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Carmina or RM Williams boots?

1cat2cats

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I've narrowed down my choices for dress boots down to these 2 brands. The cost between the two, including shipping, duties, and taxes should be comparable. What about the quality? From what I've gathered, they seem to be on par, except RMW has more options. I am able to go to B&M shops to try out the lasts when the shipment arrives.

On a side note, it'll cost me about US$150-200 more to get either pair over a pair of dressier Wolverine boots, but the QC issues are putting me off. I'm not a shoe person, so the design subtleties are not so important for me. Quality and reputation are more objective so these are the things I care about.
 

Dandy Wonka

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I may get flamed but there is no real style around RM Williams boots.

I have three pairs but only wear them when it's raining and I don't want to wear my good shoes.

If you want to ride a horse or work on a construction site go for the RM Williams.

If you want to wear your boots with a suit go for Carmina.
 

Shawl Lapel

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What style of dress boot are you looking for? Something Carmina offers RTW or will you be MTO'ing something?
 

1cat2cats

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@Wonka: really? Are you referring to the entire line of RMW boots? I probably won't change my opinion of them based on what you said, but I just wonder why you think that. Not rugged enough to do real work in them yet not dressy enough to wear with a suit?

@Lapel: I'm aiming for the RTW stuff. I haven't bought shoes in this price range before so I want to get shoes that I don't need to baby. I don't have a shoe care regimen anyway so I don't want to screw up.
 

Dandy Wonka

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@Wonka: really? Are you referring to the entire line of RMW boots? I probably won't change my opinion of them based on what you said, but I just wonder why you think that. Not rugged enough to do real work in them yet not dressy enough to wear with a suit?

@Lapel: I'm aiming for the RTW stuff. I haven't bought shoes in this price range before so I want to get shoes that I don't need to baby. I don't have a shoe care regimen anyway so I don't want to screw up.

I did say they are rugged enough for real work

I think the only one that comes close to being able to be worn with a suit is the Craftsman - but for me even that lacks style.

The square-toe boots (of which I have a brown and black) are from Frankenstein's wardrobe.

But that's just my opinion.
 

Shawl Lapel

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Oxford or derby boot? Carmina is good, but not as a great a value with their price hike. Just looked at RM and it looks like they only have chelsea or derby style boots? If you want a lace up dress boot I'd go oxford from Carmina. Looks like RM has them beat in selection for chelseas.
 

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