R.M Williams was established in 1932 by Reginald Murray Williams. He learned his leather-working skills from a horseman named Dollar Mick, who taught him how to make saddles, bridles and riding boots. The boots needed to be comfortable and durable, as well as weatherproof and strong for the Bushmen who wore them in the harsh outback environment. But unlike other leather boots of the time, RM’s are hand crafted from a single leather piece that is joined together at the back and eliminates the raised side seams that could rub the foot. Word of this quality spread across Australia and soon the company grew into a cultural icon and a symbol of the outback’s spirit. Over the years RM Williams incorporated the brand’s trademark moleskins, as well as jeans, belts, bush shirts and other products, with both men and women’s styles available, and from its Adelaide factory this company ended up as a recognizable global brand.
Boots
There are not many things as Aussie as these boots, so you’re probably wondering what makes them so special. Yes, they look great, with meticulous attention to details. True, they’re comfortable, shaped to give close support under the arch and curved to match any heel shape. But still, there’s something more to it that makes them so unique – the way they’re made.
It takes eighty pairs of hands to make one pair of RM Williams boots. Hand-crafted at RMW doesn’t mean only hand-finished. It means the entire process of eighty steps is performed by the hands of skilled artisans in the Adelaide factory. There is nothing throwaway about these boots, they can outlast you, and knowing their long-lasting qualities, it’s better to choose carefully when you look for a pair that will suit you best.
The following are the three main versions of the archetypal RMWs and their characteristics, as well as some useful tips that can help you buy RM Williams boots for everyday use or to make a statement.
Comfort Craftsman Boot
With leather upper and cushioned comfort inner sole, the Comfort Craftsman, Comfort Turnout and Comfort Tambo were designed for casual, everyday wear. Hand-crafted from a single piece of yearling leather, with a non-slip and oil resistant composite rubber sole, they are the perfect choice for long-wearing. The comfort technology reinforces the boot shape and supports your arch, while the flat heel increases the superior comfort of the leather insole. They’re durable and breathable and can be re-soled.
Classic Craftsman Boot
This boot is the one that kickstarted the whole story behind RMW. It is used for the making of the Kangaroo Craftsman, Suede Craftsman, as well as Signature Craftsman, Craftsman, Stockman Buckle Boot, Chinchilla and Sydney Boot. Classic sole is a sewn leather welt mainly used for designing dress and business boots, and exotic leather boots. If used for everyday wear the leather sole can wear quicker compared to Comfort Sole or Dynamic Flex Sole. It’s good to know that it can be re-soled if needed.
Dynamic Flex Comfort Craftsman
This is a mixture of rubber and leather sole, a combination that provides unique sole flexibility. It is a long-lasting quality boot with an orthotic inner sole that provides extra cushioning, comfort and support. The comfort technology reinforces the shape of the boot and gives more support to your arch. It’s waterproof and strong, suitable for both everyday wear and dress boot as well. The insole can be removed to fit orthotic inserts and can be re-soled as well.
A perfect fit R.M Williams will be snug across the instep and through your foot’s ball, and there should not be any pressure felt within the toe cap area. This part of the boot will not change over time, with wear. The widest foot part will be in line with the widest boot part. RMW leather will not stretch but will ease with wear and accommodate the shape of your foot.
Men and Women’s Clothing
R.M. Williams clothing collection includes classic shirts, smart jackets, casual shorts and well-cut jeans. Men’s shirts are finished with quality touches such as branded buttons and two-piece collars. They’re suitable for casual and more elegant wear due to their fixed stays. There are also traditional style shirts with checks and stripes and a wide range of high quality knitwear and jackets, sweaters and fleeces, comfortable and stylish choice for any men. RMW clothing for men covers jeans and trousers style cuts in various fabrics with heavier and lighter weights. From the recognizable, soft to touch, moleskin, breathable and durable at the same time, to hard-wearing denim jeans.
Women’s collection is inspired by the Australian landscape and its colours. Including weekend polos and t-shirts, button down shirts, pants and skirts, knitwear and tailored jackets, it makes an ideal smart casual wear for any woman. R.M. Williams clothing is designed for any occasion, for town and country. RMW garments are crafted for comfort, durability, and style, cut from premium materials such as cotton, suede leather, linen, merino wool and cone denim.
Belts and Buckles
RMW belts and buckles are crafted by a team of professional craftsmen using traditional techniques. These techniques are valued and well-preserved, carefully passed on from one generation to the other. Every belt is made of durable types of leather (solid leather, vegetable-tanned leather and more) and has five holes punched into it and allows different fits. However, it’s recommendable to order one size larger than your usual waist size. If you’re a size 34 waist, then you can order up to size 36, or if you’re size 31 then you should order 34. Measure your belt size from the buckle prong to the centre hole of the belt.
Accessories
RM Williams offers a range of wallets, luggage, accessories, underwear, socks and caps that reflects the outback spirit and true Australian style. High quality, with attention to detail and made of the finest leathers and materials, these accessories are perfect gift ideas for various occasions.
Care Products
Dedicated to delivering leather of high quality, RM Williams provides a leather care range as well. Made in Australia, their products have been subject to testing and refinement procedures, to ensure your accessories and boots stay in a good condition for a long period of time.
