There is a reason why traditional western boots have such a distinctive profile; a pointed toe slips easily into the stirrup, while a stacked heel stops the foot sliding forward whilst still allowing for a quick dismount.
Reginald Murray (RM) Williams introduced the same purposeful design when he first began handcrafting trustworthy boots for bush customers in the 1930s; the seasoned horseman always figured that it’s better to ride it than get dragged. RM also took it several steps further, adding elastic sides and an upper shaped from one piece of leather. The single seam at the back was designed to keep the dirt, moisture and blisters at bay on even the worst day droving.
In the decades since, RM’s original design has been reimagined in a range of popular styles, including the heritage Santa Fe with its decoratively-stitched rodeo toe. But it wasn’t until the winter of 2006 that the Millicent boot made a welcome entrance with its sleek needle toe, distinctive white contrast stitching on the welt, and 4.5 centimetre Cuban-inspired heel.
'While it had the same rugged elegance of our other boots, it was a lot more refined, and worked equally well with jeans or skirts,' says R.M.Williams workshop head Mehmed Mustafic.
Handy in the saddle but also fit for an office or bar, the Millicent is handcrafted from premium yearling leather in black and chestnut. Bright seasonal suedes, metallics, basket weave and burnished are also in high demand.
‘The Millicent was popular right from the start, and our biggest issue has always been keeping up with demand,’ Mehmed says.