We Try: The R.M. Williams Australian made boots that always sell out
It’s the iconic Australian fashion label renowned for its durable, fashion forward shoes – but are R.M. Williams worth their price tag? We find out.
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No list of Australian fashion icons is complete without an R.M. Williams mention.
Considered as “true blue” as the Akubra hat, or Blundstones, R.M. Williams boots have well and truly earned their place in our nation’s figurative pool room.
For its 89 year history, the R.M. Williams name has been synonymous with fashion forward, high-quality footwear just as at home trudging through a paddock as they are pounding the city pavement.
While the price point of the brand’s boots isn’t cheap by any stretch, R.M. Williams assures fans that they can “screw them up and do what you like. You can’t destroy them.”
Plus, every single pair of R.M.s is handcrafted in Adelaide from a single piece of leather and each individual boot is passed through over 80 sets of hands during its creation. An Aussie-made, undestroyable, lifetime purchase that looks good, too? News.com.au’s Best Of team decided to put them to the test to see if they’re really worth the price tag.
Mike Cook, Best Of SEO Strategy Manager
The Trial: R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman Boots in Black, THE ICONIC, $595
FEATURES
– Genuine leather upper and lining
– Double branded tugs
– Elastic side gussets
– Padded heel lining
– Non-slip sole
– Comfort insole
THE TRIAL
“The Chelsea boot is a staple in any well-dressed man’s wardrobe. And when looking to invest in a pair of boots, securing the holy trinity – comfort, style and durability – is essential. R.M. Williams nails all three with their range of Comfort Craftsman boots. The dreaded downside to wearing in any new pair of shoes is the inevitable blistering that will accost your heel and toes. R.M. Williams prevents this discomfort with a padded heel lining that hugs the back of the foot. The Comfort Craftsman model also includes an insole for arch support, which means the boots are as comfortable in the first hour as they are in the twelfth.
Style-wise, a Chelsea boot has a versatility that many other boots do not, and R.M. Williams’ interpretation is no exception. The leather design is simple and sleek, complementing a suit for formal occasions. Yet, the rounded toe cap and matte finish lends itself to also be styled down to make a smart casual outfit sing. The upside and the downside of the boot are one in the same: a pair of R.M. Williams boots contours perfectly to support the wearer’s foot and ankle, but the boot’s snugness requires more grunt to put on. For the first dozen wears, I broke a sweat trying to stretch the elasticated gusset to accommodate for my heel’s insertion. However, once accustomed to my foot, the leather upper conformed, making the boots easier to put on. When it comes to the price point, purchasing a pair of men’s Comfort Craftsmans is an investment, not an impulse buy. And as with any investment, these boots will last decades – R.M. Williams’ Boot Repair Service ensures it. Over the boots’ lifetime, you have the security of being able to resole, redress or replace individual parts of the shoe.
My verdict? A pair of Chelsea boots is an essential every man should own. And for comfort, style and longevity, R.M. Williams’ Comfort Craftsman Boot is an investment worth the price tag.”
RATING OUT OF 5
★★★★½
Not into black? You can buy the R.M. Comfort Craftsman Boots in dark tan and chestnut here.
Edwina Carr Barraclough, Best Of Editor
The Trial: R.M. Williams Womens Lady Yearling Boots, $595
FEATURES
– Genuine leather upper and lining
– 4.5cm leather block heel
– Narrow medium round toe
– Elasticised gussets
– Double branded tugs
THE TRIAL
“My first impression of these boots was that of relief. For some reason, one of my initial concerns was that perhaps R.M. Williams’ blokey origins would translate to the women’s shoes looking a little broad but these fears were completely unfounded. The narrow medium round-toe fit gives the boots a really snug, chic and modern feel. At 4.5cm, the heel height is perfection. Low enough that I could comfortably wear them on a day I know I’ll be doing loads of walking, high enough to add some polish to any outfit, or to wear to work.
Not going to lie, at first wear I was worried these boots might take a while to wear in – they were pretty rigid, but it didn’t take long until they softened and moulded to the shape of my feet.
The brilliant thing about these beautifully made boots is their versatility. I can wear them with a leather miniskirt, a chunky knit and stockings, with jeans and a T-shirt, even with a floral dress in spring. Now that ankle boots have become one of those transeasonal items – a little like white sneakers – it’s great having a durable, good looking pair I can depend on.
The one big hurdle you’ll need to overcome before snapping up a pair of these boots? The price. At $595, they’re the priciest boots in my wardrobe – although not by miles. However, they’re an item I know will a) stay in style forever – it’s been 89 years and they’re still kicking so I figure they can stay relevant in my cupboard for a while longer – and b) the craftsmanship that’s gone in to make these boots is exceptional and ensures they’re going to last, unlike other cheap winter boots that often disappointingly disintegrate by the time September rolls around.
I can hand-on-heart assure you buying a pair of R.M. Williams boots will not be a purchase you live to regret. Rather, it’ll be one you smile smugly about year after year as you pull them on again and again.”
RATING OUT OF 5
★★★★½
Not into black? You can find R.M. Williams The Yearling Boots in chestnut here.
OTHER DEPENDABLE BOOTS WORTH CONSIDERING
THE R.M. WILLIAMS DUPE
Windsor Smith Stockman Boots, THE ICONIC, $229.95
If R.M. Williams boots are a purchase you can’t quite justify right now, these Windsor Smith dupes at a more affordable price point offer a similarly chic aesthetic. With a genuine leather upper and lining, a snipped toe and durable sole, these will last well past a season. Elasticised side gussets and a looped pull tag on the back of the boots gives them a rustic feel.
THE TIMELESS UNISEX PAIR
Dr Martens Unisex 1460 Smooth 8-Eye Boots, THE ICONIC, $259
About as revered as R.M. Williams boots, Dr Martens are known for their timeless appeal and durability. This pair is created with a genuine leather upper and lining and eight-eye lace-up fastening. Plus, the boots are created using Leather Working Group certified leather, so this pair is a more sustainable option for the environmentally conscious.
HOW ARE R.M. WILLIAMS BOOTS MADE?
Originally made to survive in the tough Australian terrain, R.M. Williams boots have always been made with a single piece of leather, which lends to a durable, seamless and high quality finish. Every single boot created has been through over 80 sets of hands in the company’s Adelaide workshop to create it into a product that will stand the test of time.
HOW WAS R.M. WILLIAMS STARTED?
A story of Aussie entrepreneurship, in 1932 Reginald Murray Williams first found success creating leather saddles. He soon developed a following for his selection of sturdy riding boots which were constructed with a single piece of leather to create a truly timeless look. In the 1940s and 50s, R.M. continued to expand his product line and the label has become synonymous with high quality Australian footwear and fashion, with fans like Hugh Jackman and Bill Clinton (who wore R.M. Williams boots at his inauguration as US president).
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