For those who spend long hours on their feet, finding the right work boot is crucial. The wrong boot can lead to sore feet, blisters, back pain and even serious injuries. That’s why when it comes to all-day comfort, support and durability, the Mesabi Irish Setter work boot rises above the rest.
Made for Hard Work
Irish Setter has been handcrafting quality leather boots since the 1950s. Their heritage began in Red Wing, Minnesota, where lumberjacks and other laborers needed a boot tough enough for harsh conditions but comfortable enough to wear from sunup to sundown. The Mesabi boot carries on that tradition with its sturdy leather construction and shock-absorbing soles.
Constructed from full-grain leather, the Mesabi boot is designed to form to your feet while resisting water and abrasions. The leather upper also allows air to circulate, preventing hot spots. Underfoot, a Vibram sole provides traction on slick surfaces while the padding absorbs impact.
Stay Dry and Warm
Whether you’re working outdoors in the elements or in cold conditions, the Mesabi boot has you covered. It features a waterproof membrane to block moisture from seeping in. For colder temps, a 400g Thinsulate insulation option retains heat without adding excessive bulk.
The moisture-wicking lining also draws sweat away from your feet. And with the Irish Setter ExoFlex system, key flex points move with your foot for all-day flexibility. The combination of technologies keeps your feet dry and comfortable in most environments.
Get the Right Fit
For the best experience, take the time to find the right size Mesabi boot for your feet. Our local Red Wing store has an on-site boot-fitting specialist who will measure your feet and assess your gait to recommend the perfect size.
Plan to wear the boots for a few weeks to fully break them in. The leather will soften and mold to your feet for a custom fit. Use boot oil or conditioner to care for the leather. With periodic cleaning and conditioning, your Mesabi boots will provide years of comfortable wear.
When it comes to work boots, going lightweight or cheaply made often leads to discomfort and injuries. With the Mesabi’s solid craftsmanship and premium materials, Irish Setter created a logger-style boot that stands up to tough jobs without sacrificing comfort. Try a pair for yourself and experience the difference.
Irish Setter boots have been a staple of the American work scene since the 1950s. The brand was started in Red Wing, Minnesota – an area known for its logging industry. Irish Setter gained a reputation among lumberjacks, miners, and other laborers for its durable leather boots that could withstand harsh working conditions.
Overview of Irish Setter Brand and Heritage
The name Irish Setter comes from the breed of red-haired hunting dogs known for their intelligence and agility. Like the dogs, the boots are designed to be hardy, comfortable and work tirelessly alongside their wearers. The signature red russet leather hints at the brand’s origins.
By the 1960s, Irish Setter was so popular that the company opened additional manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin to meet demand. The classic 860 boot with its moc toe stitching became an American icon worn by farmers, factory workers and more.
Even as styles evolved over the decades, each pair of Irish Setters maintained the brand’s focus on quality materials and construction. The full-grain leather upper, durable Goodyear welt, and Vibram outsole ensured both flexibility and stability under pressure.
Today, Irish Setter continues to handcraft its boots in America using time-honored techniques. The Mesabi boot upholds that dedication to comfort and reliability. But Irish Setter has also expanded its technology to better serve modern workers.
Innovations like the ExoFlex system increase flexibility in key zones. Moisture-wicking linings and Thinsulate insulation options make the boots suitable for more environments. While the core DNA remains, Irish Setter adapts to meet the needs of each new generation.
For over 60 years, the Irish Setter brand has represented America’s hard-working foundation. The Mesabi boot leverages that heritage while incorporating modern updates. Whether walking on a construction site or through a forest, you can trust an Irish Setter to keep your feet comfortable mile after mile.
The Mesabi boot from Irish Setter lives up to the brand’s reputation for rugged dependability thanks to the carefully selected leather used in its construction. While many work boots cut corners with inferior materials, the Mesabi uses premium full-grain leather for long-lasting wear.
Leather Quality and Durability of Mesabi Boots
Full-grain leather comes from the outermost layer of cowhide. It’s left unfinished with the unique imperfections that occur naturally in the animal’s skin. This makes it thicker and more durable than other types of leather.
Full-grain leather better resists moisture, abrasion and tears. It holds up well to sun, dirt and other environmental factors that can deteriorate cheaper materials. The natural oils retained in full-grain leather also allow it to flex without cracking or losing structure.
In addition to being rugged, full-grain leather molds comfortably to the wearer’s foot over time. The Mesabi boot utilizes full-grain leathers that have been hand-selected for uniform texture and rich color. This lends to a vintage, broken-in look straight out of the box.
Triple stitched seams add even more reinforcement to high-stress areas. This prevents the upper separating from the sole under heavy use. The durable Goodyear welt provides a stable base that allows the leather upper to be replaced when excessively worn.
While some manufacturers try to cut costs by using inferior split-grain or suede leathers, the Mesabi sticks with premium full-grain. This provides long-lasting performance and the signature look that Irish Setter is known for. Even after months on the job site, your Mesabi boots will maintain their supportive structure and handsome appearance.
Tough leather calls for proper care. Be sure to regularly clean and condition your Mesabi boots. This nourishes the leather to prevent drying and cracking. With occasional upkeep, the full-grain leather upper will far outlast lower quality materials.
Sure footing is essential when working in hazardous conditions. That’s why the Mesabi boot from Irish Setter utilizes hardy Vibram soles to keep you steady on your feet.
Traction and Grip Offered by Vibram Soles
Vibram has been producing high-performance rubber soles since the 1930s. The Italy-based company designed mountaineering sole technology that allowed climbers to scale icy peaks with confidence.
Today, Vibram continues to be a leader in non-slip footwear soles engineered for stability, even on unsure terrain. The lug pattern on Vibram soles provides hundreds of edges to grip the ground. This distributes weight evenly and prevents slipping.
The rubber compounds are designed to maintain flexibility and traction in both hot and cold conditions. They are also oil and abrasion-resistant while providing essential shock absorption. Vibram soles stand up to heavy use over time.
Irish Setter chose Vibram soles for the Mesabi boots to provide excellent traction during activities like hiking, climbing or working outdoors. The deep lugs give you a firm foothold on loose rocks or muddy ground.
In occupations like construction, mining and forestry, the wrong sole can lead to serious injury. But Vibram soles equip the Mesabi boot to handle tough terrain without fail. Even weighed down with tools, you can plant each step solidly and forge ahead safely.
Vibram and Irish Setter are both brands that champion performance and durability. By combining forces, they’ve created an ideal work boot sole to keep you secure. The Mesabi leverages Vibram’s decades of experience for unbeatable traction.
All-day comfort starts from the ground up. That’s why the Mesabi boot contains a supportive anatomical footbed and shock-absorbing midsole to cushion every step.
Supportive Footbed and Cushioning
The removable footbed in the Mesabi boot provides arch support and conforms to the natural shape of your foot. This alleviates pain caused by flat feet or high arches. The cushy foam softens impact while allowing air circulation.
Underneath, a dual-density PU midsole balances softness and stability. The top layer cushions landings like a pillow. The firmer middle layer prevents your foot from sinking too deep, leading to bottoming out.
Combined with the flexible shank, the layers absorb shock and torque, sparing your joints. This prevents injuries associated with jumping down from trucks, kneeling, or carrying heavy materials.
The cushioned footbed also promotes proper spinal alignment when standing or walking for long periods. By supporting natural foot positioning, it can reduce back fatigue and discomfort.
Many discount work boots lack adequate padding, resulting in pain that can quickly torpedo your productivity. The Mesabi boot lives up to Irish Setter’s focus on all-day comfort through carefully engineered cushioning components.
Breaking in the boots helps mold the footbed and insole to your individual foot contours. But the cushioning provides cloud-like comfort straight out of the box. With the Mesabi boot’s anatomical design, you stay energized from clock-in to clock-out.
Working in soggy conditions can quickly dampen your mood. But the Mesabi boot from Irish Setter uses a waterproof membrane to block external moisture while allowing internal sweat to escape.
Waterproof Membrane Keeps Feet Dry
Wet feet lead to hot spots, blisters, and fungal infections – not to mention plain old discomfort. That’s why keeping water out is a priority for work boot design.
The Mesabi boot utilizes a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane between the outer leather and inner lining. This advanced polymeric material contains over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square inch.
These pores are 700 times smaller than a water droplet but still large enough for water vapor molecules from sweat to exit. The result is a breathable yet impenetrable barrier that keeps your feet dry in rain, snow, or standing water.
During activities like hiking through marshy terrain or working outdoors in the rain, you can depend on the Mesabi’s waterproofing. No need to worry about damp socks or the irritating squish of a wet boot.
At the end of a long day, just remove the Mesabi boots and your feet will be warm and dry. The waterproof membrane successfully blocks external moisture ingress while dissipating internal perspiration buildup.
Leaky boots can ruin your day. But the Mesabi boot’s innovative waterproof liner allows you to work or play in wet conditions without sacrificing comfort. No matter the forecast, your feet stay high and dry.
Carrying around clunky, heavy boots all day gets tiring fast. The Mesabi boot from Irish Setter strikes a perfect balance between sturdy support and lightweight comfort.
Lightweight Yet Sturdy Construction
Work boots used to sacrifice comfort by overbuilding with thick, stiff materials. But the Mesabi leverages flexible, athletic-inspired construction to pare down excess weight.
In the footbed, a nylon shank delivers torsional rigidity without the heft of a steel shank. In the midsole, the dual-density PU foam is highly shock absorbent at a mere 2.8oz weight.
The Vibram outsole features a lug pattern that provides terrific grip without bulky lugs. And the full-grain leather upper remains hardy yet flexible right out of the box.
Altogether, a size 11 Mesabi boot weighs just 26oz per shoe. That lightness prevents fatigue yet the boot remains supportive and stable when worn all day.
The Mesabi boot also includes a 3M reflective patch you can activate for visibility in low light conditions. This allows you to safely work early mornings or evenings without adding weight.
In occupations requiring extensive walking, squat-lifting or climbing, extra ounces make a difference. The Mesabi boot resists deterioration without any unneeded bulk so your feet stay energized.
Light on its feet yet heavy duty where it matters, the Mesabi boot hits the sweet spot between weight and durability. You get indispensable foot protection without tiring yourself out.
On active jobsites, foot protection should be non-negotiable. The Mesabi boot offers an optional steel toe to shield against impacts and compression.
Steel Toe Option for On-Site Protection
Construction, manufacturing, and utility work expose feet to serious hazards like falling objects, rolling carts, and heavy materials. A steel toe boot provides an essential safeguard.
The Mesabi boot is available with a lightweight yet sturdy steel toe conforming to ASTM F2413 standards. The toe box withstands up to 75 pounds of impact and 2,500 pounds of compression.
This prevents injury when heavy loads accidentally drop. The steel toe also deflects impacts from swinging objects or kicking hard surfaces. When handling lumber, pipes, or tools, you can move confidently knowing your feet are guarded.
The steel toe doesn’t interfere with the Mesabi boot’s comfort features. The padded collar, shock-absorbing midsole, and moisture-wicking lining keep your feet comfortable inside the protective shell.
After a long workday, you can remove the boots knowing your toes stayed safely shielded. The Mesabi steel toe option provides complete peace of mind without compromising flexibility and cushioning.
Don’t take unnecessary risks handling heavy-duty materials on the job. The Mesabi steel toe boot gives you certified protection along with Irish Setter’s signature all-day comfort.
Frigid conditions can quickly chill your feet, turning a long shift into a miserable experience. The Mesabi boot offers optional Thinsulate insulation to keep your tootsies toasty when temperatures dip.
Thinsulate Insulation for Warmth in Cold Weather
Exposed to the elements, your feet are one of the first places to feel the effects of cold weather. Once feet get cold, it’s hard to warm them up again while working.
To combat chilly temps, the Mesabi boot is available with 400 grams of 3M Thinsulate Ultra insulation. This advanced synthetic fiber technology traps air molecules in minuscule pockets, creating an effective barrier to retain heat.
Thinsulate insulation works even when wet, unlike natural down fillers. The fibers maintain high loft and low bulk to provide serious warmth without adding unnecessary weight.
On the inside, a moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry and comfortable. The waterproof membrane prevents external moisture from sneaking in. Add the insulated footbed, and the Mesabi boot locks in heat.
During activities like ice fishing, patrolling ski slopes, or working outdoors in winter, the insulated Mesabi boot keeps feet toasty without overheating. No more painfully frozen feet at day’s end.
Don’t let uninsulated boots leave you out in the cold. The Mesabi with Thinsulate fibers tackles frigid work and play with toasty, high-loft warmth.
Rugged work boots often look clunky and out of place when off the job. But the Mesabi boot pairs hardy construction with styling that works on the town or the trail.
Stylish Design Goes with Work or Casual Wear
The Mesabi boot owes its handsome looks to the classic Irish Setter moc-toe silhouette. The rich russet leather features intricate stitching across the toe box and sides.
This nod to heritage styling allows the Mesabi boot to pair well with jeans or casual pants on the weekend. The distressed leather and contrast topstitching add vintage workwear appeal.
During the week, the same handsome aesthetics let you wear the Mesabi boot proudly around the job site or warehouse. The vintage vibe aligns well with the boot’s rugged capabilities.
Little style accents like the embossed Irish Setter logo and woven heel pull-loops provide sophisticated finishing touches without detracting from durability.
The Mesabi boot proves that an extremely comfortable work boot doesn’t need to look clunky or utilitarian. The refined yet rugged look transitions seamlessly from weekday to weekend.
So whether you’re stomping a muddy construction site or strolling the neighborhood pub, the Mesabi boot brings a stylish, heritage-inspired look along for the journey.
New boots often start out stiff and snug. But with its high-quality leather, the Mesabi boot breaks in quickly to deliver personalized, glove-like comfort.
Break-In Time Required for Best Comfort
The mark of a well-made boot is that it conforms to your foot over time. Fresh out of the box, the Mesabi boot will feel slightly stiff in the ankle and upper.
This is normal and even desirable. As you wear the boots, the full-grain leather softens and molds precisely to your foot’s shape. Pressure points dissipate while cushioning supports.
Plan to wear the Mesabi boots regularly for 2-3 weeks to fully complete the break-in process. Leather conditioner applied during this period helps soften and flex the materials.
As the footbed liner packs down, your foot gains wiggle room to move naturally. The snug leather upper develops customized flex points matching your anatomy.
Within a few weeks of daily wear, the Mesabi boot starts to feel like a second skin, providing tailored support right where you need it. The break-in time is well worth the long-term comfort gained.
With its premium construction, the Mesabi boot quickly transitions from stiff to supple for a personalized, broken-in feel. Just allow your feet time to make it their own.
The Mesabi boot is built to handle tough conditions, but taking time to care for the materials ensures maximum lifespan and performance.
Proper Boot Care Extends Lifespan
The full-grain leather and rugged construction of the Mesabi boot are designed for longevity. But a little maintenance goes a long way towards keeping them looking and feeling like new.
Use a horsehair brush regularly to remove dirt and debris from the leather upper. This prevents buildup that can degrade the finish and clog pores.
Condition the leather every 1-2 months with oil or cream. This replenishes natural oils to keep the hide flexible and water-resistant.
Rinse the footbed and air dry after very muddy or sweaty wear. Replace the inserts every 6-12 months to maintain cushioning.
Use shoe trees between wears to absorb excess moisture and maintain proper shape. Allow leather to rest a day between wears to fully dry.
Repair scuffs with a little polish to prevent further abrasion. Re-apply DWR spray treatment if waterproof performance seems to decline.
With periodic TLC, your Mesabi boots will in fact just get better with age. The small time investment preserves their supportive comfort and rugged dependability year after year.
In the competitive work boot market, the Mesabi boot stands out for its unbeatable combination of toughness, comfort, and support. Here’s how it stacks up against some top rivals.
Comparison to Other Popular Work Boot Brands
Timberland Pro boots offer decent ruggedness but lack the plush cushioning of the Mesabi’s triple-density foam footbed and midsole. The leathers are also lower grade than Mesabi’s full-grain hide.
Caterpillar boots provide good basic durability but their plain styling lacks the Mesabi’s vintage workshop vibe. They also don’t offer a waterproof liner like the Gore-Tex membrane.
Wolverine boots use quality leathers but the rubber lug soles can’t match the Mesabi’s grippy Vibram outsoles. Wolverine’s DuraShocks system also doesn’t cushion as nicely.
Red Wing Heritage boots have similarly handsome aesthetics but they aren’t designed for rugged work conditions like the Mesabi. Heritage models sacrifice safety and water protection.
Carhartt boots offer excellent comfort with their shock-absorbing insoles but the leathers aren’t full-grain. The outsoles also wear down more quickly than Mesabi’s hardy Vibram lugs.
When you compare the Mesabi boot’s features and performance to competitors, it clearly rises above in providing the complete work boot package. The Mesabi brings it all together in one boot.
With so many knock-offs on the market, it pays to purchase the Mesabi boot from authorized retailers. Here are some tips for getting the genuine article.
Where to Buy Genuine Irish Setter Mesabi Boots
To ensure you get the real Mesabi boot, buy directly from the Red Wing Shoes website or brick-and-mortar locations. Every pair comes with a 30-day comfort guarantee.
Another reliable option is shopping through authorized online retailers like Zappos or Nordstrom. Check for the official Irish Setter logo on all product photos and descriptions.
Beware of prices on Amazon, eBay or unknown websites that seem too good to be true. Counterfeit versions use inferior materials that don’t live up to Mesabi’s standards.
The Red Wing store also employs expert fit specialists who measure your feet and gait to recommend the perfect Mesabi size and features. This service ensures ideal comfort and performance.
Take time to properly break in your new Mesabi boots by gradually increasing wear time for 2-3 weeks. Use leather conditioner to soften materials during this period.
Investing in the real Mesabi boot is worthwhile for the long-lasting comfort and support. Follow these tips to get boots handcrafted by Irish Setter to the brand’s uncompromising quality standards.
After exploring the key features and performance of the Mesabi work boot from Irish Setter, the verdict is clear: this is footwear built for the toughest jobs and all-day comfort.
Verdict: Ideal Boots for Tough Jobs and All-Day Wear
The Mesabi boot leverages Irish Setter’s 60+ years of work boot experience to create rugged, capable footwear. The full-grain leather upper, hardy Goodyear welt, and Vibram outsole can withstand harsh jobsite conditions.
But unlike many burly boots, the Mesabi doesn’t sacrifice on comfort. Its ergonomic footbed, padded collar, and lightweight construction provide cloud-like cushioning and flexibility. The ExoFlex zones allow natural foot movement.
The Mesabi is also packed with innovative features like a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and optional 400g Thinsulate insulation. This makes it suitable for use in virtually any environment or weather conditions on the worksite.
The boot’s handsome styling means it works just as well off the job. So you get double duty from this single pair of thoughtfully engineered boots.
If you need serious foot protection along with stamina to go the distance, the expertly crafted Mesabi boot has you covered. Your feet will stay safe, stable, supported, and comfortable mile after mile.