Last Updated: October 24, 2025 | Tested By: The BootsGuru Team | Real-world wear review.
If you spend your days pounding concrete, warehouse floors, or unforgiving job sites, you know that foot fatigue isn’t just annoying – it’s a productivity killer. Finding a boot that combines serious durability with genuine, out-of-the-box comfort can feel like a unicorn hunt. That’s where the Irish Setter Ashby 83605 steps in. It’s a classic 6-inch wedge sole boot built with premium leather and designed specifically for workers who need support and cushioning that lasts through long shifts.
I recently put a pair through its paces, wearing them daily in demanding environments. Does the Ashby live up to the hype as one of the most comfortable wedge boots available? Let’s break it down.
The Irish Setter Ashby 83605: A popular choice for comfort on concrete.
Who This Boot Is For: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, warehouse workers, light manufacturers, and anyone spending 8+ hours on their feet on flat, hard surfaces who values comfort and needs EH protection.
Who This Boot Is NOT For: Workers needing a defined heel for climbing (ironworkers, loggers), those requiring heavy-duty waterproofing, or anyone needing a safety toe (though safety toe versions *are* available separately).
Quick Verdict: Irish Setter Ashby 83605
| Overall Rating | ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 |
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| Best Use Case | Long shifts on concrete, asphalt, and flat surfaces where out-of-the-box comfort, EH protection, and a resolable build are priorities. |
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| Where to Buy | Check Price on Amazon |
Key Features Breakdown: Why the Ashby Works
The Heat-Resistant Wedge Sole (Comfort & Grip)
The foundation of the Ashby is its flat-bottomed wedge outsole. This design is king for comfort on hard surfaces because it provides maximum surface contact, distributing your weight evenly and eliminating the pressure point created by a defined heel. The Ashby’s specific rubber compound offers excellent slip resistance on common job site surfaces (meeting ASTM F2913-19 standards) and is heat resistant up to 475°F, making it suitable for work on hot pavement or around high-temperature equipment (though not a dedicated HRO boot for continuous extreme heat).
Goodyear Welt Construction (Durability & Value)
Unlike cheaper boots where the sole is simply glued on (cement construction), the Ashby uses a Goodyear Welt. This means the upper is stitched to a leather welt, and the welt is then stitched to the sole. This creates an incredibly durable, stable platform that resists sole separation. More importantly, it means the boot is resolable. When the wedge sole eventually wears down (as all soles do), a good cobbler can replace it, giving your expensive leather uppers a second or third life. This drastically lowers the long-term cost of ownership.
Premium Full-Grain Leather Upper
The Ashby uses thick, supple full-grain leather, often sourced from Red Wing’s own S.B. Foot Tanning Co. (Irish Setter is a Red Wing brand). This isn’t cheap split leather; it’s the top layer of the hide, known for its durability, natural water resistance, and ability to mold to your foot over time. The leather on my pair felt high-quality right away.
Comfort System (Footbed & Fit)
Inside, the boot features a removable polyurethane (PU) footbed. PU is a significant upgrade over the flimsy foam insoles found in many boots. It provides much better cushioning and support and resists “packing out” (flattening) over time. Combined with a naturally roomy toe box that allows your toes to spread out, the Ashby prioritizes comfort from the start.
Electrical Hazard (EH) Rating
This soft-toe 83605 model meets ASTM F2892-18 EH standards. This means it provides a secondary source of protection against accidental contact with live electrical circuits, crucial for electricians, maintenance crews, and anyone working around potential electrical hazards.
My Honest Take: Putting the Ashby 83605 to the Test
The Ashby’s wedge sole provides excellent stability on flat surfaces.
As someone who spends 10+ hours a day on concrete and mixed job site surfaces, I was genuinely impressed with the Ashby 83605 from day one. The build quality feels substantial – the full-grain leather is thick but not overly stiff, and the stitching is clean. The Goodyear welt gives it that solid, dependable feel underfoot.
Where the Ashby truly shines is out-of-the-box comfort. While many premium welted boots (especially Red Wings) require a painful break-in period, the Ashby felt remarkably comfortable almost immediately. The PU footbed provides noticeable cushioning, and the roomy toe box meant no pinching or rubbing, even by the end of a long shift. I did find them slightly stiff for the first day or two, mainly around the ankle, but compared to the “boot camp” required for some heritage boots, the Ashby’s break-in was a breeze.
The wedge sole performed exactly as expected: fantastic stability and grip on concrete, wood subfloors, and even slightly oily shop surfaces. My feet and knees definitely felt less fatigued compared to wearing heeled boots on the same surfaces. The EH rating adds peace of mind when working around temporary power or uncertain wiring.
The traction was reliable on everything except deep mud or very loose gravel, where a wedge sole naturally struggles compared to a lug sole. The leather also shed light rain effectively, living up to its water-resistant claim.
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How Does the Ashby Compare? (vs. Thorogood & Red Wing)
Irish Setter Ashby vs. Thorogood Moc Toe Wedge
These are direct competitors, both known for comfort. The Thorogood often has a slight edge in out-of-the-box “plushness” due to its Poron insole, and its MAXWear sole might be slightly more durable. However, the Ashby often comes in at a slightly lower price point and uses arguably better leather (Trout Brook). Both are excellent, comfortable, resolable wedge boots made for concrete. Choosing often comes down to brand preference and minor fit differences.
Irish Setter Ashby vs. Red Wing Classic Moc
The Red Wing Moc is the heritage icon, built for lifetime durability with a cork midsole that molds perfectly to your foot *eventually*. The Ashby offers about 80-90% of that long-term durability potential (both are welted and resolable) but delivers far superior comfort from day one, skipping Red Wing’s infamous break-in period. The Ashby is also significantly less expensive. If you prioritize immediate comfort and value, the Ashby wins. If you want the absolute pinnacle of materials and are willing to endure the break-in, the Red Wing is the investment piece.
Who Should Buy the Irish Setter Ashby 83605?
The Ashby offers a roomy fit, ideal for all-day wear.
This boot is an ideal choice for:
- Tradespeople working primarily on concrete, asphalt, or flat indoor/outdoor surfaces.
- Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs needing EH protection and all-day comfort.
- Warehouse workers, delivery drivers, and light manufacturers on their feet all day.
- Anyone who values out-of-the-box comfort and wants a durable, resolable boot without the brutal break-in or premium price of some heritage brands.
You should probably look elsewhere if:
- You absolutely need a steel or composite safety toe (look at the Ashby 83606 or 83638 instead).
- Your job involves frequent climbing on ladders or working in deep mud/loose terrain (a defined heel boot is better).
- You require guaranteed waterproofing for standing in water.
Quick Care Tips
- Brush off dirt and debris regularly.
- Clean with saddle soap or a leather cleaner as needed.
- Condition the leather every 1-2 months (more if exposed to wet conditions) to keep it supple and water-resistant.
- Allow boots to air dry naturally away from direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Irish Setter Ashby 83605 waterproof?
No, this model is water-resistant thanks to the quality oiled leather. It handles light rain and wet grass well but does not have an internal waterproof membrane for prolonged exposure or standing in water.
Does the Ashby 83605 come with a safety toe?No, the 83605 specifically is a soft toe boot. However, Irish Setter makes nearly identical versions with safety toes: the 83606 (Steel Toe) and the 83638 (Aluminum Toe).
How bad is the break-in period?
Minimal. Compared to famously stiff boots like Red Wing Mocs, the Ashby is comfortable almost immediately. Expect maybe 1-3 days of slight stiffness, primarily around the ankle, before it feels fully molded to your foot.
Can the Irish Setter Ashby be resoled?
Yes. It features a durable Goodyear Welt construction, which means the sole can be replaced by a qualified cobbler, significantly extending the boot’s lifespan.
Final Verdict: The Comfort King of Value Wedges?
The Irish Setter Ashby 83605 absolutely lives up to its reputation for comfort. It delivers premium materials (full-grain leather, PU footbed), durable construction (Goodyear Welt), essential safety features (EH rating, heat/slip-resistant sole), and does it all with minimal break-in time. While it lacks full waterproofing and this specific model is soft-toe only, its performance on hard, flat surfaces is outstanding.
If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and resolable wedge sole work boot that offers fantastic value for money, the Ashby is one of the best choices on the market. It exceeded my expectations and has become my go-to boot for long days on concrete.
