I’ve decided that I am going to have to break down and order some new tall boots & they will have to be custom. My foot size + calf measurements seem to not be standard. So who makes your favorite customs? Bonus points for $ rather than $$$.
Woman’s 12 foot size (43-44 euro, but my legs are not men’s sized legs)
Somewhat tangential to your question but before you go custom, join this FB group if you’re not already in it (Dressage Boots Addicts Anonymous):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/580640726303352
Even though it says dressage, you can pick up some great deals for all kinds of boots. And there is a ton of personal experience and anecdotes there for good and bad companies to order from.
I’ve picked up a few custom (used) boots there now. What helped was knowing what boot brands fit me, not my actual measurements. I know that sounds backwards, but it’s like a horse’s back and a saddle - just because it’s stamped MW doesn’t mean it fits. On paper, my measurements are 39/43/38 - which is apparently a nonstandard size… but in practice, I can fit into Deniros MCL+ sizes, just about any tall Kingsley, and a ton of different Celeris ranges.
Back to your question on who makes your favorite customs, reviews seem all over the board with brands and favorites. Since you’re a non-standard size you should be able to find something there, as that group is naturally going to attract people with nonstandard sizes.
I love my Celeris Bias, btw. Bought them for half of what they go for custom new, and never get tired of looking at them. I see a lot of people happy with Deniro and Kingsley, but then I also see posts regularly that say “selling because they don’t fit me”… so… it’s a toss up.
As with all things in life measure twice! 
I always say the same thing on these threads, but since I have4 custom pairs of boots I like to share my experience.
For full custom- Celeris. I believe it’s 11 different measurements. You have a friend measure (they have videos on how to do it) then you send in your measurements and do a Zoom consultation with one of their specialists. They will have you remeasure anything that looks “off”.
These are thicker leather compared to sock thin Parlantis. Mine came perfect (although they start off very tight!). I get TONS of compliments on them!
For semi custom or off the rack- DeNiro. If you have a standard foot size they offer semi custom (where you provide calf and height measurements). This is easy to do and hard to mess up!
I have 3 pairs of DeNiro and 1 Celeris. Both are heavier duty leather than Parlanti & Tucci, but they LAST and look great. I have had the zippers replaced on one of my older pair of DeNiros, but it was simple. DeNiro sent me the zippers for free and my local cobbler was able to swap them out for $80. You’d never know they were repaired. Can’t recommend these boots enough!
Absolutely LOVE my LM Customs. I know a bunch of people who also have them. They are steal of a deal priced for customs and wear beautifully! Many designs available and LOTS of bling customizations. If you can wait to order, they run sales pretty frequently!
I have um, 9 pairs of boots. Most all of the big custom brands. My absolute favorites are Kingsley. Some people seem to think they only do dressage boots, but my soft jump boots are lovely, the most comfortable boots I have and clean up great.
I have 1 pair of Kingsley and 7 pairs of Celeris. The Kingsley seems like lower quality leather to me, and doesn’t look as nice. I also think they are more uncomfortable.
My Celeris fit great (definitely measure twice!), broke in like a dream, and have lasted a long time! I have had one zipper issue with them (the zipper was fine but the pull broke), so I had that replaced, otherwise no issues.
Where do you order semi-custom Deniros? Seems like everyone only does fully custom now.
I have Deniros and Celeris. Love my Deniros, although Deniro messed up the measurements and remade them again at no cost. Celeris also made a mistake on my first pair (full sheepskin instead of a sheepskin foot, not a big deal) and remade them for me at half the cost. Was impressed with both companies.
My latest pair of semi custom Deniro’s was from Wyldewood Tack in 2019. I am not local (live across the country in fact) but was able to communicate with them via email about what I wanted. Lisa was amazing to work with, and had lots of great ideas for my boots!
I have two pairs of Celeris, they are amazing, and I beat up one pair daily. They have a 50% BOGO which makes me feel better with the cost. I’ve never had boots truly fit like these. I’m tall with wide calves so its always been a struggle before these.
Those that have Celeris, what leather do you have on the majority of the boot? Which leather is the softest you have found (offered from Celeris?). Also what style did you go with for the boots you use for jumping?
I have a pair of Celeris that are more dressage boots, with the inside front zip & and polished brown leather, but they are pretty stiff (great for dressage, not so much for jumping). I am debating on what direction to go, but curious about some Celeris for jumping.
I am assuming you ordered the stiff boots specifically for dressage? I ordered the “Diogo” which is for jumping. As you can see in my above pic, it wrinkles around my ankle like you’d see with a typical jump boot. you can ‘flop’ the boots over at the ankle as well, but they are still a sturdier leather than the super thin, sock-like boots on the market. They take awhile (and some pain) to break in too.
Mine aren’t reinforced, but the hand polished leathers are warned as stiffer than the traditional leathers, so it was expected. Mine currently do not flop over at the ankle.
My jump boots are older ariat volants and they are on their last legs, trying to decide how I’m going to replace them.
I also have the Diogo, in black calfskin all the way around. A little stiffer than my Deniros, but I jump in them and they’re fine. I was interested in the polished and patent leathers when I was first shopping and Celeris did say those leathers are stiffer.
I have the Bia, and the Passage Day. While I wanted & LOVE the front zip, the Days aren’t soft enough to really get my heel down for jumping. They work, but as someone mentioned earlier- they don’t flop at the ankle like their other softer styles. They said the Days worked for jumping, and I have a friend who has 2 pairs for jumping, I find they’re just not quite soft enough. I love them, so contemplating a different style for my next pair.
Anyone still get custom Casa de Los Botas from Argentina? I got mine in 2007. Replaced the zips once and use for shows and clinics so they have lasted! They might finally wear thru this year and a trip to Arg for more would be lovely (and if they shipped so much cheaper too)
Update. I just reached out to La Casa de los Botas on Instagram and they said that they will ship to the USA! This wasn’t possible for a long time.
Has anyone tried this? It does involve creating your order via WhatsApp and having the boots shipped to Miami and paid for to an account in Miami. Seems mildly sketchy.
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