RM Williams Boots - Everything You Wanted to Know

grimslade · Jan 23, 2007

The width letters bear no relation to american width letters. Personally, I would go up half a size if you go down a width, but I would also try that hypothesis on in the store if you can, which it sounds like you can.

minimal · Jan 23, 2007

I just wanted to point out that the Reddings are not on the 337 last. They are a bit narrower, maybe closer to the 348. It's the Holland's that are on the 337.

But I agree with everything else you said.

Originally Posted by Earthmover

I'm actually unsure if it's "better made". I find both the 337 last and the Craftsman last to be equally comfortable (actually would give slight advantage to the Craftsman based on my experience), and while I haven't seen their durability, they seem to be equally well made goodyear shoes. Where it differs is that the 337 last is infinitely sleeker, more stylish and Reddings have a combination heel. Reddings probably use a "better" leather if you're looking for calf or suede, although if you get Kangaroos like I did, it would just be different.

I think I need both of them in my inventory, but I am actually surprised at how much I ended up liking the RMWs. I wasn't really impressed with their wider-chiselish toe, but it's growing on me, and the fact that it's really really comfortable makes it an excellent value for me.

dkzzzz · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by Chris Rimby

Got my RM Williams Craftsman in chestnut today.

I hate to rain on the parade, and even though I like them alright, they're no match for my Polo Reddings. Not nearly as elegant nor is the leather as rich. Retail comparison is: Reddings $650 and RM Williams $250 ...so I guess the differences between the two are reflected in the price. I was just under the impression that the Williams were a bargain. They seem about right for the price to me. I guess I might get flamed for my opinion on this but so be it.

I'll still use them, and maybe I'll like them more once they've been worn a while. I can't get that great of a shine out them yet (Yearling), and that's after two applications of leather conditioner and three coats of wax.

I'm still looking forward to Sator's forum model though!

I had exactly the same impression of RM Williams boots as you.
The biggest problem for me is not the look of the toe-box, but the way the instep fits my foot. RM Williams boots are too large and loose on an instep thus when flexed create ripples as if I was wearing a rubber boot. These boots might look better on someone with really full and wide instep or overall meatier paw.

edmorel · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by dkzzzz

I had exactly the same impression of RM Williams boots as you.
The biggest problem for me is not the look of the toe-box, but the way the instep fits my foot. RM Williams boots are too large and loose on an instep thus when flexed create ripples as if I was wearing a rubber boot. These boots might look better on someone with really full and wide instep or overall meatier paw.

Did you get the F width or the G? I have the 9F boot and I wear a US 10D. The 9F boot could not fit me more snug, without being uncomfortable. I was just wearing them yesterday and I was actually thinking to myself about how wrinkle free they have stayed. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds size 10D shoes (westgate) and they fit me on the loose side so I don't think I have a wide foot.

skalogre · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by edmorel

Did you get the F width or the G? I have the 9F boot and I wear a US 10D. The 9F boot could not fit me more snug, without being uncomfortable. I was just wearing them yesterday and I was actually thinking to myself about how wrinkle free they have stayed. I have a pair of Allen Edmonds size 10D shoes (westgate) and they fit me on the loose side so I don't think I have a wide foot.

Exactly the same for me. 10d Park Avenue/Fairfax are snug as are my RM Williams Stockmans in 9f. But they have stayed remarkably wrinkle free, less than any other shoe I can think of - and these are the supposedly wrinkle-prone kangaroo leather!

TheOneTrueMatt · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by grimslade

The width letters bear no relation to american width letters. Personally, I would go up half a size if you go down a width, but I would also try that hypothesis on in the store if you can, which it sounds like you can.

Unfortunately I won't be back in New York until sometime in the spring, I actually live in Wisconsin (for now). So I may have to either take the plunge with the 8G (which did feel fairly snug) or maybe 8.5F? Or I could wait until I get back to NY to try some different sizes.

skalogre · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by TheOneTrueMatt

Unfortunately I won't be back in New York until sometime in the spring, I actually live in Wisconsin (for now). So I may have to either take the plunge with the 8G (which did feel fairly snug) or maybe 8.5F? Or I could wait until I get back to NY to try some different sizes.

Ben Silver has the RM WIlliams chelsea, you could try it on there (or mail order).

grimslade · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by minimal

I just wanted to point out that the Reddings are not on the 337 last. They are a bit narrower, maybe closer to the 348. It's the Holland's that are on the 337.

But I agree with everything else you said.

I agree that the Hollands are on the 337 and that the Reddings are not, although I personally doubt the Reddings are on the 348. I don't own any 348, but I've tried them on and it is not my impression that they fit the same.

Earthmover · Jan 23, 2007

Originally Posted by minimal

I just wanted to point out that the Reddings are not on the 337 last. They are a bit narrower, maybe closer to the 348. It's the Holland's that are on the 337.

But I agree with everything else you said.

Yes, you are right -- at quick glance, I just assumed that they were 337. But it makes sense that they resemble more 348s. From what I've seen, the round toe in the RMWs may be sleeker, especially if you get one size narrower than usual. In any case, it's nice to have comfortable chelsea boots.

dtmt · Jan 24, 2007

Has anyone gotten their "forum special" model in yet? I've searched and searched, but there aren't any good pics of the B529 last "medium toe" boots out there.

skalogre · Jan 24, 2007

Originally Posted by dtmt

Has anyone gotten their "forum special" model in yet? I've searched and searched, but there aren't any good pics of the B529 last "medium toe" boots out there.

I did not think Sator has released yet his definitive specifications for the special model yet.

dtmt · Jan 24, 2007

Originally Posted by skalogre

I did not think Sator has released yet his definitive specifications for the special model yet.
They're on the first page of this thread. Do a Ctrl-F and then search for "forum special".

edmorel · Jan 24, 2007

Originally Posted by dtmt

They're on the first page of this thread. Do a Ctrl-F and then search for "forum special".

I think you are confusing the discount code with the actual model. The details and pics of the model have not been released by Sator, much less any orders put in.

dtmt · Jan 24, 2007

Originally Posted by edmorel

I think you are confusing the discount code with the actual model. The details and pics of the model have not been released by Sator, much less any orders put in.
All the details are specified in the very first post of this thread:

4. For Those Wanting a Sleeker and Dressier Look (the Forum Special Model) One criticism of RMW is that they look insufficiently sleek. One way to overcome this is by doing this: AE PA size minus 0.5 but drop down 2 widths from your usual width Example: If you wear AE 10EEE your RMW size is 9.5H If you wear AE 10E = RMW 9.5F If you wear AE 10D = RMW 9.5E If you wear AE 10C = RMW 9.5D In my case I wear AE PA 8D so I would order an RMW 7.5E The last you should request is the medium toe B529 last. You should ask for the flat heel. The effect is to custom order a shoe made on an elongated last which looks sleeker. Make sure you ask for a screwed leather sole construction and French veal calf. The screwed sole results in a considerably sleeker boot and the veal calf just looks so much dressier. You will be able to easily wear this one with a suit.

However I don't specifically need to see the forum special model, I just want some decent pictures of boots with the B529 medium toe.

skalogre · Jan 24, 2007

See, I am still unsure about how the medium toe will look so I am waiting for Sator's final pics. There is no doubt I will get another RMW (a chelsea this time). The only question is which.

RM Williams Boots - Everything You Wanted to Know

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