In 2019, after more than a decade of success with the brand’s western-inspired Millicent boot, the Adelaide workshop redeveloped the sleek needle toe into a new boot for women, the loftier Maya.

‘Maya was created in an effort to bring together the profile and toe shape of our Millicent boot in a more style-forward piece that adds sophistication to any outfit,’ explains R.M.Williams’ Head of Footwear Development, David Cook.

Uniquely handcrafted from a single piece of leather, the Maya’s narrow pointed toe is a softened version of the Millicent’s slender needle toe. It’s also (quite literally) a cut above the original design courtesy of a 7.5 centimetre block heel crafted from stacked layers of vegetable-tanned leather. The design team also added a taller boot shaft for a more elongated profile, bringing serious height all-round to the women’s boot line-up.

With its luxe leather sole which can be replaced over and over, the Maya boot is a step away from R.M.Williams’ traditional footwear, towards a true town boot. ‘It was our first real initiative in terms of giving our female customers a boot that looks at home with corporate wear in the office and also formal evening wear,’ David says.

Originally introduced as a seasonal style, the boot’s passionate following has seen it cemented in the ongoing women’s in an ever-growing palette of shades and leather types.

‘It has been well accepted by our customers, sitting closely with the Lady Yearling and Adelaide boots in terms of popularity – it’s clearly found its place in our customers’ wardrobes and lifestyles’ David says. ‘It’s a shape with a strong sense of self - and a confidence to match.’