Fascinating review! Love how you traced the history of how the boots came to be known as Chelsea boots, from their somewhat obscure origin. And your review (as usual) is thorough, meticulous, and thoughtful. Lots of info packed into this episode! Greatly appreciated!
I don’t disagree mate! Great video. I had two pairs of RMWs on rotation, sold one, and due to the RM price increases was hesitant to get another pair of RMWs, so I started to expand my Grant Stone collection, as I felt for the same price the quality of materials and make was better. Down to one RMWs and 3 Grant Stone now.
1:13. To be pedantic, Beatle Boots are strictly a variant of the Chelsea Boot. The differ from traditional Chelseas, in particular, in that they are _almost always_ i) very tight fitting ii) Cuban-heeled (a type of men's high-heels) iii) have a prominent pointed toe iv) have zippered (or even stretchy leather) sides. They are all but extinct now, as it the original bootmaker that made 4 custom orders for the Beatles in the late 1960s.
I do agree with you, and a great video. Many pairs of RMWs in my family, and they are quality, but they are not value for money. The price of them today is saddening, as they are not worth that price aside from their name now. But they are still good boots, but not for their price.
I was in the US Navy. Those of us who worked around liquid oxygen (LOX), wore LOX boots. These are LOX boots, except ours were always smooth leather. They shined up better than everyone else's boots and were seen as a status symbol in the Navy.
It’s amazing, since the price rise, they can’t keep up with demand and have just announced a large expansion to the manufacturing here in Adelaide. I agree that the pricing is getting out of hand, I have a few pairs as does my son, but now start considering factory seconds rather than full price firsts. In some ways, the boots also feel like they are starting to get a bit cliche, can’t walk down the street without seeing some, go to an event and nearly everyone is wearing them. Used to wear them to stand out from the crowd, now wear them to be part of the crowd…
Thank You for sharing. I think rm williams is meant to be a well made boot that doesn't necessarily need the break in that a pnw boot needs because most professional or workers need to wear it now not in 2 months breaking in imho.
Another great review. I bought a pair of Comfort Craftsmen and am totally sold on the quality, materials, and labor. I didn't quite get the sizing right, and the price makes that sting. Weird to see a national staple turn into an international luxury. Great analysis and perspective. Thanks.
@@Bootlosophy I correctly translated my Brannock size--American 10D--to the UK 9G. But it was just a little too short. Later I tried on a 9.5G and it fit in that last (RM Williams Comfort Turnout Chelseas). I tried on the Comfort Craftsman (which is was I think I really wanted) and at 9G is was spot on. But I'd spent $557.18 on the pair that was a little too tight. I suppose I could put these on ebay and swing again....
Excellent storytelling and review! One question, though: Is the color in the video the actual color? Lighting sometimes somewhat thwarts the actual color of these boots. I have had to return several pairs of boots advertised as tan but turned out not exactly so. Thank you.
I'm in the UK for a pair of comfort turnout in tanbark kangaroo for 230 pound looking forward to wearing them in! The other option was these on sale for 240, but suede scares me...
I own 4 pairs of which 3 pairs were bought at one time. Chestnut Comfort Craftsman Dynamic Flex Tan Brown Comfort Craftsman Black Comfort Craftsman Khaki Suede Craftsman Leather Sole
You're absolutely right. Apart from the Commando model, all the rest shared a very distinct design, which to me feels a bit more dressier boots than casual wear. I would love to support SA made shoes but it's far from bang for your buck. I'm way happier with my Thursday boots :)
It’s funny, I’d agree they are getting too expensive - in fact I’d just bought a set of comfort craftsman’s in crazy horse at a steep discount but in getting them; I’d say they would be worth the cost in very specific use. My suede leather soled craftsman’s for $500 were def worth it but for obvious reasons are treated with the upmost care. However I have a set of black turnouts with vibram soles - actually, I have 2 pairs. I wear one set hiking, chopping wood, use them as a mid duty work boot; I beat the 💩 out of them and each time I give them a once over - I’m deeply impressed with how they polish up. They’ve held up so well and the patina and smoothing of the leather makes them look better and better. So if they did a craftsman in a greasy kip or a chromexcel leather - I’d really say for $650 they would be worth it.
Great reviews, I am on my 3rd pair of RM Williams boots and this has become my goto site before i buy. Regarding the pricing, i cannot speak to the impact of inflation on the Australian dollar, however, USD300 in 1985 is over USD800 in 2024. Draw your own conclusions.
Do the suedes on the RM's feel as sturdy as the yearling? I love how RM's feel strong and cohesive as one single piece - I've got a kangaroo version. Saw a good deal sub-500 deal for a suede version of the Comfort Craftsman, thinking about it now. Do the suedes feel as sturdy? Thanks.
As someone who wears UK size 12 boots, any boot without laces is a no go as they make your feet look bigger with nothing to break up the vamp. At least until flared trousers make a return 🙂. Regarding price, I would say that Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the World and that probably contributes significantly to the cost of these. They don't seem noticeably more expensive in Europe than brands like Carmina who produce similar high quality boots and are a bit cheaper than Crockett & Jones.
Not gonna lie, when I saw the title I was like well you're from aus so youre not gonna shit on the brand but after hearing your review I'm glad to hear differently. I'm from Sydney and I know RM Comfort Craftsman are the go to for any profession basically. But honestly for the price it just isn't worth it for the quality you get imo. It's not bad but it's just not 650 good. I think it'll be 450 amazing or 500 good, even mid 500 is stretching it abit imo but for single leather construction upper I think 550 is a bit more justified but not great value imo. Keep in mind it used to be 595 this year but inflation so they're now 650ish. Also, for boots at this price they don't even include shoe bags (not saying they must) but other competitors have those at this price range so I don't see why RM can't. I think the luxury name definitely adds on more cost than value. Overall I think it's more brand name than good value, which is ok. But if possible I think looking else where is the go. But in terms of pure Chelsea boots, RM has a pretty strong hold on the market I rekon and would be the go to but otherwise I'd say go for other brand. All my opinion tho
So here in usa ,I see the rm williams rickaby bark for 310- 320.00 ,they look nice , so in your opinion us that a good price and value same as grant stone diesel bourbun suede at 360.00 ? Like to know your professional opinion .
@Bootlosophy thanks for reply. I just bought another boot and my choice was both grant stone , dark oak roughout and waxy commander , I see that you haven't reviewed the roughout , so anyway I bought the dark oak roughout because they look alot like vidberg roughout boot ,plus I like the finish,, do u have any comment on that dark oak roughout from Grant Stone?
I am sorry mate, but I will be polite - Its simple - RMW’s are made in Australia, and that deserves some respect, they are awesome - so pay the price ! If you can’t afford them the buy cheap sh**. No one has a gun to your head!!
As an Englishman who migrated to Australia 15 years ago, and was fortunate enough to obtain my Australian citizenship, I have just invested in this exact pair of boots. Yes, they're over-priced, and yes they are a bit of a cliche. But they appeal in the same way that classic Timberland boots appeal; timeless design, top-notch construction, and an absolute staple for any man to have in his wardrobe. All I need now is a Falcon V8, and I'll be a true blue Australian.
The widest they Make is the Tambo boot which is the craftsman but in an X wide fit. I’ve got extremely wide feet. EE or triple EEE and they fit me just fine and some Tambos are even roomy for my wide feet. I’d say try and see if you can get a pair to fit you and if they do grab them. So worth it mate.
Fascinating review! Love how you traced the history of how the boots came to be known as Chelsea boots, from their somewhat obscure origin. And your review (as usual) is thorough, meticulous, and thoughtful. Lots of info packed into this episode! Greatly appreciated!
I don’t disagree mate! Great video. I had two pairs of RMWs on rotation, sold one, and due to the RM price increases was hesitant to get another pair of RMWs, so I started to expand my Grant Stone collection, as I felt for the same price the quality of materials and make was better. Down to one RMWs and 3 Grant Stone now.
Will love to see a Chelsea's review of all the brands you get and you will get, would be cool!
1:13. To be pedantic, Beatle Boots are strictly a variant of the Chelsea Boot. The differ from traditional Chelseas, in particular, in that they are _almost always_ i) very tight fitting ii) Cuban-heeled (a type of men's high-heels) iii) have a prominent pointed toe iv) have zippered (or even stretchy leather) sides.
They are all but extinct now, as it the original bootmaker that made 4 custom orders for the Beatles in the late 1960s.
I do agree with you, and a great video. Many pairs of RMWs in my family, and they are quality, but they are not value for money. The price of them today is saddening, as they are not worth that price aside from their name now. But they are still good boots, but not for their price.
I was in the US Navy. Those of us who worked around liquid oxygen (LOX), wore LOX boots. These are LOX boots, except ours were always smooth leather. They shined up better than everyone else's boots and were seen as a status symbol in the Navy.
Great review. Glad i found your channel.
It’s amazing, since the price rise, they can’t keep up with demand and have just announced a large expansion to the manufacturing here in Adelaide. I agree that the pricing is getting out of hand, I have a few pairs as does my son, but now start considering factory seconds rather than full price firsts.
In some ways, the boots also feel like they are starting to get a bit cliche, can’t walk down the street without seeing some, go to an event and nearly everyone is wearing them. Used to wear them to stand out from the crowd, now wear them to be part of the crowd…
I have a few pairs of RM Williams craftsmen boots and love them. They will last me a lifetime
Thank You for sharing. I think rm williams is meant to be a well made boot that doesn't necessarily need the break in that a pnw boot needs because most professional or workers need to wear it now not in 2 months breaking in imho.
I have these
Another great review. I bought a pair of Comfort Craftsmen and am totally sold on the quality, materials, and labor. I didn't quite get the sizing right, and the price makes that sting. Weird to see a national staple turn into an international luxury. Great analysis and perspective. Thanks.
Thank you. That sizing is a sod isn’t it?
@@Bootlosophy I correctly translated my Brannock size--American 10D--to the UK 9G. But it was just a little too short. Later I tried on a 9.5G and it fit in that last (RM Williams Comfort Turnout Chelseas). I tried on the Comfort Craftsman (which is was I think I really wanted) and at 9G is was spot on. But I'd spent $557.18 on the pair that was a little too tight. I suppose I could put these on ebay and swing again....
I think I'm going to pick this one up. Great review
Fantastic review. I like the way you explain the detail of the pricing and what makes them worth it (or not). Good job.
Another great and honest review - thanks!
Excellent storytelling and review! One question, though: Is the color in the video the actual color? Lighting sometimes somewhat thwarts the actual color of these boots. I have had to return several pairs of boots advertised as tan but turned out not exactly so. Thank you.
I can’t tell what your screen is showing but on my Mac, the colour is right.
I just found your channel and subbing. I’d like to get me one of those comfort craftsman in that colour.
I'm in the UK for a pair of comfort turnout in tanbark kangaroo for 230 pound looking forward to wearing them in!
The other option was these on sale for 240, but suede scares me...
This video is brilliant!!
I own 4 pairs of which 3 pairs were bought at one time.
Chestnut Comfort Craftsman Dynamic Flex
Tan Brown Comfort Craftsman
Black Comfort Craftsman
Khaki Suede Craftsman Leather Sole
You're absolutely right. Apart from the Commando model, all the rest shared a very distinct design, which to me feels a bit more dressier boots than casual wear.
I would love to support SA made shoes but it's far from bang for your buck. I'm way happier with my Thursday boots :)
It’s funny, I’d agree they are getting too expensive - in fact I’d just bought a set of comfort craftsman’s in crazy horse at a steep discount but in getting them; I’d say they would be worth the cost in very specific use.
My suede leather soled craftsman’s for $500 were def worth it but for obvious reasons are treated with the upmost care.
However I have a set of black turnouts with vibram soles - actually, I have 2 pairs. I wear one set hiking, chopping wood, use them as a mid duty work boot; I beat the 💩 out of them and each time I give them a once over - I’m deeply impressed with how they polish up.
They’ve held up so well and the patina and smoothing of the leather makes them look better and better.
So if they did a craftsman in a greasy kip or a chromexcel leather - I’d really say for $650 they would be worth it.
Great reviews, I am on my 3rd pair of RM Williams boots and this has become my goto site before i buy.
Regarding the pricing, i cannot speak to the impact of inflation on the Australian dollar, however, USD300 in 1985 is over USD800 in 2024.
Draw your own conclusions.
Do the suedes on the RM's feel as sturdy as the yearling? I love how RM's feel strong and cohesive as one single piece - I've got a kangaroo version. Saw a good deal sub-500 deal for a suede version of the Comfort Craftsman, thinking about it now. Do the suedes feel as sturdy? Thanks.
They’re quite a lot softer, so in short, no
Very nice color.
As someone who wears UK size 12 boots, any boot without laces is a no go as they make your feet look bigger with nothing to break up the vamp. At least until flared trousers make a return 🙂. Regarding price, I would say that Australia has one of the highest standards of living in the World and that probably contributes significantly to the cost of these. They don't seem noticeably more expensive in Europe than brands like Carmina who produce similar high quality boots and are a bit cheaper than Crockett & Jones.
You could always be the trendsetter 😉
@@Bootlosophy I still have nightmares about growing up in the seventies with flared trousers, platform shoes and extremely loud shirts.
Not gonna lie, when I saw the title I was like well you're from aus so youre not gonna shit on the brand but after hearing your review I'm glad to hear differently. I'm from Sydney and I know RM Comfort Craftsman are the go to for any profession basically. But honestly for the price it just isn't worth it for the quality you get imo. It's not bad but it's just not 650 good. I think it'll be 450 amazing or 500 good, even mid 500 is stretching it abit imo but for single leather construction upper I think 550 is a bit more justified but not great value imo. Keep in mind it used to be 595 this year but inflation so they're now 650ish. Also, for boots at this price they don't even include shoe bags (not saying they must) but other competitors have those at this price range so I don't see why RM can't. I think the luxury name definitely adds on more cost than value. Overall I think it's more brand name than good value, which is ok. But if possible I think looking else where is the go. But in terms of pure Chelsea boots, RM has a pretty strong hold on the market I rekon and would be the go to but otherwise I'd say go for other brand. All my opinion tho
I got boot bags with these, but still doesn’t get it to over 600. I don’t think the price rise was due to inflation but more like the Twiggy effect.
So here in usa ,I see the rm williams rickaby bark for 310- 320.00 ,they look nice , so in your opinion us that a good price and value same as grant stone diesel bourbun suede at 360.00 ?
Like to know your professional opinion .
At those prices IMO both are fair value. The Rickaby has a slimmer, sleeker last though than the Diesel and may not fit a wider foot.
@Bootlosophy thanks for reply.
I just bought another boot and my choice was both grant stone , dark oak roughout and waxy commander , I see that you haven't reviewed the roughout , so anyway I bought the dark oak roughout because they look alot like vidberg roughout boot ,plus I like the finish,, do u have any comment on that dark oak roughout from Grant Stone?
@@Angel-AbC9 I don’t have any experience of it but it’s from a great tannery
The suede is calling me but I just cannot be arsed dealing with the high maintenance
Don’t maintain it! Let it flatten, show scuffs, darken at the edges! It would look great!
Хорошие сапоги, нужно брать!😎👍
I am sorry mate, but I will be polite - Its simple - RMW’s are made in Australia, and that deserves some respect, they are awesome - so pay the price ! If you can’t afford them the buy cheap sh**. No one has a gun to your head!!
Too expensive!
@@Xxy002 why?
As an Englishman who migrated to Australia 15 years ago, and was fortunate enough to obtain my Australian citizenship, I have just invested in this exact pair of boots. Yes, they're over-priced, and yes they are a bit of a cliche. But they appeal in the same way that classic Timberland boots appeal; timeless design, top-notch construction, and an absolute staple for any man to have in his wardrobe. All I need now is a Falcon V8, and I'll be a true blue Australian.
Don’t forget the blue singlet
@@Bootlosophy Bintang singlet!
@@themancuniancandidate2744 Hahahah
No width sizing in their boots. Sucks but I have a very wide foot. Gran Stone for me is ideal.
They make widths equivalent to US B to EE
In men’s sizing (depending on type of sole) they do F, G, H widths (G is standard) and the extra wide X or Tambo.
The widest they Make is the Tambo boot which is the craftsman but in an X wide fit. I’ve got extremely wide feet. EE or triple EEE and they fit me just fine and some Tambos are even roomy for my wide feet. I’d say try and see if you can get a pair to fit you and if they do grab them. So worth it mate.