Searching for the perfect tall boot...

[Pixilation]

… and I’m trying not to buy custom, but I’m having a huge problem with off-the-rack boots and fit. I run, and I think it’s made my legs a fairly irregular shape for boots. I can’t come even remotely close to getting a slim boot zipped over my calf, but basically all the regular boots (literally every pair they had at Dover, except for some Ariat Monacos, which were kind of marginal) have waaaay too much room in the ankle and top of my calf. I sadly need a boot with a pretty supportive ankle area – my ankles tend to roll really badly (at one point I actually spiral fractured one as I was walking down the sidewalk because of this, which I realize makes me sound ridiculous, but it’s true, and somehow I’ve remained intact through a marathon).

So – I think my ideal would be to find a place in the Maryland/DC area (or central MA, since I will be there this weekend) where I could try on approximately one hundred billion tall boots until I stumble across a magical pair that somehow work for me. Barring that, if anyone has ideas of places I could go where they have boots for non-traditional calves, or if anyone has gotten custom boots that haven’t cost a zillion dollars, I’d also be super grateful for the suggestion.

[alibi_18]

Soft tall boots won’t offer you the ankle support you seem to need.

First, if I were you, I’d try boots with your brace/bandage.

Second, with your leg conformation, you’ll never find a “custom like” off-the-shelf boot.

Third, if you know of a good cobbler, find a pair of boots that almost fit you and have them “customized” with added leather/elastics. Talk to your cobbler prior to buying the boots.

[JLR1]

The only boots that I could buy off the rack that fit slim in the ankles were DeNiros. Even with meticulous care, riding only one horse, they literally fell apart in about 2 years…so not impressed with long term quality. They would probably be too soft for what you need. The best bang for the buck is to purchase custom boots (Konigs, Cavallos or Petries) from a European retailer such as Calevo.com. in my experience the higher price point Konigs are very stiff. Even with shipping the prices are still lower than what can be found here. If you found boots here, you can have them easily altered in the calf with zippers. Woody’s of Wellington can do such alterations, or a local cobbler.

[right_horse_at_the_right_time]

Have not used them, but as you are in B’more hon ;), check these people out. Maybe someone local can I help you out as again, I have never used them but they came highly recommended to me a few years ago.

http://kroopboots.com

[FEIwannabe]

The Petrie Olympic boots with fully custom calf come out to about $500 delivered to the USA if you order from Van Huet in the Nederlands. They have all the other Petrie models too and will customize the calf and/or the footed to your measurments.
I’m this close to ordering from them because I need custom calf measurments.

[snowrider]

Runners calves, I have them too. Try mens if your feet are big enough, they fit me much better. There is a brand out of Mexico that makes lovely and very reasonable semi-custom boots: Eiki.

[DressageChic2]

can you get Donadeo Matteos in the US? i have 2 pairs and they are stiff and supportive like Konigs/Petries BUT way nicer to break in and more comfortable straight off (i rode in my show boots once then went to a show-no rubs).

you will need custom still i think but their general shape is slimmer in the ankle area than the Konigs etc.

They wear like iron too, my brown home boots are nearly 3 years old and look brand new.

[Pico_Banana]

I second the recommendation to try Kroop’s since you’re close. I bought a pair from them about 2years ago and use them as my every day boot and show boot. (They do get the winter off.:)). But they still look brand new. The leather is gorgeous and the owner will make them as stiff or as soft as you want. The ankle is not tapered at all but I like that look.

If you want zippers though you should call and talk to her first. She’s fairly anti-zipper. Mine are pull ons.

[DownYonder]

People at the barn are ordering Fabbri boots these days, and they are very, very happy with the fit, the quality, the durability, and the customer service.

We used to bring in a DeNiro rep during clinics, and although she got TONS of orders - over $20,000 at one 3-day clinic - there were so many complaints about LONG waits for orders to arrive (some people didn’t get their boots for 4-5 months), boots that didn’t fit upon arrival (couldn’t be zipped - not even close), foot way too big or too small, too tall, too short, etc., wrong color or leather, trim details not right, etc., coupled with multiple complaints about the boots breaking down within a few months of regular use, AND tremendous difficulties in getting the issues resolved, we had to say goodbye to DeNiro. Total shame since the choices for leather, trim, bling, etc., are extensive and the boots LOOK gorgeous.

Fabbri doesn’t offer as many choices in color, leather, etc. - they don’t work with certain types of leather because it is too hard to get, too expensive, and/or it doesn’t hold up, but they have a decent collection of choices and they keep a strict eye on quality control. Unless you want heathered blue ostrich with navy patent trim and crystals at the top, or pink crocodile with burgundy teardrop trim, or something of that sort, Fabbri seems to be a good deal.

[Crash_Helmet]

[QUOTE=FEIwannabe;8651163]
The Petrie Olympic boots with fully custom calf come out to about $500 delivered to the USA if you order from Van Huet in the Nederlands. They have all the other Petrie models too and will customize the calf and/or the footed to your measurments.
I’m this close to ordering from them because I need custom calf measurments.[/QUOTE]

I’m on my third pair of Petries from Van Huet and highly recommend them!

OP, most boots that will fit your relatively petite ankle closely will be too soft to support against rolling your ankle. There are several new Petrie styles that offer shaped ankle with the stiffness you need. Check out these models and email Van Huet with your measurements. They will customize and their prices are terrific. http://www.dutchridingboots.eu/petrie-riding-boots/dressage-boots/

[nsh]

I’ll Third Kroops boots. Randi has fixed my Petrie boots and added a zipper, plus while I was there I ordered a pair of custom boots. I also walk on the side of my foot and we discussed the best configuration to help stop the side ankle collapse. She’s going to add extra lining to help make a stiffer boot. Lot’s she can do for you. I liked the fact that I could drive to her, see her, she could see my problems from previous boots and we could plan an approach. Hard to do that with just tracing’s and a phone call with these other boot manufacturers.

[Pixilation]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone – this was really, really helpful!

[WannabeDQ]

I had similar issues, skinny ankles/knees but large calves. I was also looking for a stiff dressage boot because my ankles naturally like to go into heels down jumper rider position. I tried boots on at horse shows for almost a year with no luck. I eventually went with semi-custom DeNiros from Smartpak, because I knew I would be able to return them if they didn’t fit, and they are great. Boot shopping is the worst, good luck finding ‘the ones’.