Footwear to go with our jackets

[Pandemic]

The loophole is to order from Europe, now that RM corporate doesn't allow Australian stores to sell abroad anymore. Once the VAT is removed at checkout, you're at the old RMW price.

I used to buy a pair each year when I went home to Aus, but even there the price is insane now. They are a nice boot, but priced out of their level.

How much are they from Europe?

 

[AeroFan_07]

I'll do a review of these soon - new to me Nick's that the jury is still out on.

 

[sambuca]

I used to buy a pair each year when I went home to Aus, but even there the price is insane now. They are a nice boot, but priced out of their level.

How much are they from Europe?

Around 500 Euro for Comfort Craftsman Boots in a "standard" leather. Shipping will cost quite a lot though.
Depending on where you live, waiting for sales might be the way to go

 

[Goel]

When it comes to Chelseas, don't overthink. Just get RM Williams. They are nicer than Chelseas costing twice as much.

Looks like that Rider brand you mention isn't even cheaper than them, so it's a no brainer.

I was considering them for a while because of the kangaroo leather, but it looks like they don't ship that outside Australia?

Engineer boots look great in Insta pics, but are hard to size well enough for daily wear.

My next boot will be another Brisselblack, but this time either a zip-side or a Chelsea. Easier to size and wear than engineers and will work with a medium width hem on trousers.

I don't get how there are cowboy boots and ropers that are easy to fit, with people here wearing them all day with no issues, yet engineers are so hard to size for? Something must be going on with the lasts for engineer boots. On my next visit to Japan I'd like to see about trying on and possibly getting a custom fit pull on from Zerrows or someone else.

 

[Aloysius]

I was considering them for a while because of the kangaroo leather, but it looks like they don't ship that outside Australia?

Funny that you mention that. RMW USA doesn’t sell them in the US presumably because California banned kangaroo leather in the 70s wrongly assuming kangaroo was an endangered species, however the method I mentioned earlier (ordering from the UK or Europe) will work.

I got kangaroo RMs from a shop in Ireland and from A Hume in Scotland (who even threw in leather conditioner for free). It’s a really great hide.

 

[Pandemic]

Roo is great for wallets and watch straps. I’ve never owned kangaroo boots.

I have a couple pairs of RMWs in 9.5H I’ve toyed with listing here.

 

[Dortreo]

Roo is great for wallets and watch straps. I’ve never owned kangaroo boots.

I have a couple pairs of RMWs in 9.5H I’ve toyed with listing here.

Here's your chance! These are excellent boots by the way:

Diesel Boot Jungle Kangaroo

Kangaroo leather is known for being lightweight while retaining incredible strength. The natural properties of Kangaroo hide, combined with a vegetable tannage, create a durable leather that ages beautifully. Goodyear-welt construction Leo last Vegetable-tanned Kangaroo by Maryam Tannery...

www.grantstoneshoes.com

 

[AeroFan_07]

I'll do a review of these soon - new to me Nick's that the jury is still out on.

View attachment 693695 View attachment 693693 View attachment 693692 View attachment 693694

So these are headed back to the seller. I tried "13 A" - so quite narrow width here. Not a fit. They had a pair of 13B's as well so simply swapping to those. I have several other White's and Nicks that are B width, and they will work.

I will say just two things on the Tanker's so far - it appears that you have the physically un-buckle both straps each time you put them on or take them off. Not a huge deal, but will need to sort out how to work with the straps themselves. Second, they are a "moderately" snug boot - meaning the will not "cinch down" super-tight like a laced boot will. That's perhaps the only them that kept my feet somewhat happy in these, as noted they are slightly too narrow, and most of the narrow-ness was being felt on top of my right foot - in the metatarsal area.

I'll provide a more thorough update and maybe start a tanker boot thread in the general apparel section when the 13B's arrive.

 

[Aloysius]

Here's your chance! These are excellent boots by the way:

http://[URL]https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/products/jungle-kangaroo-diesel-boot

[/URL]

I know people really like Grant Stone but these cost more than the RMs do when ordered from abroad.

Incidentally it looks like some U.S. dealers are now selling kangaroo RMs again.

 

[TartuWolf]

Got a few pairs coming in from JP.
Oxfords and engineers from Leather Things Motor / MOTOR / MOTO.
Hate the naming, makes it impossible to search..
But I've been dreaming of a MOTOR pair for years now, finally got a chance to try for a reasonable price.
Fingers crossed that the sizing works out, otherwise off to the classifieds they go!

 

[Harris HTM]

Oxfords

you mean derbies!

 

[TartuWolf]

you mean derbies!

Yup, my bad!
Red Wing bullshit ruined the associations for me:

 

[navetsea]

I was considering them for a while because of the kangaroo leather, but it looks like they don't ship that outside Australia?


I don't get how there are cowboy boots and ropers that are easy to fit, with people here wearing them all day with no issues, yet engineers are so hard to size for? Something must be going on with the lasts for engineer boots. On my next visit to Japan I'd like to see about trying on and possibly getting a custom fit pull on from Zerrows or someone else.

perhaps because cowboy boots has that V cut on the shaft, so even with narrower fit, the foot can get in and out easier, the shaft can be manipulated easier, and can be pulled more securely since most come with a pulling hole on each side, and also many western boots are made from thinner hide like just normal cowhide and using stitching pattern on the vamp for extra reinforcement against premature wear, compared to engineer boots that are made with thicker stiffer hide

 

[Dortreo]

I know people really like Grant Stone but these cost more than the RMs do when ordered from abroad.

Incidentally it looks like some U.S. dealers are now selling kangaroo RMs again.

One of the key advantages of RM Williams is that they have a fiberglass shank so don’t set off airport metal detectors. They make great travel boots.

I’ve purchased them from Robinson’s in the UK, which often has them on sale.

 

[BarryMcCockiner_PhD]

Bull Elk is a phenomenal boot leather

View attachment 694242

 

[Pandemic]

One of the key advantages of RM Williams is that they have a fiberglass shank so don’t set off airport metal detectors. They make great travel boots.

I’ve purchased them from Robinson’s in the UK, which often has them on sale.

I’m old enough to say I bought my first pair of RMWs soon after finishing high school in Perth. I got a pair of brown Craftsman boots from the Army Navy Surplus store, for around $80. I replaced them 15 years later, coughing up around $250.

 

[Pandemic]

Gents, seeking your feedback on a crazy idea and a recommendation as to who might execute it.

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a new pair of Chelsea boots from Benzein for a while - something a bit chunky and casual, with a thicker sole and dogger/woodsman heel. The cost and wait time put me off, since this might just be a weird idea that will end up back here in the classified section before too long.

However, I do have several pairs of RM Williams dress boots that don’t get a lot of wear because of the thin sole and low heel.

What do you think about the idea of getting these resoled into something more like the below?

To this sort of sole and heel:

Any suggestions on a good cobbler to discuss this idea with? A couple years ago I bookmarked a newish outfit just starting out who would be ideal, but long since list the link to their Insta page.

 

[Pandemic]

^

Unsung House, was the place I was trying to remember!

 

[Dortreo]

One of the key advantages of RM Williams is that they have a fiberglass shank so don’t set off airport metal detectors. They make great travel boots.

I’ve purchased them from Robinson’s in the UK, which often has them on sale.

So…. The nails in the heels of my RM Williams set off the TSA metal detector at MCO (Orlando), my least favorite airport in the world.

 

[Dortreo]

Gents, seeking your feedback on a crazy idea and a recommendation as to who might execute it.

I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a new pair of Chelsea boots from Benzein for a while - something a bit chunky and casual, with a thicker sole and dogger/woodsman heel. The cost and wait time put me off, since this might just be a weird idea that will end up back here in the classified section before too long.

However, I do have several pairs of RM Williams dress boots that don’t get a lot of wear because of the thin sole and low heel.

What do you think about the idea of getting these resoled into something more like the below?



To this sort of sole and heel:



Any suggestions on a good cobbler to discuss this idea with? A couple years ago I bookmarked a newish outfit just starting out who would be ideal, but long since list the link to their Insta page.

I’ve got a very chunky pair of Chelseas from Bordon. They’re a lot of fun and definitely a keeper. My dog’s not such a fan though.

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