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.
zaebis13 t1_is8tr8d wrote
Reply to comment by shannon_g in Quality boots for work or dress down? by kaosburn
+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.