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well-kept

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Chris Rimby said:
I can't get that great of a shine out them yet (Yearling), and that's after two applications of leather conditioner and three coats of wax. QUOTE]

In my experience the use of conditioner - Lexol? - makes it very hard to get a real shine. It's as though it never fully dries, leaving the leather a bit sticky and matte looking.
 

edmorel

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It took me a day or two to really appreciate them. Out of the box they did not look like anything special. When I started wearing them with cords, khakis and wool slacks (slim, tapered leg), I fell in love with them due to the wonderful fit, the looks of the chiseled toe and the versatility. Like everything else though, different strokes for different folks
smile.gif
 

Sator

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I could choose my JLs, EGs, Carminas, C&Js, JM Westons, AEs, Vass, or Trickers but my RMWs still have a solid spot in my rotation. They are my go to kick-on kick-off shoe if I am in a hurry and want to grab and run. Comfortable and versatile - they take the place of sneakers in my wardrobe.

But as for the forum special model - keep watching. Steve keeps saying it won't be too much longer...I do appreciate that RMWs are not exactly bespoke John Lobbs but I think I am going to level the playing field considerably.
 

william

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I guess I am passing judgment rather quickly. I'll use them for a while and then report back.
 

william

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well-kept said:
Originally Posted by Chris Rimby
I can't get that great of a shine out them yet (Yearling), and that's after two applications of leather conditioner and three coats of wax. QUOTE]

In my experience the use of conditioner - Lexol? - makes it very hard to get a real shine. It's as though it never fully dries, leaving the leather a bit sticky and matte looking.


I've been using Kiwi leather conditioner. I started using conditioner after JM Weston, EG, etc. recommended using it. I think the trick with conditioner is to let the shoe dry for several hours after buffing it off.
 

grimslade

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Originally Posted by NoVaguy
i seriously doubt it. what would make you think that, besides the fact that it is a wholecut?

They are wholecuts. The shape of the elastic gores is exactly the same, they have double tabs for pulling them on, and the welting looks the same too. I admit it seems unlikely, but there are a number of striking similarities.
 

skalogre

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Originally Posted by grimslade
They are wholecuts. The shape of the elastic gores is exactly the same, they have double tabs for pulling them on, and the welting looks the same too. I admit it seems unlikely, but there are a number of striking similarities.
That would be quite the discovery. Think Grenson (or more lilely Pediwear) would divulge where they are made? P.s. $650 to $250 is a huge differential. Becomes even more of a bargain once you factor in the kangaroo option
smile.gif
Sort of like comparing an Evo FQ to a Carrera Turbo. Yeah the latter is more posh and nicer put together but the FQ is 20-30k less and has comparable performance
biggrin.gif
P.s.2 not to say I would not grab some Reddings if I saw them around at an affordable price.
 

grimslade

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I think Reddings are definitely the better-made boot. But they are almost 3x as much. I own both, and the RMWs are terrific at their price point.
 

william

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I realise the Reddings and Williams are priced different for a reason. When I think of the Williams in terms of Sator's use as sneaker replacements I begin to like them more.
 

Earthmover

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I'm actually unsure if it's "better made". I find both the 337 last and the Craftsman last to be equally comfortable (actually would give slight advantage to the Craftsman based on my experience), and while I haven't seen their durability, they seem to be equally well made goodyear shoes. Where it differs is that the 337 last is infinitely sleeker, more stylish and Reddings have a combination heel. Reddings probably use a "better" leather if you're looking for calf or suede, although if you get Kangaroos like I did, it would just be different.

I think I need both of them in my inventory, but I am actually surprised at how much I ended up liking the RMWs. I wasn't really impressed with their wider-chiselish toe, but it's growing on me, and the fact that it's really really comfortable makes it an excellent value for me.
 

lefty

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I received mine and they seem a little cramped in the toe. There seems to be plenty of space in front of the toe, but when I walk it seems like my toes are being pushed forward. I'm sure they will stretch, but it's bugging the hell out of me.

I am a 10 E in PA, so went for a 9 G in RMW. My next move will be the 9.5 in an F width.

If I can't interest a friend in them this weekend, I'll offer them here for what I paid.

lefty
 

grimslade

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Originally Posted by lefty
I received mine and they seem a little cramped in the toe. There seems to be plenty of space in front of the toe, but when I walk it seems like my toes are being pushed forward. I'm sure they will stretch, but it's bugging the hell out of me.

I am a 10 E in PA, so went for a 9 G in RMW. My next move will be the 9.5 in an F width.

If I can't interest a friend in them this weekend, I'll offer them here for what I paid.

lefty


I had that problem with my first pair. It didn't improve after a couple of months. YMMV. Fortunately, mine were from STP, so I exchanged them for a larger size. In my first pair, I felt as if something about the boot was forcing my toes forward in them. I think in hindsight they were simply too short. And given the construction of the toe-box, I don't think there's much possibility of stretch.
 

dtmt

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Ok, so I went to the local Nordstrom today to find my size in AE PA. The problem was that my right foot is a 9E, while my left foot is a 10D.

So should I go for 9F then? Or can I specify a different size for right and left if I get MTO? (I am planning to get MTO anyway in order to get the round-toed "Turnout" in dark tan)

edit: Can a cobbler adjust the fit of the heel? The 10D AEPA on my 9E-sized right foot was loose in the heel, I'm wondering if RMW in 9F would have the same problem.


Edit2: Ah! I just thought of something - do the RMW boots (leather sole) have a pad for the ball of the foot in a very specific place? The problem I had with the AE PA was that the ball of my larger foot was too far forward and was missing this padding, so it hurt when I tried to walk on it. If the RMW doesn't have this characteristic, then I should be fine with the 8G.
 

grimslade

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There is no pad under the ball of the foot, AFAIK.
 

TheOneTrueMatt

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I have a question about the recommended sizing. I tried on some RMWs at their store in New York and since I typically wear a 9 to 9.5 D I tried on an 8G and it seemed to fit pretty well. My feet didn't seem to move at all and it was snug (and the first time I've put on an elastic boot where the thing actually gripped my ankle). So I was planning to come home and order some online right away, but I've had to hold off for budget reasons.

But here's my concern... I recently went to an AE store and spent some time getting fitted for Park Avenues, and while I measure 9.5D the guy felt there was too much room on the side in those so I went down to 9D, still room, so 9C, which I couldn't get my left foot into (apparently it's bigger) so I ended up with 9.5C, which had a little bit of room by the toe, but otherwise felt fairly snug.

Anyway, I wouldn't go higher than an 8 in RMW, but I was originally going to ignore the sizing down one width because 8G felt good (and I didn't try anything else 'cause I thought "hey, these feel great"), but they do stretch and are supposed to be very snug to begin with, right? So maybe I should go with 8F? And with the recommendation of going down a width, how do you reconcile the fact that Craftsman only go down to width F, if you normally wear a C?
 

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