I am in the market for new boots. I had LM boots custom made about 5 years ago, and while they are nice boots I want something different. I had fit issues in the beginning and the zippers were terrible and needed to be replaced after 3 months. Now holes have worn on the inside patches. So I’ve spent $500+ in repairs on them and never absolutely loved them. I’m repairing the holes and keeping as my backup pair. I’m looking at DeNiro, Dehner, Der Dau… any other brands I should consider? What’s your favorite? I’m an amateur and I ride one horse 3-4 times per week so while durability is important I’m not riding 10 horses every day of the week. Budget $1500ish so that means Konigs are off the table.
I have 3 pairs of DeNiro and love them!
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I have had Kingsleys for awhile and heard mixed things - I recently (last year) bought a pair of Gallors and I’m happy with them especially for the price.
I did just also pick up a pair of used DeNiros to try.
I love my DeNiros. Surprisingly comfy.
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I like my DeNiros too.
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I really like my Kingsleys. The fit is lovely and the custom options are pretty endless. I’m pretty easy on boots, but my trainer who rides many horses a day said they last as well as or better than other comparable brands, about 2-3 years with heavy use.
I also had a seamless DeNiro semi-custom purchase and since I gained 30 pounds I’m considering them again. I went through their Web site and did it all via email versus going somewhere to get measured, had zero issues, they were rideable straight out of the box - by which I mean, I was riding a horse when UPS dropped them off, when I switched horses I switched boots and rode in them immediately.
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They are so comfortable and I did the same thing during COVID and ordered a custom pair online because they have my measurements! I got the lace up the front ones!
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I would advise you to avoid Dehner. The quality has gone way downhill. They’re even cheap with the dye these days. Fortunately, you have lots of other choices.
I’m a hunter/jumper rider not dressage, but I have 3 pairs of DeNiros and I love them. All semi custom (calf and height) and I have always measured myself. All well under your budget.
I more recently got a full custom pair of Celeris boots. It was a LOT of measurements (like 11 I think?) so a lot of room for error. They fit mostly great, but are just a hairrrrr too snug almost everywhere. I ride in them fine but I have to take them off the moment I get off. They were a b%#& to break in as well. My DeNiros were never so painful.
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Another vote for DeNiro!
Another vote for Kingsley…I love those boots. They actually fit and the leather is lovely
Konig Komets (cow leather) wear great. Konig boots can be purchased in Germany for lots less. You’d have to measure your feet and send that in. For $780 (full custom) delivered, I can replace my current 6 year old pair, that I am having the soles replaced, instead.
That’s interesting - my Celeris Bias were awful to break in and still give me blisters around the ankles, but the Passage model was easy to break in and never gave me blisters. It also took six months to get my custom pair, which was a bit frustrating.
I also have some custom nubuck Cavallos and am noticing they aren’t wearing all that well.
I’m in the FB dressage boot addicts group and they say really good things about Gallors, and the boots are gorgeous. I will likely go with them next time.
Another vote for Kingsley. I have two pairs. A regular everyday waterproof pair and a show pair. Super easy to break in and holding up well with riding 2-3 horses 5 - 6 days a week. I do try to swap them out with a cheaper pair of Premiers but I love them too much! The turn around time is 5-6 weeks and they do come with a one year warranty for an additional fee which is nice for any zipper problems. I would love another pair for everyday. They have a wide assortment of leathers to choose from plus 3 levels of stiffness. They have a configuration tool online that is fun to play with and will show costs for all the options.
Can you order Kingsley online or is it necessary to get measurements taken by a representative?
I went through a distributor that was not local to me. If you know your size you can do everything through email. I had done my own measurements and knew what size I needed based on a pair of current boots that were on their way to retirement. Some of the distributors online have unicorn/sample sales. If you google search the top shops will show up. I recommend Marissa at the Distinguished Rider.
Kristina Anderson is the company rep for the US, so you can always work with her if you don’t prefer someone more local.
Another satisfied Kingsley booter here. I got my pair last year through a rep. Can confirm they fit great, are comfortable, and there was hardly any breaking in.
I have a boot problem, and have LMs, Celeris, Tuccis, Konigs and Cavallos.
My Cavallos and Tucci’s are very soft (more jumping type boots) but are like slippers. So comfy.
I don’t love my konigs as much as my others. They are old though and less ‘stylish’, and the footbed is not as comfortable as the rest. BUT they wont die no matter what I do to them.
My LMs are getting strangely thin and shiney? I don’t think they are holding up as well. Also had a few issues with getting them to fit right - mostly the height. They came too short. LM fixed it no problems, but still not my favorites. Though I have ridden in them almost daily for a few years and they haven’t had an issue, so maybe they do wear better than they feel
I’m obsessed with my Celeris boots though. The whole process was great - the measurements were really easy, the zoom call was so fun. They came and the break in was not as bad as the konigs, but harder than the soft boots (to be expected). I did the reinforced leather on both pairs, and they are holding up great. Once the Bia’s broke in I feel like i can (and have) worn them all day. The Passage;s are a bit less comfortable but they are my show boots so i’m not expecting that much.
