, these boots are suitable even during the coldest days. The insulation will protect you from snow and water superbly.
Pricing:
Pricing is another key consideration when it comes to Red Wing vs. Timberland work boots. Usually, Red Wing work boots are a bit pricier than Timberland boots. Timberland work boots are pretty decently priced and are pocket-friendly too. You can get a quality pair of Timberland work boots from $75 to $200 with ease.
But for a good quality Red Wing Workboot, you may need to pay well over $250. Thus, it might not be suitable for beginners and those with a tight budget.
Red Wing Vs. Timberland – Which is Best For Work?
So, here’s the time to give your verdict on the topic. Which is a better work boot between Timberland and Red Wing? Well, we can’t give a conclusive result since the superiority of the work boots depends on various factors.
Nonetheless, Timberland work boots might be a better choice for workers with their water resistance and improved insulation. Also, it has steel toe caps in most of its models, which further ensures your feet and ankle safety from heavier objects. On top of it, Timberland work boots are priced pocket-friendly and suit most workers, especially if you have newly joined the industry.
However, Red Wing doesn’t lag too far either. Their work boots are often made for high-end and demanding applications. Although these boots come a bit pricier, you can depend on their handcrafted and premium manufacturing for longevity and maximum protection.
Conclusion
The discussion on Red Wing vs Timberland work boots is ongoing, and it is hard to declare a clear winner. Nonetheless, during our in-depth research and expert’s discussion, we found that Timberland work boots offer waterproof and insulation protection against water, spillage, and snow. Also, these boots have a steel toe cap for better safety. But Red Wing work boots are no mug also. You can depend on their premium quality and handcrafted design for comfort and safety.
But make sure you pick the right size for both Timberland and Red Wing work boots since both of them aren’t true to size. When you pick the right size of these work boots, you will love the snug feel both the work boot brands will provide to your feet, ankle, and leg.
