It's winter boot time

[china]

My US made 15-y/o Timberlands were the business - lasted and lasted.

I think the reason (apart from a decent sole material) was that they were leather lined. Decent shoes are all leather lined and cheap & nasty ones aren't. Modern Timbys are fabric lined - part of the reason they are not what they were.

Can anyone advise whether Red Wings (875s) are leather lined? I can't find a listing that states what they're lined with.

I think leather lining is more about what kind of style you are after. The finer boots I have (brogue, chelsea etc) come with leather lining. Red Wings however are (or used to be) work boots and come with very thick leather and no lining. This is not about quality, it's about the style (and to some extent purpose) of the shoes.

Red Wings are an acquired taste, the looks are very distinct and the thick leather requires a breaking in period which some find more painful than other. Once you've broken them in they are super comfortable and will last almost forever. There is no inner lining that needs replacing... ;)

[melhick]

I think leather lining is more about what kind of style you are after. The finer boots I have (brogue, chelsea etc) come with leather lining. Red Wings however are (or used to be) work boots and come with very thick leather and no lining. This is not about quality, it's about the style (and to some extent purpose) of the shoes.

Red Wings are an acquired taste, the looks are very distinct and the thick leather requires a breaking in period which some find more painful than other. Once you've broken them in they are super comfortable and will last almost forever. There is no inner lining that needs replacing... ;)

The Red Wing Irish Setter are lined and waterproof, actually work out a lot cheaper than the 6" moc toe. Also super comfy straight from the box. They are however not made in the US.

[Alex L]

Earthkeepers had their first outing today, don't seem to require any breaking in and were soft straight out of the box.