Jackaroo & Jillaroo boots (they are EVERYWHERE)

In my first few days in Australia, I noticed that some of the men were wearing a style of boot I hadn't seen before: an ankle-high leather boots with elastic sides on the inner and outer ankle portion. As I started paying attention, I realized that essentially ALL of the men were wearing these boots - including people wearing professional suits, construction workers, and people in casual clothes. And now that I've paid more attention, I see variation on these boots for women too - including what seems to be high fashion. These boots are EVERYWHERE, and they have their roots in the Jackaroo / Jillaroo culture of Australia (essentially Australia's cowboys).

A google search for "Australian boots" turns up only this Jackaroo-style boot.

During my Fulbright orientation in Canberra, at a session designed to teach us tips and tricks for navigating a new culture, I asked about the boots everyone at the orientation seemed to be wearing. People laughed, one man took off his boot and held it in the air, and several people described the roots of these boots in Australian culture and the different brands. Apparently they last a long time, are easier to waterproof than other types of boots/shoes because there is no tongue/laces, and the sole can be replaced. Instead of calling them "boots" or something, Aussie's call them "RMs," "Blundstones," or "Rossis."

They are truly ubiquitous.

Blundstone
Rossi
RM Williams (holy expensive!)

Friends stateside schooled me: these are common in other countries too, including in the United Kingdom, Canada, Israel, and even the US. Commonly called Chelsea boots. In the US, makers include Frye, Uggs, Clarks, Allen Edmonds, and more.

I might end up coming home with some new boots. ​😅

Postscript:

Reader, I have new boots and will be bringing them home to the U.S. with me. I love them!  They're extremely comfortable and also I went camping for three days in the winter in the Blue Mountains here in Aus with them and they were p.e.r.f.e.c.t.