Classic Turnout Boot

The Turnout Boot is constructed from yearling leather through over 80 handheld processes and features Goodyear welt construction with elastic sides. Available primarily in chestnut brown and black colorways, the boot transitions from workwear to formal dressing and is considered the R.M. Williams model best suited for everyday wear. The design originated from the company's heritage of creating riding boots for the Australian outback, balancing durability with comfort for extended wear.

The Classic Turnout Boot is handcrafted from a single piece of yearling leather, ensuring the upper contains only one seam at the back of the boot. This construction method extends the boot's lifespan by reducing the number of stitches and seams susceptible to wear and tear, surpassing the longevity of many two or three-piece Chelsea boots. Each boot undergoes over 80 handheld processes during construction at the Adelaide workshop, where it takes 88 pairs of hands to bring each R.M. Williams boot to completion.

The boot features Goodyear welt construction, using a strip of durable leather stitched between the upper and sole. This provides a barrier against water and mud while making the boot fully repairable and allowing for repeated resoling. The welt stitching uses hot wax dipped thread for added durability and strength. Between the insole and outer sole, a granulated corkalene filler offers increased cushioning.

The wide, round toe links the Turnout to classic workwear boots and distinguishes it from the more formal Craftsman model. Additional features include a flat, one-piece composition heel, pull-on woven tugs with signature RM Williams branding, and elasticated sides characteristic of Chelsea boot styling.

The Classic Turnout Boot is handcrafted from yearling leather, a premium full-grain leather from cattle between one and two years old. This supple, fine-grained leather easily conforms to the shape of the foot without compromising on durability, offering a uniform finish, water resistance, and long-term wear performance. The leather is chrome-tanned, making it both supple and pliable while maintaining structural integrity.

The boot features a Goodyear welted non-slip, oil-resistant composite rubber sole built to offer increased traction, flexibility, and endurance. A lightweight foam insole provides cushioning and shock absorption for daily wear, while the cushioned inner sole adds to overall comfort. The durable rubber sole is designed to withstand the demands of both urban environments and rougher terrain.

R.M. Williams boots are crafted using men's UK footwear sizing and come in a range of fittings: F (Narrow), G (Regular), H (Wide), and X (Extra Wide). Each fitting within the same size varies by approximately 0.64 cm or one-quarter inch in foot width. The Turnout fits true to Brannock size and uses the B530 last, which has a rounded almond toe and a wider forefoot compared to other R.M. Williams lasts.

The B530 last was inspired by an old work boot design, with the taper starting further up the boot to provide plenty of room in the toe box for all-day comfort. The Comfort insole is padded and mounted on a rubber sole, with the shock-absorbing properties designed for extended wear. Boots are reported to be comfortable right out of the box, though a little heel slip when new is normal and lessens as the boots break in.

Originally designed to withstand long riding tours and the tough landscape of the Australian outback, the Turnout embodies a balance between strength, durability, and high comfort. The combination of the B530 last, cushioned insole, and rubber sole makes the boot suitable for both urban daily wear and more demanding outdoor use.

R.M. Williams has been crafting boots to last since its founding in 1932, employing quality materials and time-honored skills learned by founder Reginald Murray Williams from Aboriginal stockman Michael George Smith. The company has maintained its commitment to keeping production local in Adelaide, setting the standard for Australian manufacturing. Every R.M. Williams boot is made by hand in the Salisbury workshop by expert bootmakers who have refined these traditional techniques over decades.

The single-piece construction technique, one of R.M. Williams' most successful innovations, extends the lifespan of the Turnout Boot significantly. Customers report wearing the same pair of R.M. Williams boots for upwards of 60 years, with one in every ten boot transactions being for repair service rather than new purchases. The Goodyear welt construction enables this longevity by allowing boots to be repeatedly resoled as needed.

The Adelaide workshop represents a continuation of the company's founding principles of handcrafted quality. The 88 pairs of hands that work on each boot reflect the extensive division of labor and specialized skills required to maintain the company's construction standards. This commitment to hand manufacturing distinguishes R.M. Williams from mass-produced alternatives and ensures consistency in quality across production.

The Classic Turnout Boot is described as rugged and reliable, a dress boot capable of transitioning from workwear to formal dressing with understated charm. The round toe makes the Turnout more casual compared to the Craftsman's chiseled toe, while still maintaining sufficient refinement for business and formal occasions. The boot can be styled with everything from rugged jeans to tailored suits, making it versatile for different dress codes and settings.

Available in rich chestnut brown or classic black, the standard Turnout offerings provide traditional colorways suitable for various outfits. The suede edition has gained particular popularity in Europe and the United States, resonating with street style trends while maintaining the boot's heritage aesthetic. The elastic sides and pull-on construction make the Turnout practical for daily use while the yearling leather develops a patina over time that enhances the boot's character.

The wide, round toe design connects the Turnout to its workwear origins while the refined materials and construction elevate it beyond purely functional footwear. This combination allows wearers to maintain a polished appearance in professional settings while retaining the durability and comfort required for more active use.

The Classic Turnout is equal in every respect to the R.M. Williams Craftsman model except for toe shape preference. The Craftsman features a more elegant, chiseled toe that makes it slightly dressier, while the Turnout's rounded toe presents a more casual aesthetic. Both models share the same high standards of craftsmanship and design, using identical construction methods and materials.

Just like the Craftsman, the Turnout is equipped with a shock-absorbing rubber sole and soft insole for all-day comfort. In the Yearling leather version, the Turnout follows the same high specifications as the Yearling Craftsman in terms of leather quality, welt construction, and finishing details. The sizing between Craftsman and Turnout remains consistent for most people, as both use similar lasts with the primary difference being toe shape.

The choice between Turnout and Craftsman comes down to aesthetic preference and intended use context. Those seeking a more casual boot or one that references traditional work boot styling tend toward the Turnout, while those prioritizing a dressier appearance or more refined toe shape select the Craftsman. Both models represent R.M. Williams' commitment to single-piece leather construction and handcrafted quality.