Favorite tall boots under $500 for wider calf

[luckymaverick]

I’m in the market for new tall boots for shows- finally going to trade in my pull-ons that never really fit right (too big and too wide). After getting measured at the local Dover store and trying on the Ariats that were available, TredStep Donatello II was recommended as I need a 14 1/4 calf and 16 height- so not exactly the slim/tall model most boots are designed for.

After reading the thread about “Products that were Disappointing”, I was dismayed to see how often TredStep appeared. Any advice for comparable boots would be much appreciated.

I have a very modest budget and I’m hoping to hit some CyberMonday/BlackFriday deals.

[JenEM]

If your pullons still fit, it would probably make the most financial sense to just get zippers put in them, rather than buying all new boots.

That said, I have the older Donatellos, and they’ve been holding up fine for me. But I only use them for showing, not everyday riding, so they tend not to get very dirty or used very hard. Not sure how well they’d do with everyday use.

[tbchick84]

I love my Donatello’s. I have the first generation ones before they fixed the zipper. They are a very soft leather, so I just use them for shows to keep them in good shape. As for fit, they do not stretch out much at all. I made the mistake of getting the slim tall, when I should have gotten the regular tall. I am forever trying the get the leather to stretch out that little bit to zip all the way to the top. With that boot, you actually can get away with a little extra room in the calf without it being noticeable.

[luckymaverick]

Jen- the pull-ons I have (cheap Devon-Aires) don’t fit right. I ordered them and made them work, then after a few shows I realized they were too big in the foot and too wide, which is why the ankle has creases you can drive a truck through.

TB- good to know. From reading reviews, people either love the TredSteps or hate them, no in between. I only show a few times a year, if that, so it’s more a want than a need of new boots.

[StrawberryFieldsFarm]

I have the Donatello II’s and love them. Haven’t had them for long but the fit is better than any other brand I’ve tried including Ariat. I have large calves with small ankles and knees.

[findeight]

Sometimes you need to know exactly why somebody hated a product. Might not bother you or even work better. Like those saying there’s too much room in the calf…never be a problem for me and the review writer might be a 5’8" size 4. I never had luck with Treadstep half chaps, basically couldn’t get them zipped up over anything thicker then pantyhose and those were the larger calf model. And I’m really not that big. Juniors at the barn just loved them, imagine their boots would be sized the same way.

[iberianfan]

I’m one that doesn’t like the Donatello’s. Too big in the calf and I could pack a lunch alongside the knee. Fits well in the foot, though. Both top snaps have broken, the first one broke in the second week. I don’t care for the uber soft leather, but that’s on me. They smelled terrible when they came and I had to store them out of the tackroom or there would be lots of, “What IS that smell??” Anyhoo, I recommend putting another couple hundred with the price and get something worth while. JMHO.

[ParadoxFarm]

Just to add, I also hate my Donatellos. Or hated them. I sold them. The ankle was so uncomfortable when walking. I used them exclusively at one show and I could barely walk toward the end. I didn’t feel I walked too long, either. MAYBE they would work if you put them on just before mounting your horse, then immediately took them off. But who does that? Often I’ll hop off a horse away from the stall and have to walk back. Or I forget something and have to walk to go get it, etc. I just don’t recommend these boots.

[luckymaverick]

I appreciate the input thus far. If I can try the Donatellos at Dover, I plan on walking around, and asking the folks there for recommendations. I’ve heard Ovations are nice.

F8- you have an excellent point. I, for one, need a roomy calf and slightly roomy ankle, which is why most of the Ariats I tried were a joke.

[hannahfm22]

I had the original Donatellos and hated them. Loved them when I first got them, but after about six months the zippers began deteriorating, and by a year the zipper on one boot was completely busted. If you are able to find them on sale, I now have a pair of the ego7 boots and love them- the sizing range is really good so you would probably be able to find something that fits

[mepkkg]

The original Donatellos also killed my ankles as well. They were okay for riding but I couldn’t walk anywhere in them. The newer ones may be better though. Check out Black Friday sales too to see if any other brands are on sale.

[reithme2]

I dont have experience with the Donatellos but have had a pair of tredstep da vinci’s for 5/6 years and love them. They’ve held up really well, I ride in them multiple times a week and have only replaced the zipper once. I think most people who dont like the tredsteps find that ankle rubs, I have incredibly tiny ankles and have had no problems. I have worn these boots all day at shows and never gotten rubs/sore. I think like helmets, all boots fit differently and dont work for everyone. Buy what feels the most comfortable in your budget.

[RodeoHunter]

I have had 3 pairs…loved the first two but they ended up stretching and the zippers eventually wouldn’t stay up. Just bought a 3rd pair and the leather is way different, more tough and really painful and long to break in. BUT, now that they have broken in they fit me like a glove and it feels like they will hold up way longer than the earlier ones with softer leather. I think the love hate situations have a lot to do with the leather which does seem to vary.

[luckymaverick]

thanks, all, for the input. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond. I think I must have blocked out the last time I was boot shopping, that or there weren’t as many options

[Gil_s_Girl]

I don’t want to make your decision making harder here by throwing another boot into the mix, but I had the same budget as you and nothing fit me - I ended up with the low-end De Niro’s (I think they’re called Amabile now?) for just over $300 and love them. Tons of calf and height options, super soft, look lovely, comfy and grippy, zero break in.

I didn’t expect them to last very long due to the softness but they’re coming up in their 3rd year as my only boots. I ride several horses daily and foxhunted for hours in them weekly. Just got them resoled, think this will be their last season but still a good run for $300:)

So if you can’t find the right Tredstep variation on sale, maybe keep them in mind. I got mine at Paradise Tack during a sale. Good luck!

[luckymaverick]

Gil- thanks! At this point, I don’t mind options, the more the merrier.

[BK6756]

I have 2 pairs of Tredsteps and I love the slim fitted look, but the ankles can be painful. I wear gel sleeves every time and it makes a huge difference!