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RM Williams Comfort Craftsman $416.50 (Was $595) Delivered @ Store Chance

870
CELEBRATE

For those interested in some discount RM Williams craftsman’s.

Use the code ‘celebrate’ for 30% off.

Not the best price given previous sales from other websites, but a decent price for those who missed out and need a pair now.

The Comfort Craftsman is handcrafted in Adelaide, and can be worn as a light work boot or a dress boot. Crafted yearling leather and a rubber plain welt sole with a classic squared chisel toe. The inner boot features a comfort innersole.
Yearling leather
Sewn welt non slip sole
Comfort insole
Padded heel lining
Double Branded tugs
Elastic sided boots
Chisel square toe
Flat heel
Crafted from one piece of leather
Made in Australia

Related Stores

Chance Store
Chance Store

closed Comments

  • +6

    Damn that's an expensive boot.

    • +53

      You get 2 for that price.

      • +16

        Are you sure? They only have 1 boot in the picture?

        • +2

          I'm going to go with what you said, you only get the one pictured.

          • +6

            @pongky: I'm wearing one now. Very comfortable but I go up and down when I walk.

            • +2

              @abacus:

              Very comfortable but I go up and down when I walk.

              Maybe you should get off the stairs.

              • @caprimulgus: My parents told me to keep off the grass, but didn't mention the stairs.

    • +11

      Wear it and you'll know why

      • hahaha

    • +3

      Damn that's an expensive boot.

      It's crafted from one piece of leather.

      • ah one piece…. I have heard of this show….

      • +10

        Dunno why the downvotes on jv's comment… Completely valid. The top piece is one piece, and it's the hardest way to make a boot, but has the best result in strength and appearance in most people's opinion.

        Two piece letter boots are made with cheaper leather, where it's easier to get a smaller piece of unmarked leather (no scratches, scars, insect bites, etc, etc). Basically multi-piece letter boots are made up of offcuts and scrap leather.

        • +3

          It’s just a reflection of his personality

    • +6

      You only have to buy them once

      • You only have to buy most things once :)

        • You must have been chuckling, seeing all those people stock-piling Toilet Paper!

      • You're wrong actually. You don't have to buy them at all. You're allowed to buy shoes 1/10 the price or not buy any shoes at all if you want.

        • You'd be buying 11+ pairs of shoes at 1/10 the price to last the same time as the RMs.
          As for no shoes… well I can't argue with that

          • +1

            @enforcer: RM's don't last. You replace the sole as often as you replace any other shoe. For more than the cost of most cheap but serviceable chelsea boots.

      • +3

        Have been wearing mine nearly 5 years now. 5 days a week. I've replaced 2 heel rubbers ($30 for 2 x heels and a polish at the local shoemaker) and they're still in great condition.

        Bought mine from the outlet sale in Adelaide (once a year for a few days) for $270.

        • Same, same, and haven't needed to replace the soles yet (rubber), and same.

      • +3

        Still have my original RM boots 20 years on, been rehealed 5 times but very long lasting boots

    • +1

      Expressive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

      • +16

        Expressive? Yes.

        You can hear the emotion in every step!

    • +1

      Had mine for about 13-14 years.
      Love em, comfy, and best of all they still look like new.

      • +1

        Some pictures please.

        • How do I add pics ?

          • @Tsapena: Upload to imgur and link here

  • I wear these like gumboots in the rain… still going strong.

  • +2

    No width options?

    • yeah good point, i guess these are G?

  • +4

    I've had these for a while and they get more comfortable with each wearing,but you have to be very careful with the sizing.Really the only way is to be measured and try them on.Over to you..

    • +1

      Dead right, size 10 to one company isn't necessarily the same as size 10 to another.
      Following the guide on the RM store helped me get my boot size right, according to RM Williams sizing recommendations.

      https://www.rmwilliams.com.au/fitting-information/fitting-in…

      Note: your feet are probably different size and width, so measure both. Go by the larger foot. Going slightly larger is better than going slightly smaller, because you can fill the gaps with thicker socks if you have to.

  • +2

    $420 boots?!? In this economy?

    • +3

      It's probably why they're not $595…

    • +1

      Coupon code CELEBRATE

    • +2

      Why not? They'll probably represent better cost-per-wear than cheap cemented shoes.

      Not only that, you continue to support fellow Australian workers (yes I know they are owned by LVMHG)

  • +25

    I guess I could wear this whilst walking from bed to desk?

  • -4

    An expensive piece …need to be in a museum. Definitely not an affordable / bargain shoes.

  • +1

    Spending 400$ on boots and still hunting ozbargains, must be a hell of a rich miser

    • +13

      Some could say that by owning a pair of high quality boots they are actually saving money in the long run. Better quality that last longer than multiple pairs of cheaper boots.

      • Some could say that. They'd be wrong but they could say that. Good boots that are $50-100 on sale don't fall apart easy.

        On the other hand, if you want to get RM's then this deal is saving you money so go for it.

        • +1

          Some could say $50-100 boots don't fall apart easily and as good quality, but they'd be very wrong.

      • +5

        You've actually referenced a study topic of socioeconomic unfairness

        At one point in the story, the Captain ruminates:

        The reason that the rich were so rich…was because they managed to spend less money.

        In reference to the Captain, the quote goes on to read:

        "Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.

        But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet."

        This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.

        https://moneywise.com/a/boots-theory-of-socioeconomic-unfair…

    • +1

      They last 20 years.

      • I dont have boots

    • We're on OzB so we can afford boots like these!

    • +1

      It's pretty common to save money long term by buying the better product from the beginning. I've had my pair of RMs for 16 years, and my dad has had his for 30+. My last pair of cheaper boots (which were still $150+) had the rubber disintegrate after 18 months.

  • +1

    The apple of shoes.

    • Well those UK, Italian and American Goodyear welted shoes and boots aren't cheap either and meermin just seems like a crapshoot.

  • I don't have leather boots. Can someone enlighten me on why these are very expensive? What's so good about these?

    • +5

      Better materials (leather/gussets/soles) all round
      Repairable meaning less waste in landfill once they reach end of life
      More comfortable (debatable/dependent on wearer)
      Not unexpected to get 5-10 years wear; meaning the total cost of ownership is generally lower.

    • +1

      From TGC's blog: How I've Saved Thousands on Men's Leather Shoes:
      https://tgcollection.com.au/blogs/tgc-blog/save-1000s-on-sho…

    • +2

      You can wear them with almost anything, they look good with jeans, chinos or even wear them with a suit. They are extremely comfortable. The 1 piece leather upper construction literally molds to your foot over time. They are well made and high quality, if you look after them they will literally last for decades, you can take them to a shoemaker or even send them back to RM Williams and they will refurbish them, replace a heel or a sole. You can keep wearing these for a long time, they arent like regular shoes that you wear for a few years and throw out. I still have a set I bought in 1994 and they are still in OK condition. I have a black and a brown pair and these are all the leather dress shoes I need. Literally these and sneakers/running shoes are all I need. Also, price-wise one pair of these will last maybe 20 years with maybe $100 maintenance every 5 years or so maybe $900 - $1K on shoes over 20 years for the RMs versus maybe 3 pairs of cheap $50 shoes per year ($150) every year for 20 years = $3K, so RMs over time work out 1/3 of the price, h9igher cost upfront but much lower running costs for the fleet over time.

  • +4

    I have a couple of pairs of these and definitely worth it. Last at least 10 times a pair of Florsheim, Julius Marlow or Hush Puppy type shoes for 4 to 5 times the price and way more comfortable. As long as suitable for your work attire.

  • +13

    Yawn. The same comments are in every RM Williams post.

    • +3

      You expect different comments for the same deal?

  • What are we celebrating?

    • -3

      Massively overpriced boots being slight less overpriced?

  • +4

    Posting so others are aware of RM Williams. I've posted before: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/447741

    Indoor office use all day, take the train and back to work, probably about 15 minutes max walking outside a day. Alternate my pair with another pair of boots of a different brand as well. 13 months in and a hole is on the bottom of the sole.

    Brought it back to RM's and they wanted to charge me another $165 to resole. I told them it's only been 13 months and they mentioned to me their shoes have no warranty and it's wear and tear and nothing they can do.

    RMs are not all manufactured in Australia anymore. This particular model might be but it is quite misleading as regardless of whether they are manufactured overseas or not, they all carry the "Prospect NSW" address on the tag.

    I would buy something else at this price point.

    • What would you suggest?

      • Don't know to be honest, I'm looking for one - any suggestions are welcome.

    • +4

      Do you have the rubber soles? I bought two pairs in the last 4 years and wear alternatively walking 5kms return to work 5 days a week. Slight bit of smoothness warn in the pattern on the sole after 3 years. Nowhere near a hole in the sole. Prospect is in SA. All manufactured in SA unless you can show otherwise.

      • All manufactured in SA unless you can show otherwise

        I don't think the Stockyard boot is made in Australia
        https://portphillipshop.com.au/b780l-rmw-stockyard-boots-rm-…

      • Sorry, I originally thought it was Prospect in NSW. If I recall, I don't think it mentions the state. Either way, it is very misleading that they would put an Australian address on a boot that could have been manufactured overseas. I asked the store attendant myself that they have now begun selling 'outsourced' models from overseas. They did not mention which country and I didn't push the matter.

        I had the leather soles but I took what I assume to be good care. From my other post:

        "I have leather soles. I walk the shoes from my shoe rack to my car, park my car at the station, walk them into the train and train it to work. From the station its a 10 minute walk indoors to my office. I spend the day inside and buy lunch once a week where I need to walk out. Then repeat the journey home.

        I polish them and keep shoe trees in them, I also alternate pairs to air them out. I think its fair to say it is light to moderate use at best."

        • You do wear them all day. Shoes wear out with friction on the ground when sitting, etc.

    • +1

      I wore a pair of comfort craftmans every business day for 15 months (until Covid resulted in WFH), and they still look new except for a few scuffs from my carelessness.

      Also, All the Craftsman range is made in Prospect SA. Some other shoes in the range are made overseas, but not the Craftsman.

      • +1

        They are made in Salisbury, not Prospect

    • +2

      I believe their Craftsman lineup is still fully Australian made, but some of their other collections are definitely known to be much lower quality despite similar prices

      • -2

        This must be the case. I didn't have the Craftsman, but they leveraged their brand to sell other much more lower quality boots and place them at the same price.

        A smart move from their new owners (Louis Vuitton)

    • +1

      Leather soles wear away really easily, this is the rubber sole which doesn't

    • +2

      Alternative opinion, I have been wearing my Comfort Craftsman nearly everyday for the past 3-4 years. This includes everyday for work, most weekends and massive long walks during travelling. Rock solid, looks a bit worn but I like it that way. I hate spending money on clothes but this was the best clothing purchase I ever made.

    • Seems like you need to see a podiatrist about your gait?

      I've had my overpriced RMs for 3 years and I've still got the original heel and sole.

      • Never had a problem with any other shoes I wore, don't have any pain in my body anywhere either. I originally thought this as well, but upon looking at all my worn in shoes, they all exhibit a "neutral" wear in pattern:

        http://www.theunionbootpro.com/images/art_foot_gait.jpg

        I'm no podiatrist but I don't think I will spend a couple hundred dollars to see one just to check for something I might not have.

        • Fair enough. Pretty odd thing and it sounds like you got a crap pair of RMs.

    • depends which one you've got as others have mentioned.
      The leather soles quite literally disappear on concrete (I have both).
      The rubber soled ones have lasted 6 years and it's only starting to show some wear due to my horrible gait.

      Another thing is the recent addition of poorer quality shoes as others have mentioned. The suede ones, the ones with more than one piece of leather per boot (i.e. the stitch underneath the elastic on either side), certain ones you get from outlets, etc. are all poorly made overseas (probably China).

      I buy from here (and yes they are legit - google them): http://nungar.com.au/catalog/index.php/cPath/48_415/osCsid/a…

  • Is AU size equivalent to UK size for all RMW boots? If so, I guess I'm out of luck. :(

    • +2

      You'll need to get sized up at a store because they use some weird sizing that doesn't align with anyone else. Plus you'll want to know your width, they have 3 widths to choose from. Best to get sized up in store before going ahead.

  • Best boots.

  • They are used in the army for a reason.

    • Heard it was because they used another (cheaper) supplier in bulk once, and there was poor quality control with the soles falling off, apparently was a public embarrassment. They quickly switched after that, or so I've heard.

    • Politics, Army uses them for ceremonial and office clothes (Polys/service dress etc) they dont use these in the field. That said RMs have been the staple choice of footwear for aspiring young RMC cadets and junior officers trawling nightclubs for decades. The unofficial uniform of off duty Army Officers used to be RMW boots, fawn pants and a polo shirt! (chambray shirt back in the 90's).

      I think the RMs were chosen after political pressure to support Australian businesses rather than buy cheaper stuff from overseas. I still have a pair of the older Dress Boots' that we used to wear on parades, still spit polished, they are a high quality boot as well, no idea where they were made. Army can buy RMs from their unit clothing store for much cheaper than we pay retail but they are limited to 1 pair per year (so cant buy a set for all their civilian mates). The switch across to RMW was a very popular decision in the Army as these are more comfortable and probably something you can keep and use after you get out.

  • +1

    i have a wide foot and i have tried some rm williams on before and i could tell they would be uncomfortable. any advice?

    • +1

      Put it in H!

    • H fitting will fit E/EE width feet.

      Failing that, try the Tambo boots which have an even wider last, available in X width.

  • +1

    Was used to buying shoes from Hush Puppy, Florsheim etc on a yearly basis. Got a pair of these as a gift, and they have held up incredibly well the past 4 years. Debating buying a second pair in black!

    • Same. I'm keen to buy a black pair but in this economy?!

      • Maybe better to save the money! We are going through some very challenging times and in times of crisis; cash is king.

        Personally I am not buying anything for now (I already have three RM/one work steel cap/one shoe in rotation, and certainly don't need another!)

        • My size was already sold out. My wallet has breathed a sigh of relief.

    • +1

      I have a black pair and a chestnut pair that I rotate based on what clothes i am wearing, perfect setup, aside from runners etc I literally dont need any other shoes.

      • You don't wear cleats when riding?

        • +1

          Can you imagine imagine the feedback I'd get for $4-500 cycling shoes when there are people upset at RM Williams prices! (spoiler, refuse to ride flat pedals, clipped in or not riding).

  • +3

    If your RM Williams are natural or dark tan colored, Boot polish is on clearance at hype dc for 4.99 each, black and Chestnut are reduced to 14.99

    • Shipping at $10 kills the deal on dark tan polish. If I could click and collect in Perth, that would be great.

      • Glad I found that as I was $10 short of free shipping and am in need of some chestnut polish.

  • Thanks ! Just bought 5 !

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