Practical everyday tall boot recommendations?

[BravAddict]

Let’s start by saying: I’m a shoe size 7 1/2 wide, 15" calf, 16 1/4" high.

I’m looking for an everyday tall boot for under $200 that might be a good match. If you have wide feet and/or a high instep, I’d like to hear what brands and models have worked for you – aside from just buying your boots too large.

I event at very low levels, so I have no preference for field or dress. Field boots are easier to fit with a high instep, but dress boots are easier to clean.

My legs are a little thick but since I’m buying everyday boots and not works of art, I’m okay with having them stretched and/or gusseted if everything else is a match.

Heck, if you have a pair that’d work, send me a message!

By the way, how have SmartPak and Dover not created a fit wizard, in which you put your measurements and it spits out models in the ballpark?

[ladyrider2]

I have found Mountain Horse and Ovation have the most accurate online measuring of boots that actually fit. I have super wide feet and calves, also. You can often find great sales.

https://www.horseloverz.com/english-riding-boots/tall-riding-boots/dress-dressage-boots/ovation-ladies-olympia-tall-boots-17
https://www.horseloverz.com/english-riding-boots/tall-riding-boots/dress-dressage-boots/ovation-ladies-olympia-tall-boots

[demidq]

The Mountain Horse boots are well made, and have good soles making them practical for everyday. (I have a beautiful pair of Spanish made dress boots with slippery leather soles) Just remember MH boots fit big, go a half size down.

[js]

Mountain Horse, TredStep, Ariat. While they may not be under $200 there are always models that are on sale and in your price range. I have Ariats that I wear everyday, very comfortable and fit well. Your shoe and calf size you should be able to find but the boot height might be your sticking point. Don’t forget eBay, plenty of good deals on new and used boots, you might find a used custom boot in your size for a great price.

[2tempe]

I don’t have sizing issues, but will second the Mountain Horse boots. I’ve gone through two pairs, used every day and I’m just plain bad at cleaning/conditioning. In spite of that I’ve gotten 4 years out of each pair, and they weren’t really “done” when I bought a new pair.

Now the problem is that Mountain Horse seems to be nearly out of the tall boot business. One field boot, $389, and some winter type boots. But if you are patient and google around you may still be able to find a pair that will work for you.

Dublin Galtymore get good marks, but they are a bit higher priced - in the $250 range.

[tinah]

for those of us with fat feet and fat calves, does anyone wear men’s boots? I’m sorta kinda looking casually looking at getting a pair. Unfortunately there’s no place close to try them on, so it’s all guessing off a fit chart.

[WNT]

@tinah

for those of us with fat feet and fat calves, does anyone wear men’s boots?

Good luck finding them. When the store I worked at stocked Ariat men’s boots, they all ended up clearanced out as they didn’t even fit most men. The height to calf ratio was never right. I’ve had better luck fitting some men in larger ladies sizes!

Ariat has started offering some x-wide sizes, but the footbed is still a ladies B-width, which isn’t very helpful. Plus, their definition of x-wide still isn’t very generous at all.

[Jumping31]

I generally wear my Ariat field boots all day and they work great but if you’re looking for something more fit to your size rather than a brand name then I would go in to the store and physically get sized. It’s much easier to have a consultant measure all of your leg and pick models off by what fits you not what brand you want. I did that and I tried on MountainHorse, TredStep, but at the end of it the Ariat’s fit me the best. Go get sized properly and go off of that not brand preferences. Good luck!

[BravAddict]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I walked into Middleburg Tack Exchange this weekend and the first pair of used boots I put on were size 8 Tredstep Donatellos that were the right height, generous in the foot bed, will definitely work. They were $70. I couldn’t be happier!

[amb]

@BravAddict

Thank you all for the suggestions! I walked into Middleburg Tack Exchange this weekend and the first pair of used boots I put on were size 8 Tredstep Donatellos that were the right height, generous in the foot bed, will definitely work. They were $70. I couldn’t be happier!

Awesome! I was just scrolling to the bottom to suggest going to Middleburg–it’s one of two places I’ve ever really seen a decent selection of used men’s boots.

[tinah]

https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/solstice-tall-waterproof-wide-calf-leather-boot-ii-15427

I have not tried these. . . but for the price, somebody should.