RM Williams Boots - Everything You Wanted to Know

[Snorpley]

I’d just like them to be consistent!
I bought some of the casual barton boots on a whim and even they came with the dust bags! Crazy. At the price point the boots should definitely all come with dust bags (in my opinion). Wowsers, great photog setup you’ve got there. Cool shot

 

[troika]

I hate that RMW (and Alden) use flannel bags for suede footwear. If I use them, the fluff comes off the inside of the bag and sticks to the suede. I guess it's not a huge deal cuz I can just brush it off, but it's just annoying.

 

[abkain]

Do you guys have opinions on RM Williams (CC in tobacco suede) vs. Buttero Floyd in their similar colored suede vs Lucchese Jonah in their tan colored suede? Obviously the Buttero and Lucchese boots are side zips and not the same as the RMW but in terms of what fits they seem to work with? Looking for a boot to wear with denim jackets, Valstar Clint (in brown suede) and maybe some other suede outerwear. The RMW seems like they would work better in CM oriented fits while the other two maybe more Western type fits. I would ideally like something versatile enough to cover both ends. Lucchese is also more expensive but if it is a better built boot I could go for it. @troika it seems like you have all three (and talked about this in length before) but I am still undecided. I am inclined to go for the Buttero due to cost and availability (from NMWA) but the last seems a bit blobby to work for more smart outfits. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[troika]

Do you guys have opinions on RM Williams (CC in tobacco suede) vs. Buttero Floyd in their similar colored suede vs Lucchese Jonah in their tan colored suede? Obviously the Buttero and Lucchese boots are side zips and not the same as the RMW but in terms of what fits they seem to work with? Looking for a boot to wear with denim jackets, Valstar Clint (in brown suede) and maybe some other suede outerwear. The RMW seems like they would work better in CM oriented fits while the other two maybe more Western type fits. I would ideally like something versatile enough to cover both ends. Lucchese is also more expensive but if it is a better built boot I could go for it. @troika it seems like you have all three (and talked about this in length before) but I am still undecided. I am inclined to go for the Buttero due to cost and availability (from NMWA) but the last seems a bit blobby to work for more smart outfits. Any feedback would be appreciated!

I think I need more info about the kind of style you have and what you mean by 'smart'.

I'd say it's a bit of a spectrum or choices: RMW CC is gonna be a chisel toe, Jonah is a sharper Almond toe, and Floyd's are a soft wider shape. In my opinion, a chisel toe and a wide toe can't really be interchangeable well in a fit. Also Buttero heels are short, which is not for everyone.

 

[abkain]

I think I need more info about the kind of style you have and what you mean by 'smart'.

I'd say it's a bit of a spectrum or choices: RMW CC is gonna be a chisel toe, Jonah is a sharper Almond toe, and Floyd's are a soft wider shape. In my opinion, a chisel toe and a wide toe can't really be interchangeable well in a fit. Also Buttero heels are short, which is not for everyone.

Thanks. That is helpful. The sharp almond toe on the Jonah is what I was trying to decipher. As far as fits, I was looking for something that would work with something like the Valstar Clint with jeans, which is casual and slightly “western” but still soft to my eye (like a kind of Italian luxe version of western) that seems to jive with the softer Buttero last shape and construction. I would also wear with denim trucker jackets and jeans. Jonah looks good with that western trucker vibe I have seen in fits online but I was not sure how it would work with something like the Clint or a cream suede field jacket/safari jacket and white jeans.

The RMW chisel toe looks “smart” to me in the sense of looking more formal so as to pair better with a more clean, classic menswear look (ie knitwear with dressier chinos or cords as well as jeans (I could be wrong on these pairings). From what you describe of the last shape, I think the Jonah will cover more ground in my wardrobe. Appreciate the feedback!

 

[troika]

Thanks. That is helpful. The sharp almond toe on the Jonah is what I was trying to decipher. As far as fits, I was looking for something that would work with something like the Valstar Clint with jeans, which is casual and slightly “western” but still soft to my eye (like a kind of Italian luxe version of western) that seems to jive with the softer Buttero last shape and construction. I would also wear with denim trucker jackets and jeans. Jonah looks good with that western trucker vibe I have seen in fits online but I was not sure how it would work with something like the Clint or a cream suede field jacket/safari jacket and white jeans.

The RMW chisel toe looks “smart” to me in the sense of looking more formal so as to pair better with a more clean, classic menswear look (ie knitwear with dressier chinos or cords as well as jeans (I could be wrong on these pairings). From what you describe of the last shape, I think the Jonah will cover more ground in my wardrobe. Appreciate the feedback!

I gotchya, and I see what you mean. Smart in the British, biz cas, banker on the weekends deal. Yeah I might steer away from the chisel toe there.

I have to say - unless money is no object to you, or you really love the brand story (ugh) I would not get the Jonah. The quality of the suede and construction feels so disappointing for the price tag. I got mine at half off, and was still annoyed. That said, they're perfectly fine. Just ok.

May I recommend the Tecovas Roy sidezips? It leans more western due to the extra applique on the shaft, but I think it's a great fit for what you're looking for, at a fraction of the cost. I'd say the quality is about he same as Buttero, and the suede is good. I wouldn't get a smooth calf from them, but the suede is just fine. Granted they're not MiUSA and they're a DTC brand with questionable politics, etc.

Here's my pair:

Some photos online:

 

[Rebus]

Thanks. That is helpful. The sharp almond toe on the Jonah is what I was trying to decipher. As far as fits, I was looking for something that would work with something like the Valstar Clint with jeans, which is casual and slightly “western” but still soft to my eye (like a kind of Italian luxe version of western) that seems to jive with the softer Buttero last shape and construction. I would also wear with denim trucker jackets and jeans. Jonah looks good with that western trucker vibe I have seen in fits online but I was not sure how it would work with something like the Clint or a cream suede field jacket/safari jacket and white jeans.

The RMW chisel toe looks “smart” to me in the sense of looking more formal so as to pair better with a more clean, classic menswear look (ie knitwear with dressier chinos or cords as well as jeans (I could be wrong on these pairings). From what you describe of the last shape, I think the Jonah will cover more ground in my wardrobe. Appreciate the feedback!

I've owned RMW, Jonahs, and Tecovas Dean (same boot in black leather), tried on the Floyd.

Agree on the Jonah's quality -- Tecovas makes a better boot for a quarter the price. I had the suede Jonah and it aged poorly. Don't waste your money.

I wear my RMW CC primarily with smart casual, but have also paired them with western wear without feeling out of place. They'll look more natural with casual clothing once they're a little worn-in, too. Have you considered getting a round-toe RMW?

Can't speak for Buttero because the last didn't work for me at all, but it seemed well made.

 

[abkain]

I gotchya, and I see what you mean. Smart in the British, biz cas, banker on the weekends deal. Yeah I might steer away from the chisel toe there.

I have to say - unless money is no object to you, or you really love the brand story (ugh) I would not get the Jonah. The quality of the suede and construction feels so disappointing for the price tag. I got mine at half off, and was still annoyed. That said, they're perfectly fine. Just ok.

May I recommend the Tecovas Roy sidezips? It leans more western due to the extra applique on the shaft, but I think it's a great fit for what you're looking for, at a fraction of the cost. I'd say the quality is about he same as Buttero, and the suede is good. I wouldn't get a smooth calf from them, but the suede is just fine. Granted they're not MiUSA and they're a DTC brand with questionable politics, etc.

Here's my pair:
View attachment 1715797

Some photos online:
View attachment 1715799
View attachment 1715800

Excellent insight! Appreciate the detailed feedback and for saving me from $$$ on the Jonah’s. Hadn’t read a thorough review on them before so good to know the finer points. Will definitely look into the Tecova boots. They seem to check the boxes.

 

[abkain]

I've owned RMW, Jonahs, and Tecovas Dean (same boot in black leather), tried on the Floyd.

Agree on the Jonah's quality -- Tecovas makes a better boot for a quarter the price. I had the suede Jonah and it aged poorly. Don't waste your money.

I wear my RMW CC primarily with smart casual, but have also paired them with western wear without feeling out of place. They'll look more natural with casual clothing once they're a little worn-in, too. Have you considered getting a round-toe RMW?

Can't speak for Buttero because the last didn't work for me at all, but it seemed well made.

Appreciate the response and info. Seems like Tecova is the way to go for what I am looking for. I still love the look of the RMW CC but will most likely look into a pair of their smooth leathers. I have thought about getting a rounder toe RMW (the Gardner) and have been eyeing a pair in black calf for a while as a more polished alternative to my Blundstone boots. Definitely in the queue.

Thanks y’all for the great feedback!

 

[troika]

Appreciate the response and info. Seems like Tecova is the way to go for what I am looking for. I still love the look of the RMW CC but will most likely look into a pair of their smooth leathers. I have thought about getting a rounder toe RMW (the Gardner) and have been eyeing a pair in black calf for a while as a more polished alternative to my Blundstone boots. Definitely in the queue.

Thanks y’all for the great feedback!

Glad I could be of help! I think Gardener is gonna be a bit unrefined for what you're looking for in this particular situation (although you've seen me praise that as the best boot ever, and now that Drakes and jcrew have them in suede...) may I suggest checking out the Turnout as well?

 

[abkain]

Glad I could be of help! I think Gardener is gonna be a bit unrefined for what you're looking for in this particular situation (although you've seen me praise that as the best boot ever, and now that Drakes and jcrew have them in suede...) may I suggest checking out the Turnout as well?

Yeah, Gardener would definitely be for more casual/rugged looks. I like the black but could also get with the brown suede with a more outdoorsy vibe (maybe paired with wide wale cream corduroy pants, heavy knitwear, under a beige Karakoram or ranch coat or something like that). Haven’t really explored the Turnout so thanks for that tip. Will take look!

 

[JackTru]

Anyone know why boots online will no longer be selling RM Williams?

 

[shoesforever]

Anyone know why boots online will no longer be selling RM Williams?

I think it has to do with restrictions from RM williams. They likely want more control over their online market.

 

[troika]

They probly got tired of me telling everyone to buy rmw at Bootsonline or nungar cuz its way cheaper

 

[troika]

@abkain pulled these out for you

L-R: craftsman, gardener, turnout, tecovas roy