RM Williams Leather Guide

Here in our trusty leather guide we will tell you all about the RM Williams leathers used in their boots, what to expect from them, and how to care for them. 

RM Williams use a singular piece of leather in their Chelsea boot styles and only the best leather quality leather will do, the whole singular cut piece has to be perfect.

RM Williams boots can be resoled, reheeled and re-welted therefore the uppers are the most important part to look after, we want you to understand the leather you have invested in so you can get the very most out of your boots.

RM Williams work with different tanneries across the world, and only use Bronze, Silver and Gold certified tanneries.

The manufacturing process of the boots challenges the integrity of the leather, particularly the blocking process where the leather is heated to 130 degrees and blocked, substandard leather simply wouldn't make it through to completion.

For information on how to care for different leathers please see our boot and leather care guide here.

View all RM Williams Boots

  • Yearling Leather

    • Versatile fine grained leather
    • From yearling aged cattle (between calf and cow, 1 year old)
    • Good performing mid range finished leather
    • Yearling leather is used in the following boots:
    • Comfort Craftsman - Chestnut, Black, Dark Tan
    • Classic Craftsman - Chestnut, Black, Dark Tan
    • Dynamic Flex - Chestnut, Black
    • Comfort Turnout - Chestnut, Black

  • Kangaroo Leather

    • The strongest leather for its weight in the world
    • Responsibly sourced from the wild population
    • Comes with a natural grain, scratches and marks
    • Very lightweight for its strength
    • Chrome tanned leather making it very supple
    • Kangaroo leather is used in the following boots:
    • Comfort Kangaroo Craftsman - Tanbark, Chocolate, Chestnut

  • Pull Up Leather

    • Comes from a tannery in Spain
    • Yearling leather infused with oils and waxes for depth
    • As you wear them the colour migrates and the oil rises, creating an aged/distressed
    • Prone to marks and scratches
    • This is part of the charm of this leather, they have a character and richness that is desired by RM Williams boot wearers across the globe
    • Pull Up leather is used in the following boots:
    • Comfort Craftsman - Mid Brown, Caramel, Tan

  • Crazy Horse/Distressed Leather

    Full grain cowhide

    • Natural wearing rough look leather
    • Crazy horse name derives from its use in saddles
    • Comes from a New Zealand tannery
    • Waxes applied for a water resistant finish
    • Natural markings and shade variation expected
    • Gives your boot a rugged look
    • Durable, strong, weatherproof
    • Crazy Horse leather is used in the following boots:
    • The Comfort Goodwood - Bark
    • Comfort Craftsman - Bark

  • Vesta Leather

    • A highly durable, older hide
    • Heavy duty performance leather with oily finish
    • Impregnated with a matte water resistant finish
    • Also known as a pull-up leather it is designed to develop character over time
    • Suitable for everyday wear and work
    • Vesta leather is used in the following boots:
    • The Gammon - Brown

  • Greasy Kip Leather

    • Heavy chrome tanned durable leather
    • Infused with oils for a water resistant finish
    • Suitable for everyday use and work
    • Greasy Kip leather is used in the following boots:
    • The Gardener - Black, Brown

  • Suede Leather

    • Yearling leather
    • Comes from the softer more pliable underside of the animal hide
    • Surface is sanded for that classic suede look
    • Suede leather comes in the following boots:
    • Suede Comfort Craftsman - Chocolate, Black, Tobacco

  • Yearling Nutmeg Leather

    • Yearling leather
    • Designed to age naturally
    • Develops character with wear
    • Prone to blemishes and marks
    • Comfort Craftsman in Nutmeg

  • Burnished Yearling Leather

    • Yearling leather
    • Dye is applied to the stripped back leather by hand
    • The hand-burnishing process adds a lot of depth to the boot
    • Each boot is unique
    • Burnished Yearling leather is used in the following boots:
    • The Chinchilla Boot - Cognac, Bordeaux

  • Crocodile

    • A very luxurious leather that is farmed for production
    • High end exotic
    • Universally identifiable scale pattern
    • Crocodile leather is used in the following boots and belts:
    • Crocodile Boots - Black, Chestnut (made to order, please contact us for lead times)
    • Saltwater Crocodile 1.5" Belt - Black, Chestnut, Tan

  • Destressed Nubuck Leather

    • Nubuck leather is sanded on the grain side of the hide for a velvet look and touch
    • It is a more vulnerable leather and should be given the same care and attention as suede
    • This Nubuck is given a distressed finish for a more rugged look
    • Distressed Nubuck leather is used in the following boots:
    • Comfort Craftsman - Vintage Brown

  • Chromoexcel Horween Leather

    • Heavy chrome tanned hide
    • Goes through at least 89 processes over 28 days for a water resistant and hard wearing leather
    • Although hardwearing the leather is flexible and supple
    • Chromoexcel Horween leather is used in the following boots:
    • The Gardener Commando - Dark Brown

  • Veal Calf Leather

    • Premium French veal calf leather
    • Extremely fine-grained
    • Stylish high shine finish
    • Ideal for a very smart and polished look
    • Veal calf leather is used in the following boots:
    • Signature Craftsman Boots in Black, Chestnut, Dark Tan