R.M. WILLIAMS

The R.M.Williams Company was founded and established in 1932 by Australian legend, Reginald Murray RM Williams AO, CMG.

In the early 1930s, It was at this time that RM met a thin, wiry and colourful character by the name of Dollar Mick.

RM was camped out in South Australia’s Gammon Ranges where he was barely making a living for his young family, sinking wells and doing odd jobs on surrounding stations.

His fortunes turned when Dollar Mick arrived at his campsite, driving a dilapidated buggy drawn by two mules. There was an age gap of almost 30 years between the two men but they built up an incredible rapport.

Over the following months, Michael George Smith (Dollar Mick) passed on his vast knowledge of leather work and craft to RM, teaching him the secrets of bush saddlery and stockmen’s accessories, still prized today.

After much trial and error under the watchful eye of Dollar Mick, RM fashioned his first pair of boots which he sold to a man from Hiltaba Station. RM later said that this defining experience with Dollar Mick marked the true beginning of his life’s work.

With boots sales to this first unknown buyer and cattle king, Sir Sidney Kidman, RM set up the beginnings of his first factory in an iron woolshed behind his father’s house at 5 Percy St, Prospect.

With no capital and little help, he built up a team of dedicated craftsmen and took out advertisements in the rural press that asked customers for cash with their orders, his mail order boot service and an iconic Australian company were born.

Over the following decades, RM developed his business, diversifying into bush saddlery and equipment and the company’s trademark moleskins, jeans and bush shirts.

Today, R.M.Williams exports to 15 countries, has more than 50 retail stores in Australia and a store in London.

In addition, R.M.Williams is available at more than 900 stockists around the globe and has retail space in numerous Myer department stores across Australia.

Products

R.M.Williams remains at the forefront of Australian style and is world renowned for Australian handcrafted boots in addition to footwear, apparel and accessories.

Reviews

“The sheer craftsmanship of every pair of boots I own is astonishing, from the classic flat heel to the Cuban heel I am yet to find any flaws.

You’d think that the craftsmanship ends after you buy the product however, R.M.Williams goes above and beyond to service their customers and to ensure the quality of their products. For example the sole of one pair finally broke through and some of the seams were damaged- I went to one of their retailers and was told that the re-sole wouldn’t be too difficult and they wouldn’t be imposing any cost!

I can say without a doubt I would recommend the brand to anyone looking for quality products built to last.”

“I just wanted to commend the staff in the Chermside Qld store. I shopped today for the first time with R.M.Williams, and found the staff very helpful and friendly. They went beyond what I believe other stores would have done, and in no way were they pushy or demanding. It was a pleasure to shop with them and I would recommend them to anyone.”

“Bought a pair of comfort craftsman’s from a local shoe shop (not RM Williams store), and after 6 months daily wear the seam on the inside at the heel of the boot gave way. Rang the local RM store. Despite not buying them from there or having my receipt the guys happily sent them to the warehouse to be repaired. They also resoled the boots for free and double stitched the back to ensure the problem didn’t happen again. Very true that you get what you pay for. All staff were courteous throughout and seemed genuinely interested in ensuring I had satisfaction with their product. Meanwhile my other pair of craftsmans are 2 years in and still going strong.”

“Its been 27 years since I last purchased a pair of R M Williams boots. My last ones lasted me so well that even after a resole they looked what Mum would call “Presentable”. Today Im the proud owner of not 1 but 2 new pairs. The Adelaide in Suede and the Craftsman for everyday. Just putting them on feels like coming home. In my 20s they accompanied me around the world and then some around my own country… Its amazing how many different outfits you can rock with your RMs. Thank you R M Williams for making such wearable art…”

“I’ve had mine for about 7 years, never had to be re-soled, leather is showing its age but I still love them as much as I did the day I bought them. Trip to OZ is on my list someday, to get a new pair!”