Lady Yearling Boot

The Lady Yearling represents the most popular R.M. Williams boot designed specifically for women, combining heritage Australian craftsmanship with a comfort fit variation that includes a cushioned insole for increased support. The boot features twin elastic gussets, front and back pull tabs, and a 4.5cm block heel. Available in multiple leather options including yearling leather, Italian otterproof suede, premium pull up leather, and waxed suede, the Lady Yearling can be paired with leather or rubber sole configurations depending on intended use and conditions.

The Lady Yearling Boot was launched in 2016 after R.M. Williams noticed Australian women from Longreach to Bells Beach were purchasing men's Yearling Boots in their thousands because they appreciated the boot's immense versatility. The boots fitted their needs but did not fit their feet properly, prompting the company to conceive a women-specific version. The development process focused on adapting the predecessor's signature rounded toe and slightly elevated block heel while creating a design true to the narrower, refined silhouette appropriate for a women's boot.

The boot has been crafted in a comfort fit variation, distinguishing it from the standard men's construction through the addition of a cushioned insole for increased support. According to David Cook, Head of Footwear and Accessories Development at R.M. Williams, the versatility of the bestselling Lady Yearling boot is its hallmark, due in part to a sense of "rugged elegance" that represents "a perfect balance of western style, heritage craftsmanship and modern wearability."

The Lady Yearling Boot features an elegant, narrow profile with signature elastic sides consisting of twin elastic gussets positioned on both sides of the boot. Construction includes front and back pull tabs for ease of entry, a soft almond toe, and a 4.5cm block heel that provides added height while maintaining stability. The boot is mid-height and designed to be worn with skirts, dresses, or jeans, offering versatility across different styling contexts.

The boot employs Goodyear welt construction, a method used by bootmakers since 1862 due to its enduring strength and ability to be resoled. This construction technique creates a waterproof connection between the upper and sole while allowing the boot to be repaired rather than replaced when the sole wears through. Each boot is made using one piece of leather, minimizing seams and requiring over 80 time-honored techniques and processes to complete. The construction takes place at R.M. Williams' Adelaide workshop, where it takes 88 pairs of hands to bring each boot to life.

The most common leather used in Lady Yearling Boot construction is yearling leather, a soft and supple material that feels luxurious on the feet and is fine-grained for a finish that gives off a subtle sheen. Some editions are crafted from durable Italian otterproof suede, while premium pull up leather versions and waxed suede upper options are also available. All versions feature a leather lining for comfort and breathability.

Multiple sole options are available to suit different wear conditions and preferences. The iconic leather sole is crafted from premium cowhide and stained to match the red earth of Australia's outback. This leather sole is finished with the R.M. Williams gold foil stamp and complemented by a full leather insole, light padding, and three-quarter leather sock for comfortable, breathable wear. The rubber sole offers increased shock absorption, traction, and hardiness regardless of conditions or terrain, and is complemented by a high-performance foam insole for all-day comfort and foot support. The Comfort Rubber Sole combines the durability of the classic rubber sole with additional cushioning technology built into the insole, providing all-day support for extended wear.

R.M. Williams boots are crafted using US footwear sizing. Women's boots come in a range of fittings including D and E width options, with each fitting within the same size varying by approximately 0.64cm or one-quarter inch in foot width to accommodate different foot shapes.

Since 1932, R.M. Williams has been crafting boots to last, employing quality materials and time-honored skills passed down through generations of craftspeople. The Lady Yearling boots are handcrafted by skilled craftspeople at R.M. Williams' Adelaide workshop in South Australia. As of 2024, 300 craftsmen and women work in the Adelaide workshop, with the facility turning out around 1,500 pairs of elastic-sided Craftsman boots per day across the entire production line.

R.M. Williams has boosted its production capacity by 90 percent since being acquired by Andrew and Nicola Forrest's private investment vehicle Tattarang five years ago, culminating in the official opening of a second workshop in Adelaide's north. The new 20,000 square meter facility increases the manufacturing and distribution footprint to 29,500 square meters total in northern Adelaide, located near the Frost Road bootmaking site that has been the company's home since 1972.