Red Wing 875 and 10875 often confuse buyers because, on the surface, they look almost identical. Same design, same height, same general feel on foot—but there are some key differences that set them apart.
In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the 875 and 10875, so you can figure out which one fits your needs. I’ll explain the small changes in design, the features that make each boot unique, and why Red Wing sells them as separate models.
Stick around until the end, and you’ll have a clear picture of everything.
Contents
Detailed Comparison of Red Wing 875 and 10875
To be honest, there’s not a ton of difference between these two boots. But to help you make sense of it all, I’ve broken down the comparison into key areas: aesthetics, features, comfort, fit, and price.
Design & Asthetics
First, let’s talk a few things about the design and aesthetics.
Both the Red Wing 10875 and 875 rock that classic American workwear aesthetic—practical and sharp. The 10875 sticks to one color: a rich, dark brown shade. Meanwhile, the 875 is best known for its vibrant orange leather but is also available in two other colors, briar and black.
One small but noticeable difference is with the eyelet. There’s a slight variation there, and I’ll touch on it in just a bit. Also, the 10875 has the Red Wing logo stamped on the ankle, which, honestly, looks super clean. Unfortunately, the 875 doesn’t have that.
Other than these details, the two boots look almost identical in terms of overall design and build.
Related: Red Wing 877 vs 10877
Features
Alright, let’s check the features of these boots.
Both the 875 and 10875 are made from full-grain leather, but there’s a difference—10875 uses Oro-iginal leather, which is softer and easier to work with. The 875, on the other hand, features Oro-Legacy leather, which is tougher and has a deeper reddish tone.
Next, the real difference lies in what these boots are made for. The 10875 is a legit work boot—it’s built to meet ASTM standards, meaning it’s tough and ready for job sites.The 875? Oh, that’s from Red Wing’s heritage line. It’s stylish and built for casual wear, but it’s not rated for work environments.
Another thing to note is the hardware. The 10875 comes with gunmetal eyelets, while the 875 uses nickel. It’s a small difference, but it does give each boot a slightly unique look.
As for the soles, they’re basically identical. Both have the Traction Tred outsole paired with a veg-tan insole. There’s no steel shank in the midsole of both boots.
And when it comes to construction, both are built with a Goodyear flat welt. That means they’re solid, long-lasting, and easy to resole when the time comes.
Comfort
Now, on the comfort of these shoes.
Both the 10875 and 875 are similar in comfort, but they do need some breaking in. Expect around 3 weeks to a month for them to really soften up. Once broken in, though, they’re super comfy—almost slipper-like.
Now, breaking in can vary a bit. In my experience, the 10875 felt a little easier and quicker to break in. Maybe it’s just me, but they were more manageable from the start.
And the 10875 is a work-rated boot, designed to handle labor-intensive fields, so these will offer solid protection and performance. Also, they’re built for extended wear in tougher environments, which contributes to their overall comfort during prolonged use. And that said, the 10875 does have a wider fit, which can be a bonus for those with broader feet.
The 875, on the other hand, isn’t work-rated but still holds its own. So, you can’t expect much protection for your feet. However, its rich color and classic vibe pair well with casual outfits, making it great for travel, hiking, or even just using them for chilly weather.
In short, the 875 is a stylish, versatile boot, but if you need something work-ready with similar looks, go for the 10875.
Fit
When it comes to fit, here’s what I say: I’d strongly recommend visiting a Red Wing store to get properly sized, or at least double-check your measurements before buying.
For the 10875, I went down half a size and opted for the E width, which is a bit wider fit. That gave me a snug, comfortable fit without feeling too tight. Plus, the 10875 gives you more width options, like B, D, E, and EE.
For the 875, I stuck with my regular size with D width since my feet are on the narrower side. They worked fine for me, but if your feet are wider, you might want to size up with going for a wider width option (EE).
The best course of action is to simply confirm your fit by going to any Red Wing in the area.
Must See: Red Wing 875 vs 1907
Price
Finally, it’s time for price.
Here’s the surprising part: the 875 boots are priced at around $329.99, while the 10875 boots are slightly cheaper, costing about $289.99.
The main reason for this price difference is the leather. The 875 uses Oro-Legacy leather, which is a bit more expensive due to its premium feel and the higher cost of manufacturing it.
Final Thought: Which One Should You Buy?
Both boots have a lot in common, so it’s not something you need to stress over for hours. Just pick the one that suits your needs and style—they’re almost the same.
But, if you ask me, then I would say the 10875 stands out. It offers practical features like the ASTM work rating and gunmetal eyelets while being more affordable than the 875. However, they can be a little tricky to find, as availability is limited in some places.
On the other hand, if you’re after a stylish boot for everyday wear, the 875 is a solid choice. It’s a classic, easy to style, and widely available at most Red Wing stores.
So, there you have it—pick based on your needs, whether it’s practicality or style!
