Confused by boot size charts, Ariat and DeNiro

[Sacred_Petra]

I’m considering getting new tall boots (I’m leaning towards a dressage boot this time), but in really confused by the size charts, especially compared to the Ariats I’m currently wearing. Now that I’m completely done changing sizes and looking at buying a higher quality boot that will last me a long time I want to make sure I’m looking in the right direction before ordering something to try.

I wear a 9-9.5 women’s, my calf width measures 16in/41cm, and without adding for drop my calf height is 17in/43cm.

1.) My boots right now are the Ariat heritage field boots in what I believe is a 9.5 wide calf, regular height (although I thought they were a full calf but they’re 10 years old). The calf on my boots fits well, but I believe they’re too short. When they come up to the back of my knee it pulls all the ankle ceases straight, and putting my heels down pulls the boot down my calf. Based on the Ariat size chart the regular height boots should allow 3" of drop and I know my boots aren’t a short height.

2.) Do DeNiro boots run narrow in the calf? Based on the size chart even a wide calf will be several centimetres too narrow. Should I stop coveting the brown dressage boots now or are they more generous than they’re size chart suggests?

TL;DR: Are Ariat boots significantly taller than they were 10 years ago? Are DeNiro boots especially narrow in the calf? Is it realistic to need a short height in one brand (Ariat) and a tall height in another brand (DeNiro)?

[ladyj79]

In my experience, Ariats are more generous than most other boot brands, except certain models of Mountain Horse.

That said, get these, they’re “cheap” and brown and will fit you (I like mine)

http://www.adamshorsesupplies.com/Ovation-Aeros-Elite-Dress-Boot-P5756.aspx

[Sacred_Petra]

Thanks ladyj, the Ovations are definitely a more approachable price point, especially for brown boots. I am, however, hoping to find a stiffened dressage boot to help manage some of the instability in my lower leg from my bad knee rather than wearing a brace in my knee and my ankle. Before anyone asks, it’s not just a matter of doing strengthening exercises, my PT doesn’t think I can get much more stability without surgery (which isn’t an option).

[ladyj79]

That is a way less fun reason to be shopping.

Buying real life honest to god dressage boots seems inevitably expensive. I will also never do it because they aren’t soft and flexible and comfortable haha but I understand your need and it seems perfectly reasonable…because it reminds me of Toby McGuire with the stick in his boot in Sea Biscuit.

Having read reviews on “cheaper” dressage boots, the main complaint seems to be their lack of stiffness, so you may be forced into the more expensive ones. Sad face.

[Sacred_Petra]

I had forgotten about the scene in Seabiscuit, but that’s a really good analogy!

All horse shopping is fun, and considering what my daily knee brace cost (more than a lot of custom Parlanti or Tuccis after insurance :eek:), I’m willing to spend several months of supplementary income if it’ll make riding more comfortable. I’m calling it my super indulgent early birthday present to myself, which is why I’m coveting brown ones.

[Plainandtall]

What I want to know is why these boot vendors have “sort by brand” and “sort by price” … but they don’t offer a “sort by fit”

I wish I could put in the measurements I’m looking for to thin the selection down to the point that my emotions weren’t just hammered over and over by the process.

I just had a birthday and my husband said with a happy and generous swagger… “go ahead and order those boots you want Honey.” … little did he think this was going to put me into a deep funk.

Anyway- not to derail your thread with my sob story- I wish I was in your shoes… erm… boots.

Have you seen these? I just look and look. I have no idea what they cost- I figure if you have to ask…

http://www.schniederboots.com/

[Sacred_Petra]

[QUOTE=Plainandtall;7707717]
What I want to know is why these boot vendors have “sort by brand” and “sort by price” … but they don’t offer a “sort by fit”

I wish I could put in the measurements I’m looking for to thin the selection down to the point that my emotions weren’t just hammered over and over by the process.

I just had a birthday and my husband said with a happy and generous swagger… “go ahead and order those boots you want Honey.” … little did he think this was going to put me into a deep funk.

Anyway- not to derail your thread with my sob story- I wish I was in your shoes… erm… boots.

Have you seen these? I just look and look. I have no idea what they cost- I figure if you have to ask…

http://www.schniederboots.com/[/QUOTE]

Sort by fit would be a brilliant option! I would be happy right now with size charts that didn’t look like something out of my physics textbooks (specifically aimed at the Konig and Petrie size charts). If I could figure out what on earth the size chart meant, I might be able to get a pair of semi-custom Konig Favorits for the same price as the DeNiros.

Those Schneiders look lovely, but I bet I’d have to sell a kidney to afford them :lol:. The the fancier the scrollwork on the makers crest the more exponentially the price seems to rise!