Chelsea Boots: JM Weston or RM Williams?

[pcarmstrong]

I own two pair of Weston boots -- Chelsea in brown and 631 in black. Need another pair of black Chelsea but sticker shock has me considering RM Williams in veal. Anyone have an opinion?

 

[teddieriley]

your're kidding right? there is a humongous thread on RM Williams, everything you wamted to know, apparently. do a search.

 

[pledge]

Originally Posted by pcarmstrong

I own two pair of Weston boots -- Chelsea in brown and 631 in black. Need another pair of black Chelsea but sticker shock has me considering RM Williams in veal. Anyone have an opinion?

From what I've gleaned from the RM Williams thread, RM Williams and JM Weston are special because they are the only two shoemakers who make a wholecut Chelsea. I have no opinion on the RM Williams (you really should read the thread), but as for Westons, there's a big enough difference in toe shape and overall design aesthetic to purchase both the 631 and the 705 (the classic Chelsea). I personally favor the latter, and literally just placed an order myself for a pair in black. Two more things: first, for whatever reason, JM Weston doesn't get much love on SF, even though they really are a top maker, and second, I got a tip from my SA at JM Weston that the prices on all shoes will be taking a leap on Aug.1. You better make up your mind soon.

 

[pcarmstrong]

Good tip on the pricing. Thanks. Both have stores in NYC so I'll compare leathers and fit first hand.

 

[TheWraith]

Originally Posted by pledge

From what I've gleaned from the RM Williams thread, RM Williams and JM Weston are special because they are the only two shoemakers who make a wholecut Chelsea. I have no opinion on the RM Williams (you really should read the thread), but as for Westons, there's a big enough difference in toe shape and overall design aesthetic to purchase both the 631 and the 705 (the classic Chelsea). I personally favor the latter, and literally just placed an order myself for a pair in black. Two more things: first, for whatever reason, JM Weston doesn't get much love on SF, even though they really are a top maker, and second, I got a tip from my SA at JM Weston that the prices on all shoes will be taking a leap on Aug.1. You better make up your mind soon.

Not true. Baxter Boots of Goulburn, NSW, Australia also make a wholecut chelsea boot - the Henry Baxter Classic. Read my quoted post below in italics (from other sections of this forum) to read about this fantastic quality handmade boot, equal to the Craftsman and cheaper as well:

I'd like to offer a very fine alternative to a chelsea boot from R.M. Williams - Baxter Boots from Goulburn, NSW, Australia. I think you'll find their Henry Baxter Classic boot is the equal--or close to it--to an R.M. Williams Craftsman boot, albeit with far less variety of styles and colours. Still, the quality is excellent, the Henry Baxter Classic is made mostly by hand in their Goulburn, NSW, Australia factory, it's a whole cut boot, making it very rare indeed, with a Goodyear welted sole. Check 'em out at their site (pretty bare bones, but some good info on their company and their boots):

http://www.baxterfootwear.com.au

They have plenty of other styles of boots, many of which are made in Asia, however. But, the Henry Baxter Classic is a fine alternative to a R.M. Williams Craftsman and cheaper as well. You can buy them either here or here. Thanks

Frank Dirscherl
www.frankdirscherl.com

 

[Schweino]

This is starting to reak of

TheWraith.....

 

[TheWraith]

Not at all. People here have been told about the superb quality of R.M. Williams chelsea boots. I'm now telling people about the superb quality of Baxter boots. Nothing wrong with that.