Seeking More Information on LM Boots

[brokestudentEQ1]

Hello everyone! (Apologies if this is the wrong place for this, as this is my first post)

I am desperately in need of a new pair of tall boots. For some context, I have always bought used Ariats from Ebay, and nothing ever fits me quite right. My most recent pair of Ariats decided to give out on me. So, I think it’s finally time to treat myself to something made for my taller legs and unfortunately muscular calves (lol). Has anyone had experience with LM boots? I have found forms from 2013, and the reviews were not stellar…BUT they are so appealing because they are only $750 and are fully custom. Also has anyone had experience with ordering them completely online? Finally, would there be a fully custom brand you would recommend more? I am a student who is paying for everything myself, so buying a pair of $750 boots is a big deal and I want to make sure I get something that will last. Hopefully this isn’t being repeatedly asked about, I could not find any forms about them recently (I could be blind so once again, I apologize )

Thank you all!

[Demerara_Stables]

I’ve never heard of LM boots but I’d take a look at the DeNiro Tricolores. I also have muscular calves, but regular height, and size 11 feet, so I’ve always struggled with stock boots. The Tricolores not only had my size, but came in at an astonishing $600 AND the quality is great!

[trakehners]

For those who aren’t familiar with the rebrand, LM boots = La Mundial.

I have a pair that I bought a few years ago and I love them. I’m all leg and also between calf sizes so I either bust zippers or am swallowed by the boots and nothing off the rack has ever been tall enough for me. I made the plunge for customs while in Kentucky for the 5* (and therefore was measured by LM staff and did not order online, although they did put my order into the system which enabled me to get updates on its status via their website). The boots fit perfectly when I got them (ordered end of April, received in early July with status updates throughout) and I wore them at a show that same weekend without any issues.

I am getting a little bit of cracking around the ankles now but that’s because I usually ride five days a week and I abuse them by wearing them places I shouldn’t (like into the wash rack, repeatedly) and then don’t look after them properly afterward. If you do go for them I would recommend adding on the reinforced calf panel (a second layer of leather on the inside of the calf) as it’s a fairly cheap investment to keep you from from wearing through the boot. Mine show no signs of me wearing through the outer extra panel yet so I don’t think it was required but it does make me feel that I’ll be able to keep using and abusing them for schooling for a lot longer than my other boots have lasted.

I do want to spring for a second pair to keep just for shows and will absolutely get a third for schooling once my current pair bites the dust so I don’t think I can give a better recommendation than that. Their team was great to work with and I’ve had no complaints so far.

[Belmont]

LM Boots are pretty popular around here in TX. We must have a pretty decent rep, because he’s recommended and raved about anytime you even mention needing boots. I know quite a few people with custom pairs that really enjoy them and have had pairs for years with a lot of riding. If I ever needed tall boots again, I’d absolutely look into LM.

[brokestudentEQ1]

It has always been a struggle for me too. I was looking on Dover for just a regular non-custom pair, and it was almost impossible. I was looking at Parlantis, and none on Dover would fit with my size 8.5 Medium/Tall and wide calves. It was honestly discouraging lol. But I will definitely be looking into the DeNiros! Thanks!

[brokestudentEQ1]

That is a really positive thing to hear, thank you for sharing your experience!

My calves are the same way, they are literally all muscle, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it makes buying boots difficult. My zippers always come undone when I am riding, but if I size up, I can stick a fist into my boot. It is just so annoying honestly.

I might see if I can get an appointment with the LM Rep in my area before January 2 (when the holiday sale ends). If worse comes to worse, I will try and get them online (Pray I can measure everything right lol) and let everyone know how that experience goes. I am glad to hear they stand up to everyday wear and tear, because I want to be able to school and show in them. I just want something that lasts, and it sounds like they do, which is great!

[brokestudentEQ1]

I am in TX currently, so I wonder if I could ge an appointment with him before the holiday sale ends. I also know people in Colorado who love them as well. So glad to hear that they work for people! I will probably end up using them!

[phoenixrises]

I have a pair of LM that I LOVE. However, they’re only as good as the person measuring. And that can be hit or miss. It’s why I always get measured when they’re at Devon and that way I have my most current measurements on file. I lost a lot of weight this year, they quickly resized the upper at minimal cost and got them back to me.

There are a few horror stories on here about boots never being right, but I really do think that is a product of who measures.

[Knubbsy]

I got mine measured at Devon as well (2022) and like mine quite a bit - they were snug at the beginning but still 100% better than off the rack. My calves are quite “full” and I have small feet (I was told for Kingsley my calf was better suited to a size 10 or larger foot, I wear 7s). Here’s how mine turned out.:

note I wear - and got measured with - orthopedic inserts in my boots so the foot shape is a little taller than normal

[LSBC]

I second this! Look at reviews and make sure the person measuring you is legit. I had a guy who I thought was awesome measure me. Granted, this was a LONG time ago. He measured my boots, we got them ordered, PAID (and for some extras as well), and then he left the company and took the money. We got some of it back, but not all.

[Ponyplusaninch]

I own three pairs and will likely purchase a 4th.

Keep in mind that $750 is the base price—as you add bells and whistles like piping, trim, reinforced inner calf patches—that price will go up.

Some things to remember:

1. You do need someone who is good at measuring. I would work with a rep vs doing it yourself. Be sure the rep in the area has a good reputation.
2. Be mindful of getting measured with breeches on. And when I got measured, I made sure it was a thicker pair of breeches.
3. Sometimes they will come in, and they will be tight. Like real tight. And you will panic there was a mismeasure or something. Women’s body weight and inflammation fluctuates dramatically throughout the month let alone the day. Even a few pounds of water weight can make the biggest difference. So take a breather, flush out your system, take NSAIDs, put your legs up and then come back to breaking in your boots when you’ve gotten back to a more neutral state. For the absolute worst case scenario, the bath tub method does work and won’t ruin your boots.

[enjoytheride]

LM has some mixed reviews which seem related to the fitter.

You can also look at Kingsley. They are more dressage oriented but have plenty of soft boot options and some base boots that start at $700.

[HJdaydream]

Personally, I’ve heard FAR too many horror stories about LM to ever risk it.

I’m a huge fan of Deniros. A lot of places will do “semi custom” where the only measurements you need to provide are calf width and height, which are pretty easy to do with a friend helping. I have 3 pairs and they have all held up BEAUTIFULLY. I’ve replaced the zipper on one pair (that’s about 7 years old) twice now. Both times Deniro sent me the zippers for free and my local cobbler did the work for $80. The leather on all 3 pairs can still be shined up to look show ring worthy.

For example: you can go to https://denirobootuk.com/ and search the Tricolor line. The Apulia Smooth Black model looks lovely. Pick your shoe size and enter custom calf and height measurements, you can even submit a picture of you measuring for them to verify. After shipping to the US, the total is only showing $638 (after converting from pounds to dollars). This is the route I would take if you are a standard shoe size.

[Belmont]

He goes to a lot of different shows around here & I believe lives in Austin.
I just grabbed this from his FB page, but it has his contact # on it.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

So here in FL, they used to do a sale for juniors, and I think they were only $680. You MAY be able to see if they’ll make a special dispensation for a broke college student and take pity on you and offer you the junior offer. Not sure if that’s still a thing or not, but worthwhile to ask if they have a student discount or payment plan available.
They also had a shop at WEC in Ocala, as well as their main base in FL. So if you’re planning to come out to show or if they do IHSA/NCAA out here in April, it might also be an option.
I’ve heard a mixed bag recently about sizing and fit. One of my best friends swore by hers that she’s had for ages, but I have heard that some love theirs and some didn’t get sized properly. I have also heard some complaints that they’re not holding up the way that they used to and that it’s been hard to get them repaired by LM, so they’ve ended up spending more out of pocket to get them fixed.
If you’re looking for an alternative decent option, Ego7 seems to be the choice of the teens and kids that are growing like weeds. Parents love them bc the kids break them in pretty fast and they hold up as schooling boots but are nice enough to show in, as well… I think they retail for about $450-500. You may be able to find a used pair for around $300.

[Catherine616]

I loved mine! Most comfortable boots ever

[trakehners]

@Tini_Sea_Soldier1

So here in FL, they used to do a sale for juniors, and I think they were only $680. You MAY be able to see if they’ll make a special dispensation for a broke college student and take pity on you and offer you the junior offer. Not sure if that’s still a thing or not, but worthwhile to ask if they have a student discount or payment plan available.

FWIW, the rep who measured me in KY asked if I was a student, I told him no, and he gave me the student discount ($100 extra off the 5* deal) anyway because I looked young enough to be one (I was 25). I think he was taking pity on me for my ridiculously long tibia relative to my foot size, lol. It’s been a few years since then but definitely worth asking about that, OP. Even with my add-ons all the discounts still had me come in under $750.

[brokestudentEQ1]

I made an appointment with the LM rep in Austin, TX, for tomorrow since the reviews have been mostly positive when they are fitted correctly. Apparently, he has been with the company for a while, so I’m hoping that’s a good sign. I have also been working hard on my personal fitness, so the fact I can have things adjusted if I continue to shed a few pounds is encouraging. I would hate to get boots and them not fit in six months!

[brokestudentEQ1]

They are beautiful! Is the top trim navy, by chance? I am thinking about doing the field boot with the top trim in patent black to add some color. I am resisting the urge to add color because I need a solid pair of black boots, but I still want to have a bit of fun with them. I like the Kingsleys, and they were all the rage when I rode some dressage in high school!

[brokestudentEQ1]

Thank you for this! I have been “attempting” to stay away from the fun exotic leathers and piping (and it has not been easy) so I can keep them around the $750-$800 mark (hopefully, I continue to hold strong, lol).

I made an appointment for tomorrow with the rep in Austin, TX, who has been with the company for quite a while, so I hope that is a good sign. I will be wearing my thick breeches and socks tomorrow!