A pair of beautifully made leather boots is one of those rare wardrobe investments that can survive just about any turn in the fashion cycle.
Now, an Australian heritage brand is making a serious play for the title of the country’s next ‘It boot’, winning over everyone from Olympians to fashion-conscious shoppers with footwear designed to move as easily through the city as the country.
Kidman, the apparel label built around the legacy of legendary pastoralist Sir Sidney Kidman, has attracted a growing list of high-profile fans including Olympic champion Kyle Chalmers.
The brand has now taken another major step by opening a flagship bricks-and-mortar store at 175 Eagle Street in Brisbane’s city centre.
The opening drew some of Australia’s biggest sporting names, including Olympic gold medallist Shayna Jack and world-record holder Lani Pallister.
Kayla Boyd, wife of former NRL star Darius Boyd, and Brisbane Lady Mayoress Nina Schrinner were also among those who attended.
The launch comes as western-inspired dressing moves well beyond traditional country wardrobes, with leather boots now styled with everything from denim and tailoring to feminine dresses. But Kidman’s take remains firmly rooted in its Australian pastoral history.
‘Whether your job takes you to the bush or the boardroom, Kidman clothing is made for those Australians who work hard,’ Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co chief executive Adam Giles said.
Among Kidman’s most popular designs is the Sidney boot in Chestnut, which retails for $499 and is available in sizes four to 15
The women’s Helen boot, also $499, offers a slightly more polished take on the silhouette
The $499 boots you can currently score for half price
The opening of a physical store means shoppers can try on the boots before committing – and right now, there’s an even bigger incentive to visit.
From Friday 28 August, customers can take an old pair of leather boots into the Brisbane store and receive 50 per cent off a new pair of Kidman boots.
The offer, which will last for two weeks, brings the price of some $499 best-selling styles down to $249.50.
‘Our one-of-a-kind boot trade-in offer gives even more people the chance to get on board at an incredible price,’ Giles said.
Why Australians are obsessed with the boots
Among Kidman’s most popular designs is the Sidney boot in Chestnut, which retails for $499 and is available in sizes four to 15.
Made from premium Australian cow yearling leather, the classic elastic-sided boot features a 25mm stacked heel, leather sole, full leather lining and anti-slip rubber on the forepart and heel.
The flagship bricks-and-mortar store is located at 175 Eagle Street in Brisbane’s city centre
The brand has attracted a growing list of high-profile fans, including Olympic gold medallist Shayna Jack and world-record holder Lani Pallister [pictured]
The Brisbane flagship now gives shoppers the chance to see whether the boots live up to their growing reputation in person
It also utilises traditional Goodyear welt construction, and contains a ‘trampoline core’ innersole designed to make a substantial leather boot comfortable enough for long periods of wear.
One customer went as far as declaring them the ‘most comfortable boots [they] have ever owned’ in a review.
The women’s Helen boot, also $499, offers a slightly more polished take on the silhouette.
Available in Caramel and sizes five to 11, it uses Australian cow yearling leather with full cow leather lining, a Cuban stacked heel and double elastic gussets.
Both styles are made in India using Australian leather.
Paired with straight-leg jeans, a crisp white shirt or relaxed tailoring, they look unmistakably urban.
From the paddock to the city
Kidman’s fashion expansion draws heavily on a name with more than a century of Australian history behind it.
The brand represents Australia’s quintessential country style and offers premium items for the man or woman of today, whether they work on the land or not
Kidman’s fashion expansion draws heavily on a name with more than a century of Australian history behind it
‘Kidman is Australian by design, with our boots, hats and clothing made from the finest Australian products including Australian cotton and leather from our very own Kidman properties,’ Giles said
Sir Sidney Kidman left home at 13 with five shillings and a one-eyed horse, Cyclops, before eventually building one of the world’s great pastoral empires and becoming known as Australia’s ‘Cattle King’.
‘Kidman is Australian by design, with our boots, hats and clothing made from the finest Australian products including Australian cotton and leather from our very own Kidman properties,’ Giles said.
‘This gives our apparel true traceability and a real paddock-to-product model in keeping with the Sir Sidney Kidman legacy.’
The Brisbane flagship now gives shoppers the chance to see whether the boots live up to their growing reputation in person.
And for anyone with a battered pair of leather boots sitting forgotten at the back of the wardrobe, this could be a rare fashion upgrade – where refusing to throw something away finally pays off.
