RM Williams Boots - Everything You Wanted to Know

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by Gavin

Forgive my ignorance, but are the composition soles inappropriate for winter use too?

Gav

The composite soles would be great for winter wear.

 

[bootsnbraces]

For a Haligonian, absolutely. They're stickier, but there's no deep tread to pack with snow (which then grips other snow, and gives some security).

Originally Posted by Gavin

Forgive my ignorance, but are the composition soles inappropriate for winter use too?

Gav

 

[KlezmerBlues]

Originally Posted by skalogre

Maybe a Blaxland with a storm welt, if that combination is possible.

A month and a half ago, I asked Barry this very question. He informed me that neither the Blaxland nor the Comfort Craftsman is available with a stormwelt...

 

[arossphoto]

Originally Posted by Gavin

Will leather soles be completely useless for Toronto winters (snow, slush, salt, etc...)?


I've been wondering about leather soles with rubber Topys applied to them. I know it wouldn't be as good as the composite sole if you were trudging through the snow and slush every day, but if the boots are getting moderate exposure to the elements maybe it wouldn't be too bad.

I've never had shoes with Topys, so I can't speak from experience and I don't know how much better the traction is. What do you guys think?

Cheers.

 

[bootsnbraces]

RMW's site specifically warns against the use of rubber oversoles. Apparently, they stop the leather sole from drying properly.

Originally Posted by arossphoto

I've been wondering about leather soles with rubber Topys applied to them.

 

[arossphoto]

Originally Posted by bootsnbraces

RMW's site specifically warns against the use of rubber oversoles. Apparently, they stop the leather sole from drying properly.
Thanks for the tip. I just went to their site to see what they had to say about this. If anyone else is interested here's what I found: "If our customers do their part, we'll do ours when it comes to repairing R.M.Williams boots. Our first main guideline is that synthetic top soles should never be used on the boots. This is the bootmakers equivalent of an electronics company's rule - no modifications. Synthetic top soles affect the balance and comfort of handmade, all-leather boots."

 

[bootsnbraces]

One would just love to believe them, but since I can't get an answer to my emails and fax, I'm forced to believe they've had a change of heart.

I guess it isn't about drying the soles after all.

Originally Posted by arossphoto

"If our customers do their part, we'll do ours when it comes to repairing R.M.Williams boots."

 

[kmaTexas]

My wife ordered a pair of Comfort Craftsmen in the G width for me and I find that they are a bit narrow in the toe box. I am planning to send them back and get the Comfort Turnout but am debating on the width. I have a problem with one of my big toes and I like to have a bit of room for comfort. I've been wearing bludstones for a couple years and they are plenty wide but are not really comparable to the RMW boots. Would the turnout be wider by the nature of the toe shape or should I get the H width in the turnout and hope it still fits well in the ankle. I prefer the turnout because it is a bit more casual imo and I wear Khaki pants nearly every day to work and would like to wear the boots with jeans as well. I usually wear a 9.5 or 10 D (US) Thanks...Kevin

 

[Holdfast]

Originally Posted by bootsnbraces

RMW's site specifically warns against the use of rubber oversoles. Apparently, they stop the leather sole from drying properly.


I don't know know if I believe that... but I recently wore my (not-topied) RM boots for 4-5 consecutive days, doing a lot of walking, in sometimes heavy rain and occasionally walking through mud, with no shoe-trees overnight.

After letting them dry over a few days with regular shoe trees in and then giving them a heavy dose of shoe cream (including some to the midsole), they're in fighting fit shape again.

Great boots.

 

[kbuzz]

Originally Posted by bootsnbraces

RMW's site specifically warns against the use of rubber oversoles. Apparently, they stop the leather sole from drying properly.

So topys should not be used because:

a) the failure to dry out or
B) they upset the balanace of the boot

Personally im no expert but I go with B

FYi- i put topys on my leather soled Comfort Craftsmn. I indend to wear them through the winter this way and try and have them removed in the spring. Jeez hope i didnt void the warranty. LOL

 

[bootsnbraces]

I wouldn't worry, since they don't answer any enquiries about warranty work these days. (At least, they sure don't answer mine).

Originally Posted by kbuzz

Jeez hope i didnt void the warranty. LOL

 

[well-kept]

The "don't use Topys" thing is to ensure that you send the boots back for frequent re-soling, then eventually need to buy new ones. It doesn't harm the boot. It extends its life greatly, immeasurably.

 

[tazmaniac]

Something entirely different: Has anyone ordered the Forum Special based on his Edward Green Size? I have no other means of comparison.

greets taz

 

[Sator]

Originally Posted by tazmaniac

Something entirely different: Has anyone ordered the Forum Special based on his Edward Green Size? I have no other means of comparison.

greets taz

What is your EG size - last as well as size?

Since writing that RMW guide my experience and knowledge of EG lasts has increased but I have not had time to update it.

 

[tazmaniac]

I only have EGs on the 888 last, 7.5/8 in a D-Fitting.