R.M. Williams

R.M. Williams boots are distinguished by their single-piece leather construction and traditional craftsmanship techniques that incorporate Aboriginal leather-working knowledge learned by the founder in the 1930s. The company's Craftsman boots were selected as the Australian Army's standard parade boots in 2013, reflecting their quality and cultural significance. Since 2020, R.M. Williams has been owned by Tattarang, the investment company of mining magnate Andrew Forrest, marking the brand's return to Australian ownership after seven years under LVMH.

R.M. Williams was founded by Reginald Murray Williams (1908-2003), an Australian bushman and entrepreneur who learned leather-working skills from an Aboriginal stockman called Michael George Smith, known as "Dollar Mick," in the Flinders Ranges region of South Australia. Dollar Mick taught Williams how to make bridles, pack saddles, riding boots, and general leatherwork skills, forming the foundation of the company's expertise.

Williams sold his first pair of boots for 20 shillings by mail order in March 1934 to a fellow passing through from Hilltaba Station. The business gained credibility when Sir Sidney Kidman, known as the 'cattle king', purchased an early pair. Within two years, Williams assembled a skilled group of craftspeople and expanded production capabilities, moving into his first workshop in the woodshed behind his father's Percy Street home in Adelaide.

R.M. Williams boots are handcrafted from a single piece of leather through over 80 handheld processes at the company's Adelaide workshop in Salisbury, South Australia. This construction method results in an upper with no seams other than a single seam running down the back of the boot. The company uses Goodyear welt construction, specifically a 270-degree welt that starts on one side of the heel, extends around the front, and ends on the other side of the heel.

As of 2022, R.M. Williams crafts their leather boot range, belts, small leather goods, and a growing portion of their apparel and accessories in their Adelaide-based workshop. The Salisbury facility underwent an $8 million investment in new equipment for manufacturing operations. Under Tattarang ownership, the manufacturing workforce increased by more than a third, with 500 people employed at the Adelaide Workshop and Distribution Centre as of 2024.

R.M. Williams utilizes several leather types in boot construction, with yearling cowhide serving as the primary material. Yearling cowhide is a fine-grained full-grain leather from one-year-old cows, offering uniform finish, water resistance, and long-term wear performance. The company also offers boots in kangaroo leather, described as "the strongest for its weight in the world" and known for its distinctive markings and ability to polish well.

For premium options, R.M. Williams produces boots in exotic leathers including saltwater crocodile, which features natural, intricate scaling patterns ensuring each boot has a unique appearance. The company's Made to Order service allows customization of leather types, colors, and construction details, though this service is currently limited to exotic leather options.

R.M. Williams' Craftsman boots were selected as the Australian Army's standard parade boots in 2013 following a competitive tender process. The company signed a deed to supply the Australian Defence Force with boots for parade purposes, replacing traditional black lace-up Army boots that had been worn by generations of soldiers. Implementation of this contract involved visiting Army units across Australia to conduct individual fittings for soldiers over a three-year period beginning in October 2013.

This military contract represents significant recognition of R.M. Williams' quality and craftsmanship, as their boots - traditionally worn by stockmen and agricultural workers - became the official parade footwear for Australia's armed forces.

R.M. Williams has undergone several ownership changes throughout its history. The company was sold in 1988 to Bennett & Fisher, which went into receivership in 1993. From 1993 to 2003, the company was owned by Ken Cowley in partnership with Kerry Stokes. In April 2013, LVMH acquired a 49.9% stake through L Capital Asia, increasing to 82% in 2014 and full ownership in 2016.

In October 2020, Andrew Forrest's Tattarang investment company acquired R.M. Williams for $190 million, bringing the heritage Australian brand back into local ownership. Under Tattarang's ownership, the company created 350 new jobs across Australia since late 2020 and doubled production capacity, manufacturing 500,000 pairs of boots annually by 2023.

R.M. Williams maintains significant international presence, with the United Kingdom serving as the second-largest market after Australia. The company has operated in the UK for over two decades, opening its first international store in Knightsbridge in 1989. Current operations include stores in London's New Bond Street and Berwick Street, with expansion planned in Marlow and Cambridge.

The company operates three stores in the United States, located in Los Angeles, Austin, and New York. Hugh Jackman serves as brand ambassador since 2019 and holds a 5% stake as a private investor in the business. R.M. Williams boots are frequently worn by Australian politicians and have been given to foreign leaders by Australian prime ministers, establishing the brand as a symbol of Australian quality and identity on the international stage.