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Ballarat has a long and proud history of bootmaking. James Oliver established Oliver and Steven’s Boot Factory in 1887. Their boots were engineered to withstand harsh conditions and became popular among miners and farmers.
Cycle forward and the now iconic large retailer River’s began as Paddle Bros, making high quality shoes for routine Ballarat shoppers throughout the 20th century. Generations of Ballarat locals have since been employed in the industry.
Wootten carries on this tradition. Operating out of the Gun Cotton Warehouse district, the small team of highly skilled and expert leather craftspeople produce handmade boots, shoes, belts, leather aprons and bags by the batch.
Visit the Wootten workshop and showroom for a view into a working boot factory, and let the makers assist you with selecting a pair of boots to be worn for generations.
In a nod to the site’s former history as a General Store, Wootten have curated a selection high quality crafts and wares. The range focuses on local makers with expertise in apparel, woven textiles, ceramics and decorative arts.
I first heard about Wootten in 2019, I believe. I’d actually planned on having a custom pair of Gordon boots made, but then covid… really stopped me from coming to Australia and Melbourne for a while. fast forward to the end of 2022 and I actually was in Australia and Melbourne. I finally was able to visit Wootten and had an appointment to have boots made. Grace helped me in the store and was incredibly nice, helpful, and patient. I took a long time deciding on colors and materials, but I bought a pair of boots and loved them. Since then I think I’ve had 2 pairs of boots made, purchased one pair that was on clearance, and I’ve bought a belt, an attache bag of sorts for my wife, and even some baby booties. One pair of the boots that I had made I wear daily to work, and even though I’d been warned the kangaroo leather requires extra care, and can dry and crack, etc. I knew I really wanted kangaroo, so I ordered them anyway. I will say after several years of use at this point including winters in snow and salt, walking in hydraulic fluid, etc. they’ve held up very nicely especially if you take the time to take care of them. The kangaroo leather has such unique grains and texture, and shines beautifully, as well. And they’re a very nice pair to show off to everyone at work with their RMs. I really can’t recommend Wootten enough for shoe and leather needs. Krystina and Grace are fantastic and very helpful!
I visited the Wooten Store in Ballarat after seeing an online review of RM Williams boots by an American chap who reviews boots. He cut a brand new RM’s boot in half with a bandsaw and proceeded to pick over the build. I was very disappointed in what I saw - because I’d always really wanted a fantastic pair of boots. I figured that there had to someone somewhere in Australia who hand makes a brilliant pair of boots. So I went online to search. And I found Wooten Boots! Here I am, some 12 months later, and my Classic Jack boots (in Whisky) have just arrived. They are magnificent. Worth every cent. I had to wait 6-months from time of ordering, however I was measured up with care, and the Wooten team even factored in my orthotics which I always wear inside any shoes. Yes, I paid about double what a pair of RM’s cost - but quality and craftsmanship can’t be measured in dollars alone. Thank you Wooten boots, for the care and attention that went into crafting my new boots.
I got fitted for some boots (Gordon Boot Heritage) earlier in the year, and just talking with the entire team is a pleasure. The entire team are incredibly warm, friendly, passionate about their craft, and also passionate about sharing their extensive knowledge. They care about quality, and their attention to detail is plainly evident. After an anxious wait by the letterbox whilst I was waiting for them to be made/delivered, I was impressed with the boots when they arrived, and well worth the wait. What I love about these boots, other than looking absolutely amazing (and I get a lot of comments from random people on the street) is that they're hand-built with care, and they're built to last. I'm sure that I'll be wearing these boots for many, many years. Once I got them worn in, these boots are very comfortable, and I've been wearing them almost every day since. Couldn't be happier. Well worth the trip if to their shop to get fitted if you're from out of town (like me). Thank you Jess, Krys, Grace, Quincy and the rest of the team I haven't yet met. Already planning on my next pair :)
I've been wearing "Beatle boots" aka Chelseas pretty much since The Beatles. In the early 1990s I discovered RM Williams. There are plenty of nice Chelseas on the market now but Wootten's work is exceptional, among the very best, every bit the equal of boots twice the price. Wootten's guidance on fit and service, their various options from a RTW option to bespoke , and their dedication to craft, sustainability, and small family-business values makes owning their boots a personal experience. Buying on the internet from half way around the world can seem daunting but Wootten made communication easy and the experience care free, it was like stepping into their workshop and talking with friends. Quality of leather, detail in craft, all top notch. I went for the ready-to-wear Jack Original to have a first look but now I'm hooked. The range of styles and their other leather goods all appear at the same levels of materials, design, and execution. Wootten is the real deal. These are boots anyone will enjoy and find worth the price, not just a boot enthusiast like myself.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ all the way! Here’s why. All starts at the initial process of the your purchase and boot selection with Krys at the helm helping you every step of the way, most critical was my sizing and the small pieces of add ons I’d selected (stitching, sole and heel stack selection) Krys was outstanding! Once you’ve decided on boot specs and deposit transferred, it’s just a waiting game. Knowing your boots are now in the hands of the Wootten team is definitely reassuring you’ll be getting absolutely hand built boots and highest quality 🥾 In no time after 16 weeks or so (please be patient) you’ll be notified boots are all ready for shipment.🚚 Fast forward a few days then it’s showtime with the legendary Wootten ready for unveiling! It’s hard to imagine how much time is spent crafting this amazing piece of art. Boots are all good to go! Fitting was absolutely perfect and the price was worth every dollar 💰 - you won’t regret buying them. Lifetime investment Five stars for custom service, five stars for craftsmanship, five stars for teamwork! Thank you Krys, Jess and the whole team. I’ll be back real soon ❤️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shed 1, 20 Elizabeth Street
Delacombe VIC 3356









