Review: Australia's National Boot, the R.M. Williams Comfort Craftsman

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FULL REVIEW + PICTURES: https://stridewise.com/r-m-williams-comfort-craftsman-review/

I’ve lived in New York for years, but as a guy born in Australia, part of me has been waiting to review the famous R.M. Williams boot. I can say without exaggeration that this is Australia’s national boot — if you’re an Australian male, either you or your father own a pair.

OVERVIEW
The Comfort Craftsman is the most popular Chelsea boot on offer from R.M. Williams and has an oil-resistant rubber sole that’s intended for everyday wear. (The Classic Craftsman has a leather sole and Dynamic Flex has a combination of the two.)

The upper is made from whole cut yearling leather and the boot I picked up was Chestnut, which is considerably more burgundy-colored than it looks online. If you’d rather not have a burgundy boot, pick up the rum or dark tan colors.

The square toe is also very distinctive. Overall, it’s a pretty slim, uncomplicated boot that really makes any outfit it’s worn with.

Love dressy and casual? Check out the Thursday Captain Boot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLCi8dk7sgg

LEATHER

Yearling leather is made from a cow slaughtered at one year old, so it’s kind of like a compromise between calfskin and cowhide. It’s mildly grainy and both soft and hard wearing.

They did start to wrinkle within a week of wear so don’t expect this sleek appearance to last forever.

COMPARE: The dressy calfskin Jones Lace Up from Frye: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjyCbPgy6Io

LEATHER CARE

The company has their own line of polish, conditioner, and cleaner which makes things pretty simple. The polish isn't completely necessary if you're not bothered about shine, but the conditioner needs to be applied regularly to keep things water resistant. Use a soft cloth to rub it on.

The downside is they say the leather must be conditioned every 4 to 6 weeks, much more frequent than most other boots I’ve come across.

R.M. Williams also has a factory that does 21,000 repairs per year if you ever want the shoe repaired or reupholstered. It’s not free (anywhere from $50 to $225) and shipping to Australia costs a pretty penny, but it’ll cost less than a new pair of boots.
SOLE

Oil resistant rubber sole with a kind of mottled feel to it. There are no lugs or studs, making for a pretty classic looking boot that still has great grip and functionality.

There’s also a sewn welt for easier resoling and a fiberglass shank instead of a steel shank, which they call “airport friendly.” The shank coupled with the padded heel make for superb foot support.

MORE: What you should know about Goodyeat welts, blake stitches, and the other welts: https://stridewise.com/goodyear-welt-vs-blake-stitch-vs-cement/

FIT & SIZING

These are close to British sizes but they still might be confusing for Americans. I’m an 11.75 on a Brannock device and most of my boots are 11 D, since boots tend to run large. In the Comfort Craftsman I’m a 10.5 G. Google to find out how they suggest you go about sizing; it involves tape measures and tracing your foot on paper, all of which is frustrating but probably necessary for Americans who don’t have a nearby R.M. Williams store to go into.

LEARN MORE: The Ultimate Guide to How Boots Should Fit http://stridewise.com/how-boots-should-fit

The good news is the boots don’t need breaking in and are insanely, stupidly, ridiculously comfortable. I’m not exaggerating when I say these are some of the most comfy boots I’ve ever worn, and I’ve worn a lot.
PRICE

About $545. Sometimes they’re cheaper on Amazon or Bootsonline, but it can be hard to find your size.

PROS
Insanely comfortable
Yearling leather is a good compromise between calf and steer
Excellent arch and heel support

CONS
Fit can be confusing
Significant upkeep required
Pricy

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE: https://stridewise.com/r-m-williams-comfort-craftsman-review/

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