Luxury Gardening? Reviewing the R M Williams Gardener Chelsea Boot

Рет қаралды 20,796

Күн бұрын

This is R M Williams' Chelsea workboot. It has a more rounded toe and thicker rubber soles than their most popular Craftsman Chelsea. While very tough yet comfortable, would you wear a $600 boot to go digging in the garden? Let's see!
Links
R M Williams bit.ly/BLRMWilliams
R M Williams USA bit.ly/BLosophyRMWUS
R M Williams UK bit.ly/BLosophyRMWUK
Scroll to the bottom for more care products!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:31 History of R M Williams
02:27 Chelsea Boots
03:17 Style and aesthetics
04:57 When to wear and what with
06:54 Greasy Kip Leather
08:11 Construction
13:00 Leathercare
17:20 Price & Value
19:11 Conclusion
Who Am I?
I am a Management Consultant in real life but in my Bootlosophy channel, I make videos about boots and all things boot related. This channel posts reviews of boots, unboxing of new boots, and follow up reviews, and in doing so, may explore the philosophy of the brands from time to time!
I have owned boots for decades, but to be honest I have owned them as functional pieces of footwear. It wasn't until early 2020 when COVID struck that I started online shopping boots to an obsessive degree. I love the aesthetic of boots and I love finding out more about how they are made. I now own an insane number of boots, and one day I may sell some of them (just not right now).
Full Disclosure
If any video is sponsored, I will declare it clearly in the video and in the description. Even if a video is sponsored, I will review the product openly and honestly giving you my personal opinion, warts and all, of the product.
The following links (and any links I place above) to products I regularly use may be affiliate links - buying from any affiliate links will not cost you any more, but I may receive a small payment from the platform.
Care Products - conditioners and polishes
Bick 4 amzn.to/36gBdnd
Ecco suede conditioner amzn.to/3rOU9BN
Fiebings Liquid Mink Oil amzn.to/34FigtO
Leather Honey amzn.to/3uWepDH
Red Wing Heritage Leather Cream amzn.to/3sK5dzi
R M Williams Leather Conditioner amzn.to/3JkgQno
Saphir Greasy Leather Cream Polish amzn.to/368FlW9
Saphir Renovateur Medaille d'Or amzn.to/36jNIP3
Saphir Renovateur leather balm amzn.to/3uS23wa
Smiths Leather Balm amzn.to/3oPcBbC
Tarrago shoe cream amzn.to/3sK2hCM
Tarrago Nubuck Suede Renovator Spray amzn.to/3oLLSgc
Venetian Shoe Cream 3oz amzn.to/3uS1oLc
Care Products - cleaners
Ecco foam cleaner amzn.to/3gM61hO
Ecco Nubuck and suede eraser kit amzn.to/3LCzf0L
Fiebings Saddle Soap amzn.to/3sFlNAo
Leather Honey Cleaner amzn.to/3HShN64
R M Williams suede cleaner amzn.to/3sIoIYZ
Timberland dry cleaning kit amzn.to/3GNXAwP
Timberland Renewbuck Foaming Cleaner amzn.to/3sJQAvN
Care Products - water repellents
Saphir Suede Protector Spray amzn.to/34FWAhi
Tarrago Nano Protector Spray amzn.to/3oLxPXF
Care Products - Brushes
Kiwi Horsehair Brush 3-pack for different colours amzn.to/3oPUvpL
Kiwi Horsehair Applicator Brush amzn.to/3uUZHwu
Welt Brush amzn.to/33kKMQP
Care Products - shoe trees
Florsheim Cedar Shoe Tree amzn.to/3sJXVf5
Stratton Cedar Shoe Tree amzn.to/3JqNVy3

Пікірлер: 85

@shankarbalan3813 14 күн бұрын

RM’s are the best boots I have. 2 pairs. I think they will very probably last beyond my lifetime.

@user-en9zo2ol4z 8 ай бұрын

Well articulated and well praised. I have 3 pairs of R.M.s all in the Cuban heel variety, which I polish and periodically resole. Generally a half sole and heel. People often balk at the price, without realising how many pairs of uncomfortable shoes they simply throw away and replace, and personally I find the boots far more comfortable than runners. I have had these since the early eighties, which seems very good value to me. It is always false economy to buy cheap uncomfortable shoes in my opinion.

@kulyar2900 Жыл бұрын

Love your review! Just bought a pair of these and very excited!

@pitis2flie Жыл бұрын

Another great video. I’m new to the channel and you do a great job. I can listen to you talk about boots all day.

@mattblair2224 Жыл бұрын

Great review Teik as always, I think I need to add a pair of these to my collection.

@thatguyeatingacookie Жыл бұрын

Great review and great channel! Deserves a lot more popularity than what it has currently

@mitchmackenzie3293 5 ай бұрын

The best boot review I’ve ever seen, thank you!

@aussiesoulsurfer553 Жыл бұрын

Great video!! Excellent knowledge of RMs

@user-xf6ql5zd6x 4 ай бұрын

Wow… what a surprisingly refreshing informative video. Well Presented! Good on you!!

@benhall9321 Жыл бұрын

Great review. First time I have come across your videos.

@Orwic1 Жыл бұрын

Great review. I’ve got a pair of these boots (and several other pairs of RMW boots - I’m a fan). Very comfortable and really well made. Great casual wear and good for gardening in too!

@cardiac1 Жыл бұрын

Great review! Pleasure to listen. And hello from Heritage boot club!

@1965zimmy 4 ай бұрын

I've had three pairs of these over the past twenty five years. Each one went through a couple of resoles. My feet somehow outgrew one pair and the leather in another pair split along a crease as a result of walking on heavily salted sidewalks for several miles everyday over many winters (my fault for not looking after them better). The break in period is barely noticeable and they are probably the most comfortable boots I've owned. They are expensive but well worth it.

@rauri1077 Жыл бұрын

Great review so well articulated again! The elastics are definitely underrated, loved that you went into the history of the company. One issue I’ve had with RM recently is their quality of repair - they pride themselves in the ability to repair and refurbish worn old boots but I’ve had two pairs resoled and both times they scratched the leather, quite ugly

@mikeybernardo 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the videos

@nathanalane2674 6 ай бұрын

So helpful!

@lfelici1 Жыл бұрын

Great review. Looking to get these soon.

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

I’m going to do a Chelsea Work Boot challenge soon, featuring these

@seanharwood974 Жыл бұрын

I’ve got these . Get the right size and they’re comfortable straight out of the box . They feel like they’ll last a lifetime

@lazylewislewis4944 4 ай бұрын

great video bruh

@theaussiewhinger Жыл бұрын

Fellow Perth chap here! I love the Gardener Boot too!

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Best city in the world!

@chiragpatel2423 8 ай бұрын

It is wonderful to listen to you. You remind of the late Great Richie Benaud.

@Bootlosophy 8 ай бұрын

Whoa! The Late Great indeed! Thanks but Richie was all class

@jamesellsworth9673 6 ай бұрын

I LIKE this review. I LIKE the wider toe box, as my feet need room in front and don't like to be pinched in the little toe area.

@tami22au 7 ай бұрын

This is a terrific review Teik, detailed, thorough and articulate, and a great introduction, for me, to both these boots and your channel. I look forward to seeing more from Bootlosophy! One thing I would love to see, though, is a follow-up discussion of how the different leathers age. RMW offers many different types, and I think a lot of people into leather boots (or leather anything) are really interested in how the leather will respond to wear, cope with scuffs and scratches, and develop character, patina, etc - or not. I, personally, like most of my leather footwear to show this "life experience" in an honest way, with cleaning and conditioning used to protect the leather, but not eo keep it pristine. Greasy kip is, I presume, and aniline leather, so won't show wear in the same way a finished leather would. I'd very much like to hear your views and experience with this aspect, for all your boots. I was also intrigued by your sizing comments, which were extremely interesting and useful, incidentally - such a confusing and frustrating subject! Brannock would say that U.S. and U.K. sizes are precisely half a size different (linear barleycorn), though I know RMW indicates a full size in their charts. It is rarely clear when manufacturers (or reviewers) are speaking of 'Brannock' size or 'Boot' size when broaching this crucial issue, and their length measurements almost never agree. Thank you for making it clear that you are using your 'true' (Brannock) size as a reference. It is clearly very important to be fitted, if at all possible.

@Bootlosophy 7 ай бұрын

Thank you. It takes a while to put some honest wear in boots and with such a large collection, difficult to do. But as time progresses I’ll try to do a video about that.

@tami22au 7 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the reply. If you ever do get a chance sometime, I shall certainly be here for it, and I have begun to delve into your other videos - you set a very high bar for presentation which many others could learn from. Thanks!

@justinlangley9522 Жыл бұрын

Your reviews on boots are absolutely brilliant ! Really well spoken and detailed! Im heavily tempted on buying a pair of RM's but have never originally been a boot person (outside of work) . These gardiner boots are they suited for work as a mechanic? My work are not fussed of steel toes. Having plantar fasciitis has made it difficult to find a good work shoe.

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

They’re probably “too good” or more to the point too $$ for mechanic work. Possibly better in Blundstones or something like that, even though not easily Re-solable.

@starskymedia Жыл бұрын

Really fantastic review mate, would have liked to see more detailed comparison to the Comfort Craftsan as their flagship boot. Cheers!

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Have you checked out my two reviews on the Craftsman and the Comfort Craftsman?

@starskymedia Жыл бұрын

@@Bootlosophy yes I have and liked them both, I've been binge watching your channel since I found it haha, nice to see a side by side with the gardener, though I was in the rm Williams store yesterday myself and saw them in person 👍

@jonacanij Жыл бұрын

Great review! Your reviews made me look at these boots again. Is the size for the Gardener the same as your Comfort Craftsman chelseas?

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Yes it is

@spncrptrsn 10 ай бұрын

Free soloing in the RMs, what a king

@jeffislearning 3 ай бұрын

Personal opinion, the video reviews are great but would be perfect if there are close up video shots of the boots on your feet showing the proper tightness on the ankles, the flex of the leather while walking, the "plop" etc. Part of story telling is "show and tell" and showing the boot in the environments you described walking around the office, the street, on dirt would give the audience a more immersive understanding of your experience.

@AJOlsen87 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for great content! What's your opinion on how formal one may dress with the Gardener Commando in brown? Also, what kind of shoetrees do you use in your RM's?

@Bootlosophy 6 ай бұрын

Business casual is fine, shoe trees from Amazon

@thomashaenig3303 8 ай бұрын

Thank you @Bootlosophy, your review convinced me to purchased a pair of Gardener Boots. I love them, however paying almost 500,-€ i find it a bit thrifty not adding any boot bags.

@Bootlosophy 8 ай бұрын

Too right! You’d think like a 2 or 3 Euro bag wouldn’t be too much

@fullmetalroyal1216 Жыл бұрын

I hope we get to see whites mp boots soon!

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Let me wear them properly and then I'll bring you that review!

@mehdi6797 6 ай бұрын

need advice ,,,between gardner and red wing iron

@tommyinoz2100 Жыл бұрын

great review as usual, I had to sell my Gardeners, they just don't fit me, I just kept a pair of Chinchilla boots of RM

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Chinchilla? Not bad swop 😂😂

@p4nd4cc Жыл бұрын

Hey man, nice video! Btw have you had a chance to compare RM Gardener with GS Chelsea?

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Not yet, I don’t have a pair of the GS yet

@scottanderson6001 Жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks. Are the elastic portion of the boot waterproof? Im interested in purchasing a pair, but previous chelsea boots have allowed water in through the elastic part, which i think is a bit of a drawback. Thanks

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

They’re not advertised as waterproof but they are water resistant for sure

@tfelbo 3 ай бұрын

How does these compare to comfort goodwood? @bootlosophy

@sannedevries6294 Жыл бұрын

Hi Teik, thank you so much for your review. I myself have had my gardener boots for awhile now, but I noticed something worrying. After a few times of forcefully removing my shoetrees (my fault for always being late), I ripped the lining a bit. Examining it closely, it doesn't seem real leather. The back looks like fabric. Is this something you have noticed on your pair?

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

I can’t say I have. It’s possible that there is a leather lining, and in between, a fabric lining to avoid squeaking

@a51nx Жыл бұрын

I'm curious how these fit compared to the more traditional chiseled chelseas like the Craftsmans. From the photos they seem a lot more bulbous leading me to believe that they have a little bit more space for the toes. I'm a size 7H in Craftsmans but I'm not sure how that would translate in the Gardeners, keen to hear your thoughts :)

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

The round toe is deceptive. I’d stay in 7H.

@Gonzplays Жыл бұрын

How is the width of the standard size?

@mehdi6797 6 ай бұрын

i am hesitating between red wings iron ,,or RM gardner

@benko7ab Жыл бұрын

He loves his boots🤠

@sebnarciso426 10 ай бұрын

Do you wear normal dress socks or thicker work boot socks with the Gardener?

@Bootlosophy 10 ай бұрын

Both

@wadejensen3301 Жыл бұрын

Hello Teik, so are these the same sizing as the Craftsman?

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Yup, same

@julianwg92 Жыл бұрын

im torn between the garderner and the comfort craftsman! Do you think that the gardener will goes well with a suit? or office pants ?

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

To me, it’s too casual.

@jkfotonet Жыл бұрын

Their pricing has gone up. Gardener is now $649 & my wishlist commando is $799. Great looking Aussie only, welted boots, but a tad inflated in pricing ( for me anyway). With this in mind, majority of US boots looks more favourable even after factoring some exorbitant shipping fees imposed by a few bootmakers :)

@jb8408 11 ай бұрын

I got my Gardeners for £375

@jkfotonet 11 ай бұрын

@@jb8408 yes its pretty pricey

@splootan Жыл бұрын

I have a pair but it’s a bit tight in the toe box do you think it will stretch? thanks 🙏

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

It’s their least slim last. If it’s “a bit” tight, you’re probably ok. If it’s more than a firm handshake and actually hurts, I’d see if you can return it for an H width (US E width) or take it to a cobbler to get it professionally stretched.

@47AgStudios 4 ай бұрын

Would the Gardener be okay for a waiter in a fancy restaurant, or should I go with the Comfort Craftsman?

@Bootlosophy 4 ай бұрын

I think “fancy” equals Craftsman.

@Leo-Crespi Жыл бұрын

love your videos and you honestly seem a great person - it's a pity you didn't wear the boots though, it's like when Doug DeMuro doesn't drive the car at the end of the video ahahah

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

Haha 05:10 and 05:41 are my feet

@Bootlosophy Жыл бұрын

BTW who’s Doug DeMuro?

@Leo-Crespi Жыл бұрын

@@Bootlosophy look him up and you'll what I mean

@soundknight Жыл бұрын

Wow, this is a very knowledgeable review. You are an Australian, the land is traditionally owned by the indigenous tribe of the region but the land belongs to you too even though your name sounds Vietnamese :)

@minnesota-hk1vp Жыл бұрын

I’m on the fence….are they worth it? I’m not a huge chelsea guy but would rather have 1 or 2 great chelseas then a closet full of hit and misses

@lukedeker4676 Жыл бұрын

Get the top of the line rms, definitely worth it and super durable for how good they look

@minnesota-hk1vp Жыл бұрын

@@lukedeker4676 comfort craftsman??

@lukedeker4676 Жыл бұрын

@@minnesota-hk1vp thats them. Honestly i got a second hand pair that i wear everywhere. They look good beaten up

@minnesota-hk1vp Жыл бұрын

@@lukedeker4676 lol thank you man

@richyclubsport5155 3 ай бұрын

Look at Ian Harold personally I think they are better than RM Williams and cheaper

@johnnylam5877 Ай бұрын

I have $600 redwings iron rangers and $600 rm williams comfort craftsmans. Both great boots but don't see much wear time because I tend to wear my $100 Colorado Chelsea boots daily. I hate to damage such expensive boots! $100 Colorado boots look great, comfortable, seem to last a long time and I don't worry if they get scuffed