Random questions to which you seek an answer

[tatmantall]

I'd give it a few same thing hsppened with my Lofgrens. Chicago is a black hole where crazy things happen. I'm sure they will get to you soon… Or not . :-\

[Blackheart]

Last Monday was Columbus Day too mac, sit tight.

[mclaincausey]

Thanks guys. I am uncharacteristically anxious about this piece because I fell in love with the first picture of a prototype of it and didn't think I'd be able to get it. I've been working afternoons at home in order to be there for its arrival. Hopefully it lands today, the day I will be at work all afternoon.

[Qinhan]

Does anyone have any experience wearing RM Williams boots together with a suit?  My old pair of business shoes is falling apart and I'd like to get something in black leather that:

a)  Looks sharp with a suit
b)  Is well made in a country with respect for labour rights
c)  Will last the distance and
d)  Is comfortable.

Any thoughts/experiences/opinions greatly appreciated.

[Snowy]

At least 1/3 of guys wearing suits in Sydney are in RM Williams boots.

They meet all your criteria AFAIK. I'm 2 years into my pair and can solidly confirm points c & d.

[mclaincausey]

Classic boots IMO.

[Qinhan]

Ok, thanks gents.  I'll have to find a store and try on a few pairs.  I gather their sizing is a little odd so I'm very wary about buying online, despite obvious price advantages.

[Snowy]

43 in Birkenstocks ::)
8.5UK in Viberg
9.5US in Road Champs
9.5G (not sure what system they use) in RM Williams

HIH.

[Qinhan]

Thanks again, Snow.  Unfortunately I don't own any of those other brands making comparisons difficult.  No matter.  I'm happy to spend a bit more to ensure a proper fit by buying instore.  Whatever I get will likely be worn 4-5 days a week so comfort and correct size is going to be really important.

[Snowy]

After the hassles I've had trying to get sizing right, totally understand that. There's nothing like popping into a store and getting an in-store fit

[tmg]

Qinhan, good choice, I've been wearing a pair of  chestnut comfort Crafstmen for work for the last few years and they're very adaptable boots - everything from factory to yard to conference room, and still look good with jeans in the evening!

Sizing is UK, and I would advise trying first because it's a close fit and we all have oddly shaped feet I wear 9.5G in these, but I may opt for a 10 in my next pair as they sometimes feel a bit tight (apparently your shoe size can change as you age due to foot splay or something), however I wear a UK 10 in Viberg's and US 10.5 in Red Wing's.

One last point, I chose the 'comfort' Craftsmen rather than the standard because it had the non-slip oil resistant sole, and the comfort insole, all of which help if you're on your feet a lot in a colder climate (I'm in the UK, but spend a lot of time in Scandinavia and Europe).

[Qinhan]

Very useful information.  Thanks TMG.

I had my eye on the craftsment so that info about the insole and non-slip sole is very good.  I'll be sure to check out the "comfort" version of these.

[tmg]

^ No problem, glad to help.

As testament to how good these are, both my wife and brother bought a pair on the strength of  my recommendation

[Snowy]

I too wear the comfort version.

[mclaincausey]

Snowy, we're the same shoe size. Filing that away

[grandmasterben]

Alright, so I'm about to try and score some boots.  Should I have to worry about boots matching leather jacket, belt, etc or just roll with it as long as the colors aren't crazy? Specifically this boot:

With something like the Himel heron which is a darker brown….thoughts?

[superfuzz]

I try to match my boots and belt but other than that just wear what you think looks good. Especially with work boots like that it doesn't make sense to worry too much about marching. That's my opinion anyway.

[Snowy]

The black wedge that says Visim on those boots would drive me nuts and would make that pair a no go (if interested).

@ Work, I match my shoes and belt.
@ Home/Weekend, I don't bother.

[Seul]

Black boots => black belt
Brown boots => brown belt
Other colours => tan belt

I only have three belts, so an elaborated system is undoable…

[Megatron1505]

Ben, I know you didn't ask but I'm with Snowy on those Visvim and I'm speaking as someone who owned quite a few pairs of Visvim.

As a work style boot they make no sense for the price point when you can have something very similar made for you by any number of manufacturers for the same or more likely less money. The Visvim stuff is not even made in Japan, it's made in Korea in a factory, and the leathers are not amazing either.

However, if it's just a style choice for you I will shut up.

Belts - always try to match as close as possible.