Does anyone have experience with the Parlanti “essentials”? I see they come in the Miami and Denver styles. I am tall so I like the wide range of sizes that Parlanti offers, but I need something I can school in routinely. I know the original Parlantis are not intended for every day use, but wondering if the “essentials” are really durable?
I think the Ocalas might be better then bc of the buffalo leather but perhaps the canvas lining in the essentials would be a benefit as well. hmmm…
Please make sure to see this boot in person before you purchase it or you will probably be disappointed. The leather is cheap, stiff and shiny. The workmanship is poor at best. The canvas on the inside is scratchy and weird… It basically just prevents it from stretching and giving like the leather liner model. The quality is nothing like the regular Miami. I would recommend the ariat heritage contour or tredstep medici instead if you are looking for a schooling boot.
The outer leather is the same as the standard Parlanti but it will likely be less durable. For an every day boot I’d go to the Heritage. If it HAS to be soft, you are better off with the Tuff Rider Belmonts around $200.
I’ve heard nothing but bad things about Parlantis. From what people have told me they wear down very quickly, and aren’t worth the money. Personally I would stay away from the brand - go with Ariat, Mountain Horse, even Tredstep before you touch Parlantis!
Thanks all for the input. Was interested in the Parlantis ONLY for the sizing options. I am riding in the tallest size of the Ariat challenge and love them, but they are just too short and I am not willing to do customs at this point in my life!
I’ve had really great experiences with my parlanti’s personally, but I know some people haven’t. For me, the comfort outweighs the durability. I ride three horses between 3-4 times a week and they have been holding up quite well. What helps, I think is that my schooling pair isn’t crazy tight. My show pair is. And I take good care of them, which I think makes a difference too. Plus, I order them in Europe, where they are basically half price.
If you’re tall, they are super. I’m 6’ and they fit super!
Recently tried on both and the essential was absolutely nothing like the regular Miami.
Everything Sassy said is spot on…the material on the inside is just weird. They felt horrible.
I do not have a huge budget but I am tall and thin and have such a difficult time with boots being high enough and also cutting my ankles and heels up. The current brand of boots I have continue to cut my feet up after 5 years (and multiple attempts at protecting heels/feet including lifts, gel etc).
I bought the regular Miami. They have not arrived yet but I do believe that the extra $300 is going to be worth it. I feel like I would have spent that much alone on bandaids and other “protective” foot paraphernalia had I gone with the Essentials.
[QUOTE=greysfordays;8786405]
I’ve had really great experiences with my parlanti’s personally, but I know some people haven’t. For me, the comfort outweighs the durability. I ride three horses between 3-4 times a week and they have been holding up quite well. What helps, I think is that my schooling pair isn’t crazy tight. My show pair is. And I take good care of them, which I think makes a difference too. Plus, I order them in Europe, where they are basically half price.
If you’re tall, they are super. I’m 6’ and they fit super![/QUOTE]
Encouraging to hear! What methods do you find effective in “taking good care of them” and maintaining the durability?
[QUOTE=lovemyboy;8787062]
Encouraging to hear! What methods do you find effective in “taking good care of them” and maintaining the durability?[/QUOTE]
I have to echo the previous poster - I ride (or was riding, pre-pregnancy) a lot less than greysfordays, but my Parlantis are 3+ years old and still going strong. At shows, they go on first thing in the am and don’t come off until I get in my car - this includes doing multiple stalls, multiple baths, running all over the show grounds, etc.
Mine are also not ridiculously tight, and when I take them off, I am careful to brush all the dirt out of the soles and creases with a stiff brush, wipe down with a damp rag, and I condition the insides to avoid cracking, etc. I also finally got a 2nd pair for shows only that are a calf size smaller (mostly because I found them on eBay for $155 and couldn’t resist), but will use the same plan of attack.
[QUOTE=jhg140;8787497]
I have to echo the previous poster - I ride (or was riding, pre-pregnancy) a lot less than greysfordays, but my Parlantis are 3+ years old and still going strong. At shows, they go on first thing in the am and don’t come off until I get in my car - this includes doing multiple stalls, multiple baths, running all over the show grounds, etc.
Mine are also not ridiculously tight, and when I take them off, I am careful to brush all the dirt out of the soles and creases with a stiff brush, wipe down with a damp rag, and I condition the insides to avoid cracking, etc. I also finally got a 2nd pair for shows only that are a calf size smaller (mostly because I found them on eBay for $155 and couldn’t resist), but will use the same plan of attack.[/QUOTE]
Great information! I am not usually “careful” with boots in the sense that I do everything in them, baths, running around barn, etc… but I am very “careful” in the sense that I take the time to clean them off well when I do finally take them off for the day.
Out of curiosity, what kind of conditioner do you use?
greysfordays- What site do you order from?
I ordered from Tailored Equestrian and Reitsport Menzel. My schooling ones are two years old (size medium calf), and I show in a newer pair (size small calf).
As a warning, if you order the newer versions (I think Dallas and Aspen) they will take a while to get.
For me, I completely agree with JHG. Bc they are so comfortable, I never take them off at shows or at home. I think one of the most important things to maintain is the zipper, bc once you have trouble there, you are going to start straining the boot elastic and leather. And conditioning is important, I use the Saphir products and like them well enough.
If anyone has really strong feelings about conditioners or polishers I would love good recommendations.
