Hunt Top Boots

[Beverley]

Ya know, I just can’t stand that exaggerated what do they call it, Spanish cuff? I just amused myself by looking to see if Marlborough boots are still made but can’t find any evidence other than used boots on e-bay and etc. These boots look nice too:

http://www.schniederboots.com/

I am not familiar with them but they are the more basic look I like. I guess when my 23 yo Marlboroughs, purchased at Old Dominion Saddlery in Chantilly, finally bite the dust (every pull-on could be the last, that’s part of the fun!) I shall go with the most un-Spanish cuff I can find.

PW- yes of course you wear those boots! Here is a hint, wet the insides down in the ankle area thoroughly with plain old rubbing alcohol before putting them on. And squirt a bit of baby powder or cornstarch toward the bottom of the shin area to facilitate sliding on and off.

[altjaeger]

Painted Wings brings up another point. I’ve just had explained to me the different linings available. Is what you order just a matter of personal preference, or is one preferred for fox hunting?

[Equibrit]

You order what is important to you. Some guys like rough out with calf lining. They are VERY stout. I prefer fully lined (keep boot stiffer) calf (so it shines) regular tops with elastic gussets and two pairs of cuffs with tabs (patent and tan) round plain toe, double leather sole, stacked leather heel, spur rests.

Dehner currently have a $150 off deal going.
http://www.dehner.com/customize.html

Having purchased these paragons of craftsmanship I then put them on and go wade in my creek for a bit and continue to wear the boots until they dry. THEN they are absolutely custom fitted! What is nice about Dehner is that you can send your boots back for service or repairs and they should last you a lifetime.

[altjaeger]

Wow, Equibrit, that’s quite specific and after looking at custom and semi-custom boots for a week, I think I understand all those options.

I think I’m down to the semi-custom All Americans ($590) (made in Los Angeles, probably with immigrant Mexican labor (but Mexicans know leather!). Or, the boots offered by Horse Country Life (not custom, but they have the advantage that I can return them if they don’t fit), or the custom Dehner’s which, as you pointed out, are on sale for $800, plus extras (I think the elastic gussets, which I need, are $50).

[altjaeger]

Here’s another question! Waxed calf – anybody ever own some? I’ve read about these and apparently the leather is inside out, heavily waxed, and you apply the polish with a deer bone. These are supposedly the most rugged of boots.

[Equibrit]

Correct - the term is rough out. They do not polish up to a shine but are very tough.

[JSwan]

Again - personal preference.

If your boots tend to get deep gouges from brush, wire, or other sharp objects you might want to go with rough out. You can bone out the scratches. There is no finish on these boots.

Otherwise - just go with calf. If you get a scratch in those you can fill them with polish instead of boning and it does the same thing - but it does shine up nice. (hint - my favorite polish to use is parade gloss - no need to spit shine)

Dehner’s main business isn’t hunt boots - it’s military and law enforcement. Soldiers line up by the dozens to get measured for Dehner boots. I once got a huge gouge in toe of my jump boots and just applied polish until the scratch was filled in- then shined 'em up. Couldn’t tell.

[rivenoak]

My next formal boots will be rough-outs (waxed calf) with two sets of removable tops (brown & patent). They’ll be as versatile as possible.

Here in AZ, you are guaranteed to get “Arizona pinstriping” (gouges) on your boots. Fine leather doesn’t stand up well. My current boots are fairly hearty, but the scratches can’t be boned out; I don’t care too much, since I didn’t pay much for them.

I prefer fully lined for two reasons. One, it helps your boots hold their shape. Two, my calves are “princess & the pea,” so anything I can get between me and a stirrup leather is wonderful.

And while for hunting boots, I don’t like the Italian tops, I gotta say that for the show ring, I really do! My Dehner field boots have the 1 1/2 higher, but the next pair will have the even higher outside. Makes the leg look SO long & elegant.

[altjaeger]

Thanks to everybody who is listing out their personal preferences (and reasons why)!

Question about 3/4 lining. Is the 1/4 that is not lined the 1/4 that is against the horse?

I was looking at my Ariat’s and they are fully lined EXCEPT for a roughly rectangular area on the inside of the leg.

[wateryglen]

WG is a dirty old woman…

Ahem!!!..back to Equibrits excellent picture of the folded down knee boots guy :eek:…didn’t anyone else notice the stimulus package!!! :D:lol:
Yessirreeee…some great legs for sure!!
I vote that all men in the Snobbington Hunt have to wear those breeches & boots…all in favor!!!

[rivenoak]

@wanabe;3951009

Thanks to everybody who is listing out their personal preferences (and reasons why)!

Question about 3/4 lining. Is the 1/4 that is not lined the 1/4 that is against the horse?

I was looking at my Ariat’s and they are fully lined EXCEPT for a roughly rectangular area on the inside of the leg.

You’re exactly right. It’s to give you the closest contact.