1000 Words: Red Wing Pecos Boots

The subject of ‘work boots’ is one that doesn’t get a ton of coverage here, but I have a feeling that we all own a pair.  These are the boots that are loving referred to as ‘shitkickers’.  They are bar boots, they are tailgating boots, they are weekend boots, a field boot, and they have probably been set on fire.

My preferred choice are the Red Wing Pecos, as they are made like tanks.  I’m a Wellington (pull on)  boot guy, so I prefer the 1155s, which have a little more of a pronounced heel, or the 1178s, which are cut more like a roper.  The leather is super thick, and the soles are almost indestructible.  They are a dressed down version of traditional, leather bottom cowboy boot, but still look great with jeans, khakis, a button down, and a vest.  Unfortunately, both have been discontinued, so you’ll have to find a pair on Ebay (for a steal).

Wear them hard, and they look better with age.  Here are a few examples of well worn Pecos:

Images: Google Image Search

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17 Comments

  1. Nem
    09/12/2018 / 9:29 AM

    I, too, have both the ll55 and 1178 which get regular use Fall and Winter.  I bought my 1155s at Sears Shoe Store in Ft. Oglethorpe, GA in 1988 and have been wearing them ever since.  I’ve had Red Wing re-sole them only one time.  The 1178 are newer, bought at Red Wing over on Cumberland Pkwy in ATL in 2010 I think.  Great boots!

  2. Trip
    09/12/2018 / 10:17 AM

    That cutaway graphic is really cool.

    • Jeff
      06/18/2020 / 6:07 PM

      The 1155 Nailseat are still sold in some redwing stores mainly your smaller town boot stores.

  3. HA
    09/12/2018 / 2:07 PM

    My favorite boots, too.  But the problem with them, as with all pull-ons, is that jeans don’t fit over them.  Unless, of course, they’re wide leg or boot cut, which just looks unattractive.  It drives me crazy.  (That, and lace-up boots with eyelets rather than speed hooks.)  

    • Colt
      11/02/2020 / 3:13 PM

      I wear straight leg jeans with all my pull on boots and they fit just fine. I hate bootcut jeans too because they look baggy. I wear Hollister slim straight jeans and they are perfect with these boots.

  4. RMC
    09/12/2018 / 2:54 PM

    Are you sure the 1178’s are discontinued? I bought a new pair around 6 months ago.

  5. Fritz
    09/13/2018 / 10:32 AM

    I own the 1178’s and love them.  Comfortable right out of the box.  Bought them at an official Red Wing Store maybe 12 months ago.  Are we certain they are discontinued?

    • Nem
      09/14/2018 / 8:00 AM

      Correct.  They are both still in available.

  6. OhioHead
    09/13/2018 / 2:21 PM

    RCS – are you sure these are discontinued?  I was on the main RW website earlier this week, still available but “I think” they are made to order “now.”  If discontinued RCS readers look @ Double H, they offer a US made 1155 alternative, I have owned my 1155’s for 3 years and I really would prefer the 58’s w/ roper heel & darker leather.

    Great boots!

  7. Andrew
    11/21/2018 / 9:40 PM

    Are the 1178 permanently discontinued?

  8. Sir
    01/06/2019 / 11:07 AM

    I’ve owned both.  Vastly prefer the 1178 – lower, flat, heel is more comfortable, easier to walk on, and just looks better then the cowboy style heel of the 1155.  Cork nitrile sole and heel is also more comfortable then the vibram of the 1155.  1178, though, must be ordered – they don’t seem to be a stock item outside of Texas.

  9. Mario de los Santos
    10/04/2020 / 8:39 PM

    I own a pair of a discontinued 1177 which I have managed to oil all the time, I bought them in Dic 1992 and 28 years later I’m still using them.

  10. Stephan
    12/12/2021 / 6:06 AM

    I bought 2 pairs of 1155 on ebay cause I had no chance to buy new pecos at any Red Wing Store. They’ve been all out of stock for some time wirh no hope on getting new Pecos again. One pair of mine is pre-owned and worn once or twice before and the other one is never worn but seems to be a little older / earlier production.
    There’s some difference between them by showing modelnumber and size. One pair shows number and size on the typical Red Wing Label inside both bootlegs. The second pair has this kind of Label only in the left boot’s leg but without number and size on it. You find number and size stamped on the rear outside of the bootlegs instead. Can anybody explain this difference ? I guess it may depand on the different terms of production but cannot find any information on this. Thanks.

    • Laura
      10/06/2022 / 11:23 PM

      Did you ever find the answer to this question? I also wonder about the ones with size stamped on outside back of boot, and cannot find any information about this. I was thinking maybe they are outlet or seconds?

  11. Cliff
    04/01/2022 / 2:05 PM

    I just (3-26-2022) bought a new pair of Red Wing 1155 nailseat boots in Raleigh, NC at the Red Wing store for $311.00 with tax.
    They still sell them.

  12. Philip
    06/04/2022 / 9:25 AM

    How well do these fit in stirrups?

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