I need to replace my show boots. I can finally get what I want - but not sure what that is. I have a narrow foot, slim calf and want comfortable foot! I don’t care for bling, and like the traditional “stovepipe” style. I want them to last. I am thinking of custom boots because of my narrow foot. Where can you get good custom boots - and what brands do a good job and make customers happy? Had Dehners YEARS ago - but not sure where to go now. Advice?
Do you have any good tack stores near you?
I HAVE to get custom boots. But I recommend off the shelf if you can try on a lot in person. There are so many brands now, chances are you can find something which fits you which is just as nice NOT custom made. And if not, I’d see if your tack store works with anyone. There is now one off the rack boot which fits my tiny feet and muscular calves, and it doesn’t fit well - but those of us with tiny feet are one of the few exceptions. It’s possible your narrow feet will also be one, but I’d try some first and see, because custom boots are stupid expensive.
My first customs were Vogels, which came fitting like a second layer of skin. I worked through my local tack store who stood behind their measurements/fit. 8 years later, I just showed in them and am proud of how well they held up. When I was trying to order a new pair I couldn’t get any response from Vogel (and no longer have a local shop to work through) so I worked with a store who measured me at the World Cup in Vegas. I got Koenigs this time, and they are stiffer so I don’t love them as much just because that’s way less comfortable - but they are beautiful boots. 
I visited Dehner at the WC in Omaha, and liked the boots and their friendliness despite being swarmed by dressage riders. If you don’t have a local shop, I bet you could call them and get directions on how to measure and have them make you some.
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No tack shops that carry good boots - just cheap ones, so no ability to try any on. I currently have Petri’s, but have to add extra insoles to make the foot fit. Off the shelf DeNiros fit better in the foot, but don’t hold up well I believe.
I’m going to have my local tack shop measure me for Konigs again, had them years ago and they wore like iron! I have the opposite problem as you: My foot is the perfect “hang ten” foot, lol! Wide at the ball, but very narrow at the heel, tiny ankles/slim calves. I’m definitely a custom fit. I have lovely Petries that I cannot wear anymore because they squeeze my foot so hard it goes numb, they’re in perfect shape, but useless. I did my own measurements a few years ago and had Kroop’s Boots on the East coast make a pair for me, but I’m very dissatisfied with the quality of those so I cannot recommend them unfortunately.
I have never had an issue with the durability of any of my deniros.
Go for Custom.
I have a pair of near-30yo Vogel dress boots that used to get a LOT of wear - 3-4days a week.
In the last 15yrs they get worn only for the occasional show or lesson.
They have gone back to Vogel 3X - once for a gusset, then for back zips & last to repair a zipper.
Still shine up like new & comfy as bedroom slippers.
Lessons 2x/mo & when I ride on my own, in my 15yo custom Dehner paddock boots.
Once in a while they sub as street shoes - they are that comfy.
I have a StupidHigh arch, so custom boots give me the best fit.
The longevity is worth the price.
I’ve had great customer service from both.
Thank you all! I had been thinking I probably needed to go custom. I know of both Dehner and Vogel – anyone else I should check out?
