• out of stock

Mongrel Black Premium Riding Non-Safety Boots (805025) $151.95 Delivered @ Allingtons

810
CUAGAIN

I was originally searching for RM Williams boots and tried them at a store on Collins Street in Melbourne. However, I hesitated spending over $450 on boots when I only need them for work twice a week.

I found Mongrel boots, also Australian-made, and tried them for comparison. The width (H) of RM Williams matched perfectly with the .5 size of Mongrel boots. Interestingly, I couldn't find a difference in comfort between the two brands, though I may not be overly particular.

My main reason for choosing this path was that the cost of Mongrel boots is comparable to resoling RM Williams. Both brands use Australian-made leather; RM Williams is known for its high-quality single-piece leather.

Additionally, I found an old coupon which still worked after entering my email at checkout, reducing the total cost by 5%. This could be helpful for anyone looking to try the boots before making a larger investment

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Comments

  • +3

    I have both. I alternate them for work. Both are great and are comfortable. After two years the inner heel is falling apart on the Mongrels but as yet is only cosmetic.

    • Could I please know how sizing compares between the RMs and the Mongrels?

    • Really curious for the A/B from someone with both - how does the weight, feel, and appearance compare between the two?

    • +2

      In my small sample size the RMs run a half size smaller. The Dynamic Flex sole RMs I have are noticeably heavier also. I will definitely buy another set of Mongrels again. My only complaint is the sqeaking sounds they make, different socks just vary the volume. :)

      • That's helpful, thanks!

      • +1

        So for example, an RM 7 would be equivalent to a 7.5 Mongrel? Or the other way around, RM 7 would be 6.5 Mongrel?

        • Given the same size the Mongrels would be a half size larger.

  • -2

    No size 15 :(

  • https://www.allingtons.com.au/mongrel-riding-non-safety-boot…

    What are oil kip boots and why are they cheaper?

    • +1

      It's a different leather.

      Oil kip leather has lots of oils impregnated into the leather, depending on colour and use case that can be a good thing. Main thing is that oil kip leathers generally will not polish up.

  • +12

    Do they come in half mongrel sizes?

  • +2

    Is this poor mans rm williams

    • +6

      I’d say it’s the middle class man’s RM Williams.

      • RM williams is pretty middle class

    • +15

      mr williams

    • +14

      Men don't look at shoes beyond whether you are wearing them.

      • +9

        Though it seems like everyone is wearing them to fit in, especially in the office/corporate environment.

        • +1

          Not sure why IT corp drones wear them but each to their own I suppose.

        • +1

          They last years with proper maintenance, can get decent deals if you keep your eye out, they're comfortable, and they look good.

  • So is Mongrel size 0.5 bigger or 0.5 smaller ?

    • +1

      OP is saying if you are an RM H then go the extra 0.5 sizing.

      I assume if you are a RM G then go without the extra 0.5.

      • Thanks. Yes, this is what I meant and worked for me. Not sure if the same is applicable for everyone. My fitting for RM Williams is 10.5 H and for Mongrel it’s 10.5.

        • Hey bro we are the same sizing in RM.
          I've ordered the 10.5 brown at the same price as black 10.5 was sold out.
          Peace.

    • From https://www.mongrelboots.com.au/faq/
      """""
      DO YOU PRODUCE WIDE FITTING BOOTS?

      The standard fitting for all of our boots is EEE. For an even wider fitting, try one of our half sizes, which we produce from sizes 6.5-10.5. Our half sizes are the same length as full sizes, but provide extra width.
      """""

  • +3

    Not Goodyear welted likely, unlike rms which can be resoled indefinitely. Leather lining definition loose, meaning some part of the boot could just be cheap plastic lined with leather vs. the leather completely making up body

    • +16

      At 1/3 the price some compromises have to be made.

    • +2

      Can confirm that the soles are glued, even though there's a faux stitch engraved into the rubber sole haha.

    • +1

      How much does it cost to resole RMs?

      My Googling suggests it's around 150 - 250, does that seem right?

      • You would be right. They clean and restretch your leather and then you have a choice of leather vs. rubber soles. It’s like getting a new shoe back

  • -2

    R. M. Temus

    • +1

      R. M. Bills

    • +1

      But they're made in Australia…

  • +5

    I’ve never looked at my pairs of RMs and thought to myself “I haven’t gotten value out of these”

    On the other hand, I frequently look around at plenty of items I’ve bought as cheaper versions than the benchmark version and think to myself “damn, I should have just got the higher quality thing in the first place”

    (Not to suggest RMs are the benchmark in boot making, but there’s a reason why they command a higher price point, and it’s not because RM Williams as a company are bringing home a high profit margin for selling their boots at 450+)

    • +1

      Sounds like it it can be summarised by something my late mother would often say. "Look Love, we are too poor to buy cheap".

      • +2

        It's the Sam Vimes Boots Theory.

    • +1

      and it’s not because RM Williams as a company are bringing home a high profit margin for selling their boots at 450+)

      I think you'll find in their boot category they make great margin. In everything else not so much.

    • There are cheaper version on many stuff that can last for years.
      I have my thursday boots for 4 years and they're still going strong, and cost way way less than RM Williams. Plus, i wear something unique, something you dont see 50 times a day in the office or in the streets.
      I have some kmart tshirts that have lasted me for years, same can be said for many clothes etc. There are many many exceptions to your 'rule'

    • +1

      The funniest Is where ppl try to resell worn RMs for $500+

    • +2

      I think what makes it a hard pill to swallow is the fact that they used to cost $250-300 just a few years ago, prior to being picked up by the private equity firm. Since then they've raised prices every single year, and the new boots don't even feel as solidly build as my older pairs.

    • Poor man pays twice.

  • +3

    I have a pair these, and find them comfortable. I bought them for $90 though about a year ago

  • +1

    The OrthoTec footbed is underrated.
    Made a big difference in my step.
    It can feel uncomfortable at first but then it wears in and supports your foot well.

  • Snagged a pair of 9.5, thanks OP! Hopefully they're the right size :s

  • Is the brown colour same as chestnut colour in RMs or should I go for black colour??

  • Thanks Op. Bought the last sized 8.5. Hoping they are the same size as my RM williams

  • +1

    Excellent. I will wear these to the next home game at the MCG. I hope the RM Williams fan boys don't notice me in my knock offs!

    • They'll only notice if you are in the MCC!

    • +2

      Ignore them, the same can be said about any item of clothing, you can always spend more on fancier brands. As long as the boots are comfortable then you’re good. I’m sure these will be.

      I have 2 pairs of Redback safety boots (one unopened), which i wear all the time (rural property). I usually wear them into the office too, with kangaroo and duck poo embedded in the sole 😅 But they are so comfy, can wear them all day on my feet and never get any aches. They also never slip on anything and are waterproof.

      Supporting Aussie made is a high priority for me. These Mongrels look nice as dressy boots. I’d be keen to try them.

    • Who cares? I like my Ozbargain Hushpuppies Chelsea boots. They are so comfortable to wear except they haven't had an arch support.

  • +1

    I hesitated spending over $450 on boots when I only need them for work twice a week.

    Well why are you buying horse riding boots for your corporate office work as an alternative?

    • +1

      Am I going crazy, or was the deal text written by AI.

    • why are you buying horse riding boots

      to go with the wide-brimmed hat

    • Coz I might get a pay rises

    • +1

      Dress for the job you want, not the job you have

  • +5

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/233740184996?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…

    Minor blemish, major savings. I have a few pairs.

    • This is the guy I bought mine from..

      • Seller is closed for holiday

        • +2

          He is always on holidays. But yeah I’ve got three pairs from him. The blemishes are absolutely minor and a great buy.

  • I have worn Mongrel boots for about 12 years (although different style) and believe they are a quality boot for their price. This particular riding boot I have been interested in, but like most riding boots it has no tread. I'm not a rider so need some tread :) I have been happy with the old Rivers Goodyear welt boot but still looking for a replacement that is under $200

  • How do these compare to blundstones?

    • +2

      Bunnies haven't been Australian made for years

  • +1

    Crack a mongrel

  • Mongrel of a boot , cheap knock off 😝

    • True, they even have fake stitching imprinted on the soles… But after not finding RM Ws a comfortable fit, I got these for $90 (ebay link above) and have no issues with them.

  • Is there a women’s equivalent

    • Below size 7, these specifically fitted for women (as per details on the Mongrel website).

  • +9

    Since any boot deal always has discussion on quality)value I'm going to copy-paste the same comment I posted on the last RM Williams Sale post.

    Since people are going to see these and find they missed out and others are going to dump on RM's as too expensive not worth is etc, as a community service I'll just hammer out some alternatives here but keep in mind that RM's cost as much as they do for three reasons

    Where they are made- Australia
    How they are made- Goodyear welted, cork, steel shank
    What they are made of- Single piece of yearling leather, that means single pieces of flawless leather joined at the back only. Not easy to do.
    No other boot will tick all three boxes, if you want something that will hit two of the three or something your choices are

    Patfields: A clone of the comfort craftsman in G sizes, Made in India, decent soles, glued construction can be resoled.

    Baxter Boots: The Goulburn is the closest to a pair of RM's, Goodyear Welted made in China.

    Mandic: If you can find a pair of the Gilmore in your size left they are made in Australia and Goodyear Welted, the Gilmore Kangaroo is basically the same as the Patfields.

    Mongrel: The 805's not build like a pair of RM's but are made in Australia and their dress boot but they are TPU outsole and are cemented or vulcanised. They have a shank in there, so try them on but they can be had for like $90 and they'll polish up just fine.

  • -2

    Geesus what a load of, RM Williams overpriced tourist boots, Baxter Boots all the way lasts forever, you can resole and resole……..

    https://baxterfootwear.com.au/

    Get yourself real boots……..

    • +1

      Baxter boots are no longer Australian made and this is an important point for some people.

      The last pair of Baxter motorcycle boots I had (many years ago) were excellent.

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