Your video and another one posted by James H helped made up my mind getting the RMW Gardener. Because I can see the boots clearly from different angles. Been wearing mine since mid May. Just want to drop by and say I appreciate your videos.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
@@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 👍
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
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?
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 :)
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 :)
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 :)
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.
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
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
Your video and another one posted by James H helped made up my mind getting the RMW Gardener. Because I can see the boots clearly from different angles.
Been wearing mine since mid May.
Just want to drop by and say I appreciate your videos.
@@Maul565 thank you
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.
The best boot review I’ve ever seen, thank you!
I could listen to this bloke all day.
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.
Wow… what a surprisingly refreshing informative video. Well Presented! Good on you!!
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.
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.
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!
RM’s are the best boots I have. 2 pairs. I think they will very probably last beyond my lifetime.
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
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
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!
It is wonderful to listen to you. You remind of the late Great Richie Benaud.
Whoa! The Late Great indeed! Thanks but Richie was all class
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.
Great review and great channel! Deserves a lot more popularity than what it has currently
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.
Great video!! Excellent knowledge of RMs
Great review! Pleasure to listen. And hello from Heritage boot club!
Great review. First time I have come across your videos.
Love your review! Just bought a pair of these and very excited!
Fellow Perth chap here! I love the Gardener Boot too!
Best city in the world!
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.
Great review Teik as always, I think I need to add a pair of these to my collection.
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.
Too right! You’d think like a 2 or 3 Euro bag wouldn’t be too much
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?
Business casual is fine, shoe trees from Amazon
Teik, curious for your view on the Gardener Commando?
@@petevincent74 I don’t have a pair but my good friend does, and they look great, he says they are super comfy. A little pricey though 🤷🏻♂️
Free soloing in the RMs, what a king
Thanks for the videos
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.
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.
So helpful!
Do you wear normal dress socks or thicker work boot socks with the Gardener?
Both
Really fantastic review mate, would have liked to see more detailed comparison to the Comfort Craftsan as their flagship boot. Cheers!
Have you checked out my two reviews on the Craftsman and the Comfort Craftsman?
@@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 👍
Great review. Looking to get these soon.
I’m going to do a Chelsea Work Boot challenge soon, featuring these
Hey man, nice video! Btw have you had a chance to compare RM Gardener with GS Chelsea?
Not yet, I don’t have a pair of the GS yet
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
They’re not advertised as waterproof but they are water resistant for sure
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?
I can’t say I have. It’s possible that there is a leather lining, and in between, a fabric lining to avoid squeaking
Great review! Your reviews made me look at these boots again. Is the size for the Gardener the same as your Comfort Craftsman chelseas?
Yes it is
Would the Gardener be okay for a waiter in a fancy restaurant, or should I go with the Comfort Craftsman?
I think “fancy” equals Craftsman.
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 :)
I got my Gardeners for £375
@@jb8408 yes its pretty pricey
need advice ,,,between gardner and red wing iron
How does these compare to comfort goodwood? @bootlosophy
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
Chinchilla? Not bad swop 😂😂
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 :)
The round toe is deceptive. I’d stay in 7H.
I hope we get to see whites mp boots soon!
Let me wear them properly and then I'll bring you that review!
im torn between the garderner and the comfort craftsman! Do you think that the gardener will goes well with a suit? or office pants ?
To me, it’s too casual.
i am hesitating between red wings iron ,,or RM gardner
great video bruh
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 :)
I have a pair but it’s a bit tight in the toe box do you think it will stretch? thanks 🙏
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.
Hello Teik, so are these the same sizing as the Craftsman?
Yup, same
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
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
Get the top of the line rms, definitely worth it and super durable for how good they look
@@lukedeker4676 comfort craftsman??
@@minnesota-hk1vp thats them. Honestly i got a second hand pair that i wear everywhere. They look good beaten up
@@lukedeker4676 lol thank you man
Look at Ian Harold personally I think they are better than RM Williams and cheaper
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
Haha 05:10 and 05:41 are my feet
BTW who’s Doug DeMuro?
@@Bootlosophy look him up and you'll what I mean
How is the width of the standard size?
He loves his boots🤠
Read the label on the boot! 5 Percy Street, Prospect. It isn't that difficult!
Chill mate. He made an error.