R. M. Williams Boots Rebuilt 

As the owner of the boots I must say that I am supremely impressed and will be sending more work Steve’s way. Some might question why I would refurbish these when I could simply buy new boots (practically for the same price), but I enjoy giving things new life rather than tossing for something new every few years. FYI these boots were bought second hand and have been used heavily in inclement weather and for outdoor work and Steve has given them a new lease on life. With Steve’s quality of work that’s worth it to me- maybe for others not…to each their own. Awesome video🤘🤘🤘🤘

Here's what's gonna happen. Some young internet weenie is gonna tell you how to revamp the channel into something more appealing to young people. You're then likely to forget what got you here, do something your 148K subscribers are not interested in, and loose it all. Your channel is fine just the way it is. Change nothing, don't try to become an influencer, and just keep your spirit and enthusiasm the way it is. You are very natural and love your work which shows and makes people like me watch every video.

In my humble opinion, your videos are perfect the way they are. Out of all the channels I'm subbed to, I look forward to yours the most. Why? You show the nitty gritty details and explain things in a no BS straightforward manner, love the workshop sounds, love your stories and customers', goofy jokes and wise life viewpoints, coffee time, interactions with your friends, homage to your family roots, and last but not least your level of craftsmanship. If you choose to go about hiring a cameraman, overlay with music, have cookie-cutter intro/outros. built-in ads, catfishing thumbnails, exaggerated expressions that are cringe/fake they would increase your sub count, but it would kill the quality of your videos. I literally skip through all of that stuff when I view other channels. Yours, I rewatch entire videos. I personally just want more frequent videos haha. I'm selfish. Just my two cents. Steve. There's a reason why even the most popular channels refer you for nearly impossible recrafts. You are the master! Cheers. Edit: an easy and fun way to increase sub count is to collab with other channels. Gives you lots of exposure and we would love it. Breaks the routine of being within the same 4 walls.

Don’t change the way you are. I like the format you bring. I’ve learned so much watching you do your craft. If possible, bring back the customer reactions. I liked those. Also, don’t forget to sharpen your razor blades!

Just be yourself. Don't have overdramtic content. It just puts me off. I like your channel as it is.

The episodes of your channel I like the most are when you talked about your childhood and Lebanon and about your dad. When you're working on a pair of shoes and telling stories makes you stand out from other channels

Cheers Steve! in my opinion, nothing needs to be changed, because the viewers of the channel perceive your videos as such and enjoy watching them.

hi mate, long time watcher of your videos and now watching you complete boots of my homeland. Steve you are not a mere repair man, your an artist in every sense of the word. Your attention to detail and pride in your work are rare these days. Love your work from Australia mate :)

Steve, your channel has so much to offer! I feel like if you had collaboration with other, bigger channels, it could help you grow. Not just other shoe cobbler channels, and not just leather channels. Your joie de vivre and charisma are addictive. People need to see you. You can fix or restore with celebrities, or work with mens and womens style experts. Other makers and creators could learn from you, or vice versa. We're here for you to grow and spread your positive vibes. ❤

I love your channel. I agree with one person who said more videos on a regular schedule. I also love the projects you do on purses, bags, jackets etc, it’s a nice change once in a while. My favorite video is the pink quilted purse. Amazing!

I enjoy the video format. The detailed work and explanation, without playing stupid music and skipping over a bunch of stuff, is exactly what I'm looking for. I think getting on a more regular and predictable upload schedule would really help retain followers and keep the channel growing. Also, I don't know what you do with social media because I don't use social media, but basically everyone else does. Actively integrating your work with multiple social media platforms is probably the best way to broaden your exposure and attract more video viewers. It also helps your existing followers to know every time you have a new upload. RU-vid is terrible about having new content show up in people's feeds, even when they are subscribed. That's the best input I can give you. Hopefully it's helpful.

Hey, Steve! Great job, as always! Feedback that you asked - I would include some time stamps so people can see where you are in the process. Overall, your videos are great. True fans love your style. Have you thought of doing a Q&A video?

👍♥ Enjoy the customer words after seeing final product. The shoe factory tour. Tour of the town. Your shout outs to other You Tubers. Those visitors that come into the shop to enlighten us on their words of wisdom. Last thing the knowledge You share on your craft.

Please do not change a single thing about your videos. They are perfect as they are. Don’t fiddle, meddle or alter anything. 🇬🇧

I'm always amazed how you can take what just looks like a limp piece of leather and turn it back into an attractive and good working shoe, you're a miracle worker! Great show.

Personally I double check that 148K every time I watch your videos because it's absurd to me that your channel got stuck like this for such a long time, it makes no sense. It's a honor and a privilege to watch you while working, I'm learning so much even though I'm a peer of yours who does a totally different job. The only TWO things that I would suggest are: A) define a schedule, pick a day like Friday and stick with it, share the video that day of the week no matter what B) go back to customers reactions, I know it's difficult but it will pay off. - I think the channel stopped growing when last year, due to the many personal problems you faced, the content stopped rolling out like it used to.

Listen here Steve, as long as you want to, I hope you keep these videos coming. Keep sharpening that same blade, hammering the hell out of Soles, sewing the shit out of welts and sipping your delicious coffee while doing high pitched versions of comment complainers. I depend on your personality to aid me in maintaining a positive outlook for the human race. Thanks bro.

I'm thrilled to have watched 99% of your videos. Things you do well: -polishing boots -making your subscribers laugh -i thoroughly enjoy watching you restore leather bags.

Good morning Steve! The boots look great! I love them! I want a pair of the women's equivalent if they exist! For me, your content is spot on! I wouldn't change a thing! However, if you want to see what is working to grow the YT channels of other show cobblers, you might want to watch them. Otherwise, I would upload more regularly if possible, and preferably on a set schedule so your subscribers know when to expect new content from you. This is my two cents worth Steve. Love your channel! You are amazing1 Lisa

I'd surmise that the more videos you have out there, the more exposure you get by the algorithm. I also suspect that consistency helps to get the algorithm to work for you (what I mean is time between videos). Your content is good, as is the filming. Now, you may laugh, but having a mascot works for you too. People LOVE other peoples' dogs. I know it was tough on you having to find another home for your last dog (Zeus as I recall), but consider having a new "pal" with you on-site every day. People LOVE dogs. Another fine rebuild on a tired old pair of "old friends". If those were my hoof-covers, I'd've stepped up for the addition of a mid-sole too. And, c'mon people, Bick4 and shoe trees are your friends!!!

On growing the channel. I think it's a matter of socioeconomics. Of course you do excellent work on shoes that were great, expensive shoes/boots to start with. The majority of the people are into glued together shoes from big box stores, therefore, they might not think the rebuilding of an original pair of 1968, $200 shoes back to better than original construction is that interesting, One could say show them how to fix their $20, big box store, shoes. Well that might be interesting to them, but most, the majority of people, would just go buy another pair of $20 shoes. Personally, at 71, I find your videos entertaining, as I admire good craftsmanship. Never had enough money to have a lot of high end foot wear, but enjoy seeing what I missed.

You do awesome work loved your laugh too keep them videos coming. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👋👋👋👋👋👋👋

Stay the same , you have a fun channel to watch , I’m a 64 year old lady that just loves your artistic talent

More of Lulu please. Very humble.

Aussie here & a horse woman, I own a 30 year old pair of RM Williams Craftsman boots, they are still in amazing condition & they have been worn in all types of environments. I’ve looked after my boots & always wiped them off, dried if they were wet, conditioned & then polished. I also own a 45 year old pair of tiny toddler RM Williams boots, they are currently at our wonderful boot maker to get new elastic sides & a new sole; they will be worn by my grandson.

Your channel is great. It’s the the best cobbler channel because of you. BUT the thing that draws me to other channels are the details. They put a lot of money into the production, the atmosphere is cleaner and tidier, and there is often clean video cuts from one scene to the next. Honestly, if you want to out the money into it that’s what I see that could take your channel to the next level because you and your talent are already the best.

Consistency and frequency of uploading videos seems to grow the channels fastest and get you pushed up in the RU-vid algorithms. Obviously thats a lot of work but that seems to be the common denominator outside of something crazy going viral.

Always amazed. I've had three boots renewed by Steve but none in this condition. Personally, I would have gone out and bought new at this point, but everyone is different. Great work Steve. A master craftsman. I also love when you renew old bags, jackets, and other misc. leather products. I love it when a new video drops.

Gday Steve, I’m a leather worker and have been learning shoe and boot making for the last year from a lady that runs a school here in Tasmania. Watching your videos have taught me a lot about shoe repair as we don’t have cobblers like you here. So I thought if I want to know how to repair them I’d learn how to make them. You don’t need to change your videos they are fantastic. If you get a chance can you explain how you make the stitches show on a storm welt so you can see them around the feather line of the shoe. As for growing the channel you already tell us to like and subscribe but I think if we start sharing the videos as well it might help you reach more people. I mean if people don’t like HAMMER TIME!!! Well they got their sense of humour in a car crash. Take it easy mate.

Seems like collaborations with more popular channels help grow your channel. Wouldn’t hurt to do collaborations with channels that are somewhat outside of your normal audience. Of course we’d like to see collabs with Trenton and Heath and Rose Anvil. You could also do some reviews to let viewers know which era and style of boots and shoes are more durable or just plain better made. I’m nothing more than an experienced RU-vid viewer so take any suggestions with a grain of salt. Love your content.

Let's continue ✌️

That footbed heel fix is slick!

I think the youtube algorithm loves regular activity, meaning post at least once a week, on the same day, around the same time. your content is great! just a little more of it

Hi Steve, I understand your concern that your channel should grow. But, you stand out so clearly from the others with your way of making videos, so that I would not change anything. It's perfect the way it is. You read it in the comments too.

A regular day to upload would be good so we know when to sign in. Maybe some tips on how to care for leather products, how to clean and polish and maintain the life of leather goods. I like your format and content. Your skill and craftsmanship are wonderful to watch.

Always love watching all your repair work . Nothing to change just leave it as it is its just great .

Iam a shoerepair man love what your doing on here iam retired now cant say i dont miss the trade

Hi Steve, I'm pretty new to your channel. I found it looking up motorcycle jacket alterations. I'm interested in care of my leather goods, boots, shoes, saddle bags, jackets, etc. I'm learning about products but some additional care details would be cool and also some info on the machinery as you use it. I know you have explained some in various videos but you can't search them easliy.

I think the overall "format" of the video is pretty good, it's always consistent, one improvement I can think of tho is to the thumbnails. When a new video of yours pops up on my feed I usually don't recognize instantly if I don't check the channel name (written below the video title). So an easily recognizable visual identity to the thumbnails would be my suggestion!

I would definitely be interested in a video about the things that go on in a cobbler shop behind the scenes that no one sees. Like possibly restocking certain products and what certain products are and what they are used for. The little things that get over looked but are vital to the business

Steve, your banter, humor and the way you carry yourself is why stick around through your videos. You are a master of your trade. I am always blown away with the care and detail you put into these project's. I appreciate that you talk us through what you're doing and some of the why you prefer to do it that way. Take care.

I like your personality, always smiling and looking happy. Your humanity is your strong advantage as well as and your personal history in Lebanon. My advise would to think of sub-titles or showing by writing the steps you go through. People tends to like happy story, you have one to say to us. The before and after with photos, videos is vey strong for viewers. I hope this is some help to you.

Another great job by the Master, Steveroo...!

I like your ASMR videos mixed in, even though I like your classic content too!

I enjoy everything about your videos Steve. Would like some more coffee times with your pal who brings you pasteries. Could do with less sheesh but whatever it's your life! And just keep cranking out content!

As far as I am concerned your format is spot on, but the combination of skill, stories and your story-telling style are the best. There was one a couple of years ago which was like watching a classic movie - you were telling us something about the civil war in Lebanon which was highly moving yet you were able to seamlessly move on to humour; all the time master craftsmanship was happening before our eyes almost as a side show. I've seen how that English guy from Tring has gone from nothing to quarter of a million in almost no time, partly on your recommendation, but I'm sure that is down to him being eye candy to a certain demographic of both genders (not saying that you aren't a fine looking gentleman yourself), but sometimes it can be as shallow as that :)

RM's mold to your feet (correctly fitted), you'll wear them all day evey day. Sending them out for maintenance is big inconvenience. They become SO comfortable. The cheap ones are good and the expensive will outlive you (with maintenance). They're stockman working boots. I have two pairs - one for everyday and one for church. Bedo's the man!

Steve you do a really good job with your videos. You give ua a before and after look and do a very good job with camera angles and positions to show what you are doing. The only thing I can suggest would be maybe an overhead view sometimes to show a different view of what you are doing. But seriously, I think you do a very good job.

I’m finding that cedar shoe trees can also cause wear on the inside of the heel. If the wood grain is rough and the spring tension is sufficient…it may take a lot of effort to insert the tree. The back of my trees were showing some color transfer from the heal lining. I made a few shims out of polyethylene from a milk jug. It has very low friction. First I polish the wood on the heel of the tree. Then place the shim at the back of the heel prior to inserting the tree. Much easier and no friction or wear of the heel liner.

The algorithm values regular and consistent content uploads and channel collaborations help.

Very nice work. My RM's to this man if I were in the US.

RM Williams boots and Akubra hats are Australian Icons. Own a couple of pairs of the boots myself. Great to see them in the USA gettiing a restoration.

Time lapse videos are always cool

Love your videos, Steve. You are an absolute craftsman! I wonder whether you could collaborate with some other RU-vidrs to grow your channel. I watch Michele Wang who has a luxury channel - mostly cosmetics and clothing. The other day, she was going through her shoes and she showed a pair of Channel ballet flats that had been chewed by her dog. I thought it would be kinda cool if she collaborated with you to have them repaired. It could appeal to both your viewers and hers. I’m sure there are other RU-vidrs who might have similar repair needs. You could also work with other cobblers on RU-vid - for example, find the absolute worst pair of shoes that need repairing and send them off to Tring to repair and Dan sends you a terrible pair and your both film the work and compare the results.

What can I recommend, other than keep being yourself, that's why I subscribed. The only thing I could ask for is a series on the basics. A short video here or there about technique and some stories you cobbled together (sorry, I couldn't resist) would probably not go amiss.

You are a craftsman. I have 2 pair of RM Williams and wear them all the time. Great boots.

Hi Steve, I've been watching for years and frankly, I'm surprised you haven't grown faster. It comes down to doing the things that make the algorhythm suggest your videos to other people. You need likes, comments, and new subscribers and people clicking the notification bell also makes a difference. I have subscribed to many channels when they took a few seconds towards the end of the video and asked something to the effect of, "if you think you've gotten any value out of this video would you please subscribe?" I don't like watching 2 minutes of begging for subscriptions but I don't mind being asked.

There is a tv programme here in the UK called The Repair Shop. People bring in a range of precious items to be mended by the experts in their respective fields. Well, the inevitable happened, and a precious pair of great grandpa’s boots were brought in for repair. Used as I am to watching Steve completely disassemble the wreckage and rebuild it better than new, I smiled and settled down with a cup of tea to watch…..”this is called the gamming….the foot bed is shot, so I’ll use it as a pattern for a new one…. this is a 360 Goodyear welt” and so on. What did I actually witness? Some patching and stitching and a dab of polish. Reader, I was ashamed of my countryman. Steve, please don’t change a thing about what you do. xxx 🇬🇧

My favorite videos of yours are when you start with something in pretty bad shape (like these boots were) and bring it back to life. I also enjoy the jackets and actual leather repair. I've been interested in leatherwork ever since my step father made my mother a handcrafted leather purse when I was 11. I really can't think of anything you could do to make the channel better in my eyes. It is exactly what it is. Leather repair.

I think it is just the way those boots are made with the elastic sides. That makes it loose enough to wear out the heel cover. I doubt that even with them fitting properly that your foot wouldn't still move around some. It would be like wearing unlaced boots.

I actually work at the RM Williams factory I'm a stitcher and a sole layer good job mate 😊

I always enjoy your videos from the explanation of why you have to do certain things to make the product right, attention to details and your sense of humor during the whole process. Always enjoyed the coffee and hookah time. What i would like to see is for you to make a pair of bespoke boots and shoes for yourself with what you think would make the perfect boots and shoes. Maybe make it a series so you dont have to do it all in one video. I can see it now, the Bespoke Bedo Boot Project🥾🥾🥾

Iconic Australian boots.

I so love your voices!! 😅 You really make me laugh so much. You are so skilled too. I’m not sure what to do to grow your channel but I’d say your doing pretty well. Keep doing what your doing. Love from the UK. 😊

Thanks for doing an RM Williams rebuild. Never drop “let’s continue”!

The “hammer time badge” cracked me up Steve, priceless thanks!😂

As an Aussie, ive owned a few pairs of RM Williams boots..and they last for years.

Steve, your videos are great just as they are. I learn a lot from them. I would be interested in a few segments on the machinery you use and what you need to do to keep it working as well as it does.

These are my favourite boots. Put some cream on the top and they last forever! Mine are from 2004. Much better construction than the Tom Ford et al cardboard $1500 shoes.

Another one! Great job Steve! I would say to keep being you, that’s why people watch you, hammer time, coffee time, let’s continue, and finished product. You have a beginning, middle and end. That’s enough for me.

👑 The 'King' of Recrafting, that's Steve! I've had shoes resoled/reconditioned before and kept right on enjoying them: What was old is New Again!👍🏾

I love your videos and your work is amazing. Don't change a thing!

Aussie living in the U.S. here, awesome job mate! I brought a couple of pairs of RMs over with me, you just can't beat the style and function of a good Aussie boot. When my RMs need to be resoled I know who to send them to here in the States! Cheers! (P.S.: You improved the look of them in my opinion with the welt jutting out further from the Upper, I think RM makes them so the welt is thinner so they slip easier into stirrups, but I like a nice chunky welt!)

Great job, Steve.

Great refurbishment of boots. One additional reason for electing not to buy a replacement pair and to give them a new lease through repair is that, as upper lasts much longer (unless slashed or burnt etc), boots have taken the exact shape/mould of the wearer's feet. A new pair must be broken in by wearing them but not without pain or discomfort, until broken in. This is a strong reason why so many owners sell their boots 'near new' condition. Expectation is that they should fit like a glove, upon purchase which is incorrect. Gd luck with cobbling & keep up yr good work.

I would like to see more Cobbler's Cafe, maybe with some history of shoes and tips or your buddy playing some music.

For a subtle change, it might be worth consulting with a camera/color grading expert to upgrade your recording setup to 4k. I enjoy watching your videos as they are now. As others have commented, I enjoy ALL the details and not having music overlayed. With better cameras that provide a less 'washed out' appearance, it might engage new viewers with a higher end production quality. Just make sure to avoid changing to 60fps (as this often lags for people watching with slow connections)

I'm a smart ass. So no suggestions, unfortunately...You are doing great job right from the beginning.

Advice. I would like to see a customer bring in their shoes. And then later see their reaction when they get them back. I think you did this once in a video. It really added a personal touch. Especially if there is a story behind the shoes. Every shoe has a story I guess. Or maybe just give us some personal history of each shoe if you can get it. Ex this belonged to my dad. And this is the boots he wore when he lead us on Boy Scouts hiking trips when i was a boy. Something like that can be very powerful.

Great as always! I used to be New Englander 1980. RU-vid kicked me off for “impersonating” but gave me no details as to what I did. Since I never posted a video or impersonated anyone, I have no idea what I did! Anyway, still watching and loving your stuff!!!

Steve, great work always, brother. As an avid RU-vid viewer, and since you're asking for opinions, I'd love to give feedback. I think one main area of improvement is quality of the videos. A new camera perhaps? Also, editing of the videos makes a huge difference. I'm not a video editor by any means, but videos that I watch with great editing are always better than those without. Lastly, maybe some collaborations with other RU-vid cobblers! Trenton and Heath from Potter and Sons are another channel I watch regularly, and I think it would be cool to see you guys in a video together. With that being said, I will still continue to watch your videos, whether yo take these suggestions or not. You will not lose my subscription. You have great content, so keep it up! These suggestions are no reflection on your cobbler skills either, that is always great! And I look forward to having you work on a pair of my boots someday 👍🏻 Take it easy, my man!

I particularly enjoy seeing the finishing touches that you give to shoes restorations. Everything from the stampings to the edge dressings, staining of the soles, brass tacks, etc.

I been disabled On a wheelchair for 10 years and your videos serve me like therapy thank you so much .

It might be interesting to take one particular part of the repair and offer a more detailed, even step by step insight into the process. You're such a gifted craftsman and we learn so much by just watching but at certain points I think "how is that precisely done." I'm not asking for trade secrets but I think many viewers (or at least I) would very much enjoy hearing you describe a challenging process in detail, and I mean down to how far apart are the stitches or how long does it take to do that particular feature. You know, more instruction into the art and craft. Just an idea.

I think your channel is perfect!

That was an amazing rebuild.

Everything you do in no way could I ever. Amazing old school craftsman 👏🇨🇦

I enjoy your work and the voice and everything around the shop, I think that your approach to the repairs is correct and always showing what can be improved in a pair of shoes or any other piece that you take to repair, maybe you can invite other crafters that could share their views on similar projects or other trades. I like what you are doing and try to support the channel all the time.👍🏽

Hey man !!! Amazing as always. Let's continue. 🤣🤣🤣

I love your videos! I think having someone come in a video you doing your work instead of you doing it all yourself could be beneficial

Steve - please don't go all "Hollywood" on us! I love your videos just the way they are. I'd love to see more, but I know this is your trade, and you're busy doing real-life work, not just RU-vid videos. Your skill and talent are off the charts, and I so look forward to hearing your stories and advice.

I for one LOVE your channel, love every thing you’re doing. Yeah, hammer time and the voice stays cause that’s what makes it all good. I like it when friends drop by and you take a break for coffee or have a smoke. It’s nice hearing about your family. Your a craftsman.

Good night Steve GREAT job .Regard from Spain🎩⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Do another giveaway comp of a free shoe repair. Freebies is always good for channel publicity and growth.

We like the hummer time. Also, I enjoy when you reparer bags and boots.

I have learned so much about boot and shoe assembly procedures from you ! Awesomeness !!!

One way to grow your channel is by donating a free re-build to someone deserving within your community and showing the interactions and results. Giving back always multiplies business. I really believe as a long-time viewer that this would blow your channel up. People love to see love in action. Especially where it is needed the most.

Dont change a damn thing, Steve! I look forward to your videos.

Fascinating! I really enjoyed watching you bring these boots back to life. You are a wizard!

The key is to get a "viral video"... that is the way to draw a larger/broader audience. I think you need to either (a) do another (b) re-release videos on your award winning build(s). Those end products will turn heads in a big big way... then it's getting it out there via a multitude of platforms... and push the fact that you release regular RU-vid videos, even if it's on your FB/Twit/Tic/Insty pages. You are a true master... but I also wonder just how many people will watch shoe repair... sometimes, it's just the content itself... that's not a dig, you know I watch your every move, but I don't know that it's for everybody. Keep being you!! Much love!!