work-boots
SuperSole 2.0 6-inch Boot
A purpose-built industrial boot that combines a dual-density urethane sole with a Goodyear welt. This provides the durability of a welted boot with the oil/gas resistance and cushioning required for heavy industrial environments like oil rigs or machine shops.
Quality & Materials
Features Nutmeg Ebbtide Leather or Mesa Leather. The SuperSole 2.0 system uses a soft inner sole for comfort and a harder outer sole for durability.
Evidence & Testing
Meets ASTM F2413-18 standards. Red Wing performs extensive in-house slip resistance and abrasion testing on their SuperSole compounds.
Brand Transparency
Red Wing owns their own tannery (S.B. Foot Tanning Co.), providing better vertical integration than most competitors, though specific factory locations vary by model.
Value Assessment
Priced mid-range; while the sole is technically resoleable, it requires a specific Red Wing machine, making it slightly less versatile for local cobbler repairs than a standard Vibram welt.
Why Not Alternatives?
Unlike the Red Wing Heritage line (Iron Ranger), the SuperSole 2.0 is a true safety boot with a technical outsole that provides much better traction and chemical resistance than traditional leather or Vibram soles.
Sources & References
More in Footwear
Vivobarefoot
Primus Lite III
Premium barefoot shoe with foot-shaped toe box, zero-drop sole, thin flexible construction. Recycled PET plastic, plant-based foam. 100-day trial period.
Xero Shoes
HFS II
Exceptional value barefoot shoe with 5,000-mile sole warranty. FeelTrue outsole proven durable over 1,000+ miles. Industry-leading warranty.
Brooks
Glycerin 22
Best premium neutral daily trainer. DNA Tuned nitrogen-infused midsole. HPR Plus outsole more durable than Ghost. Plush yet stable ride.
New Balance
Fresh Foam X 1080 v14
Industry-leading cloud-like cushion. Widened toe box from v13. Named 'best in test' by multiple outlets. Best true daily trainer of 2024.