Redblacks are another great option compared to the Blundstones

@ld7599

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely, but they are more of a work boot compared to the 2 others; who even though they market themselves as hard wearing, they've become more fashion, like Doc M's

Happy early Straya day Nick! My expat wife and I picked up new pairs of RMs while in Oz visiting family over the holidays. With the conversion rate they were $418US. I got suede and she got black with more heel for work. Our original brown Yearlings are 25 years old and were dropped off to be resoled. Our RMs are faves but our Blunnies are right next to the front door and are the go-to casual and yard work chelsea. Cheers mate!

I love my Blundstones. They are the perfect foul weather boots that you can abuse and not care much about at all. I wear them in the rain, snow, slush, on hikes in mud, even stepping through a field of horse sh*t once. They are also chunky enough for my preferred outfits these days. For now I'm mostly over the sleek chelseas in general.

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

Yeah people forget that wide chelseas and narrow chelseas can be as different as wide lace up and narrow lace up boots

what’s ur thoughts on redbacks? they’re still made in australia and pretty affordable

The addition of the sound effects were fun. it’s very Stridewise of you to catch yourself for being a snob. 😂 You’re good man, you probably have the friendliest demeanor of all the boot reviewers on KZread.

@simonmandrakejones

Жыл бұрын

Seconded.

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

that's super cool of you to point out Justin I appreciate it dude

Bought a pair of R.M.s based off your first R.M. video. They are absolutely worth EVERY penny. I find I reach for them more than my other boots. The comfort is unreal and I think they are really sharp. Take care!

Great video Nick, very informative.

Nice to see a video to celebrate Australia Day! RM Williams are super comfortable and the last design looks great, yearling leather do have great attributes. I prefer the look and feel of some other leathers.

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

Aw why didn't I wait a couple days and release this on Australia day

Got my First RMs last month, and I'm loving them so far! I got a pair of the men's Craftsman boots secondhand from someone who only wore them once, had Timpsons slap some subtle rubber under the front, and people keep complimenting them. 😊

Been a while since I watched your videos as I am no longer looking to buy boots. Your videos are as good as they always were, may be even better.

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

Nikhil I remember your comments from back in the day! so glad to have you back, truly

@nikhilsrl

Жыл бұрын

@@Stridewise Keep up the good work, man.

Anyone looking for a good alternative for the blundstones, Redback boots makes a better alternative for less money even! Also a big plus is that they are still made in Australia:)) should maybe do a video on these? Absolutely love mine!

@amithlal6153

Жыл бұрын

Rose Anvil did an amazing video on it. I got one after watching it

@splashpit

7 ай бұрын

@@amithlal6153you should have bought two , it’s kinda weird wearing only one boot.

I got a pair of the Blundstones last year to wear as my stylish winter/rain boot in the PNW. They served me great. Now I wear them as my stylish winter boot in Colorado and they have been equally great in the snow. These wouldn’t be my first choice on a winter hike, but those would be my hiking boots. Overall I really like them and they’re still in great shape with tons of tread left.

@kosta2177

Жыл бұрын

Have you heard about actual hiking boots? Check some Lowa and La Sportiva

@bigstraz

Жыл бұрын

@@kosta2177 not sure what you mean but my hiking boots I have are Keens.

@kosta2177

Жыл бұрын

@@bigstraz I probably got it wrong. You mentioned that “those would be my hiking boots”

@bigstraz

Жыл бұрын

@@kosta2177 ah yeah I get why that’s confusing. Yeah what I meant is they’re NOT my hiking boots lol. Though I have seen people hiking in them 🤷‍♂️

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

people really really love their blundstones. and the price makes the more democratic, more people can afford them! which i guess is a pro for the brand, they get to make more people happy

"The highly developed nation of Australia" Meanwhile, Bogans: "I'm a bloke, I'm an ocker, and I really love your knockers" Good video; wish you had done this about a year ago when I was looking for a solid Chelsea, couldn't decide on one and went for hiking style boots instead

@Stridewise

11 ай бұрын

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_Human_Development_Index#Nations i'm just doing objective reporting cobber! ;)

You’re not being mean - you’re being honest. The more I hear about blundstones the less desirable they are. No need to apologize for it. The company needs to make them in Australia and increase the quality. They should be apologetic.

I know this is an Australian boot video, but I have a pair of Canada West Romeos that I would say are right in the middle between the Blundstones and R.M. Williams. They're my most comfortable boot by far. I wear them casually, but they've also worked in more formal situations. But that could just be a function of my lacking any sense of style.

What you get depends on what you want to do with them. I pulled up at a hiking trail in Utah, where I live these days, and realized that I'd forgotten to put my hiking boots in the truck. So I hiked up the mountain in my Blunnies. Now, this hike was no joke. The ascent was 2,678 ft over 1.38 mile (816 m over 2.22 km) - i.e. bloody steep, with summit at 11,019 ft (3,358 m) above sea level. Fortunately, there wasn't much snow. I was buggered by the time I got to the top carrying my pack of radio and survival gear. Sore feet, too. But my Blunnies got me up there and back down in one piece. There is no way I would have worn a pair of RM Williams boots on a hike like that. For one thing, it would have been really painful. For another, I would have cried to look at the state of the boots when I got back to my truck. Blundstone boots are perfect for casual wear and you can really thrash them if needs be.

I don't think you'll recover that $300 difference over the long run. Resoling is not cheap.

Nick - Random question: Do you use taps for your boots? (Longtime NYC resident but moved and now a monthly commuter.) I used to religiously take my shoes and boots to my local shop and get taps. The concrete jungle would otherwise burn through a heel in weeks. I ask because I generally hate taps and want to know if there is a better way outside of relearning to walk. Thanks!

Bought my pair of RMWs several years ago. They have the rubber sole. I can't wear them out. They are comfortable all day long. I wear them on bad weather days to the office, and I am on my feet all day. They're expensive, but worth it.

Horses for courses, as the Brits say. Apples to oranges, we say in the states. The only thing they have in common is that they're both Chelsea style boots (and both overpriced.) Different details and price strata for different usage.

I know you like the Comfort Craftsman, but I'm be curious to hear your opinion on the Comfort Turnout? I can't decide which of the two models to purchase!

Great Video Nick! I got both and I definitely have my favourite! Maybe I will make a video too :D!

Is there something that looks and feels like Blundstone but is re-sole-able? I find them more comfy and I prefer the more casual style for everyday use. I find my RMs have too sharp of a toe that I worry about getting a bunion or something it pushes my big toe inwards a little

Can you compare RMs to Baxters? I think this would be a more apples to apples comparison - both dress chelseas, Australian companies (Baxter boots is based in Goulburn NSW) and Baxters offer a whole cut. From what I have found most Baxters are made overseas but some may still be made in Goulburn.

I really like the RM Williams but 500 euro for a pair is a bit rich for my blood. Maybe some day... I bought a pair of Meermin wholecut Chelseas, which are half the price and a second pair in one of their MTO runs (Waxy Commander and Bourbon Museum Calf). They are a punishing break in, but pretty good once you get that over with.

It’s always exciting when you talk about RM Williams. I made a video on polishing my RMs, would love if you watched it!

There’s a resoleable ladies blunstone that my wife saw. I checked it and it looks pretty good. Might get them for her. Any thoughts? Any reason they don’t make a men’s boot like it?

@ralph7077

Жыл бұрын

What’s the name of the boot? I want to buy that for my wife too.

@orlog3343

Жыл бұрын

Are you sure it’s specific to women? Most blundstones are unisex

@TheBeautifulDisaster

Жыл бұрын

Is it the Blundstone Women's Heritage Goodyear Welt Chelsea Boot?

@kevinbowie9

Жыл бұрын

@@TheBeautifulDisaster yes. I tried putting up a link but it seems KZread takes it down every time.

Should of thrown I'm the redbacks they still made in Australia unlike blundstone who sold out and now made in China

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

I should have!!! I'm getting a pair now

@pineapplesideways3820

Жыл бұрын

@@Stridewise Rossi mulga are good

Hi Stridewise can share about Timberland Cortina Valley Chelsea Boots Rebotl.

Casual eye-rub with the middle finger while doing outro on Blundies. Hmmm... My Blundstones are decent boots, but they're certainly a casual boot. Maybe one day I'll go to Australia and buy some RMs in person.

It's so sad Blundstone aren't made in Australia. Such an iconic boot. I'd buy them all the time but I'd rather Mongrel or Redback purely cause they're made here in Australia and are just as good. Can't fault my RM's either.

@splashpit

7 ай бұрын

I have RM Williams and Redbacks for work and looking at the mongrel for nock around

How do you feel about Thomas Cook?

I love my RM Williams, but I'd have a hard time justifying them over something like Carmina today given the prices. When I purchased mine (8 years ago) they still had a custom program you could order from Australia based retailers. I was able to get a Blaxland, which is the same as the Craftsman but with the outsole from the Comfort Craftsman. It was also possible to choose a custom leather, veal calf and kangaroo being the upgrades over yearling. Mine are black kangaroo. I'm not sure what the exchange rate was at the time, but it was only $380 AUD including shipping and duties to get them sent to the US. I also have an RM Williams Stockyard that would be closer in equivalence to the Blundstone. Similar glued construction, but with a better leather and whole cut. I'm not sure they are made anymore, but the price was in the ball park of Blundstone, at least in 2019, I paid $220. Finally, if you want an upgrade over Blundstone, Meermin is just slightly more expensive. The ultraflex Chelsea rivals Blundstone for comfort IMHO. But the leather quality is way better and they're also a whole cut. The downside is they're made in China, but if you are buying Blundstone I can't imagine that's really a downside. They are $20-$50 more than Blundstone, but if you're paying MSRP for Blundstone you're doing it wrong so they're probably more like $60-$90 more.

@fallingwickets

Жыл бұрын

maybe he'll do us a meermin review...they sound great

No, the long term cost of RM Williams is not lower than Blundstones, as the cost of resoling Goodyear welted boots is usually higher than a new pair of Blundstones 585. Obviously RM Williams are better in pretty much every way; however, they are also much more expensive in every way.

Talking “resoleability” Blundstones will go for years and years before wearing out. They were my work shoes for a couple of years and I eventually donated them after replacing insoles. Some cobblers offer Blundstone resoles albeit charging about 70% of retail which isn’t an attractive option for most people. Got myself an rm as I moved up in the world and they definitely feel like a sock once broken in. I however don’t take them through as much punishment as my Blundstone.

Might have been better to compare the Blundstone Heritage range to the RMs. I don’t actually know the difference but being more expensive may close the gap???

Off course it should still say Tasmania on them. It's where it started and based. Many companys in all segments all over the world outsource their manufacturing.

Do Blunnies have shanks? Or are they floppy like Doc Martens?

@orlog3343

Жыл бұрын

They have shanks for sure, steel shanks I believe. The leather is soft and the sole is comfortable. They are a perfect everyday boot, and a great replacement for sneakers. Docs are a hot pile of garbage in comparison

@ld7599

Жыл бұрын

fuq I hate the soft sole of the DM's, so much arch pain

The bluntstones are 100% more comfortable if you are on your feet all day. I you walk to work and sit a desk the RMs are the way to go.

Now we just need Rossi, Redback, Mongrel and Baxter to complete the Australian boot pyramid.

i have red backs. my dream is to get r.m. williams comfort craftsman, but they are super expensive in the u.s.. what is the price of the r.m. williams comfort craftsman in australia in u.s. dollars?

@DJogdog

7 ай бұрын

~430 USD

@coyote4936

7 ай бұрын

@@DJogdog thanks

There's this weird excitement seeing a boot that I own (the blundstones) getting reviewed

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

what else do you have that i can review??

@scalyscallion

Жыл бұрын

@@Stridewise haha! Probably just a Thursday Sneakers with the cacao waxed flesh but you've done a review for it already - sort of (which is why I bought it in the first place)

RM Williams is quite nice and somewhat unique

Definitely a bit of a snob, mate. Blundstones have their place. Every now and then, put on a pair of boots with a thick slab of poron. Your knees will thank you.

G'Day!

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

Giiiidday

Can’t wear a hoody with an rms??? Hold my beer 😂

Unfortunately the RMs were not a good fit for me. Uncomfortable on the sole and fit around the foot. Maybe if they still offered MTM it would be fine.

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

Fair enough! You might like a leather sole on a wider last. That's the good thing about such a big company, lots of fits

Once you factor in leather rot from all the road salt in North America though...

It's nice to see you change up from cosplaying as a blue-collar worker, to cosplay as a corporate consultant in bad weather

And you can wear your RMs with a suit to work ,here in Australia, and it's very well an acceptable practice

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

didn't I say that?

Rossi boots from Adelaide beats both hands down!

RM williams is way better looking boot and more classy

Can’t beat RM’s

I vote RMs… won’t risk buying any shit potentially from China or some other sweatshop. Quality is totally compromised. You get what you pay for.

I love how u call 200$ boots budget. Not everyone can shell out that kind of money.

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

glad you love it William!

@tommysmith7031

Жыл бұрын

It's like shelling out $10,000 grand a new car. That's cheap, would be considered in the budget range. $10,000 is a large sum of money. In the context of whatever class of good is being discussed, the prices that would be classified as budget will differ.

@williamm3503

Жыл бұрын

Over 95 percent of the people on the planet can not afford boots that are 200. .5 billion will go to bed hungry. If they spent 200 on shoes there kids might die of hunger.

@tommysmith7031

Жыл бұрын

@@williamm3503 Context is everything. When KZreadrs are talking about consumer goods, it's mostly in the USA context or Western Countries. So in the USA $200 would be budget boots. If you take Mozambique, the GDP per capita is $542. So $200 boots would be half someone's net worth. RM Williams and Blundstone are making their products for Western consumers.

@williamm3503

Жыл бұрын

200 is still a lot to people in the western world. The fact u are defensive of this show your guilt.

Eh. RM shoes are bland and you can get better looking and a lot higher quality good year welt work style boots from others for same or lower price (eg Grant stones). Or much better incomparable quality from high end companies if you want to go refined (viberg, Edward green, etc) Blundstone is differentiated on style and comfort in a way that makes them unique vs all other bookmakers.

I've ordered my first pair a couple of minutes ago since they're finally on sale for -40%. They look so classy. Wish the front signature tab wasn't there, though.

@charlietwotimes

8 ай бұрын

You'll struggle to get them on without both pull tabs if you've bought the correct size.

Lol what a joke this is proper outback working boots and all you b-roll pavement with nice but same thing nice salvage jeans wear a chain saw and flanell while u at it 😂😘

Boot guy reviewers shitting on Blundstones just makes the Boot Guy Reviewer come off as an elitist asshole. Even more so when people who like them don't care where they are made. They're nice boots. They are comfortable to wear. They don’t cost nine hundred dollars.

@Stridewise

3 ай бұрын

did you watch til the end

Ian Harold boots are in my humble opinion better than RM Williams and cheaper, better construction and more comfortable. I had a pair of Blundstone boots, dreadful quality, uncomfortable I'd never buy another pair, misleading as thought they were Australian only to read tag inside, Chinese

Redbacks are better than Blundstone.

I was going to buy a pair of blundstones but now after doing all my research I realize they are garbage

You can’t compare between them !!!! Tow different shoes ,,

@Stridewise

Жыл бұрын

That's what a comparison is

Blundstone are absolute crap…

@fallingwickets

Жыл бұрын

what do you recommend buying instead, ex the rmw's?

@predragmedojevic6878

Жыл бұрын

@@fallingwickets Officiene Creative chelseas are phenomenal if you’re in that kind of boots…. I have many different brands but this is definitely my favourite brand. My opinion is better to have one pair of fantastic craftsmanship boots than etc several pairs like blundstone bs…

@fallingwickets

Жыл бұрын

@@predragmedojevic6878 thanks the creative's look solid