If you’re here, you’re probably wondering, How Does RM Williams Sizing Work? And trust me, you’re not alone.
These iconic Australian boots have a reputation for quality and style, but their sizing can feel like a puzzle if you’re used to US brands.
The short answer?
It depends. RM Williams boots are true to size—sort of. But with their slim lasts, roomy toe boxes, and unique width system (F, G, H—not your usual B, C, D), there’s a bit more to it than just picking your usual size.
Let’s dive right into it…
How Does RM Williams Sizing Work?
Before we dive into how RM Williams sizing works, make sure to check out our RM Williams Size Chart. Right after that, we have two handy width charts for men and women. Give that a read as well as it’ll make everything even clearer!
Australian sizing can feel like a puzzle if you’re used to US sizes. But don’t worry, we’ll crack the code together. Australian sizing is pretty similar to UK sizing:
The key thing to remember is that Australian/UK is one number down from US sizing. For example:
- If you’re a US 8, that translates to a UK 7.
This one-size-down rule applies across the board, whether you’re looking at Chelseas, Craftsmen, or any other RM Williams style.
But remember, their lasts are slim, so if you’ve got wider feet, you might need to size up or opt for the H width instead of the standard G.
Like all Chelsea boots fit—laceless by design—RM Williams boots are all about that snug, glove-like fit. With no laces to tighten, the shape of the boot does the work.
For RM Williams, that means the boot should hug your heel securely, the elastic sides should grip firmly but not pinch, and the widest part of your foot should feel supported, not squeezed.
However, a little heel slip when they’re new is normal. As the boots break in, it’ll lessen, but it might not disappear completely.
What’s more important is getting the heel-to-ball length right. This ensures the boot flexes with your foot, giving you comfort and support where it matters. A bit of extra room at the toes? Totally fine.
In terms of sizing, if you’re used to US-made boots, you’ll notice RM Williams (adn Viberg) does things a little differently. These iconic Australian Chelseas follow UK/Australian sizing, which is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
And, if you’re used to US heritage boots—Red Wings or Thursdays, Wolverines—you’re probably familiar with sizing down a half size from your Brannock measurement.
RM Williams boots, however, generally run true to size—but only if you’ve got medium-width feet (US D width or AU G width) or slightly narrow feet. Their lasts are on the slim side, so while the length might align with your Brannock size, the overall fit can feel tighter than what you’re used to with other brands.
But if your feet are on the wider side, you might need to size up or go for the H width instead of the standard G to avoid pinching.
Here’s how it works:
If you’re a US 8D in most boots, you’d typically go for a UK 7.5G in RM Williams (which equates to a US 8.5).
But if the 7.5G feels a bit short or tight around your little toes, sizing up to a UK 8G (US 9D) might be the move. This gives you a comfortable snug fit around the heel, waist, and ball, with a thumb’s width of room at the toes.
In short, RM Williams boots are generally true to size in length but run slim in width. If you’re used to sizing down for US boots, you’ll need to adjust for RM Williams’ UK/Australian sizing. And remember, the key to a great Chelsea fit is snugness in the heel, instep, and ball—with a little extra room at the toes.
Now that we’ve covered how RM Williams boots fit in general, let’s talk about specific models. Each boot fits a little differently, so here’s what you need to know…
Related:
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How the Crafstman Boots Fit
The Craftsman, RM Williams’ most iconic boots, are narrow, sleek, and designed to look long and polished. But that slim profile comes with a few quirks you’ll want to know.
First off, the Craftsman is a pretty narrow boot. If you’re a 9G, for example, and you’re between sizes, you might want to size up to a 9.5G or even try a 9H if you’ve got wider feet.
If you get the size wrong, your pinky toes might feel the squeeze. And let’s be honest, no one likes squished toes.
The yearling leather is soft but tough, and it’ll stretch a bit over time. So, even if they feel snug at first, once you’ve got the right size, breaking them in is a breeze. The yearling leather is soft enough to feel comfortable from the start but.
So, if you’re after that sleek, narrow look, the Craftsman delivers—just make sure you nail the size.
Related:
If you’re curious about other brands, take a look at our guide on how Grant Stone boots fit. They’ve got their own unique approach to sizing that’s worth exploring.
How the Rickaby Fits
The Rickaby is a boot that breaks the usual “size down” rule. Unlike most boots, where you’d go a half size down from your Brannock measurement, the Rickaby fits true to size, but it’s snug.
If you’re a US 8.5D but on the cusp of an E width, you’d typically go for a UK 7.5G (G being their medium width). However, because RM Williams lasts are slim, you might want to size up to an 8G for a more comfortable fit, especially if you plan to wear thicker socks.
The toe box is roomy enough to avoid squishing your toes, which is a big plus. But if you try the wide width (H), you might find the heel feels a bit loose. So, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between snug and comfortable.
In short, the Rickaby is true to size but leans snug. If you’re between widths or like a bit more room, sizing up could be the way to go.
Related:
Speaking of unique fits, if you’re into rugged, cold-weather boots, you’ll want to check out our guide on how Bunny boots fit. They’re a whole different ballgame compared to RM Williams!
How the Turnout Boot Fits
Again, unlike some boots where you size down, the Turnout fits true to your Brannock size. But there’s a little more to it than that.
If you’re a UK 7.5 in average width (which translates to a US 8.5D), you’d go with the 7.5G in the Turnout—but only if your feet are regular width or a bit on the narrower side.
RM Williams lasts are slim, especially at the ball of the foot, so if you’re closer to an E width, you might want to size up to an 8G for a better fit.
The good news? The Turnout is built on the B530 last, which has a rounded toe. That means your toes get plenty of room to breathe—no squishing here. It’s snug where it counts (heel, instep, and ball) but comfortable enough for all-day wear.
So, if you’ve got regular-width feet, stick to your true size. If you’re wider, size up. Either way, the Turnout’s got you covered.
Related:
If you’re exploring other boot brands, don’t miss our guide on how Danner boots fit. They’ve got a fit and feel that’s completely different from RM Williams.
How the Macquarie Boot Fits
The Macquarie boot is a unisex style. Built on the B555 last, it’s got a narrow, tapered almond toe that looks sleek but still manages to be comfortable.
However, the toe taper starts further back, so your little toes have room to breathe even as the boot narrows toward the front.
Compared to a round-toe service boot in the same size, the Macquarie will feel a bit longer. You might have more than the usual thumb’s width of space at the toes—just a few millimeters, but enough to make a difference.
Now, if you’re a US 8.5D, that translates to a UK 7.5G in RM Williams sizing. But here’s the thing: their lasts are slim, so you might find a UK 8G fits better. That extra bit of length won’t cause issues because the boot stays snug across the instep.
A little heel slip is normal—it’s a laceless boot, after all. But if you’re unsure about sizing, my advice is simple: try them on in-store if you can. If that’s not an option, start with your true Brannock size converted to UK sizing and go from there.
Related:
For a boot that’s built for hard work, take a look at our breakdown of how JK boots fit. They offer a fit that’s worlds apart from RM Williams.
How the Gardner Boot Fits
The Gardener boot is a standout in the RM Williams lineup, and it’s all thanks to the B530 last it’s built on. Unlike the narrow, sleek profile of the Craftsman, the Gardener is designed with a bit more room in the toe box and a rounded almond toe shape.
The Gardener runs slightly large compared to other RM Williams boots. If you’re used to sizing down for most boots, you might find that sticking to your true Brannock size works best here.
For example, if you’re a US 8.5D, you’d go with a UK 7.5G. But because the B530 last is roomier, you might not need to size up even if you’ve got slightly wider feet.
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How the Goodwood Boot Fits
The Goodwood boot is a newer addition to the RM Williams lineup, and it’s got a fit that’s a bit different from their other models.
Built on a new last, it’s designed to be fuller at the ball of the foot and features a rounded toe box that’s reminiscent of Blundstones. If you’re after something roomy and comfortable, this might be your boot.
RM Williams uses G for their standard width (equivalent to a US D). If you’re a UK 7.5G true to size, you might think that’s the way to go.
But I’ve found that sizing up to an 8G works better. Why? Because the Goodwood’s last is roomy but not sloppy. Going true to size can put pressure on the ball of your foot, while sizing up to an H width might make the boot too loose and floppy when you walk.
Compared to the Gardener, the Goodwood is even wider and rounder at the toes. While the Gardener has an almond-shaped toe, the Goodwood’s toe box is more rounded, giving your toes plenty of space. You’ll still have that thumb’s width of room at the front, but the overall fit is more relaxed.
Now, let’s discuss RM Williams’ width options because getting the right width is just as important as the length…
RM Williams Widths Explained
RM Williams widths can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re used to the straightforward B, C, D, E system
RM Williams uses F, G, H, and even X for their widths, which correspond to narrow, regular, wide, and extra wide. And to make things more confusing, other UK brands, like Grenson, use F to denote their regular width.
Here’s how RM Williams widths stack up against US widths:
- F: Narrow (somewhere between a US C and D).
- G: Regular width (equivalent to a US D).
- H: Wide (equivalent to a US E).
- X: Extra Wide (for those who need even more room).
Each width fitting varies by about 0.64cm (1/4 inch) in foot width within the same size. So, if you’re a US 8.5D, that translates to a UK 7.5G in RM Williams sizing.
But, even though G is supposed to be equivalent to a US D, it can feel a bit narrower. If you’ve got wider feet, you’ll want to go for the H width to avoid pinching.
And if you’re on the narrower side, the F width might be a better fit—it’s designed to fit most people, but it’s closer to a US C/D.
Women’s Sizing:
For women, RM Williams boots come in two width options:
- D: Regular width.
- E: Wide width.
Just like the men’s widths, each fitting varies by approximately 0.64cm (1/4 inch) in foot width within the same size. So, if you’re a US 8D, you’d stick with that size, but if you need more room, the E width is the way to go.
That’s why, if you’re lucky enough to live near a store that carries RM Williams, trying them on in person is your best bet. If not, you’ll need to rely on measurements and a bit of trial and error.
RM Williams Lasts Compared
If you’re only familiar with RM Williams’ Craftsman line, you might think all their boots feel and fit the same. Sure, the Craftsman line gets all the attention, but step into one of their stores, and you’ll RM Williams has a whole lineup of boots—each built on a unique last that changes the fit and style.
But the tricky part is RM Williams is ridiculously silent about their lasts on their website. You’ll see vague descriptions like “comfortable round toe” or “classic chisel toe,” but good luck finding the actual last names
To uncover the details, I’ve spent hours digging through catalogs and retailer sites—especially UK retailers, who seem to care more about lasts than anyone else. (You’re welcome.)
What’s a last, anyway?
A last is basically the mold that gives a boot its shape. Think of it like the skeleton of the boot—it determines how snug, roomy, or sleek the fit will be.
RM Williams used to hand-last their boots (like Oak Street does today), but these days, they use hand-guided machine lasting to keep up with demand.
The B543 Last: The Classic Chisel Toe
You’ll find the B543 last in the Craftsman Classic and Craftsman Comfort. It’s got a slightly elongated shape with flat, angled sides that taper into a chisel toe. That squared-off tip gives it a sharp, dressy look that’s instantly recognizable.
And because of the taper, there’s more room in front of your toes than you might expect. It’s designed to avoid squishing your toes while keeping that sleek, polished silhouette.
The B555 Last: Slim and Pointy
If you’re looking for something dressier, check out the boots built on the B555 last like the Macquarie, which is slim and tapered with a narrow, round toe. It’s got a pointy, European vibe that’s perfect for dressing up.
Like the B543, the B555 is elongated to give your toes some breathing room and prevent toe squishing. So, you’ll have a little extra space up front, but it’s worth it for that sharp, tailored look.
The B530 Last: Roomy and Practical
The Gardner and Turnout boots use the B530 last, which has a rounded almond toe and a wider forefoot than the B543 or B555. The taper starts further up, so you get plenty of room in the toe box—perfect for all-day comfort.
This last was inspired by an old work boot design, so it’s sturdy and practical. The fit is similar to a service boot, with that classic thumb’s width of space at the toes.
The B520 Last: A Bit Wider
If you’ve got wider feet or just like a roomier fit, the Tambo boot is your friend. It’s built on the B520 last, which is based on the B530 but with even more room in the toe box. It’s like the B530’s big brother—same vibe, just more spacious.
The Mystery Last
Rm Williams’ new Goodwood uses a last that’s fuller at the ball of the foot and ends with a rounded toe box. It’s reminiscent of how Blundstone fit—wide, round, and super comfortable.
I don’t know the exact name of this last (RM Williams is keeping it under wraps), but it’s likely a variant of the B520.
It’s roomy but not sloppy, with plenty of space in the toe box and just a thumb’s width of room at the front. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed, comfortable fit.
Story Behind RM Williams
Let’s start at the beginning—because RM Williams’ origin story is as Australian as it gets. In 1932, a young RM Williams learned leatherworking from a passing horseman named Dollar Mick (yes, that’s his real name).
He didn’t start with boots, though. Nope, he began by making saddles and selling them to cattle station owners. By 1934, he’d saved enough to set up a shop in his dad’s shed in Adelaide.
From there, the RM Williams name started to spread across Australia, thanks to their high-quality riding boots. These weren’t just any boots—they were made from a single piece of leather that wrapped all the way around.
Pretty cool, right?
RM’s success allowed him to buy a small mine, and—plot twist—he struck gold. Literally. He once said, “I used to stagger down the street to the bank with these bags of gold, a shotgun on each side, and thinking I was pretty important.” Classic Aussie flex.
From the Outback to the World
By the 1940s and 50s, RM Williams expanded into clothing inspired by the Australian Outback and bushmen. But it was in the 60s that they really took off, appealing not just to workers and riders but to city folks too.
This shift helped them grow into a global brand, even winning the Chicago Direct Male Advertising Association award for the best catalog of its kind in the world.
Changing Hands, Keeping the Legacy
In the 80s, RM started stepping back from the business, and by 1988, he’d sold it. His longtime friend, Ken Cowly, took over in 1993.
RM passed away in 2003 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy that included 50 retail stores and a growing product range.
But here’s where things got tricky. In 2013, a share of the business was sold to L Capital Asia, a private equity firm backed by Louis Vuitton.
Then, in 2014, a group of Australian pension funds bought the remaining stake. Naturally, people started wondering if the quality was slipping—because when a small brand goes corporate, that’s always the fear.
Enter Hugh Jackman
In 2015, everyone’s favorite Wolverine, Hugh Jackman, became a private investor. By 2019, he was the brand ambassador, bringing some star power to the RM Williams name.
Back to Aussie Roots
In 2020, the entire company was sold to Tattarang, an Australian-owned firm. Their goal? Bring everything back to local hands—production, materials, and all—and reestablish RM Williams as the high-quality brand it’s always been.
How to Measure Your Feet
When it comes to RM Williams boots, it’s especially important to nail the measurements since their sizing can feel a bit different from what you’re used to.
First things first: if you can, measure your feet on a Brannock device. Sneaker sizes won’t cut it here—trust me, you want the precision of a Brannock.
This isn’t just about measuring your length; it’s about getting two key measurements:
- Heel-to-toe length: The full length of your foot.
- Heel-to-ball length: The distance from your heel to the ball of your foot (where your foot naturally flexes).
This second measurement is as important because it ensures the boot bends where your foot does.
Now, if you’re ordering online and don’t have access to a Brannock device, RM Williams has you covered. Their website has a detailed instructional video that walks you through measuring your feet at home.
It involves standing on a piece of paper, marking your foot, and taking measurements with a tape measure. Yeah, it’s a bit of a process, but it’s worth it to get the right fit.
Here’s a tip: if you’re lucky enough to live near an RM Williams store, take advantage of it. Trying boots on in person is the best way to know if they’ll work for you.
If you’re shopping online, RM Williams makes it easy. Their site lets you select your country, and it’ll automatically adjust the sizing for you.
Shopping directly through them is way simpler than going through third-party sellers like Amazon. But if you do go third-party, make sure you understand how Australian (UK) sizing compares to US sizes.
Wrap Up
So, there you have it—everything you need to know about how RM Williams sizing works. From the sleek, narrow profile of the Craftsman to the roomy comfort of the Goodwood, each model has its own quirks and charms.
The key takeaway? RM Williams boots are true to size, but their slim lasts and unique width system mean you’ll want to pay close attention to your measurements.
And remember, if you’re unsure, trying them on in-store is always the best move. But if that’s not an option, their detailed sizing guides and helpful customer service make ordering online a solid backup plan.
At the end of the day, RM Williams boots are worth the effort. Find your size, break them in, and step into a pair that feels like it was made just for you.
Now, I want to hear from you!
Have you tried RM Williams boots? How did they fit for you? Did you go true to size, or did you need to adjust? Drop a comment below and share your experience!