This pair of Red Wing "Moc Toe" 875 Boots was worn by our Melbourne Store Manager -- Ray, who shares here:
"This was my first pair of real boots—and my first pair of Red Wings. Before my 875, I was purely a sneaker guy. I loved bold colors and design, and I never really thought about the idea of LIFETIME boots. After 13 years with this pair of Red Wing 875s, I’ve learned to appreciate time, craftsmanship, and what real boot construction truly means."
"When it comes to boots, the first thing I truly care about is the leather itself. This pair of Red Wing 875 is made from genuine cowhide—unlike most sneakers, which are typically constructed from PU leather, usually polyester or blended with leather waste. Real leather ages beautifully over time, developing character with every wear, and with proper care, it can easily last for generations."
"My Red Wing 875 are an older version, marked with the iconic 'Flying Wing' iron stamp on the side. Thirteen years ago, I never imagined they would become a legendary deadstock model. Today, they’re far more valuable than I ever expected."
"The cowhide was extremely stiff at first—it took about two weeks (four wears) just to break them in. But after 13 years, the boots feel like a second skin. I love how the toe has slowly lifted over time, shaped entirely by the way I walk every day. These boots don’t just age—they record movement, habits, and life."
"After 13 years of wear, the original nylon laces were worn out long ago, so I replaced them with Red Wing’s leather laces. In my opinion, it made this pair of 875 look even better. I call it 'The Enhancement' — lol."
"After 13 years of wear, I’ve already replaced the outsole once—and I’m pretty sure a second replacement is coming soon. That’s exactly what I appreciate about replaceable outsoles. They’re the reason Red Wing boots can truly last a lifetime. When the sole wears out, you simply replace it, not the boots."
"The left pair is brand new. The right pair is my 13-year-old, well-worn one. So here’s the question: which do you prefer?
Everyone will have their own reason.
My answer? -- The Aged One."