Sick of Tucci Boots - what other brands are we wearing?

[Peregrine21]

I have been buying Tucci boots for years and I think I am finally done with the quality (particularly the zipper) from the last few years.

My first pair was the paddock boot and half chaps that lasted me 4 years. I still have the paddock boots which are actually in ok shape.

Purchased custom Tucci’s in 2022 and they actually ended up being WAY too short when they dropped, plus zipper broke twice.

Decided to purchase off the rack Tucci’s in late 2023. They went on in the store (tight but they fit), zipper broke in the first week. Had it replaced with another Tucci zipper, it broke. Had local shoe maker fix the zip and he kind of f’d up my boots. Then drove 2 hours to a place that had experience fixing high end riding boots (cost of $350) and this zip has lasted, he did a great job but after almost a year the teeth have come apart at the bottom on one boot and I just can’t stomach the 2hr drive + price tag. I’m just ready for new boots.

This is probably more a me problem than a Tucci problem - I probably need something with a strong zip.

PLEASE give me your recommendations for boots that should last me more than a year!

I’m thinking Fabbri? Or do I just go back to the half chaps (at least it is very easy to fix that zipper). I think my calfs (36cm at widest part) are too big for Parlanti (or at least that’s how the sales rep at a local tack store made it seem). Any other options?

I am in Canada so very limited to what is around unfortunately and if I am switching brands I prefer to try on.

[Mouse_amp_Bay]

First confession, I’m not a tall boot connoisseur. I’m lucky enough to have a generic leg, off the rack is typically fine. I buy on sale and have found that EGO 7 boots tick all the marks for me - affordable, good fit, sturdy leather but not agony to break in, haven’t busted a zipper yet (why do I feel like I’ve just jinxed myself!?).

Maybe try those? I know Sprucewood carries them but am reasonably sure other canadian tack stores do as well.

[starsandsun]

I have had Dehner’s for years, and I love them. They fit great, wear great, and last a very long time.

[Small_Change]

I also have a pair of EGO7’s I’m really happy with! I can’t speak to the purchasing experience, as I was lucky enough to get these from a friend who wasn’t happy with the fit (but they couldn’t fit me better even if I went custom ). I believe she ordered them from Europe, and got a very good price on them that way.

[SinMiedo]

My Dehners are 25 years old and look basically brand new despite my appalling treatment of them as a youngster. In the event of a nuclear apocalypse, I’m pretty sure it’ll be cockroaches and those boots that survive.
For a more modern model, I bought a pair of Tredstep Medicis about 6 years ago that I’ve been very impressed with. They’ve been used and abused and are now paper thin on the inner calf, but I’m nursing them along because they fit beautifully and I don’t want to break in new ones.

[TT211]

I treated my Dehners the same. The inside was so thin and the soles were so worn that I finally bit the bullet and sent them back to Dehner for some much needed attention. When I got them back, they looked so good, I thought they made a mistake and sent me someone’s brand new pair. It took about 4 weeks, and I can’t remember the cost, but it’s bought me another decade of use.

OP- I’ve had good luck with Ariats for day to day wear. I don’t ride as much as I did 10-20 years ago (damn being an adult with responsibilities!!), but I’ve had them for about 2 years and have held up well to riding 1 or 2 horses 4-5 days per week.