Red Wing Welding Boots Review
Red Wing Shoes has been making work boots in Red Wing, Minnesota since 1905. Among welders, the brand has a devoted following - particularly for the model 2245, a 6-inch steel toe boot that has become one of the most recommended welding boots in trade forums and r/Welding discussions for over a decade.
Are Red Wing Boots Good for Welding?
Yes - for several reasons that matter specifically to welders:
- Full grain leather upper - resists spatter contact far better than synthetic mesh or nylon work boots
- Steel shank - provides arch support for standing on grating and concrete
- No exposed synthetic materials - boot construction avoids synthetic fabrics that melt under weld spatter
- SuperSole® welt construction - resoleable (important for welders who wear boots daily)
- ASTM F2413 safety toe rating - impact and compression protection
Red Wing 2245: Full Specifications
Red Wing SuperSole® 6-Inch Safety Toe Boot - Model 2245
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Safety toe | Steel |
| Upper | Full grain, oiled leather (Amber Portage Leather) |
| Height | 6 inch |
| Construction | SuperSole® Welt |
| Insole | PORON® |
| Shank | Steel |
| Outsole | Diamond Lug SuperSole® |
| ASTM standard | ASTM F2413-24, I/C, EH |
| Electrical hazard | Yes (EH) |
| Resoleable | Yes |
| Made in USA | Yes |
| Weight | 3 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Price | ~$250–300 |
Available at: Red Wing stores and RedWingShoes.com. Not consistently available on Amazon - purchase through authorized Red Wing dealers to ensure proper fit and warranty.
What Makes the 2245 Popular with Welders?
- Oil-tanned full grain leather - natural, dense leather that handles spatter and shop floor abuse; develops patina with use
- Diamond Lug outsole - strong traction on grating, concrete, and steel shop floors
- Resoleable design - a worn-out sole means a trip to the Red Wing store for a resole, not a new boot purchase. Extends service life significantly for daily-wear users
- PORON insole - energy-absorbing foam that holds up to long shifts on hard surfaces
- EH rating - electrical hazard protection relevant for welders working near live circuits
- American manufacture - meaningful to buyers who prioritize domestic production
Are Red Wing Boots Resoleable?
Yes - the 2245 uses SuperSole® welt construction, which is resoleable. Red Wing operates:
- Local Red Wing Shoe stores that handle repairs
- Red Wing Repair Shop (mail-in; complete repair form at RedWingShoes.com)
- Phone: 1-800-733-9464
Resole cost: typically $100–200 depending on sole type and condition of upper. For boots that originally cost $250–300, resoling at $100–150 extends the life of the leather upper (which, when cared for, outlasts multiple soles).
Red Wing 2245 vs. Timberland PRO Boondock
| Feature | Red Wing 2245 | Timberland PRO Boondock |
|---|---|---|
| Upper | Full grain oiled leather | Full grain leather |
| Construction | SuperSole welt | Goodyear welt |
| Resoleable | Yes (Red Wing stores) | Yes |
| Made in USA | Yes | No (imported) |
| Electrical hazard | Yes | Yes |
| Price | ~$260–300 | ~$200–250 |
| Amazon available | Limited | Yes |
For daily welders who resole boots regularly, the Red Wing 2245 is the premium choice. For buyers who want Amazon convenience and lower initial cost, Timberland PRO is a strong alternative.
Where to Buy
- Red Wing stores: Best option for fitting and warranty (find at redwingshoes.com/store-locator)
- RedWingShoes.com: Online direct
- Grainger, safety distributors: Commercial accounts
- Note: Amazon listings for Red Wing 2245 exist but are often third-party sellers; Red Wing recommends authorized dealers for warranty coverage
FAQs
Are Red Wing boots good for welding? Yes - full grain leather, steel toe, steel shank, EH rating, and resoleable welt construction make the 2245 one of the best-suited boots for daily welding work.
What makes the 2245 popular? Oil-tanned full grain leather resists spatter; Diamond Lug outsole handles shop floors; resoleable construction; American manufacture.
Are Red Wing boots resoleable like Timberland PRO? Yes - Red Wing 2245 uses SuperSole® welt construction and can be resoled at Red Wing stores or via mail-in repair service.
