Reviewing R M Williams Craftsman Chelsea Boot

[@douglasbrooks2132]

Articulate, attentive to detail, passionate, and genial---thank you for sharing your experience and expertise. Rather than merely mention features you've spent the time here (and elsewhere) to educate and explain. Again, thanks for that. Every review has been thoughtful and beautifully prepared.

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you!

[@gusruth]

Have two pair RM’s Chelsea’s Black and Tan. Purchased in Brisbane Queensland at the RM Store 26 years ago for my 50th birthday. First Sole and heel replacement on the Black Chelsea’s last year 2021. Cost just under $300 from RM’s Great, perfect job! Tan Chelsea’s still with original sole and heels have plenty of kilometres left in them before they will requiring new heel and sole replacement. Would gladly pay the $600+ today again if I had to replace either them. Wear them everywhere. The comfiest and definitely the BEST! Highly recommended, never mind the price, just enjoy the legendary quality.

[@williame2258]

Just bought a pair in comfort craftsman chestnut for work They are so good!

[@asjeot]

The best review of the RMs I've watched on KZbin. Ever since owning my pair, I had said to myself early on that they will be the shoes I retire in, as a daily driver for work.

[@rimibar]

Nice review, I’m a Brit but have been wearing RMW boots for the last 20 years or so. I rely on my RMWs for daily wear, practically 365/365! I use a soft polish, but never RMW branded. Intrigued to learn more about leather conditioner vs normal polish - a video on the benefits of both would be good for a future post. Keep up the good work!

[@garyb2507]

Saphir products are excellent and work very well with RM Williams leathers.

[@SeanCleverly]

Absolutely loved your review, really informative. I never even thought about the security issues that a metal shank would cause, so the fibreglass makes far more sense. Thanks so much for making this, you have a new subscriber.

[@stephenathon]

Who better to introduce me to the legendary R.M. Williams boot!

[@markodell2379]

Great review! I would typically say there are lots of great less expensive alternatives out there. However, I got my first pair of Comfort Craftsmans in dark tan earlier in the year and really nothing in the lower price point can compete with the look of that chisel toe and narrow elegant appearance. I have a pair of brown Yard boots on the way and just pulled the trigger on some black Craftsmans as well. The only thing even close is Crockett and Jones Lingfield and they are another $200 more and not whole cut.

[@bangnguyen-bi2ye]

Love the way you articulate about the boots, history plus the description and the style. Keep up the good work. You are one of the few that not bore me to death

[@andrewfranco4738]

Excellent presentation skills. I recently got me a pair for $115, only used 1-2 times. I am going to add a block heel on them to make them a little more unique/different then the standard craftsman. I'll be paying $75 for the job and that's still under $200.

[@youwebz]

Ah huh I’m sure 1-2 times. How many times have you seen that in a description? 1 or 2 times? 😂

[@Orwic1]

Great review / video; thanks! I must have been buying RM Williams boots for 25 years, maybe more. Wear them with formal suits and casual clothes. They’ve got to be the most comfortable boots / shoes I’ve ever had and very hard wearing. I prefer the leather soled boots - I usually get a sole protector put on soon after purchase, which I’ve found extends their life considerably. I have had the comfort craftsman model, but found they don’t wear so well, at least for me. I do have a pair of the RM Williams gardener boots that have a rubber sole and oiled leather upper, but keep those for really bad weather and (what else!) gardening. Also some stockman’s boots (a bit like a cowboy boot style). I’ve had most of these boots for quite a long time, and they’ve increased in price considerably. Not sure I’d want to pay current day prices, which are pretty steep!

[@jeffislearning]

such a well spoken young gentleman so knowledgable about boots. will subscribe. futhermore we both have the same foot size and body build and that will help a lot in finding the perfect fit for myself. cheerio.

[@garrettjosemans8288]

Excellent review. Probably the most thoughtful review I’ve ever seen. I really like your style too. Warm, informative, detailed. Excellent. Subscribing.

[@gingerb2759]

The last is so important when choosing shoes/boots. Great review.

[@somalisomali5161]

I like watching your videos. I love the kind of boots you talk about fashionable, stylish and very beautifull shoes. Thank you.

[@Bootlosophy]

Thank you muchly!

[@mads935c]

What a fantastic review. Thank you so much for your wisdom :) I can't wait to pick up a pair myself!

[@brandonbryant3586]

Channel is a touch of perfect Sir. Thank You.

[@youwebz]

Great review. Any chance you could walk us through your mirror polish process?

[@liandrade9198]

I thrifted a pair of R.M. Williams craftsman needing only some cream and shoe trees; soles and uppers in amazing condition. Still can't believe someone will discard a pair of this boots.

[@ytknits4892]

Me too! They were only $70 AUD and practically new. Crazy.

[@GentlemansJourney]

20 years!! Wow mate that’s incredible. Certainly on my list, may have to get that leather outsole when I get mine. 🥾🥾🇦🇺

[@soitgoes607]

Been wearing one for almost a year!! Buying another one soon !!

[@rohanm4541]

Despite the "capital" cost of these boots (~$600 AUD) the economics of them work out very well. Assuming they are worn for 150 days/year, over 5 years this is 750 wears, or on average 80c/wear. At which stage you'd expect a sole replacement would be needed, at $165 for the next 5 years. My 14 year old pair have required a half sole replacement exactly once with elastics and topy ($140 from a cobbler), and the heel block twice ($20-30 from a competent cobbler). I don't know of any other shoe that will provide the same amount of comfort, style and longevity, especially at such a low cost per wear. For comparison, I have a pair of runners (Asics gel Kayano 28s) which I have only worn about 80 days, and they're falling apart, at $300 that's a hefty $3.75 per wear. Obviously the key here is actually wearing them, the more you wear them, the cheaper they work out. One thing they have that I haven't seen in other brands is the single piece construction of the uppers. This requires very good leather and also adds to the longevity as there is no stitching to come undone/need replacing (which would undoubtably cause damage to the uppers over time) .

[@aio4383]

oak street boots got single piece uppers chelsea boots 5504 from memory. dont buy oak street boots on normal price tho. 30% off every thanksgiving. Also, meermin also offers single piece uppers from time to time, if you wanna put em on your watchlist. Also, check out rose anvil's channel where he cuts apart rm's boots and other boots. I feel grant stone probably has better bang for buck after seeing his vids.

[@rohanm4541]

@@aio4383 but are they as comfortable? RMs are known for being comfortable

[@aio4383]

@@rohanm4541 first a few wears, not comfortable. once i break em in, they're okay. still not as comfortable as my timbs, and my timbs is not as comfortable as my flip flop tho, which is like only $2 from kmart. In terms of RMs, not sure to be honest. I only tried em on a couple of times in the store. But, when i tried RMs on, they felt as uncomfortable/comfortable as grant stone or red wing or wolverine. To be honest, I didn't feel much difference when RM is new as deadstock. Maybe after a few wears, RM is much better. Who knows. comfortable or not, it's too subjective to quantify. But, I looked at price tag and other alternatives. I was like RM aint for me. One good thing about RM tho, is that you can just walk into its stores and try on different sizes. Can't do that with those American boots. Return shipping is a pain in the ass.

[@mcub75]

Wonderful, informative and very well presented video. Thank you very much!

[@timb8095]

Heading to Percy street HQ tomorrow to get my first pair, looking forward to them.

[@presentelaw]

Thanks for the review. Interesting that you suggested narrower but longer size. I have boots and shoes with wide/shorter sizes and they looked less slick than slim/longer fits.

[@0bts0]

Itd be great if you could do a video on how you got a mirror polish on the black craftsman!

[@Bootlosophy]

Thanks but there’s really plenty of mirror shine videos on KZbin! I think there’s even one about the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) when the RM’s were issued as parade boots.

[@weeksy68]

Great review , I had a heaps over the years , best boot out there .

[@jaslarue]

I bought the Comfort Craftsman version at TTS, and after a few months, wish I'd gone up half a size as you suggest. Just a little short. But wonderful leather, look, and comfy sole.

[@gweilojohn]

I got incredibly lucky and was able to secure a pair at A$480 at around the same time of this review in WA, and I'd say they're worth it. But it really is a steep price. If you have the time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Rossi Kidman's. They appear to be a "RM killer" by another Aussie bootmaker, and they appear to follow the model to a T, but with construction in India. At A$399, that seems like a great value compared to A$649 now, but I would absolutely love a professionals take!

[@greenyankee]

I think they look cool but my wife actually said I'm not not allowed to "look like a Beatle" 😂😭 Had no idea the Beatles actually wore these until your edifying review. I will have to go for Grant Stone diesel in black chromexcel instead for my dress boot

[@Gramkan]

Great video, really well presented. I’ve got some RM gardener commandos in the mail, can’t wait

[@BoStark]

Think I'll get a pair this autumn.

[@the.magnus]

Wonderful review Tek :)

[@melb1017]

Your boots aged so well Very beautiful 😮

[@derektruong6272]

Beautiful review. Very knowledgeable and enjoyable content. Subbed!

[@Bootlosophy]

Thanks, my friend!

[@Milney10]

Great review. I recently bought my second pair. You’re correct on the sizing issue. I bought a 9H (in black) and wore them every single day for 18 months. I decided they were too big so my second pair are 8.5H. I felt like Cinderella when they went on. As a result of my black pair being too big, they haven’t worn very well, so I’m getting new soles - while going down half a size to 8.5H. How many pairs of shoes have you bought where you can do that!?!?!? RMs are totally worth the money. I wear business shoes every day, and before I purchased my first pair of RMs, went through 4 pairs a year, at between $150 to $200 a pair. Even when wearing (RMs) a size too large, the soles lasted 18 months, and surely had a another 18 in them when decided to get news soles, “solely” 🤣🤣🤣 to change the size.

[@Shang_Style]

Hi Teik, I’m a fellow Aussie who recently discovered your channel, really enjoying your in depth reviews. Can I ask what insoles you wear with your RMs? Have you tried the dynamic flex version of the craftsman since it’s got a built in “insole”. I found your sizing section quite interesting since I’m actually very close in shoe size to you as I am brannock 8.5 wide. I wear a shorter but wider size to you in RM at 7.5H comfort and dynamic flex craftsman. I find the dynamic flex to fit more comfortably with thin dress socks. However, I wear longer size compared to you for redwings at 8.5US for iron ranger and moctoe. I find iron ranger 8.5 perfect with thick socks but moctoe quite narrow so only can wear thin socks. Given your review I might give size 8G in RM another try.

[@erickim2556]

Can you please review Rossi Boots' Kidman when you get a chance? Thank you!

[@bjoernaltmann]

Another thing to note is the Comfort Craftsman and its synthetic insole. It doesn’t breathe which means your foot can sweat more easily and then will squeak.

[@billbowtell5825]

One of each colour only Boots I have ever had in 45 years . I send them back to get re soled and they arrive back looking like new

[@Beaneeman67]

Outstanding job! Love man. 🔥🔥🔥🔥💪🏾💪🏾

[@kangaroo7466]

I just bought my first pair after drooling over them for 20 years. I got them at Bloomingdale's online. I joined their club to get free shipping. They sent me a code for 15% off only $438 US. They fit perfect. I have narrow feet usually a size 12 got 12.5. Thin foam insole. I love the comfort classic.

[@michaelcarcione408]

Hi mate , thank you for your videos! I’m a Perth guy myself-any chance you have come across Anastazi boots ? They’re made here in Perth and sold through bodkins bootery in Fremantle. I Have had RM’s before and Anastazi’s are a completely different world of awesomeness. A video on them would be really cool, old world craftsmanship and very nice people behind the counter. Keep up the good work! Thanks

[@Bootlosophy]

I’ve heard of them but never seen them. I’ll investigate- I wonder if they’re open to giving me a sample or discount to review?

[@michaelcarcione408]

@@Bootlosophy my experiences with them have always been great so I’m sure they’d be open to a chat about it ? Really close to getting another pair 😂 they have models you can buy off the shelf or they also offer custom made boots. Feels like you’re in another time. Anyway, just thought I’d mention it and fly the local flag. Thanks again !

[@bjoernaltmann]

I’m hearing this for the second time that they are quite narrow. I’m a 10 in Tricker’s Stow and 9.5 in the Bourton. In RM i need a 10 F. The G is too wide for my foot. Sadly there are only two versions in F.

[@My_You_Tube]

I have 3 pairs. comfort x2 and 1x craftsman...and I love them. Great craftsmanship, great quality and they wear well. As my Aussie mates would say "you are a wanker if you don't own at least one pair mate"🤣.

[@DJKerere]

Great video, I have a pair from the 80s, hardly worn and an absolute beauty. Shines much better than modern leathers as I think the old leathers were comparable to the signature

[@aalassadi3844]

Yes you are correct. Their lasts are very slim. I guess the nature of Chelsea boots' aesthetic requires a slim profile. The problem arise when you have wide or very wide feet. They have Wide and XW sizes which do not correspond to 2E and 4E respectively. They are rather Relaxed regular and Wide. Therefore if you require XW footwear and have bunion, spread toes etc, RM Williams won't fit you. They fit best on slim and regular feet.

[@cc50378n]

Thank you so much for your informative review!

[@Bootlosophy]

Wow thank you!

[@pedrovilchez1688]

Boots are gorgeous.

[@Team_Daniel_Eva_Belle]

Great review! I got the Dynamic Flex which is very similar recently. How soon after buying should we apply conditioner and how did you get the mirror shine from your pair to be so good? Any particular product ?

[@Bootlosophy]

I’d probably condition them immediately - you don’t know how long it’s been in the box. Follow up with a good cream polish. The mirror shine was made after watching several KZbin videos, especially those from Kirby Allen. I used Kiwi black parade shine, water, and a lot of elbow grease!

[@ashutosh3]

Love your videos….keep up the good work..

[@kelvinleong4322]

Hi Sir Please explain whats the difference between R M Williams model comfort turnout boot rubber sole n comfort craftman rubber sole? Any plan to buy comfort turnout? Suitable for formal attire like office environment n suit n tie events???

[@g43654]

I love RM boots, I have 7 pairs so far. They are definitely more on the expensive side because they are firmly in the luxury market. However, they are cheaper than other luxury brands like Edward Greens for sure.

[@EurekaRepublic89]

They're pretty damn affordable when you consider that you can wear them casually or formally and they last forever.

[@simonwise8510]

I have 2 pairs I wear all the time. Newest is 15 yrs and oldest 20. Look after them and they will last a looong time. I use a cobbler in Brisbane for a resole every 10 years. The oldest boots were $350. That’s $17.50 per year . I’d say that’s value.

[@aio4383]

Nice review!!! Are they better quality and craftsmanship than, let's say, grant stone boots (made in china with horween leather)? also, is Yearling Leather a better leather than Horween Chromexcel Leather? I've seen RM Gardener Commando boots (using horween leather) AU$695.00, while Comfort Craftsman Boot (using yearling leather) is AU$595.00.

[@rohanm4541]

Ai O - RM Williams have an equivalent to Horween Chromexcel leather - they call it pull up leather

[@aio4383]

@@rohanm4541 I woulda thought pull up is just a leather 'effect/result'. red wing's leather is also pull up leather.

[@rohanm4541]

@@aio4383 Oily pull up leather is similar to the Chromexcel leather.

[@rohanm4541]

So I did some research. Basically it comes down to what the function of your boot is. If your boot is a "work boot" (eg firefighting, lumberjack, builders etc) then CXL is the way to go, if your boot is a casual/formal boot then yearling is going to be better (more comfortable, thinner but not too thin), if you want somewhere in between, oily pull up/greasy kip or equivalent is best. If you're going straight for style, french veal calf leather is going to be right up there. If you're going casual then kangaroo is good.

[@aio4383]

@@rohanm4541 check out this video by rose anvil. It gives a brief intro on what pull up leather is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn2whoZ6jM-NZpY (skip to around 3:25) as far as i know, horween's chromexcel leather, is a combination tanned leather (chrome tanned and then veg tanned). horween also got veg tan leather. I think it's called dublin leather. if by "Oily pull up leather", you're referring to red wing's leather. It's a chrome tan leather. cheaper and faster to chrome tan it. (maybe check out rose anvil's other early early vids, there are some good intro there.

[@matthewmcdonald6283]

Good info and good review 👌

[@foxnmfox]

Hi very good video and informative. What’s the full name of the boots or style number

[@krusty4651]

Where or how did you get your rubber sole protectors? Would really like to get those for my boots when I get them

[@Bootlosophy]

At a cobbler

[@krusty4651]

@@Bootlosophy thanks, you got me set on getting these boots. Wasn't sure if there was somewhere special to get the rubber sole pads added on. RM Williams is selling a 90th anniversary chelsea boot, so I'm eyeing that one

[@markdunn1931]

I wear a 6.5 D in US size. I have Allen Edmond at 6.5 D, what would you recommend ? Cheers

[@Bootlosophy]

R M Williams 7.5 or 8 depending on how close you are to going toward E

[@wesleyb1119]

Review the red back work boots made in Aussie I donno if I shod get a pair I’ve been told there the comfiest work boot

[@Steven-p4j]

Quality that will last a lifetime.

[@ngocpham-hu4cq]

What insoles do you use

[@minhktd]

Have you heard of Solovair? If you're ever interested maybe you could check them out one day, they're still made in England ircc. They have a pretty good selection of boots too.

[@Bootlosophy]

Not my style 🤷‍♂️

[@foxnmfox]

I got a pair of Loake boots very good but will look Into solovair. Thanks

[@sonnyhuynh7052]

If brannock device size is 7 E , should I get a 6.5 then or go down a whole size for these? Just sub , love the content.

[@Bootlosophy]

I would stay true to size

[@xurunhuai12]

Hey, any recommendations for cobblers in perth?

[@Bootlosophy]

There’s two that I use. Perth Surgical Shoe Makers & Wembley Shoes in Wembley, and the cobbler in the Floreat Forum (who has JR soles!)

[@xurunhuai12]

@@Bootlosophy I'm new in perth but what's the average cost of resoling around here?

[@benreyes2448]

Where can I get this type of boots . Advice

[@Bootlosophy]

Mr Google is the best help

[@dougster701]

Great video:)

[@krystjanchanerley9288]

Are they made in Australia or Asia ?

[@Bootlosophy]

Adelaide

[@Psalmsneil]

Rossi Boots 701 please

[@userwatttt]

400th like. Go me. Recently bought my second pair, this time, Dynamic Flex in chestnut. First pair, Signatures.

[@foxnmfox]

I never seen these in Uk as I think they are named as turnout

[@Bootlosophy]

No, the RMW Turnout is a different boot. Check their Bond Street and Soho stores, but some regional retailers also carry them

[@foxnmfox]

@@Bootlosophy thank you for response in your opinion would you say the boot you have is a formal boot or everyday boot ?

[@JohnnyVichi]

ARE THESE COMFY? VS A SNEAKER

[@waynehighfield2094]

No... not every Aussie is issued at birth!

[@benko7ab]

So I guess you would be a 41.5 EU?

[@Bootlosophy]

Yes

[@pineapplesideways3820]

Only rich wore then the poor used Rossi ripples

[@So1dier]

If you buy it and wear for 10 years, then the price becomes $65 per year. I buy shoes and they usually last a year or two, and I pay about $200. So for RMs it seems to be a bargain.

[@Bootlosophy]

But if they were the “right” price to start with, they might be $50 per year.