Over the previous few months I’ve been attempting out a pair of RM Williams boots, pushed by the very fact I do know so many individuals who swear by them, and since it’s good to have fun a craft firm in a distinct a part of the world comparable to Australia.

I’ve discovered them (the Consolation Craftsman) simply as snug as everybody mentioned, and favored the fashion greater than I believed I’d. I’d by no means usually put on a square-toed boot, however the form may be very delicate, and truly extra elegant than the round-toed choices.

The standard of the boot, nevertheless, will not be actually on a par with the opposite makers we cowl. There are plastic heel and toe stiffeners, a fibreglass shank, and the opposite supplies are usually not the identical high quality as, for instance, Crockett & Jones. 

The very fact the boots don’t have any seam on the aspect is a part of their lore: it was one thing the founder launched to scale back irritation on the foot. However after all, the explanation high-end boots have seams is that they’re utilizing smaller skins than RM Williams – it’s a lot simpler to not have seams whenever you’re working with a yearling animal or older. Plus I’ve by no means discovered these seams irritating on my different boots. 

Nonetheless, I can actually see the enchantment of RM Williams now, and their perspective to restore and care is admirable. They’ve turn into dearer in recent times, however worth relative worth closely will depend on the place you’re on the earth – a comparative UK or US maker is rather more costly outdoors these international locations.

The boot I attempted was the Consolation Craftsman in dark-brown suede. It was a UK dimension 9, which is just about my common boot dimension, and an Australian G width, which appeared corresponding to the E I usually put on within the UK, although it’s meant to be somewhat narrower. 

Most UK stockists comparable to Trunk have the G width, although RMW itself additionally affords a wider, H width. Kudos to RMW for providing two widths within the UK as customary, and a wide array of sizes at the very least in Australia.

I selected dark-brown suede as a result of it’s the fabric I discover probably the most versatile, however you’ll additionally discover high quality distinction much less in suede, normally, than in leather-based. Definitely one thing just like the yearling-leather RMW boot won’t take polish or ever look as positive as a Northampton equal. 

After all, most individuals carrying RMW boots don’t wish to be as dressy as that positive, polished calf, however I’d nonetheless choose the suede or maybe even pull-up leather-based to the RMW yearling (beneath). Northampton sneakers have in all probability spoilt me in that regard. 

RM Williams boots are identified for his or her consolation, and significantly the Consolation Craftsman with its padded insole. I can vouch for that, and that they required no breaking in. 

It’s not the natural-feeling softness you’d have with a top-end calf leather-based lining, or the form of help that might come from a final that gave you actually good arch help (just like the Alden modified final, on me) given it’s foam padding, however it’s nonetheless efficient. 

With a suede boot it’s these sorts of locations the place you discover the distinction in high quality of supplies – and that goes for the rubber soles too, that are comparatively thick and cumbersome. 

I ought to emphasise once more that after I say ‘relative’ I imply relative to the common manufacturers we function on PS, that are maybe greatest typified by Crocketts within the UK and Alden within the US. So if that’s the benchmark, how does RM Williams evaluate on worth? 

RMW has actually bought dearer because it was acquired by LVMH in 2016 (it’s presently owned by the Tattarang funding group). A pair of those boots within the UK will value you £430, and Crocketts looks as if a greater purchase (all else being equal) at £470 for its Chelsea 8 (beneath). 

However, in Australia the Consolation Craftsman is A$649 (£355) and Crocketts are A$1295 (£710), which undoubtedly pushes issues in RM Williams’s favour. 

In the long run – like people who purchase Alden within the UK – worth and worth aren’t the highest precedence for UK prospects of RM Williams.

They purchase for the look, as a result of they just like the model, and since there isn’t any apparent equal. The square-toed Craftsman actually is surprisingly elegant for an informal boot, whereas the Gardener appears to be like very nice for a really hard-wearing, round-toed, weather-proof boot. 

RM Williams boots additionally final a very long time as a result of they’ve a great line in repairs. They reheel and resole as a matter after all, and also will change the liner, tugs and elastic gussets – all the things save the higher. 

The manufacturing unit in Adelaide normally does this work, though after I spoke to the staff late final 12 months, they have been coaching a gaggle to do resoles and reheels within the UK. The transport value to Adelaide and lead time (about three months) was changing into inefficient in any other case. 

I actually favored my boots, despite the fact that I wouldn’t really put on them – and can discover a good residence amongst mates for my pair. 

Factor is, for a suede boot I’d all the time go to a Northampton maker; even for a waxed boot my Govan from Edward Inexperienced are a lot nicer (and rather more costly). I’d put on Alden for an informal fashion, Viberg for an actual workboot, even a roper boot for the fashion. RM Williams simply doesn’t fill a niche I’ve by way of fashion and worth. 

Nonetheless, I’m glad I’ve tried the Craftsman for a great whereas, and perceive the enchantment. 

I’ve bought inside the top of the good friend who wears a Gardener day by day with wide-legged chinos, and  the opposite who wears his Craftsman along with his skinny denims each single day to work. I shall try to persuade my brother (who lives in Australia) that he ought to get a pair, as a result of they are going to be good worth and completely go well with his way of life. 

I’d suggest them to many individuals – simply not myself. 

Garments proven: PS Reversible Suede jacket, Actual McCoy’s sweatshirt, Rubato denims, PS watch cap