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Hunt Top Boots

Hunting
#21

The narrow ankles have nothing to do with a person’s sex.

The ankles are narrow because the boot comes with a rear zipper. It allows a more form fitting appearance through the ankle.

I think Jeff called that measurement the “throat”. When you get measured for boots they do several measurements to ensure the boot is truly customized to the shape of your leg. But one measurement is the ankle/heel area - and it may be a bit larger so that your foot doesn’t get stuck 3/4 of the way inside the boot. It’s a real bi*** to get your foot out if you really get it wedged in there. Not that it’s happened to me… :wink:

In the end it’s really your personal preference. Some people like rear zippers because it’s easier to get on/off and the EMT’s don’t usually have to cut your boot off if you’re hurt.

I know nothing about the manufacturer so I can’t help you on that.

#22

Don’t like it especially the toe cap. They tend to split and let the rain in!

#23

Do you mean De Niro’s in particular?

#24

No - the toe caps.

#25

JSwan - my wife and I both have Dehner Newmarkets. Hers are two years old, mine about 4. Both are in good shape, though admittedly, mine are starting to show some wear in the canvas at the ankle. I wear them 3-4 times a week between the Kentucky Derby and Breeder’s Cup (never got the whole Labor Day/Memorial Day rule).
Also, I’ve given up trying to polish and clean them myself and now outsource this task. I must tell you that it’s difficult for a former Marine to pay someone else to polish his boots, but for these things, it’s worth it.

#26

on zippers…

While helping a friend get some boots recently I spoke to 2 tack repair shops that said to NEVER buy boots with zippers as the zippers never last with any degree of heavy use. They get dirty,muddy, sweaty, wet etc and are usually plastic and not heavy duty. They advised to always buy pull ons for longevity. One is charging $75/boot to replace them. If you ride just in a ring then maybe but we foxhunters need toughness. This news of course broke my heart cuz I thought zips were da bomb for us fat calfed hunters! :(:cry::cry::cry:

And I don’t see much of that Spanish cut top around here in hunt circles so I personally vote no on these boots you’ve pictured. I think it’s supposed to be straight cut. The spanish cuts are silly looking and quite the thing in hunter/jumper circles and not in hunting. Those boots look sissy to me!! :winkgrin::smiley:

#27

Thanks for your input wateryglen. :slight_smile:

They do look kind of girlie/sissy to me, too. However, I may have to go with them because of the value and low price. (I’ve been reading up on De Niro’s, elsewhere, and they’re considered very good quality.)

#28

I’ll keep the zippers. I haven’t had a pair of zippers break yet. knock on wood.

#29

Zippers are replaceable - just make sure you’ve got black duct tape handy for when the cobbler isn’t and they have to be held together in the interim with love and, well, duct tape. :wink:

I’m feeling very smug these days, having found a new old cobbler the other day who will strip and re-polish boots for $15, and installs zips for $35/boot. AND his workmanship is excellent.

#30

I’m jealous!

Oh Romany! You SHOULD be smug!!! :smiley:

I hate you and hope you fall off!!! :winkgrin:

#31

:lol: Or - you could ship me your boots and I’ll hand them over to him for spring-cleaning!

#32

Thanks but no thanks!

Thanks for the offer but I’m using my black shiny duct tape as boot tops right now and would rather wait. :smiley: My version of red-neck patent leather! :winkgrin: I’m the envy of all my friends! :yes:
I’ll keep you in mind.

#33

Genius!

[QUOTE=wateryglen;3944394]
Thanks for the offer but I’m using my black shiny duct tape as boot tops right now and would rather wait. :smiley: My version of red-neck patent leather! :winkgrin: I’m the envy of all my friends! :yes:
I’ll keep you in mind.[/QUOTE]

Now THAT is a REALLY good idea - hmm. I was going to try cutting up and glue-ing on shiny black garbage bags, myself, but the duct tape must have a certain glimmer, does it?

I could always ask the nice cobbler about patent tops - probably kills the fatted calf himself, polishes it up, and makes them for $5 in his lunch-hour. :lol:

#34

Boot tops are now made to replicate the look of tall boots with the top few inches folded down. Originally hunting boots came up very high to protect the knee - you’d fold them down when not needed.

Since the boot lining was usually brown leather, boot “tops” were made brown to simulate that.

Black patent leather for women is just pretty :slight_smile:

#35

Anyone have these $750 made-exclusively-for-them-in-Italy hunt-tops from Horse Country?

http://horsecountrylife.com/catalog/4/52.swf

#36

Like what’s 'ere http://renaissanceboots.net/RENBrown.JPG

#37

They look a lot like DeNiro’s to me ! http://www.denirobootco.com/en/catalogo_en.asp
Or maybe Sergio Grasso. http://www.paulemorin.com/sergio_grasso.htm Either company make custom boots so any differences in seams/zips/style/material are completely up to the purchaser.
The same with Dehner who also will maintain your boots for you.

#38

Not really, they don’t have toe caps and the stiching pattern is completely different. They look more traditional to me.

#39

Mine came today!

My Dehners with patent tops came today. They are beautiful! Do I dare wear them hunting tomorrow without having properly broken them in? They are full lined. The last pair I had that was full lined took forever to break in.

At least I will have them to parade around in while outriding at Rolex. Whoo Hoo!

#40

Heck yes you wear them tomorrow! In the morning wrap your ankles in ace bandages and take Advil. Enjoy the new Dehners!!

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