Schooling Tall Boot Dilemma

[kwpn_01]

Hoping to get some advice on what I should do in this predicament, really nothing serious, but maybe looking for some enablers on this forum.

My current schooling tall boots have been looking and feeling rather rough lately, in the sense that I must keep the toe(s) together with duct tape and the inner calves are wearing holes. They are definitely due for retirement, but I do not have another pair to replace them, therefore have been keeping them going for longer than probably reasonable.

I do have a pair of 3-year old show boots (Tuccis) that I only wear for showing. They are in no means rough shape, but they do not look brand new anymore. Right now, I am faced with two options:

1 - Replace current schooling tall boots with another cheap(ish) pair of schooling boots (these one’s were Tuscanys, but the zippers did not last), and for this I would need brand recommendations! I’ve heard good things about the Ariat Heritage Contour IIs, but they are a lot pricier than from what I remember.

2 - Replace current schooling tall boots with current show pair (Tuccis) and purchase a new pair for showing (likely another pair of Tuccis… they are wonderful boots), only downside on this option is that it would be pricey… and do I really need two pairs of Tucci boots? I am tempted.

Any brand recommendations welcome! Thanks in advance.

[mika0116]

I tend to replace my schooling boots with older show boots. I’m strange (and have some anxiety quelled by routine); I like my schooling and show routines and outfits to feel VERY SIMILAR so I don’t have more reason to over think show vs schooling.

I live in DeNiros (both schooling and show, different pairs - typically fit in the off the rack combination of calf and height) and Ego7 half chaps & paddock boots (schooling only typically in certain weather or if I need to run an errand immediately after the barn).

I don’t tend to deviate from that constant cycle every few years of new show boots >> old show goes to schooling boots >> old schooling donated or consigned.

I’m a little thick for almost all my boots except for the oldest DeNiros right now in my left calf only need to re-evaluate my eating and lack of evenness in my gym exercise.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

Tucci and Parlanti both have half chaps options. Might be an option?

[TheDBYC]

@mika0116

I’m strange (and have some anxiety quelled by routine); I like my schooling and show routines and outfits to feel VERY SIMILAR so I don’t have more reason to over think show vs schooling.

I suspect more people than you would think do the same! Few years ago I came across two pairs of Konig dressage boots. They’d both clearly belonged to the same person. Identical but for the degree of wear. One pair was in good used condition, the other barely broken in. Both were stamped “Made in West Germany”. Looks like one pair were daily drivers & the other show wear.

[kwpn_01]

Definitely an option, however I’m not the biggest fan of half chaps unfortunately. Plus the price of decent paddock boots and Parlanti or Tucci chaps would almost equal the price of a new boot!

[OnDeck]

My schooling boots are always my old show boots. When I’m in your predicament I buy new nice boots and bump my show boots down to schooling boots. I don’t ever buy cheaper boots because I just always find them horribly uncomfortable and I like to have a backup pair available if I break a zipper at a horse show.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

If you get the matching pair… of course. If you grab a pair of Ariats or another paddock boot that’s between $150-200, and you can find Parlantis or Tucci half chaps for $300, you’re at half the price.

[TheDBYC]

@kwpn_01

Definitely an option, however I’m not the biggest fan of half chaps unfortunately.

I’m with you 100% on that. Idk if it’s a sensory thing, tenderness from varicose veins, or both. I cannot abide by half chaps.

[kwpn_01]

This is also what I’m thinking. I’m trying to justify spending another $1,000+ on a new show pair, even though my current show pair are only 3 years old.

[Foitin]

If you can afford it, I would get a new pair of show boots and use your current ones for schooling. My reasoning is that in the event that a zipper breaks, a heel falls off, whatever, you have two “options” for show boots, a new pair and a pretty good pair. It is always nice to have continuity in your schooling and showing boots also.

[kwpn_01]

This is a very good point, thank you! I can afford it if I make it a priority. Plus, I’d likely be spending $400 - $600 on a pair of “cheaper” tall boots or a paddock boot/chap combo. Might as well go the extra mile for a new show pair that will last… right?

[mika0116]

This exactly. I rather go without or do some sort of trade-offs elsewhere to afford quality that lasts vs buy the cheaper option (barely - and you will NEVER like them as much) and in the long run pay more.

CPA turned Data Scientist who makes nearly every decision into some form of a math equation

My mom was like this (for non-horsey things) and was able to afford items that 10 - 30 years later - still look and function fantastically (furniture, quality clothing - vintage designer, houses -even).

[bluepece2]

I currently have a pair of deniro tricolor for schooling and a paid of custom deniro for shows. I have a feeling my schooling boots will die before my show boots as I don’t show that often (daughters showing takes priority these days). When my schooling boots die I’ll get a new pair of tricolors. They’re very nice boots at a very good price point (at least here in Europe).

[touchstone]

I don’t school in tall boots, so I can’t weigh in on the central question of whether to go upscale or downscale for this purpose. But I can make shopping suggestions for either option.

If you want to go upscale, you can buy Tucci boots for a much better price from a European vendor. I have had good luck with Fundis

If you are looking for a less expensive boot: I bought a pair of Tuffrider Regals to tide me over between pairs of expensive show boots, and I have fallen in love with them so much that I keep postponing the process of breaking in my brand new Parlantis. I can’t speak to their durability for everyday use–and in fact, I question how well they’d hold up to real abuse. But they are great on style and comfort so far, and the price point is terrific. Breeches.com sells them and frequently offers large discounts.

[wesierobb]

Do you use the US site for Fundis?

[Words_of_Wisdom]

I ride a few horses Saturday and Sunday, and show maybe a dozen times a year, taking very good care of my off the rack Parlantis, and after a year the zippers are starting to go and the seams are coming apart. For the cost, I would not buy another pair.

[kwpn_01]

I just checked them out! I am in Canada, so I’m risking extra duties and taxes, but even with an estimate added, I think I’d still be coming out ahead as these boots at Canadian vendors are $1,485 or so plus tax.

I’d rather stick with Tucci as I know my size, and I really do love the look, comfort and durability.

[touchstone]

Parlantis are certainly not good everyday boots, and I would not recommend them for that purpose. I have a pair I used just for shows that lasted seven seasons or so, though I don’t show a ton. So they work for me, especially at the $500 European price point. I am trying to break in a replacement pair. But, as I said, the Tuffriders are so great that I have been reluctant to use them much.

I ride in paddock boots and pretty hardy half chaps most of the time, and wear through a pair of half chaps every year. I can’t even imagine the expense of replacing tall boots that often.

[Bristol_Bay]

You have to spend money to save money.

[mkjumper12345]

Hi I’m also in Canada looking for Tucci’s. Which vendors or stores would you recommend that sell Tuccis and arrive quickly as I would need them ASAP thx