Pioneer Boots or Other Brand with High Spanish Tops

[Fence.Hopper]

I’m really wanting to upgrade my boots (currently in Ariat V Sports which are SO comfy and SO ugly, possibly from being a bit too loose in the calf) and have been looking at the Pioneers and Cavallos as I’m wanting to stay in the $300-500 ish range. I’m looking for dress boots, not the stovepipe/ stiff dressage boots as they will be used for jumping shows as well. Posting here because I’m hoping the Dressage Queens have some suggestions! Or experience with the Pioneers. I found them on Equizone and it looks like I could return them if they don’t fit out of box, which is my biggest concern, but it would probably be a hassle due to being overseas. I’ve been watching eBay and have seen some Tucci’s come up for around my budget but am worried about it as well since there is no place to get fitted locally.

TLDR: Need new dress boots (not stiff dressage boots) in black for showing, want super high Spanish tops to make my short legs look less stubby, budget around $300-500.

[sparkygrace]

If you are on Facebook, there is a group called Dressage Boot Addicts Anonymous. Sometimes you can find new or almost news boots. Many people do ISO ads with their measurements and get a great response. I was lucky to find new boots that were a custom order, but didn’t fit the buyer. I got them for $500, half the price of new.

Hypostore is another option if you are not picky about brand. They have so much to choose from!
https://hypostore.com/rider/boots-shoes/leather-riding-boots.html

Divoza is another option. I’ve bought boots from them. Fast shipping and the boots did fit. https://www.divoza.com/en/rider/riding-boots-riding-shoes/leather-riding-boots

[Mersidoats]

You might have trouble finding a soft boot with a high Spanish top, as the super high bow requires a stiffer leather.

If you can go up to $700, Romitellis have a decently high top, but they tend to drop significantly. They are also softer boots, and if you ride a lot, you will wear a hole in the leather on the inside calf. Ask me how I know.

In that price point, you can look at Tredstep boots. The leather is not amazing, but it’s good enough. I also second looking online at used boots. There are some deals to be had for the right measurements.

Celeris can do a nice soft boot with a fairly high Spanish top, but they are totally custom and priced accordingly. Worth it, though. Amazing quality.

[Unfforgettable]

Petrie Padova. These aren’t super soft and they aren’t all that stiff (I hate a stiff boot, just want some structure). The price is great and they were comfy straight out of the box.

[ChasseurSauteur]

I have a pair of Pioneers from Equizone (the Atena model, from memory) and I really like them. Equizone was very helpful with my fitting questions and even contacted the company to get precise foot measurements. They can also do custom colour options with the company I believe, some of which are not at additional cost. Mine fit perfectly out of the box, broke in well (with help of water/rubbing alcohol on the ankles), and look great for the price. The Spanish top is very tall. I can’t speak to longevity as I promptly became pregnant and had to cut back on riding, but I had no complaints in the first few months of use!

[Heinz_57]

I was also going to suggest looking at Petries…

I have two pairs of Padovas (black and cognac), measured myself and ordered from Ooteman in the Netherlands.

[2tempe]

Try looking at Mountain Horse - I have bought their lower priced boots for schooling for YEARS. Been very happy with the break in, comfort and durability. They two higher priced (right at $500), the Serenade and the Sovereign. Both spanish tops, one of the two has very subtle lacing in front of ankle, kind of like a field boot. The other is plain but comes with a shaft of varying widths… Their sizing is great as offer short and regular heights, multiple calf options.
Just adding that the pioneer boot does look lovely.

[Jo]

@Fence.Hopper

TLDR: Need new dress boots (not stiff dressage boots) in black for showing, want super high Spanish tops to make my short legs look less stubby, budget around $300-500.

Check out the Ariat Kinsley - I got them after the V sports and absolutely loved them, but have since gone custom.

[dmveventer]

Dover Saddlery’s new Madison boot line has the Spanish tops. I have the field version so can’t speak to the dress boot but I’ve been really happy with them so far (6 months in). The leather was surprisingly nice and they fit great right out of the box. Plus they’re the only off-the-rack boots that have actually been short enough for me, I didn’t need heel risers at all!