RM Williams Boots - Everything You Wanted to Know

[Crafty Cumbrian]

Suede Sydney ..

 

[snowbird25]

Curious if anyone here has experience with the Gardeners in Greasy Kip? I currently have Comfort Turnouts in Yearling, and really like them but find them slightly dressy.

Would the Gardeners be a better casual, all condition boot? And hopefully the comfort is similar to other RMs?

 

[bry2000]

The Gardeners in that leather are very casual IMO. Very comfortable. Highly recommended.

 

[troika]

Curious if anyone here has experience with the Gardeners in Greasy Kip? I currently have Comfort Turnouts in Yearling, and really like them but find them slightly dressy.

Would the Gardeners be a better casual, all condition boot? And hopefully the comfort is similar to other RMs?

Yes. They're great. My fav RMW shoe ever. They're more comfortable than any other non-sneaker footwear I own. The ruggedness is very similar to blundstone, but the last and fit is so much better.

I went hiking and fishing in mine for a month:

Then I ran them under the sink to wash off the dirt, and they looked new again:

 

[snowbird25]

The Gardeners

Yes. They're great. My fav RMW shoe ever. They're more comfortable than any other non-sneaker footwear I own. The ruggedness is very similar to blundstone, but the last and fit is so much better.

I went hiking and fishing in mine for a month:




Then I ran them under the sink to wash off the dirt, and they looked new again:

in that leather are very casual IMO. Very comfortable. Highly recommended.

Awesome, thank you both. I really appreciate it! Do you have any thoughts on the leather upkeep and durability in wet conditions (i.e. pacific northwest with lots of rain and snow for a few months every year)? My Comfort Turnouts are pretty slippery (I think they have the "Oil Resistant" sole), and I'm hoping these have a little more traction. I also already own RM's leather conditioner, and don't know if that would be necessary for these.

 

[troika]

Awesome, thank you both. I really appreciate it! Do you have any thoughts on the leather upkeep and durability in wet conditions (i.e. pacific northwest with lots of rain and snow for a few months every year)? My Comfort Turnouts are pretty slippery (I think they have the "Oil Resistant" sole), and I'm hoping these have a little more traction. I also already own RM's leather conditioner, and don't know if that would be necessary for these.

Durability is great, haven't had any issues. Fairly water resistant, rain and snow just rolls right off. It's also a lot more refined vs blundstones and others.

Sole is pretty grippy since it's kind of soft. It's not as lugged as outdoors soles, but I haven't had any issues.

 

[SartorialSailor]

Durability is great, haven't had any issues. Fairly water resistant, rain and snow just rolls right off. It's also a lot more refined vs blundstones and others.

Sole is pretty grippy since it's kind of soft. It's not as lugged as outdoors soles, but I haven't had any issues.

I agree. Love my Gardeners and will buy another pair in the next year or so. I've worn them more than any other shoe in the fall/winter/early spring for the past 6 years. (NY/NJ area, but not worn in snow). I have never received so many compliments on a pair of shoes, even though they're not the nicest or more expensive in my wardrobe. They do scuff easier than anticipated, but age well. When wet from rain, they stay dark in spots until they dry. You can only use the RMW care for them. They don't really shine at all.

 

[snowbird25]

One last question for you all... has anyone experienced this “splitting” between the heel, and sole of the shoe? It’s very minor, but exists on both boots, and on both sides. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about!

 

[troika]

View attachment 1563507
One last question for you all... has anyone experienced this “splitting” between the heel, and sole of the shoe? It’s very minor, but exists on both boots, and on both sides. Hopefully it’s nothing to worry about!

Yes sometimes. It's not uncommon in footwear in general, especially when you have different materials coming together such as leather and rubber. They shrink and expand at different rates, and sometimes the glue on the edges comes a bit undone. I've never ever had this minor issue turn into a major issue.

 

[InaYan]

Yes sometimes. It's not uncommon in footwear in general, especially when you have different materials coming together such as leather and rubber. They shrink and expand at different rates, and sometimes the glue on the edges comes a bit undone. I've never ever had this minor issue turn into a major issue.

But do you think you would pay $400+ and getting the boots like this out of the box...

 

[Gonzo9]

If they are brand new they suck. These are 20 years old and never taken apart.

 

[troika]

But do you think you would pay $400+ and getting the boots like this out of the box...

Meh, maybe I'd exchange if they were new, but I don't think it's a huge deal. That's not the worst defect this forum has seen on high end shoes. Check out Alden quality control...

If they are brand new they suck. These are 20 years old and never taken apart.View attachment 1563666

They may be 20 years old, but that heel looks like it's never been stepped on

 

[JustPullHarder]

If they are brand new they suck. These are 20 years old and never taken apart.View attachment 1563666

That plaque would also suggest this is a signature craftsman and sells for double the amount? I would assume part of the package is a bit better care during manufacture.

 

[patrick_b]

That plaque would also suggest this is a signature craftsman and sells for double the amount? I would assume part of the package is a bit better care during manufacture.

Exactly. The “split” looks like poor finishing f eg at her than a structural defect IMO.

 

[Gonzo9]

Special Edition from Sydney 2000. I knew they could never be replaced so worn lightly. Then spent most of the time in the closet in Florida. Now I’m not really sure what to do with them. They need a rebuild. Cork and glues are dried out. But the leather is still butter soft and not cracked.


They may be 20 years old, but that heel looks like it's never been stepped on
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