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shannon_g t1_is7avyw wrote

RM Williams

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akohhh t1_is81w1n wrote

Another vote for RMs. I destroyed one pair through a decade of horse riding; routine mud, dirt, sand, sweat, snow, the works and they looked great until very near the end. I have a couple of other work pairs that look fantastic even after 5+ years of alternating near daily wear. I’d recommend the comfort versions with rubber soles though, the riveted leather soles look great but I find them much less comfortable walking a lot on pavement/asphalt.

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blackfadesunset t1_is8he5j wrote

RMs definitely fit the bill, had my black pair for about 10 years, at least 7 of those I wore them 5+ days a week including time on the motorbike and they held up great.

Only recommendation is go for the comfort or super comfort.

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kaosburn OP t1_is7hj0g wrote

Will give them a look!

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whitdawg91 t1_is7k4yq wrote

2nd vote for RMs - they are expensive but I’ve worn my pair nearly every workday for 7 years and they are still in great shape. Would be in even better shape if I actually looked after them too

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Loves2Spooge857 t1_is8gn3g wrote

Curious what you do for a living? My boots get absolutely fucked up.

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whitdawg91 t1_ise5rbn wrote

I work in a hospital so they do loads and loads of steps but don’t get bashed up like they would if I worked outside

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trev_or_trevor_ t1_is8t2wc wrote

You are dead on; I never knew how nice shoes could be until I got mine.

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zaebis13 t1_is8tr8d wrote

+1 for RMs.. however

As someone who has a collection of good year welted leather boots and shoes, RMs are a good "easy" choice - there are better choices out there but it'll take a lot of research, comparison, finding available stock, etc.

Personally I think after owning a pair of RMs they are a little expensive for what they are, I recommend searching for an outlet store, I paid about 40% less than retail at a local outlet because they had small scratch on the toe which a) I covered up with a bit of polish b) is in a spot which gets hit/scratched all the time anyway.

The only alternative I suggest are Barker shoes, they offer good quality boots that are good year welted and can be found online for much less than retail. I have a pair going on 4 years that I've absolutely smashed and tbh the leather is tougher and more resistant to permanent damage than my RMs, which after 1 year have a permanent cut on one side from an office chair of all things.

Afaik the leather RM uses is in the "Top Grain Leather" or possibly even "Genuine Leather" category, whereas the Barkers I bought (for $100 less) use "Full Grain Leather" which is significantly stronger and resistant to cuts/scratches.

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