R.M.Williams

R.M.Williams is an Australian footwear and clothing brand founded in 1932 by Reginald Murray Williams and based in Adelaide. It is best known for its handcrafted Chelsea style boots, alongside belts, leather goods and apparel.

What is R.M.Williams?

R.M.Williams is an Australian bootmaker and clothing company headquartered in Salisbury, a suburb of Adelaide in South Australia. Its best known products are handcrafted Chelsea style riding boots, and the range also includes belts, small leather goods, apparel and accessories.

History

The business was founded in 1932 by Reginald Murray Williams, who started a small factory with money from his first saddle orders. It was sold in 1988 and later passed to Ken Cowley, who took full ownership in 2003. L Capital Asia, the LVMH affiliated private equity firm, invested in 2013, and LVMH took full ownership in 2016. In October 2020 Andrew Forrest's investment company Tattarang acquired the brand.

In 2013 the Craftsman boot was selected as the Australian Army's standard parade boot after a competitive tender. A new combined workshop, factory and distribution facility opened beside the Salisbury factory in October 2025.

Distribution

R.M.Williams sells through a network of company owned stores in Australia and overseas, through department stores and stockists, and online.

Why it matters

R.M.Williams is one of the clearest examples of a heritage brand built on local manufacturing, and its return to Australian ownership made it a reference point for discussions about craft, provenance and brand value.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns R.M.Williams?

Andrew Forrest's investment company Tattarang acquired R.M.Williams in October 2020.

Where are R.M.Williams boots made?

The boots are made at the company's workshop in Salisbury, Adelaide, South Australia.

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