Frequently Asked Questions
Blundstone | R.M.Williams | Icebreaker Pure Merino | UGG Australia | Return Policy
Blundstone
Are my boots waterproof? Our all-season leather is as weather resistant as any leather can be, while still allowing the foot to breathe. If properly cared for, your boots will resist water penetration, keeping your feet warm and dry. The construction of Blundstone boots with a limited number of seams means there are few places for water to get in. The Winter boot from Blundstone is our first full waterproof boot, made with waterproof leather and sealed seams. Regular maintenance is also recommended for the Winter boots.
Do I need to treat my boots? The majority of our Blundstone boots are pre-treated during the manufacturing process and are as waterproof as you’ll find in any leather boot. We do recommend the regular use of a natural leather treatment to condition and preserve the leather. This in turn will help prolong the life of your boots while keeping them weather-proof.
A favourite among staff at Australian Boot Company is the R.M.Williams Saddle Dressing. A light application of this with a sock or cotton rag every 6-8 weeks will significantly add to the weatherproofness and longevity of any leather product. Saddle Dressing will also assist with replenishing the look of scratched or scarred leather. For deep scuffs or significant discolouration, the Blundstone polishes are an excellent product.
Are Blundstone boots warm? Yes, the Winter has the all-weather features of every Blundstone boot, with the added warmth of Thinsulate and genuine sheepskin insoles to get you through the coldest spells in cozy comfort.
Aside from the Winter, Blundstone boots are not insulated so do not provide any additional warmth above and beyond a leather boot; however, they do a great job of keeping your feet dry through city slush and snow. We recommend wearing a thick sock through winter for extra insulation, as well as a footbed if it will fit.
As most Blundstone boots are straight leather uppers, they will also breathe well in the warmer months. A great all-season boot!!
Can I put a footbed in my boots? Yes, definitely! It is not uncommon to find the Blundstone fit to be a bit generous, especially for those with narrow feet. While most Blundstone boots are equipped with a removable comfort footbed, an additional footbed may help to provide a more snug fit for those with narrow feet. Each pair of Blundstone boots purchased through Australian Boot Company come with an extra polyurethane footbed at no extra charge.
Footbeds also help insulate the boot from winter elements. Our boots are fully compatible with custom orthotics and Superfeet footbeds and supports.
How should my Blundstone boots fit?
Length is primary consideration when fitting Blundstone boots. Walk around in the boots and get a sense of whether your front most toe is touching the front of the boots. If they are consistently touching the front of the boots, then the boots are too small. A thumb width (or minimum of ½ an inch) of space between the end of the customer’s foot and the end of the boot is recommended for a good fit.
Width can be focused on now that you have determined the length of the boot. Blundstone boots are commonly referred to as ‘outdoor slippers’, referring to the ease of putting on and taking off these boots. Blundstone boots typically have a loose fit and a centimeter or two of heel lift is very common with Blundstone boots. If you still find that they fit too generously, the insoles provided in the box are helpful for snugging up the fit. It may also be common for you to feel pressure across the instep of the boot where the ‘v-stitching’ comes across the instep. This pressure will often dissipate with regular wear after a two to three week period, once the leather begins to stretch.
How long will my Blundstone boots typically last? There are many criteria to consider here. Where are the boots going to be worn and what will they be exposed to? Will they be used for work, casual, or both? How well will they be cared for? How hard are you on footwear, and so on? Each person’s Blundstone boots will experience their own set of adventures and as a result each person’s Blundstone boots can last to quite a varying degree.
On average, when worn as an everyday boot and with good maintenance practices, Blundstone boots can last from 2 to 5 years. This is only an average and as mentioned, each persons experience will vary depending on their use, exposure to elements and materials and the care given to the boots.
R.M.Williams
What is the difference between Blundstone and R.M.Williams? There are several significant points which define the two brands, which are often mistaken as the same due to their similar appearances.
One piece of leather
R.M.Williams are handcrafted using a single piece of leather, just one seam up the back of the boot, which results in a highly weatherproof and strong boot. Eliminating side seams removes potential weak points and also reduces raised edges that can chafe and rub the foot. One piece of leather also means perfectly matched colour, grain and texture, so you end up with a better looking boot.
68 hand-held processes
From start to finish, each pair of R.M.Williams go through 68 hand-held processes and takes approximately one-week to make.
Fit and Comfort
From the first moment, they should feel like you’ve known them for years. They hold your foot snugly across the instep; they’re shaped to give close support under the arch, then curved to match the shape of your heel.
Materials
R.M.Williams selects only the finest leathers for their dress yearling and greasy kip boots. Each yearling dress boot is lined with a soft, durable kid leather for breathability, comfort and ease of slipping on the boot. Each pair of boots is manufactured from the same piece of leather, so each pair will match grain, colour and texture. The welt sole construction allows for easy replacement once the sole has expired, which can be done using the original parts at any Australian Boot Company location.
How do I care for my R.M.Williams boots?
Yearling/Dress boots Craftsman, Jodhpur and Wentworth Styles
The leather used in these boots is chrome tanned to achieve a highly polished appearance and to resist water penetration. To maintain this appearance, use R.M.Williams polish on a regular basis or as needed.
Wear your boots in dry conditions on the first few occasions. Fine leather boots can require a full day to dry out from perspiration. Leather soles have a tendency to absorb more moisture when they wear thin. Repairing your boots in good time is a practice worth observing.
Greasy Kip/Oily Iron boots Gardener
R.M.Williams Saddle Dressing should be applied regularly or as needed to these leathers. This helps to moisturize the leather and keep up the weatherproofing.
Are my R.M.Williams boots waterproof? With only one seam, R.M.Williams boots have few places for water to leak in. The oiled and greasy kip uppers are the most weather-resistant boots, and with proper care and maintenance, all R.M.Williams boots will provide great weatherproofing.
How should my R.M.Williams boots fit? A correct R.M.Williams fit will be snug across the instep and through the ball of the foot, however no pressure should be felt within the toe cap area as that part of the boot will not change with wear. The widest part of the foot will sit in line with the widest part of the boot. The back of the boot will slightly cup the heel and some heel lift may occur while walking. R.M.Williams leather will not stretch, but will ease and mold with wear to accommodate the unique shape of the foot.
Icebreaker Pure Merino
How warm/cool is this going to keep me? Icebreaker merino regulates your temperature during all conditions. It wicks moisture away from your body in the heat to keep you cool, while the fine fibres naturally insulate you when the temperature drops.
Are there special washing instructions? Use warm or cool machine wash on normal cycle. Wash separately first (after 2-3 days use) to remove any loose fibres. Wash with like colours. Never use fabric softener or detergent with bleach. Never tumble dry. Dry your Icebreaker flat in the shade or on the clothesline.
Icebreaker Sock Sizing
Mens
| Sock Size | Small | Medium | Large | Extra Large |
| USA | 7-8.5 | 9-10.5 | 11-12.5 | 13-14.5 |
| UK | 6-7.5 | 8-9.5 | 10-11.5 | 12-13.5 |
| Europe | 39-41.5 | 42-44 | 44.5-46.5 | 47-49 |
Womens
| Sock Size | Small | Medium | Large |
| USA | 5.5-7 | 7.5-9 | 9.5-11 |
| UK | 3-4.5 | 5-6.5 | 7-8.5 |
| Europe | 35-37 | 38-40 | 41-43 |
UGG Australia
Are these waterproof? Unless specifically labeled as such, UGG Sheepskin products are not waterproof. Repellants are available to assist with the cleaning and conditioning of sheepskin.
How do I clean them? We suggest the use of UGG Australia sheepskin cleaner and conditioner. Always hand wash; never put in a washing machine or dry in direct heat or sunlight.
What size of UGG Australia Boot should I buy? When purchasing an UGG Boot, it is important to consider that the soft wool lining in most styles is prone to packing down quite quickly. In the case of styles with a Sheepskin (suede) upper, the boots may gain half a size overall within the first two weeks of wear due to the combination of inner packing and the sheepskin outer stretching; in styles that have a leather or knit upper, the boots will also become looser within a short period of time.
It is therefore recommended that you purchase your UGG boots in as snug a fit as possible. It is not unusual for customers to purchase half a size to a full size smaller than they would normally wear in a North American shoe. For example, if you would normally wear a size 6 ½ or 7 shoe, it is recommended that you purchase your UGG boots in a size 6.
Australian Boot Company Return Policy
For Refunds:
Please insure and ship your unworn item[s] in their original packaging to:
Australian Boot Company
Mail Order Department
2644 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M4P 2J5
Please include a Name and Phone Number with your item so that we may contact you in order to process your refund.
Once we receive the merchandise and approve it for return, we will process a refund for the value of the product[s] purchased onto your original method-of-payment.
Please note that we do not refund the cost for shipping.
For Exchanges:
We Ship Till it Fits.
This means that if your merchandise doesn’t fit to your satisfaction, you may send back your new, unworn product to our Mail Order Department at the address above and we will ship you a different size.
Please include a Name and Phone Number with your item, and indicate what size you’d prefer.
If you’re unsure about sizing, please contact us Toll Free at 1-877-842-1126 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. EST.
We accept packages shipped prepaid by Canada Post or United States Postal Service. Insuring your parcel is strongly suggested.
Please note that we do not accept C.O.D. parcels or parcels sent via courier from the United States that have incurred brokerage or duty charges – these will be refused and returned to sender.
Still have questions?
Please call 1-877-842-1126 or email info@australianboot.com with any questions you may have.