RM Williams Boots: Worth the Investment?

Hello fellow bargain hunters,

I'm curious to get your take on RM Williams boots. I've been a longtime Aquila boots wearer, with my most expensive pair clocking in under $400. Considering RM Williams starting well over $700, is the price tag justified, or is it just hype?

For those who own a pair, what are your thoughts? Is the quality, durability, and comfort worth the significant jump in cost?

I'd love to hear your honest opinions and insights before I consider making the leap!

Comments

  • +30

    no

  • +12

    In the world of boot enthusiasts they are nothing special. There is a guy on Youtube, Rose Anvil, who amongst other things cuts boots in half and analyses/reviews all of their construction details. I remember watching a video of him doing RM Williams and he was pretty scathing given that it was a $600 boot. If you can get it on one of the deals that pop up occasionally for 40% off or so it might be worth it from a fashion perspective - though you will soon notice everyone is wearing RM Williams so really…it's just like BMW now - a common item.

    • +2

      IIRC, he cut up the 'comfort craftsman' boot which has a different sole to the other models so not sure that is typical of 'all' RM Williams boots.

      They are definitely overpriced for what they are, selling off their name - they were once owned by the LVMH group so if you're paying $800 for your bottle of grand vintage champagne, I guess dropping $600 on a pair of boots isn't so bad. lol

  • +9

    Not for me personally, I would rather spend $100 a year on new Hush Puppies or similar boots than spend that much on a 'me-too' RM Williams, plus the annual maintenance costs on top.

    But like everything, we can't tell you what's worth it to you personally. I'm sure there's plenty of people that feel they are worthwhile for their use cases. Maybe looks matter in your profession and a generic Chelsea boot doesn't cut it. For 99% of office workers, it should be fine though.

    • +11

      RM's have lost a lot of quality, so not specifically talking them, but a premium $500 boot is likely to look better after 5 years than the cheapo hush puppies do new.

      • -3

        "RM's have lost a lot of quality"

        a few years back weren't they bought out by a Chinese Equity Firm, so they will be running a purely For Profit business model now.

        • +1

          No, they are owned by Andrew Forrest investment firm

  • +9

    ALL the guys at work wear them, so I wear them.

    • +11

      More like CuteWittleSheep

    • +4

      It's the aussie equivalent of a Patagonia vest

      • the kathmandu puffer

        • only one kind of person wears that…

          • @eddyah: the same that wears RMs and chinos?

  • +4

    RM Williams Boots: Worth the Investment?

    I prefer debentures.

    • +8

      A yearly visit to the dentist will prevent you from needing those.

    • +21

      It is also known that a person's footwear provides insight into their personality, status, and attention to detail.

      Only to shallow people.

      • +1

        Only to shallow people.

        Decades ago before the rise of overly dramatised reality TV, watched some documentary-style show covering London Heathrow. The only bit I remember was that one of the screening criteria for suspected illegal immigration was choice of footwear- people would dress up to try look the part of a normal tourist, but forget about their shoes.

        /tangent.

    • +11

      t is also known that a person's footwear provides insight into their personality, status, and attention to detail.

      If I see someone wearing RM boots in the city I know exactly what type of person they are. And it's not the positive upper echelon presentation you think you're portraying

      • -2

        I do know what you mean, and i also know those kinds of people.
        i promise you there are a lot of us who are good.
        It's pretty much part of our Aussie business uniform, a suit with rmw.
        These are pretty much required whenever i have meetings and presentations.

        • +6

          It's pretty much part of our Aussie business uniform, a suit with rmw.

          Except they aren't

          I work in tech and I can count on one hand the number of people I've seen wearing these things.

          It's all the FinTech bros

          • -1

            @coffeeinmyveins: lol, that explains it.
            Of course tech wouldn't wear rmw, u guys just wear t shirts and jeans, lol. a pair of rmw would cost more than your whole wardrobe. Kidding aside, tech is very casual and of course they wouldn't wear rmw.

            • @Hugh G Rection: No offence, but you and your co-workers sound like insecure tossers. RMs were traditionally work boots. My parents bought a pair for me over 20 years ago for high school. They were dear then, but not monstrously overpriced as they are now.

              I used to see them in Qantas lounges, but the 'finance w*nker' uniform of North Face puffer and RMs is a relatively recent (last 5-10 years) phenomenon. Prices have doubled and quality has gone down the toilet since the LVMH purchase; the same happens every time a company makes a lifestyle-to-fashion pivot like Canda Goose. You're mindlessly following a trend you don't even understand.

        • +2

          Yes part of the sales/distribution/client acquisition/account and relationship manager uniform. For the rest of the corporate world, not so much.

          Plus the quality have declined significantly since LVMH took it over in 2013 and some of its production processes moved to Asia, and it doesn’t look like these practices were reversed after it was sold to Andrew Forrest. I’ve owned them pre-LVMH and yes they were life time purchases and worth the price, but the current stuff, not so much.

    • +11

      lol In the grand scheme of men’s shoes as a ‘status’, showing off RM Williams boots is like trying to brag that you have a bmw 1 series

      • +5

        With an M badge on the back from Temu.

      • -6

        well, the young businessmen have to start from somewhere. lol
        buying cheap boots and having to replace them every year is more expensive than buying rmw once and having it a lifetime.
        so it is a good investment that so happens to also give you status. i think that is a win win.

        • +14

          I can't imagine hanging around people that base your status on your footwear. How odd and superficial.

          • -2

            @MS Paint: you can't, but being in the corporate circle a lot has to do with status. just like if you pulled up to a job site with ozito or ryobi tools while everyone is using makita and milwaukee.

      • A 120d

        • +1

          Debadged.

    • +3

      It is also known that a person's footwear provides insight into their personality, status, and attention to detail.

      Damn right. When someone says "I love animals" the first thing I do is look at their footwear.

      • -1

        Do you believe them if they're wearing leather boots?

    • +1

      What a vapid comment.

    • Your pairs of RMs must be from 2015 or earlier.

      I previously would have agreed with your sentiments regarding their quality but it's simply no longer the case.

      Ringers Western make a superior boot at a lower price now.

  • +3

    I've got 2 pairs that I've had for around 20 years.
    What I like about them is that when properly resoled they are like new. Good quality material and were my daily wear for work until I changed to ECCO shoes.
    The prices are now prohibitively expensive. I only ever purchased at the outlet sale, that used to be held in the Adelaide factory.

  • +15

    They USED to be worth it. When they were a bit cheaper and made better. I managed to get some replacements cheap recently because they claimed my old boots (sent in for new elastic and soles) were not repairable. I reckon they were, but bad luck. They let you buy replacements at heavily reduced prices, which I guess is pretty reasonable as I had the previous pairs for a long time. However, the replacements aren't as good quality (IMHO) and don't fit as well (or the "same" as the previous two pairs) even though they are the "same size". Disappointed. These new pairs will see me through in life I reckon, but I wouldn't buy another pair.
    Added - my first two pairs were the BEST, most comfortable shoes I ever owned - I WAS a massive RM fan-boi.

    • +2

      I agree, I've bought a few pairs over the years and the drop in quality was noticeable, as was the significant increases in price. At their current price point, they're not a great deal.

    • +1

      This is the correct take.

    • What was the discounted price you were offered? I've got some15+ year old ones that I was thinking of sending back but I'm 99% sure they're going to get rejected.

  • -2

    If it impresses people in your social circles it may be worth it.

    • +11

      Or worth considering changing social circles

      • Hey fashion is fashion. There's a reason all of Melbourne was wearing Northface.

  • +3

    Bared boots have been my staple for several years. The Thallium look essentially the same as RM boots, they also have several different varients and are incredibly comfortable. The brand was founded by a podiatrist and for my weird feet I find are the only comfortable brand I can wear without issue. Full price are $429 and I think are great value especially compared to RM.

    https://baredfootwear.com/au/collections/mens-boots

    • Thanks for recommending an alternative

  • if you are going to religiously look after them then yes

    i know a dude who religiously looks after his (daily polish, shoe trees etc), they always look showroom mint…

    • Im sure if the dude showed the same care for boots 1/3 the price they'd still look showroom mint

  • +5

    I'd always been eyeing off a pair but could never quite commit. Probably due to the price and the quality just didn't seem quite worth it. I ended up just going for a Mongrel boot that is about 1/3 of the price but the quality is still quite good. They've held up well so far and made in Australia.

    • +4

      second Mongrel. I got a pair from a box damaged seller on ebay a couple of years ago and they're still in pretty good condition. Wear them every couple of weeks for my in office day.

    • +2

      Third vote for that particular model from mongrel. Best value shoe in Australia by a long way.

  • +6

    Never owned one, but from the sounds of it, it's like a Toyota Camry that can last 20 years but is the cost of a BMW

  • +2

    Yes! I’ve had mine for almost 10years, still look newish. Only had to resole them twice.
    Caveat is that I do look after them and wear them 2-3 days a week. Noting they have also gone up significantly in price and not sure ‘if they still make them like they use to’.

    Prior to that, I needed a new shoe every 12-18months which costed me $100-150, at a time when RMs were ~$400.

  • +4

    Way overhyped.

    They're just branding and people trying to have a certain look/fit in with the rest of corporate goons.

    If you see people wearing these you know they're likely to be morons so it's useful from that perspective.

    • What quality boots do you suggest instead? Ones that are going to last me 5 years? Genuinely after suggestions.

  • +8

    This is an interesting video that reviews the boots, he cuts them in half. Basically they are built like a $200 boot these days.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QX2_5jvtY&t=92s

    • Have heard similar things from other reviews too

    • Well I never thought 90 minutes of this Saturday morning were going to be spent looking at boot teardowns.

  • +1

    I like my two pairs a lot better than my previous leather shoes which never lasted particularly long.

    Post COVID they don't get worn too much though, 1-2 times a week.

    I do take some care of them - ensure they dry out properly, nourish and polish quarterly.

    Still looking good so far. Although one is weirdly much softer leather than the other even though they're identical aside from colour.

    I had to get the extra wide fit.

  • +1

    Here’s a comment I made on shoes some years ago (the comment is about dress shoes but are applicable to Chelsea boots). I also happen to comment on Aquila in here as well
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/13966845/redir

    A lot depends on how much you can justify spending on shoes as well. Pesonally I wouldn’t spend more than $400 on RMs (but would happily spend double that on good English made shoes).

  • +1

    I've heard Thursday and Meermin are just as good (if not better) than RMs

  • +1

    If you want Handmade In Australia from real leather then I think Wootten is the only other option, and they are more expensive. Personally keen to give Wootten a try but they only have a shopfront in Ballarat. I heard RMs quality has reduced and price increased, but unfortunately they are still the only one bedsides Wootten that fit the bill for me.

  • +1

    Big fan of the Craftsman models.

    My first pair, still going strong would be 20 years old. 3 other pairs I’ve added since would be 5-15 years old. Approx $100 per year to have 4 pairs (black / brown) of comfortable, easy to maintain, dress shoes for office work and almost any winter social event.

    I probably take care of them more because I value them more than disposable boots.

    If the upfront scares you (and yes, RRP is scary) then consider Marketplace (in person, try them on) for your first pair.

    • +2

      Better to try them on in person at an RM Williams shop instead of wasting a second hand seller's time.

  • +2

    Yes, when I buy them at the sales. Other than that, if these are daily wearers - no. $700+ is better off on other boots.

  • +1

    I've had two main pairs over the years. One was bought around 2002, the leather split within a year so they were replaced under warranty (walked into a store, the guy said "that shouldn't have happened" and handed me a new box). I wore them regularly up until around 2017 and only occasionally since then. They've been resoled several times.

    The other pair (Comfort Craftsman) had the leather split after 10-15 years of usage and were not salvageable.

    Overall- definitely "worth it" when compared to shoes that wear out and cannot take resoles (e.g. any sort of sneaker or casual shoe).

    I don't really like the style or any other sort of Chelsea boot, they are simply the least bad option that can go with a suit or business trousers. They're less comfortable than casual shoes, and they are slippery AF on outdoor terrain.

    Edit: No idea what current manufacturing standards are for this brand.

  • You say you are a longtime Aquila boots wearer. How long do they last you?

    Ive got two pairs of RM Williams got on special at Iconic sales. Had them as daily wear for three years ish. One of them probably about 90% of that time. That pair has had one polish since then. Both feel comfortable and look good.

    Are they worth it at $700? Maybe not? At $450 - $500… I feel yes.

  • +3

    Probably not needed unless hanging around in rugby union circles.

    Way back in my backpacking days I stayed in a somewhat run down hostel in Sydney for a few weeks. It was very full and for the first few days we got put in rooms with other people we didn't know, until we were able to move to the same room once a few people left. I was paired with an Aussie guy who was possibly the only non backpacker living there and was there long term rather than the transient nature of other guests. Anyway, he had a pair of RM Williams (which being new the the country I'd never heard of) and took great pride in telling me how expensive they are. Not such a great flex when his living arrangements were basic to say the least in a shared room.

    • +2

      and then you stole his shoes and left

  • +2

    They're fine. Not worth the price but if you're in business, everyone has a pair… it's a bit of an Aussie thing.

    Like my old boss told me when I went into business "before long, you'll become a w*nker like the rest of us. You'll get a BMW, you'll wear expensive suits, you'll end up rounder and balder, and you'll end up wearing RM Williams".

    My advice is to look for nicer, Italian boots. They look nicer and you won't look like everyone else.

    • +1

      How close was he to how you turned out?

      • +1

        Reeeeeally close!

        • What nicer, Italian boots do you suggest?

          • @mrdeal13: It's down to budget and personal style.

            Me personally, I like Santoni, Borgioli, Moreschi, Ferragamo, Sutor Mantellassi and 124 has very nice boots too.

            They aren't cheap but then neither are RM's and all the above leave RM's in the dust.

  • -1

    Everything does not have to be an investment

    • +1

      when it comes to your feet, yes it does. you spend 1/2 the day on your feet, you'd better invest in them.

      invest in shoes and a bed. This is where you will spend most of your life on.

      • -2

        you spend 1/2 the day on your feet,

        What a facile justification. Most of our evolutionary history as a species has been barefoot, so that's what we have evolved for. Whilst most of my shoes have been chosen for comfort and I do use insoles as a default, my RMs are the least comfortable. They are okay, but they rank below all of my other everyday shoes which were far cheaper. In fact, my most commonly worn shoes were from Ozbargain deals.

        This is like saying you spend nine tenths of your day in clothes, so blow all your income on clothing.

        • You spend 2 and a 1/2 hours naked every day? You mustn't be married.

  • +3

    I used to spend $99 a year on a pair of shoes for work from rivers when they were still considered descent quality. Bought my first rmw 12 years ago on sale for under $500. They were instantly comfortable and I’ve had them resoled once a few years ago and the guy polished them for me at the same time. Almost looked new again. Never regretted buying them. They are like iPhones on marketplace. Seem to hold a value there as well.

    • totally agree. problem is most people are cheap and don't understand quality and longevity. i always say, "buy once, cry once" in the long run it pays itself off, so it is actually a bargain.

      for your case you boots come out to be $41 a year and get cheaper over time.
      you would have to spend $1200 buying those disposable boots.
      $700 already saved or used towards other high quality items :).

  • +3

    Genuinely shocked you spent $400 on a pair of Aquilas. There quality is absolutely terrible and I'm surprised they go up to that price. I had a couple of pairs I picked up at significant reductions via their outlet store and barely got 6 months out of the soles.

  • +1

    At $400 (when i bought them) it was fair as they'd last 5 years before you needed to replace the heel.

    At $600 they're starting to take the piss.

    I was just sick of my florsheims lasting 1.5 years before falling apart.
    Mind you i now daily timberlands and they've held up excellently for the past 3 years.

  • Ariat sport are way more comfortable.

    • false, ariat boots need to be broken in. very tough leather but they do get comfortable overtime, alot of time.
      a tiny bit of their best boost are handmade in mexico, but the majority aren't handmade and are cheaply machine made in china.

      rmw comfort craftsman is the way to go.
      handmade in australia with australian leather.

  • +1

    It's an expense, not an investment.

    Investment means you can sell it for profit.

  • +1

    I've got 2 pairs..they are ok.. overhyped yes but decent boots that can be resoled and worn for 10+ years if looked after well. it looks 'ok' - conservatively classic but not particularly stylish. if you go through 3 pairs of hush puppies in 5 years you might as well get these - they are a lot more comfortable when they mould to your feet. if you buy them to impress people though then you will have a bad time, I can't imagine anyone worth impressing will be in awe of these.

  • +1

    They feel nice to wear, and feel relatively high quality. It's best to take a look in person and try them on. There are alternatives as well that are cheaper but they're not the exact same. Pure value for money wise, it's probably not worth it, it's fashion at the end of the day. If you do buy them just make sure to take care of them and repair them when necessary. Just don't pay full retail price. You can get them for $450-500 via discounts and gift cards from The Iconic.

  • +1

    Appreciate the feedback. I've yet to decide on the RMW purchase. Seeing so many guys in the office wearing them made me curious, is this a distinctly Australian custom? I will keep an eye for any discount for sure in the coming months.

    • +1

      I managed to grab a good pair of boots in a sale from here: https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/

      Sure, they aren't RMW's but have lasted a few years with many more to go I hope.

      • -1

        meh, u are in australia, you need aussie made rmw.

  • +2

    I have had my RM Wiliam boots for 15 year, they have been resoled and re tagged and in 2016, there a bit worse for wear now with a few creases and scratches but still hold their own if im wearing my suit to a function or a farm to see a client. Colour? Chestnut of course.
    Highly recommend.

  • +1

    harold boots.. ~ 400 mark imo better quality

  • +1

    I've been eyeing off Thursday Boot Co for a while. But of a boot noobie myself

    • +2

      they are a great value mid tier american style boot that is handmade in mexico.

  • +1

    I was in the same boat. Im looking at a brand called Thursday. Handmade genuine leather. Ill probably buy myself a pair for Christmas and see how they go

    I didnt want the Chelsea style, so these look at tad more unique. Expensive either way

    • +1

      thursday isn't expensive, but they are great value. they are cheaper shoes handmade in mexico. they were really good before but now that they become popular the quality has taken a hit. i have boots and sneakers from thursday when they were still starting. bought another pair of thursday boots (same style, different colour) recently and it isn't as good as my first pair. i would still buy thursday though as a quality mid tier shoe.

  • +1

    I bought Blundstones not long ago, and they are great. Very happy with the quality and comfort.

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