A Legacy of Expertise at Blowes Clothing, our authority on Australian heritage wear is built on nearly a century of experience. Established in 1936, we have been a proud partner of R.M.Williams for almost 90 years. This longstanding relationship makes us one of the most trusted stockists in the country. When you seek advice from us, you are drawing on three generations of family expertise in the fit, care, and maintenance of these iconic boots.
The Daily Rituals:
Proper Wear and Storage
Longevity begins with how you treat your boots every day. Proper handling prevents the leather from stretching or cracking prematurely.
The Pull-On:
Always use the two woven 'tugs' to pull your boots on to protect the heel and ensure the weight is distributed evenly across the elastics.
The Removal:
Never remove your boots by using your other foot to push them off at the heel; always pull them off by hand to protect the structural integrity.
Rotate and Dry:
Leather is a natural fibre that needs to breathe; allow your boots a full 24 to 48 hours to dry out naturally between wears.
Use Boot Trees:
Cedar wood boot trees are essential for preserving the shape of the vamp and absorbing internal moisture and odours.
The Maintenance Routine:
Clean, Condition, Polish
To keep your boots in top condition, maintain dress boots every 6–8 weeks and high-wear work boots every 4 weeks.
Clean:
Wipe away surface mud or salt with a damp cloth while the boots are still wet. For deep grime, use R.M.Williams Leather Cleaner.
Condition:
Apply R.M.Williams Leather Conditioner sparingly to keep leather supple and prevent cracking. Allow it to penetrate for an hour before buffing off any excess.
Polish:
Use R.M.Williams Stockman’s Boot Polish to restore deep colour and cover scuffs. Buff briskly with a natural horsehair brush for a professional high shine.
Special Care for Suede and
Burnished Leathers
Using the wrong product can permanently damage the finish of specialised leathers.
Suede & Nubuck:
Never use leather conditioner or colored polish on these finishes. Use Suede Protector before your first wear and clean only with a specialised suede brush.
Burnished Leathers:
These handcrafted finishes develop a natural patina over time. Clean only with a damp cloth and use Natural Stockman’s Polish to maintain the unique finish.
The "Golden Rule" for Wet Boots
If your boots become saturated, never use direct heat like a heater, hairdryer, or fireplace to dry them. Forced heat causes the leather to dry too quickly, leading to permanent, irreparable cracking. Instead, wipe off surface moisture, loosely stuff them with newspaper, and let them dry naturally in a well-ventilated, shady area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are R.M.Williams boots an investment? Most R.M.Williams boots are crafted from a single piece of premium leather. This means there is only one seam at the back, resulting in fewer points of failure and superior durability compared to mass-produced footwear.
Can I use WD-40 or non-RMW products? We strongly recommend against using industrial lubricants like WD-40. For the best results and to maintain your warranty, stick to specialised R.M.Williams care products specifically formulated for high-quality leather.
How long do the soles last? This varies by use, but leather soles typically require a service every 1–2 years. R.M.Williams offers a full repair service, including re-soling and re-lasting, to bring your boots back to their functional best.
Expertise You Can Count On
At Blowes Clothing, we take pride in our "customer-first" approach. Whether you are local or shopping from afar, our team is here to support you.
Personalised Phone Support:
Not near a store? Give our team a call at (02) 6361 2064. We take as much pride in our over-the-phone service as we do in our face-to-face interactions.
Regional In-Store Excellence:
Visit our expert team for a professional fitting at our stores:
The Blowes Standard:
We are dedicated to ensuring your boots - and your experience - stay in top-notch condition for years to come.