Dress boots for a high instep

[billiebob]

Biting the bullet and buying new boots for the upcoming show season…I’m more than likely looking at semi-customs but I’ve always worn field boots that have a little more give across the instep. The brands that I’ve come across that are a price that I could realistically manage are Romitelli, DeNiro, Pioneer and Kingsley. Does anyone have any feedback on how the footbeds of these brands fit?

For reference my current paddock boots are Dublins with added insoles. Ariats are okay but not my favorites and their dress boots don’t come tall enough and wide enough for me. I wear a size 11 US womens shoe and need a 17.5" calf and 20" tall height.

[happilyretired]

I have a pair of DeNiros (my second pair) and I love them. The leather is not as rigid as some other brands so break in is easy. They hold up pretty well. Get a pair with zippers – much easier to get on and off. Their sizing seems comparable to Ariat to me.

[lorilu]

My show boots are Romitelli. I also have a very high instep - all the new boots seem to have side or “front side” zippers and I cannot get my foot in them!!
I find the Romitellis wide enough for my Florida feet (grew up here, barefoot - wide feet!!), and comfy enough to walk in during the day.
A friend who runs a tack store recently discounted her Kingsleys due to issues with fit, customer service, quality - you name it. Take that any way you like… She is now selling Petries - some are not too expensive, even if custom, and they have many many size options.

[billiebob]

Good to know that about Romitellis, they’re my top choice at the moment. A barn mate of mine got Kingsleys for Christmas and tbh I’m not especially blown away by them.

[IPEsq]

I have a high instep, and DeNiro dress boots fit me fine. Mine are soft boots with rear zippers. I’ve tried some stiffer ones on (like brushed leather), but with rear zips not front or dressage zips, and I can always seem to fit into rear zipper boots at least. I think you can get any model from them with a stiff outside.

[Unfforgettable]

I have a high instep too, and I prefer the inside front zipper. When my new Petries arrived, I sent them to Woody’s in Wellington and had the instep stretched. They fit perfectly now.

[cadance]

I have a high instep (everything MUST have a zipper), and the Petrie Ankys with the insole removed was perfect. Have had them for 10 years and they’re still great.