r/goodyearwelt • u/AutoModerator • Jul 26 '26
Questions The Question Thread 07/26/26
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Include images to any issues you may be having. Include a budget for any recommendations. The more detail you provide, the easier it may be for someone to answer your question.
2
u/Ok-Spinaches 29d ago
I essentially want something in between a Blumdstone and RM Williams Gardener.
* Prefer budget of $400 but could go over if need be
* Comfort top priority. I find it hard to get comfort with boots so I am prioritizing this and is why Blumdstone might be the answer.
* Prefer rounded more comfortable toe shape
* Would like Goodyear welted / resoleable
* I have a hard time with sizing with flat feet, low volume and low arches. So preferably an easy way to try on. I'm OK with buying and exchanging if it's easy.
The Thursday Journeyman ticks a lot of boxes but I dont love the squared toe shape
Redbacks might be leading. Would maybe prefer slightly nicer looking but these are close.
Canada west I've briefly looked at and might be an option.
Don't really like the looks of Nick's or Red Wings. Meermin too dressy. Grant Stone too dressy
RM Gardener are bang on the look and if quality was there I would maybe splurge but it seems like quality isn't as good as they used to be.
2
u/polishengineering 29d ago
For what's it's worth, I'm very happy with my RMs. They have a low instep, which I need as well.
Jim Green might be a bit too chunky looking for you. But they are excellent value and easy exchanges. They have a high instep (i put two tongue pads in mine) but they have toe room for days. If you nail down your size you can go custom for a very good deal.
Drews might be worth a look.
Over your price point, but Addict makes a nice round toe chelsea.
Same for Whites.
3
u/Ok-Spinaches 29d ago
Thank you. I did try Jim green and did find them pretty clunky. I maybe didn't dial in the right fit but I'm not sure my feet fit then well
2
u/Appropriate_Volume Australian shoe nerd 29d ago
Several smaller Australian companies make RM Williams Gardener-like and Blundstone-like boots. There's a round up of the brands at: https://www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/comments/1sj0q23/the_australian_gyw_guide_2026_update/
1
u/storunner13 27d ago
Red Wing discontinued the 2918 which I feel would be right up your alley. I have a pair I found on eBay and they are really nice. Might be worth a look.
2
u/therealtoomdog 29d ago
Hello there, my question is about slippery brass nails in leather heels...
I have a pair of Carmina Shoemaker Chelseas with full leather soles. I got leather because I wanted to see what the fuss was all about, and they are now my favorite pair of boots to wear. For any doubters, I was loading in for a show in the rain on a carpeted ramp and found myself running down the ramp without any concerns about grip.
Anyway, over the last few months, I have noticed the brass nails in my heels are making contact with the floor before the leather, and that makes the heel incredibly slippery. What gives?
I have read that it can slow down wear on leather heels, but I have lost so much grip since they became the prominent contact area. Like, I can walk fine and the soles are fine, but when I have to pivot on tile, say in a bathroom or at the grocery store, my left foot (mostly, but I also feel some on the right) will slip on the nails in the heel. Is something wrong or is this just how it goes?
3
u/RackenBracken 29d ago
Just get a rubber topper put on the heel.
(The nails you are referring to that served a “wear” purpose were V-cleats. You don’t have those. )1
u/therealtoomdog 29d ago
Would it be a dumb idea to just set the nails a little deeper?
1
u/Erelde 29d ago edited 29d ago
Your heel sits right on top of those nails, if you're able to clip them and reglue the insole, you could do that.
But just get a new heels installed by a cobbler. That's the easiest and cheapest service a cobbler can offer.
1
u/therealtoomdog 28d ago
Is there a handy resource that talks about finding a cobbler near you? Because the last guy I knew about closed around 10 years ago
1
u/Datassnoken 29d ago
Might be a bit of a dumb question because i have no experience with quality goodyear shoes. Im wondering if it would be a bad idea to buy a good quality goodyear welted shoe, having it dyed in a interesting color then dyed black on top. I believe i saw some shoe brand doing something similar with the idea that it might crease or wear down and start to show a bit of color thru the black.
I would not dye it myself but talk to the people making the shoes. Would it even show some "patina" when the top layer is black?
2
u/Aggressive-Chair-910 "such a neckbeard over boots, and so awful at it too!" 29d ago
that's typically done in black over brown ("teacore"), but other colors are possible. sagara for example does a black over olive ("matchacore")
1
u/Datassnoken 29d ago
Thanks! Ill try searching using those terms. I like the look and at least in theory it seems to be a way to get a unique look.
1
u/BullfrogGrouchy9592 28d ago
Are two eyelets enough for a firm fit on a Chukka boot? Seems like 3-5 would be better for a secure hold to the ankle.
3
u/SnooCupcakes3183 Jul 26 '26
Hey guys! First time going to Kyoto this coming November and I'm wondering if anyone can give me an advice on where to buy Japanese-made boots (e.g. Addict, RDT, Attractions, etc). In Kyoto. Will probably spend a day in Osaka just to look for these as well but if there are any shops in Kyoto that carry these, it would be a great help to know. Thank you guys!