Looking for the unicorn of tall boots

[gertie06]

I only show 1-2x/year these days. I have no interest in buying tall boots just for show. But I do need a new pair of boots…

What’s a brand that’s tough enough for everyday wear, but clean up well for showing? I’ve been wearing some Ariats for a couple years, but they never fit me quite right.

Curious about Ego7. Not curious about Parlanti (my trainer says they don’t hold up everyday wear). What other brands can I consider?

[punchy]

I just show in paddock boots and half chaps anymore.

[gertie06]

@punchy

I just show in paddock boots and half chaps anymore.

I wish. I have goals to do the adult eq/medals, and the attire rules for that division are pretty strict and conservative.

[mychestnutvalentine]

The Sergio Grasso Everyone Line
I am an eventer so I picked the dress boot but they also have the field boot version. The inner lining is a grippy material. These boots have not aged even a smidge since their arrival earlier this year. They took awhile to break in but I LOVE them. The grip is not too rough, would not affect the horse. I got them on close out from Farm House Tack. I wipe them down with glycerin soap after each ride and they look brand new again.
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/se…ess-boot-14897
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/se…rganicshopping

[anon510129]

I’ve heard great things about EGO7! They’re made by Tucci, & those are great quality & known to hold up well.

I just learned Ariats are made in China, too. For that price you can get much better boots made in Italy 😄

[largo]

My Tuccis have far and away outlasted all my other boots. I’ve only gotten off the rack from Europe, so the price is pretty comparable to Ego7.

[gertie06]

@largo

My Tuccis have far and away outlasted all my other boots. I’ve only gotten off the rack from Europe, so the price is pretty comparable to Ego7.

Care you share your source?

[Hoofbeat_Heartbeat]

I have had my Ego7s for about 2.5 years and honestly would not buy them again. They have stretched out so much in the calf that I can fit at least 1 finger in at the top, the leather is starting to peel back near the inner ankle area, and the “tongue” to protect the back of your ankle
from the zipper (provide more cushioning I guess?) is falling apart.

I take good care of these boots, store them with a boot tree in a trunk, cleaned after every ride, and ride 3-5x a week, usually 1 horse but sometimes more.

I just invested in a pair of Deniro Salentos for showing but am also schooling in them as well. So far they are holding up beautifully!

[MustangTwist]

I just bought a pair of Ego7s and I like them so far, but can’t speak to long-term durability.

[gertie06]

@Hoofbeat_Heartbeat

I have had my Ego7s for about 2.5 years and honestly would not buy them again. They have stretched out so much in the calf that I can fit at least 1 finger in at the top, the leather is starting to peel back near the inner ankle area, and the “tongue” to protect the back of your ankle
from the zipper (provide more cushioning I guess?) is falling apart.

I take good care of these boots, store them with a boot tree in a trunk, cleaned after every ride, and ride 3-5x a week, usually 1 horse but sometimes more.

I just invested in a pair of Deniro Salentos for showing but am also schooling in them as well. So far they are holding up beautifully!

These weren’t on my radar before. Thanks for the recommendation!

[lcw579]

My daughter has had her Ego7s for a few years now and they have held up really well. They fit like a custom boot on her and clean up well for showing. She does not ride in them every day but does use them for clinics and lessons as well as shows so they have gotten a lot of use and still look new. No stretching.

[eclipse]

I love my Ego 7s BUT i only use them for showing! I did have to get the tongue that protects your ankle stitched to the boot on one side as it kept slipping and rubbing though!

I do have a pair of their half chaps though, and use them 6 days a week… so far after 1 year they’re holding up very well, still look new! I did have to get them stretched as they wouldn’t zip up but now they do and they haven’t stretched much… i still have to pull them together to Zip them (pull them by the elastic not the leather is how the store showed me to preserve zippers!)

[Calvincrowe]

I’ll toss another off the shelf brand at you: Mountain Horse. I have a difficult to work with foot, and one calf is a full inch smaller in diameter. I had customs but after foot surgery, they wouldn’t work anymore. I tried on a lot of boots and wanted to not spend above $600. I purchased the MH Sovereign in black. Fit like a glove, broke in very easily, look fantastic. I wear them 3 days a week and show in them. If you buy from Smartpak returns are easy. In a barn full of custom Tucci and Parlanti boots, I don’t look silly or cheap.

[kashmere]

I’ve also had great luck with Mountain Horse. They are comfortable and well made. I do my best to only wear mine for riding - I switch out of blundstones right before I go into the arena - and I wipe them down after each ride/keep boot trees in them. My current pair are a few years old and still look great.

[gertie06]

@Calvincrowe and @kashmere , I wish Mountain Horse were an option! My feet are huge, but my calves are thin and short. Mountain Horse doesn’t make a size that’ll fit me.